Perhaps if our computer crashed or our watch is broken it might. If our internal computer has a glitch; if our mind or soul is troubled, will asking this question lead to a solution?
An observation was made that people are reading and role-playing their way through self-help books the world over. Everyone is looking for the answer to that call for help.
Where is the answer? Does my philosophy professor have the answer? Does my psychiatrist? Does my coach or even my minister? The chances are very good that they too are all reading the same self-help book that you are.
Can I get some help here? Young people the world over are asking this question. Seeking an answer and finding none. So what are they doing? They are drowning their troubled minds in computer virtual reality, high powered music through headphones that block out the world, and my generation’s favorite: pot.
Do we have hope or is a new illusionary drug just replacing a poorer one. Are we lost and heading down a road of depression, suicide and the ultimate lemming jump: nuclear war?
I suggest two possibilities:
1. The rational-logical way. To understand our world and my place in it in a logical manner, tested and proven through science and logic, study the science and thought of the great minds of history. “The truth shall set you free.” Can I get some help here? Sure, take a philosophy course. You will understand yourself.
2. The meta-physical way. Read your holy book. Follow the guidance of your spiritual leader. Surely they are wise in all the ways of the soul and will enlighten you. Can I get some help here? Pray about it. You will receive an answer.
Problem solved. Next!
What? You still have a problem? You found out your mentor, professor and minister are all reading the same self-help book you are and your crushed, disillusioned and more depressed? You now spend twice as much time playing Grand Theft Auto? You see no hope for the future? Oh dear.
Well maybe there is a solution. I know of a group of people who are generally a much happier lot than average. They seem to have a more positive view of life than most. There is only one problem. The question they ask is different than your question. Their question is ---
Unplug. Become a volunteer.
It's good for your mind, your soul, and your world.
1 comment:
Very good point Mr. Shea. That is why a heretic like myself helps as much as possible at a homeless shelter in Kasadera.
As to Socrates, Confucius, et al. Well, I am pointing to a new Age of Enlightenment. That is why I begin with Galileo and Copernicus. Marx was, as you know, very opposed to science. It was not until the early 30s that the USSR even allowed universities a science department. So, yes of course Socrates has a place in every system, but too much has been commented.
I am seeking the new. Of course every new has elements of past. Every building uses arches and triangulation. Some of the old are just as basic as structural integrity.
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