I could have spared him his time and effort in living there, but it was a journey that he had to experience for himself. Most people, unfortunately, not grounded in Enlightenment philosophy, will fall prey to any number of pathological ideologies. It takes the heavy hand of the state to remove the veil from their eyes (perspectives) to look elsewhere for any personal meaning.
He’s being honest here, and he’s to be commended for it.
H/T: @VahtiKoiraan