Why has the concept of doing nothing and sitting in silence become so unbearable for the modern adult?

How much of your sympathy for the less fortunate is driven by genuine empathy versus a subconscious relief that you are not them?
What would you do if you could gain the ability to read minds but you had to start with the thoughts of your closest family members?
Is it more ethical to protect the feelings of a friend by letting them live a delusion or to hurt them with a reality check?