So many things seem backwards in our culture
What can we do?
Human life has never been better than it is today. That is a fact. People now live longer, healthier, safer lives than ever before. Humanity is still making progress throughout the world in many key domains - less poverty, less violence, better education and healthcare, and so on. The trend is mostly positive - or it used to be until recently. But there are also problems that we have yet to solve and some are only getting worse. Let’s look at problems we should not ignore.
1. Men who are incompetent and immoral are now in the highest positions in the US government. They are actively undermining democracy and peaceful relations with allied countries. They are withdrawing support and aid meant for people who are poor and vulnerable. And they are shutting down or crippling the institutions meant to ensure the quality of education and healthcare for US citizens. At the same time, they are fueling distrust in public institutions, scientists, and mainstream media. And we see a concerning trend towards anti-science, extremism, and authoritarianism as well. The situation in the US is concerning, but perhaps what should scare us more is that we see similar trends in other countries in Europe too. This means we need to pay attention and realize that democracy can erode easily and quickly.
2. Children, teenagers, and young people look up to “influencers” who are rich, but completely devoid of any intellectual prowess or moral virtue. The only things they have are money, luxuries, and misogynistic attitudes - look at Andrew Tate, Kim Kardashian, and women who prostitute themselves on Only Fans and destroying their brains and bodies in the process. How are these the role models young people look up to?
3. We are allowing some of the most vile industries and the worst people to cause harm.
The meat industry is killing innocent animals, using up our resources, and polluting our environment. Millions of pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, and chicken are killed every single day.
Companies manufacture and sell cheap and low-quality products that are neither durable nor necessary. The manufacture and distribution of such products sometimes relies on the exploitation of poorly-paid workers and it pollutes our environment. This is the problem of fast fashion and websites like Temu and Amazon that encourage mindless consumption.
The porn industry is poisoning the minds of people, especially children. It’s an industry that requires the objectification of people, the commodification of sex, and the abuse of women. The women you see on porn websites and Only Fans are often deceived, manipulated, or pressured into prostituting themselves or they desperately need the money to survive. The people in charge of this industry are so morally bankrupt that they allowed videos of actual rape, including rapes of children and used them to make money off of it. There are several lawsuits involving Pornhub, OnlyFans, and other porn websites because of this.
4. Social media platforms increase outrage, cause division, and propagate harmful misinformation. Many so-called intellectuals and influencers are happy to play the role of Merchants of Outrage and Merchants of Misinformation, poisoning the minds of anyone who listens to them as long as they get more views, attention, and money. They are causing short-term negativity in their followers and long-term division in our society just so they can benefit from it.
5. Rich people continue to amass more wealth while many people struggle to make ends meet. Rising inequality is a real problem, especially when the rich use their powers in ways that benefit them but harm society. They also consume and pollute mindlessly and irresponsibly while poorer people pay the price. While people in rich Western countries pollute the most, the environmental effects are often felt by people in poorer countries that pollute less (when we look at consumption and pollution per capita).
6. Gender wars pity boys and men against girls and women, each side seeing the other as the devil who is causing all their misfortunes - instead of having empathy and working together to create a better world for all. A surprisingly high percentage of young men and women are either involuntarily celibate or do not want to date, have sex, get married, and have children.
So much is wrong in the world. We are causing so much harm and suffering and we are often oblivious to how we contribute to all this. Maybe it’s easier to close our eyes so we don’t see the way our hands prop up horrible systems of oppression, exploitation, and division. “If almost everyone does it, I guess it’s fine, no?” It’s easy to think this way.
"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society."
-Jiddu Krishnamurti
I will never be well-adjusted to this society. Never. If I could, I'd build my own. But what would a better world be like? If you want to be better, what should you do? Here are some suggestions. I’ll write them as if I’m giving you advice for the sake of clarity and simplicity, but it’s also advice I need to follow.
1. Educate yourself, especially from reliable sources - scientific studies, science-based books, and experts with a good reputation. Learn about human psychology, history, and the state of the world. Unless we learn about the problems that exist in the world and how we contribute to them, we will be blind to them. However, this will not protect us from negative effects. We will simply be unaware of the systems and processes behind the problems we complain about. Lack of knowledge would force us into powerlessness. But as we learn, we can see more clearly and we have a choice. We can stop making the world worse and work on making it better. And as you learn more, try to share what you are learning with those around you.
2. Know yourself. This may sound cliché, but it’s very important that you understand yourself. What are your values? What do you require to be happy? What does a good life look like to you? Unless you know who you are, the world will tell you who they expect you to be - and their version may not work for you. Don’t waste your life living for others, being pushed around by whatever beliefs, stories, and goals are trending in your circle or on your feed.
3. Vote for good candidates. When we choose the leader of our country, we should always elect the best candidate there is. What makes a person worthy of leading a country? They should have a science-based understanding of reality, intelligence and wisdom, moral virtue and integrity, leadership skills and good manners. Leaders should strengthen democracy, cooperate with allies, and make decisions that benefit most people in society. How we end up with people who don’t fit these criteria is a mystery to me, but change starts with us.
4. See people for who they are. Do not judge them solely based on how much money, fame, or social status they have. Do not choose role models that are devoid of any admirable qualities and virtues. And do not judge your worth only based on how much money you earn and how many things you can buy. You can be one of the richest, most influential people in the world and still be a horrible, miserable person. Just look at Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Money is not enough. So do not judge yourself or others based only on this.
5. Reduce or eliminate animal products from your diet - meat, eggs, milk, cheese. This is one change that will reduce the suffering and pollution you contribute to significantly. Doctors also recommend a diet that is low in meat to reduce your risk of diseases. Many people think that cutting out animal products from their diet is very difficult, but if you have a supermarket nearby, it will be quite easy - much easier than you think. You just need an adjustment period until you figure out what kinds of foods you like and you let your body adjust to a new diet. Once you get used to it, it won’t require much effort.
6. Do not use prostitution or pornography. Refuse to participate in the collective exploitation of women. Pornography involves the sexualization, objectification, and dehumanization of people, especially women, and this fuels misogyny and abuse against women. Soft porn content on social media does the same thing. Research clearly shows that women who are wearing revealing outfits are objectified and dehumanized. Porn and prostitution is just the epitome of objectification. This makes it impossible for us to achieve gender equality. If you’re a man, this likely undermines your sex life and your relationships with women. If you want girls and women to live in a better world and if you want to have better relationships with them, you must stop participating in their exploitation.
7. Be a mindful, responsible consumer. Do not buy things and services and pollute when you don’t need to just because you afford it.
8. Curate your online world frequently and ruthlessly. Unfollow accounts that are polarizing and fueling outrage, hatred, and division. Also unfollow accounts that post misinformation. Follow accounts that post content that teaches you, helps you become better, or makes you feel better. Seek knowledge, wisdom, beauty, and humor. And stay away from brainrot. If you wouldn’t put trash inside your stomach, why would you put it in your mind?
9. Call out people when they are clearly misogynistic, racist, or treating people badly simply due to their race, sex, religion, or other aspects of their identities. We should treat people with respect. And if people in your circle refuse to do this, do not simply coddle them or stay silent. Harmful attitudes hurt people and they can pave the way to discrimination and violence. If we normalize misogyny, then sexual violence and violence against women will never be eliminated. The same goes for other types of discrimination.
10. When you engage with people, in person and online, try to engage respectfully and rationally. But be mindful of who you engage with. Give your time to those who deserve it. Move away from exchanges with people who are incapable and unwilling to engage in a productive, respectful interaction.
11. If you have extra income, donate to charity. I believe that the people who live abundant lives should devote a part of their income to helping those who are less fortunate. Try to donate to charities that are effective. GiveWell is a good source for this. And remember that any amount matters. What seems like a small amount to you could make a significant difference for someone in a poorer country.
12. Never allow yourself to believe that you are powerless. Many problems that I mentioned here exist on a big scale. They are too big for you and me to solve. There is no quick and easy solution. However, this does not mean that we should give up. “It’s just one straw - said 8 billion people.” Now imagine if all 8 billion people made small changes in the right direction! Let’s start with you and me and we can inspire others to join us. “Be the change you want to see in the world.” We’ve all heard it, now it’s time to embody it.
You don’t have to change the world. You just need to change yourself. And you don’t have to be perfect. You just need to try to be better. When you live mindfully and morally, when your behaviors, values, and goals align, then your life will improve - and so will the world around you!