Nevertheless, we are given them again and again.” She notes, “The idea that a life should seek meaning seldom emerges; not only are the standard activities [of marriage and children] assumed to be inherently meaningful, they are treated as the only meaningful options.”55 Solnit deplores the herd mentality that locks so many people into lives that conform entirely to social prescription and yet “are still miserable.” She reminds us, “There are so many things to love besides one’s own offspring, so many things that need love, so much other work love has to do in the world.
