The strung-out junkie hustle, anomie and bonhomie

The strung-out junkie hustle, anomie and bonhomie

 
Strung-out junkie hustles come in all manner of forms

and they need not necessarily involve users of illicit drugs –

pathological fanaticism

(even concerning ‘conflict’, ‘money’ or ‘power’)

is known to serve as a proxy for narcotics and the like.

Running a con,

too,

need not involve finances,

but deception will be at the heart of the matter.

Anomie –

alienation or social instability

caused by the erosion of standards and values –

is a typical outcome …

and no participant

(whether perpetrator, victim or third-party observer)

escapes unscathed.

In all likelihood,

such processes have been observed

by philosophers and lay-people alike

since prehistory

and some,

like Nasreddin,

have written about it to

forewarn future generations.

It is not fun

and on balance,

it is likely not fruitful

if all relevant factors are considered –

there are much more worthy pursuits

for one’s efforts …

bonhomie

(an atmosphere of friendliness and good cheer)

might be a good place to start.