02-16-2024, 02:59 PM
(02-16-2024, 02:07 PM)TheCustodian Wrote: Regrettably, it appears that a considerable segment of the populace remains ensconced in a state of intellectual delusion, buoyed by the illusion of erudition bestowed upon them by facile access to information, contingent upon the functionality of certain systems. This facile access to knowledge does not beget wisdom. Furthermore, it is disheartening to witness the lamentable lack of focus pervasive among many individuals. Rather than engaging in the profound contemplation afforded by literature, they prefer the fleeting gratification of 30 second video clips. It is plausible that this predilection stems from an inability to sustain attention for the duration required to peruse even a solitary page.
Moreover, an acute self-absorption pervades contemporary society, wherein concerns for the collective welfare and the preservation of the future are eclipsed by the relentless pursuit of transient amusement. The pernicious ramifications of this societal trend upon humanity are grave indeed, yet regrettably, the majority remains oblivious to its deleterious effects. Those who discern the encroaching peril seem woefully indifferent, bereft of the requisite fortitude to effect meaningful change.
In light of these observations, I find myself consumed by an ineffable sense of frustration. This is not the world I once knew; it has undergone a lamentable metamorphosis, leaving me disheartened and profoundly unsettled.
I am among those (at least I hope I'm not alone) who have theorized that this "state of affairs" is not organic.
In my opinion, it is not a function of "people," but instead of reinforced conditioning. The lamentation I perceive in your comment is not strictly associated with you, but with many people.
We can't seem to escape it in history. There have always been, in any community (so to speak,) a subset of people who have evaluated observations of the human world, expressing loss and diminishment. The overall manifestation ranges from "What's wrong with people nowadays?" to "It was never like this before!" to even "The end is nigh!" In some cases, it appears to be related to what I would call loosely "growing up" or "finding your way."
Your assertion (roughly speaking) that being able to access information with ease does not engender wisdom, seems likely to be universally true. But I think that in many cases (more obviously for the younger generations) the idea that what they have access to means they "know" things is the culprit.
The proliferation of monetized "videos" titled to attract attention, but lacking value as content is partially to blame. For example, find your favorite speakers on the internet and you will find that they are not the ones "publishing" the content. It is a 'curation' gone wrong scenario. But the marketing pushes it... for the clicks (and hence the money.) Find a set of information about the specifics of any topic... and discover that they are NOT complete, or even entertain dissent in a dispassionate manner. If you build your "position" on them you risk being part to the problem, or at least you fail to 'learn' and only 'indoctrinate' yourself.
Your frustration is shared by many... you are most definitely not alone.
But have hope. There is some to have. The simple truths are self-evident and only defeatable with outrageous efforts than turn the messenger into a clown. Hence, humor.
The world will never be static (thank goodness) so we must acclimatize ourselves to be resilient to change. And even apparent ridiculous deviations will eventually swing back to something less alarming, less irritating. People have always been the architects of their human reality. Stay calm, stay the course, and remember... you always have us.