Hannah Arendt mentions the Scholls in passing in Eichmann in Jerusalem, and it made such an impression on me that when I heard there was a German movie about Sophie Scholl I just had to watch it. (I totally recommend Sophie Scholl the movie: it's a bit harrowing, as it would be, but in the best possible way.)

I think what appeals to me about Dairine and Ashley and Libby is that they all seem self-sufficient: as if, by devoting themselves to knowledge or art, they can make it so they no longer need people (or at least only need the people who already love them, and don't have to worry about getting along with anyone else).

Of course, as their stories tend to end up showing, it isn't really possible to be totally self-sufficient. And even if you could, it's ultimately a somehow hollow goal. So you have your art or your knowledge. Does it make you happy?