The societal cost to seeking these modernist versions of reform is that we lose our cultural memory, our communal tradition, and our affection for “place.” When we lose culture, community, and affection for place, it results in abandoning our natural instinct to care for the common good; it takes a toll on our humanity. And our faith. We abandon our idealism in the name of “reality.” Reality TV is the narrative of our least human selves. And when our humanity and faith recede, all efforts at change disappoint. Trying harder only renews the cycle.