We can do something, we are not helpless
How the global capitalistic system is weaker than we think
How many serious problems do we face today? We've got climate change, ecosystem destruction, and the technological transformation of life that moves us away from meaningful relationships. We've got an underlying system of global capitalism that powers these changes through social structure. In some sense, all of these problems are a single problem having multiple effects. Our problem arises from the imbalance between our basal instincts and the lack of development of our inner nature, which is our embodiment of the spirit we have been given and its connection to all life.
How does one have hope to change such a system with enormous momentum and that is moving in the wrong direction? No matter where you look, this "single" problem manifests itself in a endless ways, placing us against a multitude of confusion and eroding forces that forms a perfect example of the seemingly insurmountable.
Take for instance education today. Although schools vary enormously around the world, there is one thing that all of them are either doing or are converging upon doing: becoming factories that create specialists who are trained not to ask general questions, and instead simply reinforce the violent and destructive global economic monster that we have created. We need more people asking general questions about the very foundation of our grotesque world order, and less people pushing it along, blinded to the devastation humanity is causing. How can we fix this?
Then there are the technology companies. They have realized in a semiconscious way that the ultimate aim of their existence is a system in which humanity is completely dependent on them, and in which the typical human being is a pure consumer of addictive media and technology whose only purpose in life in terms of a vocation is to contribute to the furthering of technology. The result is a complete elimination of democracy, since humanity in general will not choose anything but the social system which is most efficient to feed their addiction.
We already know there is something seriously wrong with this system. It is an aberration and it leading to our destruction. Moreover, this destruction is not some event of the future: it is already happening now. Aside from the hundreds of species that go extinct every day, the notion of genuine community is being destroyed in most parts of the world. As Miles Olson says in his book Unlearn, Rewild,
If we want to create something viable, a real alternative to the dominant culture, it needs to fulfill our inherent need for community.
It follows that the dominant culture, or collection of cultures if you prefer, will aim in a drug-induced way, to rip communities apart and provide a superficial alternative much as high-sugar foods and mind-altering drugs that are so prevalent today. In the same vein however, we also see a way to go against the dominant culture: form smaller, more self-sufficient communities.
Unfortunately, such formations will not be enough to counter the crushing force of technological society, but it is a crucial aspect of it. If we are to in turn crush the technological oppression that we face today, we must attack it from all sides. We must spread ideas in and outside our communities, and continually connect with new people who understand the dangers of technology and global capitalism. Thus:
I encourage everyone reading this to devote time every week to this problem.
It is not a typical problem that can be solved by some hours with a pencil and paper, nor can it be solved by science that we are all taught in school to be the most wonderful thing in the world.
Instead, It must be solved by the human will, coupled with the desire to return to a more harmonious path with nature. If everyone reading this newsletter spent one hour in the next week thinking about these problems, then we would already have a better world.
Don't be afraid by the minuteness of your own being in relation to the incredible mass 8.08 billion. It is our current so-called "democratic" system that teaches us to feel helpless: after all, what is the voice of one person, of one vote? Has your vote ever changed anything? But this outlook of helplessness is just an illusion. None of us are helpless, and by joining forces we can help create a new world, slowly but surely.
So take one hour this week. Think about these problems and what you can do. If you feel like modern society is too great a force, go outside and feel the strength of a large tree in the ground. Our global consumerist world may have its technology and machines, but we have the strength of our planet.