The blizzard prompted its share of angry outbursts on street curbs and airport terminals, but also brought people together. Some families played Scrabble by candlelight during power outages. Young people frolicked on sleds. And harried airline passengers, stranded in airports, helped each other find food and rebook tickets.
The point may be summed up in a Twitter update posted by Newark Mayor Booker: "Here is the lesson of snowflakes: Individually beautiful yet fragile. But look how strong they are when they all stick together!"