Worth wondering—when we’re downloading these mental health apps in our millions, repeating our positive affirmations, speaking in the language of salvation and higher powers—what we’re really drawn to here. Worth asking ourselves, at least, why we mocked religion only to mimic it. And why what we’re doing isn’t working. My guess is that what we need most in this chaotic world is moral direction. What we need most in a rapidly changing world is rootedness. Could just be me but when I listen to the misery and confusion of my generation beneath it I hear a heartbreaking need—a need to be bound to others, to a community, to a moral code, to something more. This is not enough.

I’m not saying we should all be religious. But I do believe we all worship something. We all serve somebody. And the bitter irony is, the best way to protect your mental health is to be damn sure it isn’t yourself.

– Our New Religion Isn’t Enough