How much is enough? The more you want the more time and energy is required in order to accumulate more stuff. Most call this "work". I call it slavery - BUT to whom? Aren't we really just slaves to our own passions and frivolous wants and desires? How much does one have to give of themselves for a few extra trinkets? We eventually loose interest in what we have and keep wanting more and more. Does it ever end?
The media and education system plays a role in shaping our wants,desires,and view points. Deep down we've all suspected that there's more to life than all this eye candy. Every few years we're introduced to an ever increasing stream of distractions that keep us from looking within and finding true wealth. We've all heard the familiar saying - not everything that glitters is gold. It's a cheap imitation of true wealth. It's becoming more apparent each passing day that there's a vested interest in keeping the masses ignorant,shallow,and diverted from from discovering how pointless it all is.
Many still have a sense of obligation to fulfill traditional roles of father,mother,husband,wife,and so on. More power to em I say! .Unfortunately the economy isn't as stable as it once was. The feasibility for the common person to partake in these traditional roles isn't there. The changing cultural norms doesn't provide emotional or financial support as most families are broken lacking any semblance of community. Money has been loosing it's value for at least 3 decades leaving a growing number of people unable to make ends meet.
So what's one to do? I can't speak for others. For many of us; we have to make do for ourselves because we're the only ones we can truly rely on. This is a new era and a very bleak one at that. To fool ourselves into thinking we can do what previous generations did will only lead to more disappointment. The whole system is in utter disarray and it's only getting worse.
An acquaintance of mine always says; "Hope for the best but prepare for the worst". This isn't a mere "phase" we're all going through and the sooner we accept that the better. The more affluent in our country tend to put foreign interests above their own people and it's had a devastating impact upon the economy and the social fabric of our once prosperous home land.
Not everyone can live a sagely existence and other than merely surviving we're gonna have to figure out ways to re-forge communal bonds which requires strong families and everyone working together. What was possible years ago isn't anymore. Whether we like it or not we can't go back to the way it was. We must look to alternatives and make do with what we have. Is it possible? Only time will tell.
We're in uncharted territory. Never before (in known recorded history) has the economy and the cultural norms changed so drastically. We have no sources of inspiration to draw upon for guidance. A re-evaluation of what's truly important in life is needed. The first step is to look within and find balance.
Many still have a sense of obligation to fulfill traditional roles of father,mother,husband,wife,and so on. More power to em I say! .Unfortunately the economy isn't as stable as it once was. The feasibility for the common person to partake in these traditional roles isn't there. The changing cultural norms doesn't provide emotional or financial support as most families are broken lacking any semblance of community. Money has been loosing it's value for at least 3 decades leaving a growing number of people unable to make ends meet.
So what's one to do? I can't speak for others. For many of us; we have to make do for ourselves because we're the only ones we can truly rely on. This is a new era and a very bleak one at that. To fool ourselves into thinking we can do what previous generations did will only lead to more disappointment. The whole system is in utter disarray and it's only getting worse.
An acquaintance of mine always says; "Hope for the best but prepare for the worst". This isn't a mere "phase" we're all going through and the sooner we accept that the better. The more affluent in our country tend to put foreign interests above their own people and it's had a devastating impact upon the economy and the social fabric of our once prosperous home land.
Not everyone can live a sagely existence and other than merely surviving we're gonna have to figure out ways to re-forge communal bonds which requires strong families and everyone working together. What was possible years ago isn't anymore. Whether we like it or not we can't go back to the way it was. We must look to alternatives and make do with what we have. Is it possible? Only time will tell.
We're in uncharted territory. Never before (in known recorded history) has the economy and the cultural norms changed so drastically. We have no sources of inspiration to draw upon for guidance. A re-evaluation of what's truly important in life is needed. The first step is to look within and find balance.
“Men of genius are admired, men of wealth are envied, men of power are feared; but only men of character are trusted.” - Unknown
This is my favorite entry so far, Ben. Of course, part of the reason might be the Fight Club quote. ;) Regardless, I really like this entry and hope to see more like it!
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