War breeds connection and community. Many of the greatest minds in the world came from these wars. Hemingway, St. Francis of Assisi, Konstantin Batyushkov, Whitman
are some who are top of mind for me today. What other great thinkers were breed in war environments?
Watching television / using the computer isolates us from real meaningful human connections and causes depression / cynical world view. It is often hard to have meaning or purpose in the world and hard to interact with others in a real life meaningful way. As the internet and media continue to be front and center in our life depression and sadness are inevitable.
Old friends? As if I had any of those. I agree with you hits home. Father of 3, between work and family it is hard to connect with anyone. I have no father, mother, grandparents, uncles aunts etc. Alone is the new normal it seems. My local church has male gatherings but I am the only one under 60. Fun!