#622 Musings Beyond the Bunker (Friday March 31)
Good morning,
DON’T WORRY—BE HAPPY!
There is plenty to worry about in the world. That said, there is plenty in which to delight about.
There is the physical beauty and timelessness of the Earth. The other day, flying over the red rock formations of Canyonlands National Park in Utah, I was moved by the wondrous formations there and in places like the Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Zion. Equally impressive about such beauty is that it is a physical manifestation of the Earth’s history—a history that predates humankind—the various tectonic, weather, and convulsive forces of some 4.5 billion years.
There is art. We are the recipients of a human experience and exploration of the soul that has brought us extraordinary wonder in music, literature, art, and thought. Shakespeare, Brahms, Giacometti, Rothko, Stoppard, Angelou, Spielberg, Jonson, Locke, Jefferson, Crick, Borges, Tolstoy, Van Gogh, and Bernstein all represent humankind’s accomplishments.
There is the relative plenty we have been afforded. Certainly, there are those who suffer in any society but it is fair to note that people in the Western democracies are flourishing at a level not previously afforded our forebears.
There is the freedom that we share and the choices we can make as a result of this freedom. Certainly, with freedom and the constant availability of choices to be made can sometimes be anxiety-stimulating. That said, we are as free as any people ever have been.
There are the technological, medical, agricultural, and biotech advancements that have improved the quality and convenience of our lives. And we possess, through instruments in our pockets, a vast treasure trove of information that can enlighten and inspire.
SO WHY AREN’T WE HAPPIER?
So why the anxiety that plagues society? Why the constant onslaught of negative news? Why the sense of dread that plagues our youth? Why, with all there is for which to be grateful, are so many people unhappy?
Let’s set aside the very good reasons that some groups of people rightfully are upset—like the dehumanization of entire races and religions by oppressive regimes (like the poor Huigars and the Kurds), those whose forebears have suffered the dehumanization of slavery (Blacks) or genocide (Jews, Hutus, and Armenians), those caught in the wrong place at the wrong time (those languishing in prisons with unconscionably long sentences), and others. The experiences of these groups of people cannot be minimized and need to be taught to future generations. But what about the anxiety and depression experienced by those who, through accident of birth, have avoided many of these plagues?
Why are so many youth unhappy and frightened by what life has to offer them and are filled with dread? Why are so many middle-aged people unable to cope with the daily rigors of life and suffering from depression? Why are so many older people failing to enjoy the well-earned years of retirement, struggling to cling to their youth?
THE FORCES OF THE MODERN SOCIETY ARE DESIGNED TO MAKE US LESS HAPPY
Much rightly has been made of social media, cable news, and talk radio, all of which are designed to make us feel a sense of dread. Many are motivated to keep us slavishly staring at screens and being filled with anxiety and fear or—worse—anger and a call to arms. The reason is that the more time we spend, the more our core beliefs are validated and not challenged—the more we will be available consumers. The social media companies are not our friends. We are lab rats in a vast experiment with mind control—sometimes blatant but more often more subtle.
Meanwhile, or political leaders, lobbyists, and organizers have cracked the code that, at its core, the best way to get people to agree with you is to identify a common enemy. Negative research on opposition candidates is the "name of the game” in political campaigns. One need not prove to voters the wisdom of one’s views, as much as creating an enemy to hate and to fear.
In the meantime, we are being inundated with ads that are selling us all sorts of medical procedures, dietary plans and supplements that are predicated on the notion that there’s something wrong with us…
THE FORMULA FOR UNHAPPINESS IS IN THE SALES OF NEGATIVITY
The best explanation for society’s unhappiness I have heard in a while is encapsulated in this prescient quotation provided by Adam Torson:
“The world is increasingly designed to depress us. Happiness isn’t very good for the economy. If we were happy with what we had, why would we need more? How do you sell anti-ageing moisturizer? You make someone worry about ageing. How do you get people to vote for a political party? You make them worry about immigration. How do you get them to buy insurance? By making them worry about everything. How do you get them to have plastic surgery? By highlighting their physical flaws. How do you get them to watch a TV show? By making them worry about missing out. How do you get them to buy a new smartphone? By making them feel like they are being left behind.
To be calm becomes a kind of revolutionary act. To be happy with your own non-upgraded existence. To be comfortable with our messy, human selves, would not be good for business.”
-- Matt Haig, Reasons to Stay Alive
A CLOSING THOUGHT
I’m about to get on a plane right now. I am hopeful the clouds will clear and I will be able to enjoy the view of the natural wonders, while I read a novel nominated for the National Book Award and maybe have a glass of wine, all while traveling 35,000 feet above the Earth in a vehicle that could only be imagined in science fiction tales 125 years ago. The wonder of it all…
Have a great day,
Glenn
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