The base of any personal catastrophe or desire for deeper understanding is usually the same: It’s the realization that you, and only you, are responsible for your life. You cannot depend on anything—anything!—to do the real, grueling work of what it means to find comfort in a world that’s entirely impermanent. No job, no amount of money, no relationship, no accomplishment can supplement that for you. It’s a peace you must come to first; then you can enjoy the rest.
