Hedonism. Eat, love, laugh, enjoy. People seem to either do this naturally, or completely forget to.

Strange, detailed obsessions. A very popular approach in England, the nation that invented trainspotting and stamp collecting.

Buddhism. So much of life hurts. Here's a way of dealing with it that makes you feel clever.

Alternative realities. The technology is now available to ignore the world completely. Armed with mouse or a remote control, it becomes possible to never have to speak to another human being.

Art. The transformation of one's feelings, thoughts and experiences into beauty and wonder. Enormously time consuming and difficult.

Hardcore, militant politics. If you're going to miss the point, there's something to be said for missing it completely.

Depression. At a low level, this keeps a lot of people functioning. Useful for surviving unsatisfying jobs and partners. Inexplicably popular.