One of the big issues is that most people have low to zero self esteem, and seek validation through "the group".

Fuck. That. I may not have much in life, but I've got me, and me and myself get along pretty fucking well. I can deal with groups to a point, but like others my inner circle is very limited. And I can see some of the same with many people here although I've never met any of you. I'm not anti-social by nature, but rather a-social. And a fair bit jaded and untrusting, in a sort of self preservation kind of way. I like me.

Yeah, I have some self realized faults and things about me that me doesn't like. I'm working on those. But I'll be damned if I'm going to change me for the sake of someone else. There's a lot of people that I think are a complete asshole, and I'm sure there's an equal or greater number of other people that think I'm an asshole too. And I'm completely fine with that. It's the grease that keeps the wheels spinning in this world.

Very intriguing topic Karl. Thanks for starting the conversation.

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Si Vis Pacem, para Bellum

You'll get less than you desire, but more than you deserve