He was a child prodigy, a mathematical genius and one of the greatest philosophers who ever lived. A frail reed, he died slowly, painfully, at 39. Today, when everyone walks around with a cellphone, he is chiefly remembered for this: “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” That is, in a self-selected state of drastic under-stimulation.
Overheard: “Family is everything.” “My children are my proudest achievement.” “He died surrounded by family.” Culture is groupthink. Its aim is to create a fear of being alone. To alienate us from ourselves.
A year before he died, Johnny Cash recorded a version of the Nine Inch Nails song “Hurt.” I listened to this song yesterday. Twice. It brought me closer to tears than I’ve been in a dry while.
If the path you’re on is well marked, fully serviced, highly recommended and made pleasant by the presence of other sojourners, you’re on the wrong path. Krishnamurti: “The Truth is a pathless land.”
The way home is hard, narrow and treacherous; there are switchbacks, loose rock and steep inclines. “Not I, nor anyone else can travel that road for you. You must travel it by yourself.”
Men's Work 