Internet people are so enmeshed in the fiat matrix, they are unaware of vast swaths of humanity wherein people live balanced normal lives. A gaming term that has made its way into our vernacular is NPCs [non-playable characters]. This is a derogatory label. Programmed villagers that wander around doing and saying the same 6 things. This has become a paradox to me: I'm fascinated by the NPCs of this world. I think they are often more interesting than the \"heroes\". It seems the successful white-collar suburbanite, tech mogul, or influencer are the IRL characters that are as predictable as video game NPCs. They are completely possessed by the algorithms. They all say and do the same things. Conversely, visit a dive bar in the middle of nowhere or a remote village, the people are characters straight out of an adventure novel. I think often about how most of my childhood hero's were people who gave up everything in order to achieve a goal. I don't mean this positively. We think about these types of people as the \"main characters\" of culture and while their accomplishments are admired, the \"everything\" of sacrifice often includes marriages, families, friendships, health, and spiritual vibrancy. G.K. Chesterton said, \"The most extraordinary thing in the world is an ordinary man and an ordinary woman and their ordinary children.\" It's the little places and people of the world that are enchanting to me. Natural beauty, authentic people, simple living, and plenty of insulation for algorithmic degeneracy.

I am in disciplined pursuit of simplicity, serenity, quiet strength, and connection to God. I get more pleasure from a cool fall morning, a cup of coffee, the giggles of my children, and the warmth of my wife than the most lavished morning in a exotic luxury hotel. Maybe this makes me a fool, but I'd rather be a joyous fool than a miserable \"success\". I'd rather be so sensitive that I'm overwhelmed by life's magic than be so indulgent I grow numb. I've done both.

If you feel this way, too, you are not alone, and we are in good company. Don't be gaslit into selling your soul.