As it happens I am comfortable with the Michael Laskis of this world, with those who live outside rather than in, those in whom the sense of dread is so acute that they turn to extreme and doomed commitments; I know something about dread myself, and appreciate the elaborate systems with which some people manage to fill the void, appreciate all the opiates of the people, whether they are as accessible as alcohol and heroin and promiscuity or as hard to come by as faith in God or History.
Joan Didion reflects on the nature of individuals like Michael Laskis, who exist on the fringes of society, driven by a deep sense of dread. She expresses her understanding and comfort with those who create extreme commitments in an attempt to cope with their fears and existential voids. Didion acknowledges her own experiences with dread, recognizing the various ways people seek solace, whether through substances like alcohol and heroin or through more elusive pursuits such as faith.
This contemplation reveals a profound insight into the human condition and the lengths to which individuals will go to escape their inner turmoil. Didion's appreciation for these coping mechanisms, regardless of their nature, underscores a broader commentary on the complexities of human emotions and the diverse paths people take in their search for meaning and relief from anxiety.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
