The streets are crowded as the sedan winds its way slowly toward my apartment building. There are lots of cars everywhere as people hurry to make it to work on time. Once we are downtown, the sidewalks are full as well. People pass by quickly, briefcases or attaché cases in their hands, some of them on their phones, others looking straight ahead as they try to get to their destinations on time without interacting with any other human beings.

I understand the need to keep to myself. ...