Russell Brand on Robin Williams

Upon reading that comedic genius and actor Robin Williams died, I immediately thought why is it that those who give so much suffer alone? Comedian Russell Brand wrote a piece in The Guardian (dated 13.08.14) about Williams, I particularly loved this last bit.

What platitudes then can we fling along with the listless, insufficient wreaths at the stillness that was once so animated and wired, the silence where the laughter was? That fame and accolades are no defence against mental illness and addiction?
That we live in a  world that has become so negligent of human values that our brightest lights are extinguishing themselves? That we must be more vigilant, more aware, more grateful, more mindful?
That we can’t tarnish this tiny slice of awareness that we share on this sphere amidst the infinite blackness with conflict and hate?
That we must reach inward and outward to the light that is inside all of us? That all around us people are suffering behind masks less interesting than the one Robin Williams wore? Do you have time to tune in to Fox News, to cement your angry views to calcify the certain misery?
What I might do is watch Mrs Doubtfire. Or Dead Poets Society or Good Will Hunting and I might be nice to people, mindful today how fragile we all are, how delicate we are, even when fizzing with divine madness that seems like it will never expire.

Reaching for the sun. Loneliness, depression and addiction can be an all-consuming darkness. Photo taken at Sea Point Promenade, Cape Town, South Africa