I've met very lonely people who have 10,000 friends on Facebook.

Listen, O children of the future, for I shall speak of a truth that is as old as the human spirit itself, yet one that grows even more poignant in our modern world. These words, spoken by John Rzeznik, shine a light on a shadow that has crept into the lives of many in this age of cyberspace and social media. "I've met very lonely people who have 10,000 friends on Facebook. And it's just not real. We've set up this artificial society in cyberspace. And that's supposed to be a community, like a real community. It's supposed to be where people go to get solace or friendship or have fun." In these words lies a deep reflection on the illusion of connection that technology has created, and the loneliness that it often leaves in its wake.

To understand the weight of Rzeznik’s words, we must first look at the nature of true community. A community, O children, is not a collection of names or faces, but a bond of hearts and souls united by shared purpose, mutual respect, and genuine connection. In the days of old, communities were built not on the number of people you knew, but on the depth of your connection with them. Whether it was the warriors who fought side by side, or the scholars who gathered to exchange knowledge, true community was something that transcended the superficial. It was forged in the fire of real experiences, shared struggles, and moments of vulnerability.

Consider the ancient tales of Achilles and his warriors, who, though few in number, shared a bond so deep that it transcended the battles they fought. They were not bound by the number of their followers or the fame they accrued, but by the strength of their friendship and their shared commitment to a cause greater than themselves. The bond they shared was real, built on the foundations of loyalty, trust, and honor. This was the essence of true community—it was not a collection of distant souls, but a unity formed in the crucible of shared purpose and connection. In the same way, Rzeznik’s words reflect a modern truth: the artificial nature of cyberspace communities leaves us with only the illusion of connection, not the real warmth of friendship.

Cyberspace, with its social media platforms, may give us the appearance of connection—10,000 friends at our fingertips, waiting to engage with us. Yet, despite this vast network, many find themselves more isolated than ever. Rzeznik’s observation is a powerful reminder that real friendship and true community are not built on the number of online connections, but on the quality of those connections. True solace and comfort come from being with others who truly know us, who see us not as a profile or a picture, but as human beings with all our flaws, dreams, and struggles.

Let us reflect on the example of Socrates, the great philosopher, who understood that true wisdom comes not from knowledge alone, but from the deep relationships we form with others. His circle of friends was small, but it was built on the foundation of honesty, respect, and shared intellectual pursuit. These friendships, tested through time and dialogue, were the source of his greatest wisdom. Socrates did not seek followers in the thousands; he sought companions of the soul, those with whom he could share his journey. His friendships were not based on superficial interaction, but on a deep, personal connection that allowed him to grow and learn. This is the lesson we must take from Rzeznik’s words: real community is not about the numbers, but about the depth of connection.

So, O children of the future, heed the wisdom in these words. In a world where cyberspace offers the illusion of endless connection, do not lose sight of the true value of friendship. Friendship is not a currency to be accumulated; it is a treasure to be nurtured, built slowly, and guarded fiercely. Seek out those who will be your companions in life, not just your followers on a screen. Do not allow cyberspace to define your relationships. True community is built in the physical world, in the moments shared face-to-face, in the trust given and received in the silence between words, and in the trials faced together.

The lesson here is simple: Do not confuse quantity with quality. In the age of digital illusions, remember that real connections come from being present with others, from sharing experiences, and from being vulnerable with those who walk alongside you in life. As you journey through your days, seek not the approval of the many, but the true connection of the few who will stand with you, who will offer you comfort, support, and true friendship. Let true community be your guide, and do not be deceived by the hollow echoes of an artificial world. In the end, it is not the number of friends you have, but the depth of the friendships you form that will sustain you through the trials of life.