Shallow as a puddle?

Question

Shallow in character that is. If there is one statement that can typify our century it is that the common person on the street has become as shallow as a puddle on the side of the road.

The past has not seen so much me-ism, so much self important arrogance. While it is true that these flaws of the human character have been present through out history, there has not been this level before. Today we see the mark of this society inscribed on almost every school age kid, the glorification of getting the fast car and the girl. In history 'values' were instilled into these same aged kids. Do not miss understand here, the values I speak of are the values of kindness and truth, of fidelity and the pursuit of honour over pursuit of riches.

To use the words of then, "It makes me sick to the soul.” So, my question is Why? Why is what we have today, our society, our callousness for others and hatred of difference that comes this self assured arrogance so mach better than what was in history? Is progress worth the price?

Serious answers only please.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I agree 100% with your views.

The price we are paying eventually implies that progress turns into regress. Unless there is the right environment to enjoy the fruits of progress, there is no point making any progress.... it is like father bringing chocolate for children and all of them fighting with each other for a bigger share and ultimately each one getting disappointed and disgruntled believing that his share was less than what ought to have been. This is a good analogy to understand what the traditional values gave us.... they ensured justice being done and also seen to be done, which is the key requisite for peace... they were based on the simple theory that individual welfare depends heavily and intractably on the overall welfare of the community as a whole.

Unless we can control and guide our intelligence with the wisdom of restraint, sharing and concern for others, it would continue to run wild and serve no constructive purpose of humanity.... it is destroying humanity due to arrogance and narrow selfishness. The most intelligent species is thus behaving most foolishly!!!

Answer 2

To quote Oscar Wilde:

"The problem with the common man is that he is so common"

This is not a problem of this century. All intellectuals go through this cunnundrum eventually, when they find the vast majority of humanity is quite happy with benign pursuits. They do not feel the need to question the values of the society they live in, nor to pursue anything more than what it has to offer to the general public.

This is not a recent problem.
-Socrates was forced to commit suicide for "corrupting the youth of the city".
-The Buddha is described as a lotus flower. That's because the beautiful and delicate lotus springs in the middle of the stinkiest swamps of China.
-To quote Douglas Adams: One day, a guy came along and said: Let's not fight each other anymore - let's live in peace and harmony. So they nailed him to a tree.

So thinkers and artists in general have always felt a sense of alienation from the world they live in. Yet, they are the light of the world. They are the ones who bring any sense of progress to humanity and that give us a sense of accumulation over the centuries. While inventors may make our lives easier (and our killing more efficient), thinkers and creators are the ones who truly make us more civilized.

So have patience with those who may not share your desire for overcoming themselves. They are the majority of humanity, but they are also the crucible from which our best and brightest arise. Also, you'll find that if you are patient and kind to people, they'll be more willing to listen to what you have to say. The average person is not stupid, they just don't feel the need to question things.

As intellectuals, that is our cross to bear in life.

Answer 3

There have always been shallow people in every age and in every class. But there also continue to be deep thinkers. For your own peace of mind, find some of these and hang out with them. If you want to reach young minds, become a teacher. To sit around wondering why is counterproductive. Do something in your own life to buck the trend, and trust that others are doing the same. Most trends are cyclical, and the media may make them seem bigger than they are. Be patient, fight for justice, and don't forget to enjoy the little things in life.

Answer 4

I believe pop culture has had its hand in teaching our youth to accept mediochrity. If you as parents dont teach the same morals and standards.. even those dubbed not to be PC .. your children will come out lazy and unadaptable to breaking the standards with harsh criticism that could be a motivating factor in changing or to be different and surpass our elders. Good examples of parenting in my case are even in sitcoms today. Red foreman was exactly like my dad. I think I turned out alright. from a farm field in wisconsin to miami beach.. I am doing well. Its all about fittin in the norm, or is it.? I say break the mold. Riches aren't really a big deal.. being comfortable and not stressing is one thing. But whining you can't have filet mignon everynight is just bothersome. I think you touched on something that is a problem. a so called scroogism taking effect on the earth. I don't like being stepped on but there is a certain level of desensitization that came along with the politically correct statutes that make us a barking little whiny dog to the world. at least as far as a merica goes.

Answer 5

You didn't mention arrogance and that sort of empty egotism with nothing to back it up
I keep noticing this in celebrities, children and then people in general nowadays
I watched a remake of the movie 'Shaft' the other day. And guess what, surprise surprise, Shaft was this cool dude who wouldn't take no crap from anyone and could handle himself in any situation.
Things like this are a contributing factor
Try looking at the people's faces or behaviour now and see how much arrogance you notice.
I look at young people now and I hope we are not in for a wave of thourghly evil people coming up

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Scary isnt it? The trend toward 'everything is about me' ? I can't even begin to explain the why of it but I sure see the how of it around me daily.

Answer 8

Interesting thread!