We don’t read about as many children living in bubbles as we used to, but we’re generally familiar with the concept. Some kids seem to be devoid of resistance to all the germs, microbes, viruses, and bacteria around them, so they have to live in a carefully controlled “bubble” that keeps them from as many impurities as possible.
Interestingly, like Howard Hughes, some adults are afflicted with the same disorder. The fear of infection drives them into increasing isolation.
After serving for twelve years on a school board, it occurred to me that many of the people in public education, when it comes to living life boldly, have much in common with the “bubble children”.