David Rakoff reflects on the consequences of not fully engaging with our emotions during significant life events. He suggests that if we fail to experience our past moments authentically, we are left with memories that lack depth and connection. Instead of rich recollections, we might end up with sterile memories that feel detached and void of real feeling.

He uses the metaphor of a neutron bomb to illustrate this concept, indicating that just like a bomb leaves structures standing but empties them of life, glossing over our experiences leaves behind memories that are merely shells of the actual events. We may find ourselves disconnected, searching for genuine moments that have been overshadowed by superficiality.