Bubble brain

One of the problems that makes it so hard to tell the truth about anything is that the doctrine of metaphysical individualism gets in the way. You don't know that doctrine? Well, it's the one that says that we are all actually walking around in protected shields or bubbles, and that what one person says or does doesn't influence another, because reality doesn't work that way.

Sure you may be sad, you may be angry, you may be gruff and bemused by other people, but don't let it get you down, because acknowledging an influence is actually a sign of weakness. You are giving in to something.

Well, what these bubble shields are supposed to protect us from, according to this mode of reasoning, is abject madness and decrepitude. Give in just a little, and all at once it is upon you -- this madness, this craziness, this deplorable, catastrophic state of being.

The influence of others also lurks within the wings. It can't be kept at bay for too long. Take a deep breath -- and repent! You have already drawn some of the flavour of the madness in. In the early mornings, in the evenings when you're able to relax, the fragility of  a bubble nonetheless beckons, its edges crisp and melting, the warm air pressing in, pressing in.

Watch out! An influence! A warm hand presses in, presses in, just as you gasp for air again, and cry out at the claustrophobic nature of your being.

Purity awaits you at the door; knocking madly, begging to transport you on to cleaner and more solitary environs. You give in -- your bubble newly secured with masking tape.

This is reality. And you are unrepentant. The bubble floats on beyond the door, you inside, avoiding madness. The bubble of your mind is buoyant, moving on into the workplace, where it seats itself behind the desk and asks the maid to bring one coffee. (The bubble brain is no colonial slouch and has his quite contemporary creature-comforts.)

Madness presses all around but bubble brain eschews its only reality,  its madness. This is the new doctrine of individualism for you.  But bubble brain names it "self-responsibility".