Damn, you hit the nail on the hand. I’ve been studying and writing about positivity culture for years, and I’ve noticed this same trend. When we treat the world as a vending machine, expecting rewards for token acts of gratitude and charity, we ultimately become selfish. We blame victims. We cut off people who love us. We burn bridges. And we don’t even get the wealth or success we desire, because it’s never enough — we constantly have to do more. Which explains why Bezos has become a real-world version of Smaug, hoarding unprecedented wealth. At this point, he can’t stop. And he’s convinced millions of people that he deserves every penny.

Wonderful writing as always, Jessica.