Anais Nin writes, "The freedom in America is an illusion. Transplanted from Europe, I was fully aware of the opposite of freedom in the air, so much Puritan disapproval, so much of the spectator and the voyeur, watching one live and jealous of those who live. So much negative criticism, so much hidden hostility, like the hostilities of old maids locked in small towns who sent poison pen letters and persecuted lovers. A sin to look inward, they feel, and yet that is why there is so much loss of identity. A sin to be personal, and yet that is why there is so much loneliness and alienation."
I am surprised she felt so much Puritan disapproval, living in New York and L.A., but I am not surprised she felt negative criticism, hidden hostility, loss of identity, and loneliness in these urban centers. So many different people, trying to get along in the world, ending each day at home to eat, drink, watch TV to escape the hustle, bustle, wear and tear of the city, feeling bored and lonely, waking up to do it all over again the next day.
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