A paradox of our society is that although we live in an era of freedom and material abundance, mental illness and suicide rates continue to rise.
At the root of this paradox is the enlarging gap between our external and our internal worlds. We have developed the technological capabilities and resources of demigods but the same primitive, appetite-driven mind of our tribal ancestors. Psychologically, we are not prepared for existence. And, since we do not face immediate, life-threatening dangers like to call them “first world problems,” they will—if neglected—ruin our lives.
The Chasm in Education
The ultimate purpose of education is the establishment of a harmonious society. A society that aligns its citizens towards contribution and fulfillment by setting the ground for well-being: extrinsically and intrinsically. While we thrive in the former, we forsake the latter.
The culprit is our dispositioned border between what we can and cannot learn. No one expects to succeed at math without strenuous years or progressive execution. Yet, we expect to “just” find the right romantic partner, or “just” stumble into the right career for us. We believe that the correct answers will reveal themselves when it is time.
The slowest among us can learn in a few hours what took a couple of rare geniuses a lifetime to develop. Yet, we neglect the vast knowledge of the past in our inner life. We are left to navigate the convoluted wasteland of our minds and invest years of unnecessary pain attempting to find what is already found. This oversight is as striking as tasking each of us to rediscover the laws of physics. Why do we have such illogical beliefs?
Cause #1: Romanticism
Romanticism was an intellectual movement that erupted in Europe in the 18th century. They emphasized individualism and idealized nature. Romantics glorified human emotions and their natural wisdom while being suspicious of rationalism.
The movement altered the world. Art, literature, music, and even political parties shifted based on the ideas of Romanticism. Today, we are still living in a romantic-based society. Many of our institutions operate with the very same beliefs. The problem is that we are unaware of that and take the workings of those institutions for granted.
Cause #2: Secularism
Religion used to occupy the role of emotional consultation. One would turn to his pastor for guidance and to his place of worship for community and humility.
The transition from religion to science did not set a proper replacement. The loss of faith resulted in feelings of loneliness and despair. We search day and night for meaning and answers, and what does culture have for us? Advertisements. We turn to consumerism, hedonism, and ostensible goals that fill our time. This way of life is a distraction and lacks purpose. So we are left with a throbbing pain that we numb in addiction (viz. TV, social media, food, sex, drugs, etc.).
We may blame ourselves for this demonic cycle, but, to a large extent, this is a natural reaction to an overcrowded existence and an underprepared mind. We need to be more compassionate about the times we live in and their challenges.
Slaves to the Past
The false belief that these soft, yes crucial areas of life should not be taught or guided—and that logic taints them—is heavily taxing and cruel; one that has set the stage for the neuroses and suicide that plague our modern civilization.
This lack of education stakes our life in the slot machine of our upbringing. Although the present and future are vast and infinite, we roam in a narrow corridor built in childhood. We may cycle between toxic relationships. Maybe we do not chase our vocation and live in the shadow of fear. Perhaps our anger is hurting the ones we love. By not overcoming our childhoods, we become slaves to them, worshippers of past ideologies. Ultimately, we settle for a lesser, flatter version of who we are.
How to Save Our Lives?
Our happiness does not lie in the attainment of our wants. Two people may lead identical lives but feel entirely different about it; one will die with sorrow and regret, while the other with tranquility and gratitude. The differentiating factor is emotional maturity, and our external life spurs from it. Developing emotional maturity means setting the framework for an authentic, meaningful life. It means understanding that externalities have little to do with fulfillment.
We can begin by dedicating intentional time and effort to emotional growth. Focus on self-love, candor, communication, and trust. The resources are already out there: paintings, music, book, and psychotherapy. We have the resources to develop emotional mastery and arrange ourselves for prosperity and meaning.
In the future, we can imagine schools that also teach the elemental aspects of life. Like biology, it will have courses on being better partners, cultivating calm, and handling anger. A place that does not only educate on the movement of planets but on dealing with grief. Such a place will be the cornerstone of a healthier society.