The Bodega at the End of the Internet

The online world was meant to be an open system but has become dominated by huge corporations. If we are to revive it, that must end

“The culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves. And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn’t work, don’t buy it.”

I am a ridiculous person. Now they call me a madman. That would be a promotion if it were not that I remain as ridiculous in their eyes as before. But now I do not resent it, they are all dear to me now, even when they laugh at me—and, indeed, it is just then that they are particularly dear to me. I could join in their laughter—not exactly at mysel

life is not meant

to be rushed through. It is not a race,

nor is it a problem to be solved. It is

an experience to be lived, and living

well requires presence.

depth is what separates you on a superficial market

belief determines perception

I was beginning to lose track of what “society” actually was.

The scariest thing of all, though, was the newest employee, Tuan. He was rapidly absorbing the store and beginning to resemble all the other workers. That wouldn’t have mattered in the previous version of the store, but with everyone in their current weird state, it was as though he were transforming into a creature that was nothing like a store wo