" We may freak out globally, but we suffer locally. "
- Jonathan Franzen

The statement suggests that global events or issues can generate widespread anxiety and fear across different countries and cultures, but ultimately, people feel the impact and experience the consequences of these large-scale concerns at a personal level. This means that while the entire world might be affected by something happening elsewhere, individuals encounter and deal with its repercussions in their own local communities.

The quote delves deeper into how global crises can trigger collective worry among nations but also highlights that each person experiences these issues uniquely within their immediate surroundings. It suggests that while the media and societal discourse often focus on broad, international problems, it is the day-to-day reality of one's community—such as economic downturns, social changes, or environmental impacts—that shapes individual suffering and resilience. This perspective underscores the importance of local actions and solutions in addressing global challenges.

Jonathan Franzen, an American author known for his literary novels that often explore complex themes of contemporary society, is the source of this quote. His work frequently examines the intersection between personal struggles and larger societal issues, aligning well with the nuanced commentary expressed in this statement about the impact of global events on local communities.