I never know what to say here

[FossilHunter]

Therein is the point I am attempting to make. Who decides who "matters" and why give that much power away so easily? To my mind I am the only one who decides whether or not I matter. I respect the opinions of others, but I won't give opinion enough power to negatively affect me. If our lives were based on the approval/praise of others then we're only doing as good as we're being treated. Imagine riding a large roller coaster in pitch dark never knowing when the next steep downhill grade will come.

I'm sure I would have done fine in 1740. I wouldn't have had many friends and I wouldn't have been popular, but my value is not based on accolade.

I don’t thinks it’s an issue of popularity. Those times were hard, even for the wealthy. Modern medicine and hygiene were not understood, the green revolution of agriculture was 200 years away. Starvation and death from disease were very common and it was only a little better for the wealthy as they had access to food and warmth but not antibiotics, vaccinations, or what we would call proper pharmaceuticals.

I think that was the gist of what the others were saying.