I think people tend to see the bigger point, which is maybe not fitting in and feeling like you didn't have the childhood that you expected you would have, or that you felt lonely or struggled with drugs and alcohol or just that you were able to achieve your dreams.

In this quote, Augusten Burroughs reflects on the common human experiences of not fitting in, feeling isolated, and facing struggles during childhood. He acknowledges that people often resonate with the larger point of personal challenges, such as the difficulty of achieving dreams or the pain of loneliness. Burroughs suggests that his own story, and by extension the stories of many, are rooted in the universal feeling of disconnection or disappointment in not having the ideal childhood one might have expected.

The mention of struggling with drugs and alcohol points to the darker aspects of life that many people face when seeking to escape or cope with their emotions and difficult circumstances. Burroughs appears to be addressing the idea that people’s lives are often filled with struggles—whether it’s the lack of a perfect childhood, feelings of isolation, or the use of substances to numb emotional pain. He emphasizes that these experiences are part of what makes achieving dreams and finding success all the more meaningful.

Burroughs also alludes to the eventual triumph that can emerge from these struggles. Despite the hardships, he implies that the journey can still lead to a place where individuals are able to achieve their dreams, even if the path is not what they initially envisioned. This sense of resilience is central to the quote, suggesting that despite the loneliness and pain, it is possible to overcome and reach personal fulfillment.

Ultimately, Burroughs' quote reflects his view on the human condition—that life is often filled with unexpected challenges, but those challenges can shape one’s identity and journey. It also highlights the importance of finding a way to connect with others who share similar experiences, thus making the achievement of dreams even more significant in the face of hardship.