Now and then I come across this thought from individuals not immersed in our " culture of narcissism " : Americans are the most lonely people in the world ".
The growing scorn for " religious " thought is not a way to " happiness ". Not even secular humanists would recommend the Ayn Rand ( a militant atheist ) " Virtue of Selfishness ".
So many popular songs are about tragic loneliness . Recall " Eleanor Rigby " by the early Beatles. And a priest thinking " nobody was saved ". " All the lonely people, where do they all come from ?
"
I guess only divinity can cure existential loneliness. It is always moving when it assumes a human form.
You would not expect to find a reference to once X rated movie in a Catholic Church sponsored sermon. But way back in 1969 " Midnight Cowboy " introduced me to the theme of loneliness in America.
Friendship helps. The character played by Dustin Hoffman, Ratzo Rizzo, gets a lecture on the dangers of loneliness from a half cracked man : " I was lonely... so I am a ( you name it ) ".
Ratzo dies with dignity in the arms of failed stud Joe Buck while the two friends are on their way to Florida, the Sunshine State.Lots of lonely old people there reflected Cowboy Joe in a frozen and condemned apartment.
Any movies about friendship in recent years ? Now I will listen to the young Johnny Cash tell me I have a friend in Jesus. He meant it. So did Gospel singing Elvis. Jesus visits you even " In the Ghetto ".
All the lonely people !
 |
| " Midnight Cowboy "( 1969 ) |