This is right on the money. Pun intended. You brilliantly explain our current state of spiritual deprivation. I believe the essence of evil is greed and materialism. And although it began way before Citizens United with money pouring into politics, it has become the mantra of our over culture. There are some teachings that say we’re in “long dark” times, I hope we can thwart some of the worst of times and suffering with your call for courage, compassion, strength and love in action. Thank you.
“The long dark”, (a term psychotherapist and writer of grief and loss Francis Weller frequently uses), as it is for each individual human “a life crisis”, (an embodiment of deep conflict towards a resolution), “the long dark” for humanity writ large is the same crisis cycle. One might approach this in psychological terms as a developmental crisis, which if not surmounted delays the individuals capacity to develop. For humanity “the long dark” represents an existential crisis of meaning, purpose, belonging, service, and group consciousness, and the group’s conscious ability to achieve right human relationship.
Dr. Stephanie, your writing today I must admit is one of your best, since you have articulated so clearly what is the major deficiency of the human character, to place the importance of one's personal wealth and gratification over the benefit of society as a whole. Nowadays, this affliction is brought out most aptly by our President-elect and his growing band of sycophants, toadies, and acolytes, and those of gaudy wealth and position who seek his favor. In the biblical sense we live in the society of the golden calf, and kingdoms through the ages fell into decay and were destroyed when their citizens were lured into such an empty set of false valuations. Setting political motivations aside for a moment, one of my neighbors here in the Wisconsin countryside makes a substantial effort to gather food and house supplies to ease the burden of those less fortunate in our community. More cooperative efforts like this will become the norm in future times, since the federal 'safety net' for the poor and the ill is going to shrink in a major way. The 'me first' attitude will be society's downfall. Since I have the gift of a small plot of farmland, I am planning to grow more vegetables and pass them around to the neighbors, surely a small thing but appreciated.
Dennis, your plans for community connection and care are absolutely beautiful. Never underestimate the small things. They mean so much to those they touch, and they tend to build on each other. Thank you for reading and for sharing!
This is right on the money. Pun intended. You brilliantly explain our current state of spiritual deprivation. I believe the essence of evil is greed and materialism. And although it began way before Citizens United with money pouring into politics, it has become the mantra of our over culture. There are some teachings that say we’re in “long dark” times, I hope we can thwart some of the worst of times and suffering with your call for courage, compassion, strength and love in action. Thank you.
Susan, thanks so much for this thoughtful insight. Can you share more about what the long dark means? Thanks so much for reading!
“The long dark”, (a term psychotherapist and writer of grief and loss Francis Weller frequently uses), as it is for each individual human “a life crisis”, (an embodiment of deep conflict towards a resolution), “the long dark” for humanity writ large is the same crisis cycle. One might approach this in psychological terms as a developmental crisis, which if not surmounted delays the individuals capacity to develop. For humanity “the long dark” represents an existential crisis of meaning, purpose, belonging, service, and group consciousness, and the group’s conscious ability to achieve right human relationship.
people fall hard for the mirage of wealth. Especially when that wealth can get you out of trouble, keep you in power, etc., etc.
Absolutely. Thank you for reading, Sam!
Great piece Doctor Lovely!
Thank you, Scott!
Great analogy!
Thank you for reading!
Dr. Stephanie, your writing today I must admit is one of your best, since you have articulated so clearly what is the major deficiency of the human character, to place the importance of one's personal wealth and gratification over the benefit of society as a whole. Nowadays, this affliction is brought out most aptly by our President-elect and his growing band of sycophants, toadies, and acolytes, and those of gaudy wealth and position who seek his favor. In the biblical sense we live in the society of the golden calf, and kingdoms through the ages fell into decay and were destroyed when their citizens were lured into such an empty set of false valuations. Setting political motivations aside for a moment, one of my neighbors here in the Wisconsin countryside makes a substantial effort to gather food and house supplies to ease the burden of those less fortunate in our community. More cooperative efforts like this will become the norm in future times, since the federal 'safety net' for the poor and the ill is going to shrink in a major way. The 'me first' attitude will be society's downfall. Since I have the gift of a small plot of farmland, I am planning to grow more vegetables and pass them around to the neighbors, surely a small thing but appreciated.
Dennis, your plans for community connection and care are absolutely beautiful. Never underestimate the small things. They mean so much to those they touch, and they tend to build on each other. Thank you for reading and for sharing!