The Catastrophe of Success

I was compelled to share this fascinating essay by the great playwright Tennessee Williams, published in 1947 following the success of The Glass Menagerie (his first hit play).

There is something embedded in its logic that strikes at the heart of the human condition. A notion I’ve felt for many years but failed to articulate. 

For those fortunate enough to enjoy the comforts of the present moment, life has never been so sweet. We have apps that take us from one place to another with the click of a button, that allow us to order culinary delights once reserved for royalty to our doorstep. We have machines that wash our dishes, keep us cool and can answer any question under the sun in milliseconds. 

With every new technological innovation comes a small death inside of us. They strip us of conflict, allow us to grow stiff and complacent.

We can only comprehend our inherent value by working through adversity. 

When was the last time you felt truly uncomfortable?

Xo