The train’s repetitive rumble made me fall back into thoughts of the outside world. As much as I try, I cannot imagine the chaos and confusion in the frantic minds of the outsiders, the constant rat race, the greed, the self-centered me, me, me. How could people lead fulfilling, meaningful lives while thinking only of themselves? My whole upbringing, my whole being seems to revolt against the idea. I can understand that their trains might be faster, or their technology more advanced, but this pales in comparison to the harmony and glory of our community.

The old lady sitting next to me going to work, and the young man next to her are equal – equal in that they give back to the community precisely as much as they can. This is not something that I believe in, this is something I know, with my whole self. I cannot imagine the stress of having to decide on what to do every day, nor the pressure of worrying whether I will be able to have enough means to survive, let alone strive. No, it makes sense that we don’t engage with the world outside. How could we even establish contact, us so sufficient on our own, them constantly yearning for more – we are so immensely different.

What incredible luck to have been born right here.