societies and communities are overcrowded with individuals desparate to feel significant. Those individuals can either...

1. Learn that communities cannot accomodate the selfish needs of the solipisitc and adjust accordingly.
2. Try to stand out and gain significance by doing good -- but this is so very hard, and lacks the promise of attention.
3. Be contrary. You'll usually stand out. Sadly, you'll be as unhappy as the phrases with which you find yourself forever starting conversations would imply.