Sometimes it's all we can do. And that is still fathoms better than the rest who seem content with the way things are - besting each other at a game of pretend.

I feel the resentment, Carlo. My partner, who is in Tech feels it too. Because the world out there is - kill or be killed.

Incompetent psychopaths are abundant. And those who try to do the right thing always give more than they receive.

You're not wrong, your writing deserves a lot more attention. A lot more.

This was very well done. Loved the chessboard metaphor. The lines in italics were particularly soul-churning.