The Bodega at the End of the Internet

What stories are we telling ourselves? What are we sowing into the world when we speak?

Father Renteria picked up the coins, one by one, and walked to the altar.

"These are Yours," he said. "He can afford to buy salvation. Only you know whether this is the price. As for me, Lord, I throw myself at your feet to ask for the justice or injustice that any of us may ask ...For my part, I hope you damn him to hell."

And he closed the chapel.

H

This is the story of America. Everybody’s doing what they think they’re supposed to do.

the cultivation of joy as a form of sustenance and a means of rebellion.

Every decision you make stems from what you think you are, and represents the value that you put upon yourself.

The Vision that you glorify in your mind, the Ideal that you enthrone in your heart—this you will build your life by, this you will become.

“Well, for one thing, the culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves. We’re teaching the wrong things. And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn’t work, don’t buy it. Create your own. Most people can’t do it. They’re more unhappy than me—even in my current condition.

we mistakenly spend time figuring out how to win the game we're in instead of choosing which game to play in the first place.