Every reiteration of the idea that _nothing matters_ debases the human spirit.Every reiteration of the idea that there is no drama in modern life, there is only dramatization, that there is no tragedy, there is only unexplained misfortune, debases us. It denies what we know to be true. In denying what we know, we are as a nation which cannot remember its dreams--like an unhappy person who cannot remember his dreams and so denies that he does dream, and denies that there are such things as dreams.
In this excerpt from David Mamet's "Writing in Restaurants," the author discusses the detrimental effects of the notion that life lacks meaning. He argues that the repeated assertion that nothing matters diminishes our spirit and robs us of the richness of human experience. By claiming that modern life is merely a performance devoid of real depth, we undermine the authenticity of our struggles and joys. This perspective alienates us from our emotions and experiences, leading to a disconnection from what we truly know about life and its significance.
Mamet further illustrates the consequences of such denial by likening a nation that forgets its dreams to an individual who cannot recall his own. Just as a person who dismisses their dreams disavows an essential part of themselves, a society that rejects the idea of meaningful narrative neglects its own vitality. This loss of connection to our aspirations and truths ultimately leaves us feeling despondent, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and embracing the dramas and tragedies that are inherent in the human experience.