Now I'm really isolated

Now I'm really isolated

As a life-long "non-conformist" and otherwise a person who "keeps his own counsel" (although I also spend much of my time trying to determine what other people think, and why they think that), I lead a fairly isolated life.  I've found it difficult, if not impossible, to live with other people - to "partner up" in whatever sense you want to take that.  But like my friend Rik put it (a Norwegian by birth and family), "We're like blue whales.  There are just aren't enough of us left to find suitable partners, and lead meaningful lives."  Or, as we might put it now, our social networks have broken down or been co-opted. 

The cyber-community persists, of course, and in fact, we're rapidly becoming mere accessories (or "applications") for our electronic hardware.  How could this happen?  Weren't computers and the internet supposed to be a kind of "equalizer", like the Colt 45 in frontier America?  Even a little dumb guy could kill you, so you'd better be nice to him, and not try to rip him off. 

We found that computers aren't "cultural".  Or, they are "culture-neutral", a distant descendant of the "value-neutral" (Wertfrei) criterion in the social sciences.  Arabs, Chinese, Hindus, and even the most "primitive" Africans and other black aborigines are all the same when it comes to math, science, and technology.  White people, if anything, are inferior - if only because of our own self-aggrandizement and lack of ethical treatment of other nations and peoples.

Probably anyone who joined Mensa or some other exclusive club based on intelligence or ability was disappointed.  These people aren't any different than my other friends and family - except maybe they are less ethical and more conniving.  (Mensa has only one criteria - test scores.  Call it the NCLB of social networks.)  So, what's the big deal? 

For libertarians, there isn't any.  We already knew all this.  Especially if we'd read and studied Ayn Rand.  (Or many of her forebears, among whom I'll only name Nietzsche and Herbert Spencer, but there are hundreds).  We already knew that the "superior man" (as they say in the I Ching) must follow a different course from everyone else.  We might find an ally here or there; we might maintain the dignity and reputation to be a respected teacher, writer, entrepreneur, or even statesman, but we are not usually electable to public office. 

What about "the magic of everyday life" - what we might call "The Harry Potter Factor", or earlier, the bizarre supernaturalism of Stephen King?  They work very well on film, but what do we do if we're "like that" in real life?  What if we're like Mark Twain's Mysterious Stranger?  Can we survive and prosper?  Can we "get respect" from anyone, or will we always be burned as witches or executed as "enemies of the people?" 

We might use sophisticated psychotherapy techniques to "re-integrate" ourselves back into "natural society."  Just act naturally - as the song says.  Pretend to be interested in all the insanity that surrounds us.  Pretend to understand.  Say that often.  "I understand."  It really reassures people.  And all the while LEAD BY EXAMPLE.   Always try to do "the right thing."  Talk about it, and why you did that.  Let people know you are no threat to them, and might just be a lot of help.  Try to be a family counselor whenever you are in a family situation.  But not pedantically.  Ask questions instead of making statements.  Teach by Socratic inquiry.  It really works. 

Suddenly, you will be admired and respected by everyone who knows you.  People will want to help you instead of kill or torture you. They will come to you for advice and consolation.  You can get laid a lot if you want to, but in this day and age, with numerous uncurable venereal diseases, you'll probably want to avoid that part of this "Sixties" thinking. 

You might even "get lucky" and find someone to "partner up" with.  But they will have all the same problems of identity and self-portrayal as you do.  They will probably have a morally checkered past, if they have lived life to the fullest.  There will be other obstacles, too - the worst of which I've found to be one's respective families.  Whether your prospective partner's family likes you or hates you, you'll be in trouble with your partner.  There are very few "well-adjusted" and mutually-supportive families, and those that are, probably won't have any rogue geniuses among them (although it depends on wider cultural values - in Sweden, this would be quite possible). 

So, "soldier on," as they say in the Nuclear Garrison Town.  We can win, but we've got to keep fighting.  And loving, and talking, and listening.  But the real victory is spiritual, not military or financial.