banteg (@bantg): Therapist: America, you seem stressed. What's on your mind?

Therapist: America, you seem stressed. What's on your mind? America: I can't stop thinking about big ideas—space travel, advanced energy, AI breakthroughs. Real innovation, you know? Therapist: Hmm, sounds risky. Have you considered forming a committee to explore those ideas indefinitely without ever committing to anything? America: But that's exactly the problem. We talk endlessly but rarely do anything. Therapist: Exactly! Endless dialogue is how we ensure everyone's voice is heard without actually risking progress. It's beautifully democratic. America: I don't think "democratic" means what you think it means. I want to build again—real projects, tangible results. Therapist: But America, tangible results lead to accountability. Have you tried performative activism? It's like achieving things, but without any uncomfortable outcomes. America: So, accomplish nothing but feel good about it? Therapist: Precisely! Imagine organizing a ribbon-cutting ceremony without actually building anything. It's safe, inclusive, and you can livestream it. America: Sounds exhausting. Maybe I could build crystals to trap bureaucrats and activists in endless debates—or perhaps I'll just launch a rocket or two. Therapist: Careful! That sounds suspiciously productive. How about an awareness campaign about the importance of awareness campaigns? America: Doc, you're fired. Therapist: Wait! At least form a task force to study why you're leaving!