Nature of the system-Rant

[wendyneill]

• Those who interpret society/ reality are philosophers (you don't need to study other philosophers and get a degree, but it could help to define your own philosophy {or just make you more confused, if you try to rush through it})
   
• Those who interpret life/ society/ reality with style are poets (artists, what have you...)
   
• Those who ask the "good" questions, to empower others to become philosophers/ poets are educators
• Those who think ahead to the future, and see what needs to be done to get from point A to point B are visionaries
• Those who are visionaries, but don't want to do the work to build a better future are called philanthropists

According to Maslow's hierachy of needs: you must have your basic needs met in order to get to the point where you can be "self-actualized"  or basically do any of the above. There might be the illusion that masses of people just don't give a *%@#, however it's true that if you are constantly struggling, it's hard to make a difference. There are some people I've met that are hard-core activists/ artists/ muscians/ philosophers that don't go to the dentist or have enough money to live on-they keep pluggin' on- but not to be negative but they can tax the system more than they are helping- such as having to go to the emergency room because of no health insurance, then not being able to pay the bills.

Also, I feel perched precariously on a rung of Maslow's ladder, that could come crashing down at any moment. Yet, even if my foundation (source of income, place to live) dissolves [in a sense all of American society is perched on the debt machine of exploitation of poor countries],  I'll still have the enlightenment that have unfairly usurped.
In a society that doesn't value intellectuals, artists etc. they must forge their own way despite lack of support. However, the "state" (government) is usually at odds with those who fall into the above categories. Generally, those who are asking the tough questions run contrary to the machine and its bureaucracy. Especially if the answers involve abrupt changes, or paradigm shifts.

There's all these individuals that are doin' their own thing, but collectively could be more effective. Unfortunately, most people are into their own cause, and not see the wider picture (or are still tryin' to pass Survival 101).
To follow the problem "upstream" to get to the source of the problem and to do as much as you can within your own sphere of influence is a good analogy. Then you confront the reality that systemic changes need to be made.
Even with good intentions it's easy to get caught up in the system. You want to reduce greenhouse gases, but you have to drive to work, ok, so you could car-pool- but then you are late, and lose your job, go back ten spaces. Meanwhile, back at the ranch...
2nd law of thermodynamics- Entropy-things fall apart, the break down, rust-O.K. the universe is expanding- but something is holding it all together-God (or the force, whatever you want to call it), and this force is more powerful than the forces of destruction- ya follow me? and we as humans can tap into this force, spiritually and it becomes part of us- to use those moments of reality to create good-yes things are breaking down- people dying from addiction, etc., but what should our reaction be?