If you've got even a little bit of love to give to the world, bud, keep giving, keep living. In time, it comes back.
But don't just rely on Hacker News. Seek out others, in the flesh, face-to-face. Get some help. Don't try to feel okay by yourself. There's nothing wrong with feeling like shit. But there are a lot of people out there who've been through what you're going through and who want to help. Find someone objective to talk to -- a therapist, or a support group -- and keep coming back to them until you get to the bottom of what's going on.
As for me -- my girlfriend of many years is gone. I'm alone, working a job I don't like, living in a fairly expensive town with no friends who live close by. Believe me when I say that I've felt like calling it a done deal. I keep going because there are people out there who've invested in me and who care, because I have a dog who needs me to walk him every damned day, because I do have good people in my life, because I do have work to do even if I don't always like it, and because I've been alive long enough to know that, given time, the wheel turns 'round.
I won't tell you to cheer up. That's bullshit advice. I will tell you to dig deep, find something that matters to you, and stick around.
Also, background in machine learning, algorithms research, data mining and large dataset visualization, and real-time optimization.
Must multi-task by making coffee, making sure bathrooms are well-stocked with paper goods, occasionally running out to perform errands, walk owner's dogs, etc.
Not required but preferred: deep background in robotics research, computer vision, AI, mechanical engineering.
Must agree to compliment owner on inherent genius in all areas, and also render compliments on owner's cars, sexual achievements, and financial accomplishments.
Candidates with background in deep-space communications, global mobile technology, and mathematical research requisite for those areas of expertise given special consideration.
Successful applicant will be asked periodically to perform remedial sexual services, ritual degradation, self-flogging, coprophagic activities, etc.
"I think the problem is that in the mind of the manager I attempted to plant in the head of the other employees ... that you shouldn't just give away what is in your head for some one else to benefit."
Well, isn't that what you tried to do, actually? After all, you did call them out in a public forum, and you're repeating your chosen themes here. Granted, they're bona fide idiots -- no argument there. But bona fide idiots are everywhere. So you smile, shrug, and go back to the $8/hr.-job that you need, or at least don't want to lose.
It sounds a little like you feel that you're entitled to something in some way. In theory, perhaps you are, but in reality the majority of the world gets bitch-slapped on a daily basis in one way or another, even (and sometimes especially) those you're sure are on top of it all. On one hand, you need that $8/hr., enough so that if you're fired, it's a real problem. You want to know if it's even legal! On the other hand, you're wanting to stand up for the dignity of your fellow workers against a management that, plainly from their behavior, could give a reverse flying shit. And they had the audacity to let you go?! Dude, seriously? Did you expect them to think about your point carefully, look at each other with chagrin, and then thank you for elevating the quality of the discourse?
If you need money, make money. Improve your situation and protect your baseline. That's the way you accumulate power. If you don't care about power (or security) and you just want to fight for what's right, then that's a valid choice and good for you, do that. But then expect what goes along with that.