Current Thoughts
Over the past decade or so, I've been gripped by a dilemma, caught between two contrasting, driving impulses: to become essentially a hermit, cutting myself almost entirely off from other people; or to become sociable, in order to share my perspective on the world, my ideas, and any abilities that I have that might help others. The first is an instinct drawing from my extremely introverted brain, and from experience of living in a society that I believe to be fundamentally flawed on a deep and primal level. The second draws from a sense of duty, my knowledge that the benefits and comforts of my lifestyle stem from those who came before me, many of whom made great sacrifices to create a world in which I could live comfortably, and that I have a moral responsibility to do the same for the benefit of my peers, and for those who will come in future generations.
In recent years, this situation has been greatly heightened. When I read about the series of events that make up our technology-fueled social apocalypse, my strongest desire is to hide away, to go somewhere that these things can't affect me. But I also know that there are things I can do that can, in some remote way, potentially save lives, even if they require me to develop skills and practices that go against my basic nature. Unfortunately, looking back, I've done a lot more of the former than the latter. Learning to be a force for change takes a lot more effort than I anticipated.
I strongly believe in democracy, the rule of the people. I think that the ideal social system is one in which the populace as a whole collectively rules, according to established common rules and customs, but such a system requires considerable effort and consideration. Democracy can only work if every person within it (or at least a considerable majority) takes seriously their responsibility to uphold and improve that system. At a minimum that means voting, but there is much more to it. When so many are disenfranchised from the system, due to stress apathy or ignorance or malicious laws, it puts a greater strain on those who work at it more consistently. I know that I must learn to manage my strength so that I can make a difference, and so must everyone else.
Yesterday, I felt the power that I had invested in someone else returning to me. And I intend to use it.
In recent years, this situation has been greatly heightened. When I read about the series of events that make up our technology-fueled social apocalypse, my strongest desire is to hide away, to go somewhere that these things can't affect me. But I also know that there are things I can do that can, in some remote way, potentially save lives, even if they require me to develop skills and practices that go against my basic nature. Unfortunately, looking back, I've done a lot more of the former than the latter. Learning to be a force for change takes a lot more effort than I anticipated.
I strongly believe in democracy, the rule of the people. I think that the ideal social system is one in which the populace as a whole collectively rules, according to established common rules and customs, but such a system requires considerable effort and consideration. Democracy can only work if every person within it (or at least a considerable majority) takes seriously their responsibility to uphold and improve that system. At a minimum that means voting, but there is much more to it. When so many are disenfranchised from the system, due to stress apathy or ignorance or malicious laws, it puts a greater strain on those who work at it more consistently. I know that I must learn to manage my strength so that I can make a difference, and so must everyone else.
Yesterday, I felt the power that I had invested in someone else returning to me. And I intend to use it.