How close are American gated communities to idea of  the Epicurean garden,  where people can live among those with like interests, enjoy tranquility and live without fear? Or are they in fact divisive signs of a breakdown in social cohesion?

My own view is that Epicurus never simply shut himself away and turned his back on the community.  What he is famous for is inviting people of all genders, races and social classes to join him in his Garden to talk about what is important in life.  You couldn’t be a real philosopher unless you mixed with people, made friends and understood how they lived, rich or poor.

Unfortunately, American gated communities are there to keep the hoi poloi out, and, along with them, the realities of modern living.  I believe they breed an  “us and them” feeling and a literal “care-less” attitude to those outside the laager.  This helps explain the unconcern about the huge growth of the gap between rich and poor.  In a genuinely religious country this would be a matter of grave concern;  but those who wear their religion on their sleeves seem to care not a damn.   It does not bode well.  Gated communities cannot bear the sole responsibility, but they contribute  to the problem.  For the benefit of the whole community no more gated communities should be allowed.  (Some hope!)