In Joan Didion's "Slouching Towards Bethlehem," she highlights the deep concern individuals have for interacting with each other in a manner that embodies beauty and compassion. This emphasis on tenderness suggests a desire for genuine connection and emotional safety among the community members, guiding their relationships toward sensitivity and care.

However, Didion also notes that this intense focus on nurturing interactions can lead to a drift from the present moment, leading to an almost timeless afternoon at the school. This phenomenon hints at the risks of losing track of reality in such a pursuit, where an idealized vision of connection may overshadow practical engagement with the world around them.