The back end of this website shows what phrases people entered in Google to get here, and they fascinate me.
Some phrases are more common than others, and many have nothing to do with what I write about here. An increasing number are about rap. The secret to making a rap, how to rap with attitude, even “how to make a trillion dollars with rap.”
I’m not sure if these people found what they came for. I don’t know anything about these seekers, except the words that came to their mind when they realized they were looking for something.
Some are touching:
- how to tell someone they are amazing with a song
- your day is full of little tiny awesomes
Some are a bit disturbing:
- how to frustrate someone
- i don’t want my life anymore, do I?
And some are funny:
- roaches are aliens that once had their own planet
- swimming ymca naked
- i’m not alcoholic i’m athletic
And these are all just yesterday and today.
Quite often the phrase appears to be not a regular appeal for information, but an emotional plea of some kind.
A good proportion of people who end up here enter something along the lines of “what’s wrong with people”, “society is sick”, or “I hate civilization.”
In that category, the most common form is this one:
What is wrong with the world?
It comes up often enough that I often glaze over it when I’m looking over search terms. It’s such a common sentiment that it was a cliche way before the internet was even around. But today one visitor caught my attention by entering it this way:
WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE WORLD????
Clearly it was on this stranger’s mind in a big way at some point today, and it made me think: is that what I write about here? What’s wrong with the world? Sometimes, I guess. Did they find what they were looking for, I wonder.
When people ask what’s wrong with the world, it’s usually in response to some human-caused tragedy so I think it’s safe to say they mean the human world. I don’t think they’re referring to the planet itself, its fault lines or geographic blemishes.
It’s not usually an earnest question either, it’s an exclamation expressed as a rhetorical question, like “Why the hell would anyone eat black licorice?”
And you know, I’m not sure I’ve ever treated it as a face-value question. I certainly never articulated an answer.
So…
What is wrong with the world?
I would really love to hear your answer to that question, in the comment section below. Whatever comes to mind.
The question does presume that there is actually something wrong with the human world. If you think there isn’t, please say so too.
I think most people would not say there isn’t something wrong. But if we’re going to regard the world as if there’s something wrong with it, shouldn’t we be able to identify it, at least with ballpark-level precision?
Googling the question myself I quickly found that there’s no shortage of people who know what is wrong with the world. The most frequently cited reason is probably the decline of religion, specifically the religion of the person writing it.
Second to “the fall of religion” the most popular answer is probably “religion.” But there are other themes too: lack of respect for elders, unregulated capitalism, greed, alcohol, the economy, the rich, attachment, premarital sex, liberals, the unemployed, pride, lawyers, apathy, Starbucks.
Those sound more like symptoms to me though. If certain behaviors are widespread and problematic, whatever causes them must be a bigger, more fundamental problem. Right? Maybe not. I’d really like to hear what you think. I’ll tell you what I think later, once I think about it.
I know it’s a pretty broad question, and any answer is welcome. There’s no need to do up an essay or anything, but you’re welcome to. I know Raptitude readers are a thoughtful bunch and I just want to know what kinds of ideas you people have in your minds about what’s wrong with this world.
Photos by fibonacci blue, mockstar and how will I ever
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I'm David and Raptitude is a street-level look at the human experience -- what makes human beings do what they do, and what that means in real life.
I write about how to make sense of the earth's most ridiculous animal, how to get better at being one of them, and how only those two things can save the world. 
{ 133 Comments }
I don’t think there is anything wrong with the world, there is something wrong with the people in it. People are not introspective enough and take too much time placing the pain they are experiencing on others around them. They aren’t thinking about what they are doing and often don’t realize it. We are focused on outside forces and entities and the problem with the “world” instead of centering ourselves and dealing with our own “problems.” The world, the president, capitalism, religion.. all easier to blame than to take responsibility for ourselves and once we find that own peace and acceptance, then it’ll be natural to take care of one another. The third step, naturally… is world peace ;-)
too few manners and not enough kindness in the world
It seems more and more difficult to find opportunities to be critically reflective, if one is in the world instead of it.
Lifestyle choice I guess.
I agree with you Terry 110%.
Too many people!
EcoCatLady´s last [type] ..Salvage Soup
I think the question is what’s right in our western lives…
I don’t even believe people know what it is to feel true happiness and content anymore…and this comes from a lad of 21..
We don’t appreciate kindness and selflessness being so wrapped up in our over complex stressful and unfullfilled lives. We are taught that to be ‘successful’ or wealthy is the ultimate goal in life,regardless of the fact that so often getting there requires you to poo on those around you to succeed, or by exploiting/ selling rubbish products to honest people. A good example of our twisted society is actually that of my own sister. A straighter edged more driven character you’ll never meet…everyone around couldn’t be more proud of her success as a business lawyer, but let’s look at the fundamentals of what this job really is…she essentially gets paid to ensure multi millionaires pay lower percentage rates of tax than your average minimum wager… so the filthy rich get to keep more they don’t need, even though like 1000 children die a day having never eaten a proper meal… not the most concrete of arguments but a good example of the total lapses in morality prevalent throughout society.
Too much fear, not enough love.
Jay Schryer´s last [type] ..Cycles of Nature
I think all of the “world’s” problems start at the individual level. If more people were TRULY happy and genuinely content with their own lives, I honestly think a lot of problems would be solved. I have seen the effects that one truly happy person can have on the people around them and it is amazing. Multiply that person by a couple billion and we’ve got a happy, open minded world full of people who listen to each other and don’t think that one particular person is better than the other.
This is obviously just wishful thinking though.
Beautifully said! I would have to agree whole heartedly. Happiness and passion are infectious. You can see how it effects other people almost instantly. :) I think the coolest thing about this is that we can all do it. We can all effect some small bit of positive change in the world by doing our best to be truly happy.
Chris Walter´s last [type] ..The Real me The Real us.
How can anyone be truly happy and content without knowing Jesus Christ as their personal saviour.
“Those sound more like symptoms to me though. If certain behaviors are widespread and problematic, whatever causes them must be a bigger, more fundamental problem. Right?”
Right. Here is one part of the “central problem” with humanity:
“The over-whelming preponderance of people have not freely decided what to believe, but, rather, have been socially conditioned (indoctrinated) into their beliefs. They are unreflective thinkers. Their minds are products of social and personal forces they neither understand, control, nor concern themselves with. Their personal beliefs are often based on prejudices. Their thinking is largely comprised of stereotypes, caricatures, oversimplifications, sweeping generalizations, illusions, delusions, rationalizations, false dilemmas, and begged questions. Their motivations are often traceable to irrational fears and attachments, personal vanity and envy, intellectual arrogance and simple-mindedness. These constructs have become a part of their identity.
Such persons are focused on what immediately affects them. They see the world through ethnocentric and nationalistic eyes. They stereotype people from other cultures. When their beliefs are questioned – however unjustified those beliefs may be – they feel personally attacked. When they feel threatened, they typically revert to infantile thinking and emotional counter attacks.
When their prejudices are questioned, they often feel offended and stereotype the questioner as “intolerant” and “prejudiced”. They rely on sweeping generalizations to support their beliefs. They resent being “corrected”, disagreed with, or criticized. They want to be re-enforced, flattered, and made to feel important. They want to be presented with a simple-minded, black-and-white, world. They have little or no understanding of nuances, fine distinctions, or subtle points.
They want to be told who is evil and who is good. They see themselves as “good”. They see their enemies as “evil”. They want all problems to admit to a simple solution and the solution to be one they are familiar with – for example, punishing those who are evil by use of force and violence. Visual images are much more powerful in their minds than abstract language. They are overly impressed by authority, power, and celebrity. They are eminently ready to be directed and controlled, as long as those doing the controlling flatter them and lead them to believe that their views are correct and insightful.
The mass media are structured to appeal to such persons. Subtle and complex issues are reduced to simplistic formulas (“Get tough on crime! Three strikes and you’re out! Adult crime, adult time! You are either for us or against us!”) Spin is everything; substance is irrelevant.”
— The Thinker’s Guide To Fallacies: The Art of Mental Trickery and Manipulation
Essentially, we think too emotionally, we don’t think logically enough. We ignore most of the issue or situation that is in front of us and focus on what fits with our egotism or ideology. We are not skeptical.
And that’s just one part of it. We also, as a culture, do not value intelligence, thought, or literacy. This essay is very enlightening: http://www.paulgraham.com/nerds.html
Joe T´s last [type] ..“They”
Hi. I am a recent visitor your site, which I like very much for the quality of questions raised and thoughts explored.
On this specific one, it seems to me that what is happening is that as our means and resources have expanded, our instinct to grab, own and defend – things, ideas – has expanded and exponentially. Conversely our inner space and humanity have shrunk – again exponentially. The conflicts – external and internal, the sense of disquiet and despair we feel seem to come from our inability to get a hold on this phenomenon of external abundance and internal poverty which are diametrically opposite. Perhaps we need paradigms if living to change from competitive economics to cooperative societies. Will it ever happen? I don’t know- history doesn’t seem to hold out much hope for idealism.
I think the number one problem in this world is a lack of critical thinking, or a failure to use it. If people take the time to thoughtfully analyze their actions and thoughts and beliefs, I really think the world would be a better place. Dogmatic religion would cease to exist. Inconsideration would cease to exist, because people would understand why you should treat others in the same way you’d want to be treated, and that we’re all just human. Politics based on talking-points and slogans would be replaced by politics based on thoughtful dialogue and issues-based discussion. This is why I’m such a huge advocate of teaching critical thinking as early as possible with as much emphasis as possible. Anyway, that’s my two cents.
Nothing’s wrong with the world. I think it’s pretty ok actually. After all – if so many people have differing opinions about what might be wrong, and if those opinions contradict each other, then what is probably wrong is the fact that people have opinions about what may (or may not) be wrong with the world.
It’s doing alright – leave it alone :-)
Desire, ambition, bad parenting, apathy, politics and celebrity watching
I agree, not something wrong with the world. I do though think that many many people feel ‘wrong’ about where there life is at, where they want to be, and for some, resentment of The Work needed to create the world they want.
This group IMO are just never Really happy~ they get what they want (that new job, new nose, another girlfriend…) and the unhappiness just takes a new shape. And these are not, not nice people~ but the shadows surely do pop out at times like this, when they realise that they have what they wanted, and its not what they want. I say its because of the External locus of control they have. Difficult to feel gratitude if the ROU (rest of the universe) is responsible for how one feels.
Char (PSI Tutor:Mentor)´s last [type] ..PSI Tutor:Mentor Study Club Fees and Policy Update
People don’t live for one another. In the main, we live for ourselves.
That, and (especially politicians and other influential people) only focussing on short-term gain, and not on the long-term consequences of their actions.
That is what is wrong with the world.
All of the problems in the world can be summed up in one word. Sin
Trevor´s last [type] ..Major Changes
Perhaps…but what IS this “sin” exactly, Trevor? “Sin” is a blanket word with multiple meanings across various groups & cultures. I would love to hear a description of your thoughts on this and how it is what is wrong with the world. :)
We (western people) focus so much on our life that we forget to live it. We’re all worried about everything, stressed by our neighbours/relatives/friends/colleagues, rushing to do all the silly things we “HAVE TO” do daily. We do not live our lives: we rush through them without even noticing what’s going on…
This seems wrong to me. I obviously do it myself, but everytime I manage to slow down, focus on the present moment, watch the world around me (not just seeing it, but being aware of it), I feel better, I feel satisfied, I feel ALIVE.
yliharma´s last [type] ..Bookcrossing
I think that to varying degrees, we are all selfish, and we do what we need to to get ahead, it doesn’t matter if we hurt someone or not. It doesn’t matter if it is on a personal level, you treat your significant other like crap because they did or didn’t do something. Or you throw a coworker under the bus because you want the new position. Or on a government level, the last election speaks for itself. Any war, at any time, was caused by someone being selfish.
We all do it. I know I do. But maybe if we just became aware of the fact that we are, it might help change things. But who knows, a meteor may hit the planet tomorrow and we will go the way of the dino’s.
Hope you all have a great day :)
I have said for a long time the world is stuck in 6th grade! Comparing, judging, excluding, and generally following along like sheepeople…I agree a lack of critical thinking…but I was making the bed the other day in our little weekend camper..and it is physically challenging to crawl around and I thought how would life in the us be if it was this physically challenging all the time?
As a parent of a19 year old I often ask what did I do wrong when she thinks 4 hours is a long working day? Or the woman of 3 teenage children whose takes money from them instead of working 40 hours a week. Even though I did not have a difficult childhood I always knew I would work and I haven idea where that came from …. And finally I am in Seattle wa from the east coast, yesterday at breakfast in the hotel the cereal was stuck so I popped of the lid, stuck a knife in and swishes it around the cereal started falling again….a woman came up and said ” oh you got it going, I just asked for help” and I thought really? Are you afraid to help yourself? Maybe that is what is wrong..people are expecting others to take care of them and it doesn’t work that way!
These are great answers. A lot to think about already. Keep them coming!
I believe the world’s problems are caused mainly by ego — our self image. We believe that “if I have more, then I am worth more.” The error is in the idea that “more is better,” which leads to greed, striving and competition.
Our malnourished, unhealthy lifestyles feed the ego problem. Because when you’re healthy and have peace of mind, you simply feel good… you’re happy. There is no sense of lack.
Suddenly then, you want to help and nuture and support. It’s not a decision, or an effort — it’s entirely natural, it just happens. I’ve experienced that change myself and I’ve seen it happen to others.
If we all lived healthier lifestyles, stopped thinking so much and lived mainly in the beautiful moment of “now,” the world would be a very different place :-)
Take care,
James
I’ve been thinking about this very topic a lot recently. For me, a lot of my feelings of “what the hell is wrong with the world” is brought on by watching the news. Our local news is particularly interested in all of the terrible, stupid things that people do to each other (drunk driving causing death, stabbings, shootings, etc) and that’s all that they seem to report. It’s also all of the politicians finger pointing constantly.
So, I would say, turn off the talking heads and enjoy the beauty around you.
Mrs. X´s last [type] ..Almost. ALMOST.
I agree. Quit all the social media, and live YOUR life. We are constantly comparing and identifying ourselves by the lives of others.
Love, love, love.
Give your children love. Discipline them. Love them. Be their parents- not their friends. Love them.
There are plenty of wonderful things to tune into other than the problems and wrongs around us- including the politics and celebrity-domain. Ask questions of yourself… not of others.
And, continue to love.
Why should the focus be on “what is wrong with the World?” Maybe that is what the problem is. It’s so easy to see what is wrong and difficult to see what is right with the World. The negative seems to always be easier to see than the positive. BTW, I have become a huge fan of your site.
I don’t suggest we become preoccupied with what’s wrong, but it’s something that’s probably worth discussing now and then
Greed, selfishness/self-gratification, impulsivity, and a lack of self-accountability…it’s all about “more, more, more,” and “me, me, me,” and “it’s not my fault.” I’m not suggesting that we should never attend to their own wants and needs, but many people have just taken it to a level that is detrimental to themselves and/or society in general.
I meant to say “I’m not suggesting that we should never attend to OUR own wants and needs, but many people have just taken it to a level that is detrimental to themselves and/or society in general.”
What’s wrong with the world is that too many people have forgotten that they’re connected with every person, every creature, every thing on this planet. They feel separate and in a place of lack, because they are not conscious of the connection and abundance all around them.
So absolutely true. But that’s part of the human condition, don’t yo think? To see ourselves as separate, lone entities.
Lindsay´s last [type] ..Birthday & Blogiversary Celebration!
There is nothing wrong with the world. It is a beautiful, amazing place…..there may be something wrong with your perception if you can’t see it. All the beauty around us is a thing of wonder. The Universe is giving you all that you ask for. So maybe if you keep finding things wrong with the world, you are asking the wrong questions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The world IS a beautiful, amazing place….but can you not see that some fragments of humanity are ruining the beauty and seem not to realize or care? So what can we attribute this to…greed, selfishness, egocentrism?
The world IS a beautiful, amazing place….but can you not see that some fragments of humanity are ruining the beauty and seem not to realize or care? So what can we attribute this to…greed, selfishness, egocentrism?
Oh yeah, and people eat black licorice because it is delicious!
There is nothing wrong with my world… it is co-operative and caring. Full of love and allowing.
I do believe mainstream media fills the airwaves with negativity and nasty’ness’ … and so many people focus only on that it becomes a viscious circle. What you think you experience….what you give flows right back to you.
it is all up to the individual :~)
LunaJune´s last [type] ..thoughts flow and rain upon the world ~ some find their way into our minds ~ others run in rivers to the sea ~ to return through the air to the heavens above ~ to come again another day #5lines
This is something I actually think about a lot – why do we all live in a state of unrest and conflict? Why is being alive so hard for so many?We are so lonely, and so afraid.
We’re preoccupied with death and heartache and yet do everything in our power to hide from it, to numb the bitterness, to not allow ourselves to feel for others what we feel for ourselves. We are selfish with our suffering and with our need – when we should reach out to others and lift each other up. We search for beauty and meaning when it is RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW.
Some music:
“Do You Realize?” – The Flaming Lips
“Pig” – Dave Matthews Band
“Praan” – Garry Schyman (and any of the numerous videos it’s been used in)
And my mantras:
“We’re all in this together — whatever ‘this’ is”
Kurt Vonnegut
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
Plato
Lack of humanity and respect for life unfortunately.
Our ignorance. I think much of what is wrong with the world today and many years gone by stems from our ignorance. Our distorted view on reality. Our delusions which are not in accordance with reality. Our ignorance.
I think the more important question to ponder is, what can each of us do to live with joy and contentment while making things better for those who come after.
Okay, so it’s a bit new-agey (well, a lot), but here’s a quote I like:
Loving people live in a loving world. Hostile people live in a hostile world. Same world. ~ Wayne Dyer
I know it over-simplifies what we’re talking about here…but it’s kind of a glass half empty/half full thing. For all the bad happening in the world, a lot of good is happening too. Which do we choose to see? Act on? Do ourselves?
Lindasy´s last [type] ..Birthday & Blogiversary Celebration!
Envy and greed.
I think the problem, if you can call it that, is human nature itself. At the end of the day, whether we like it or not, we are still animals. We operate just like all the other animals do, predominantly by instinct…the instinct to survive. It is still all about survival of the fittest. This was the case when we were Neanderthals and it’s the case now, just in a different way. The biggest, most aggressive, most dominant animals survive, and the rest attempt to get by or submit to the former. In human society, it’s the richest, and most influential that have all the power and dominance to which everyone else submits. There is nothing ‘fair’ or just about it. It just is what it is. So if you’re one of the dominant ones, you wont see anything ‘wrong’ with the world because it’s pretty much going your way and you can do whatever you please. If you’re one of the rest, you’ll probably feel, at some point, that it’s unfair that no matter what you do it seems you can only get so far. This is where the ‘what is wrong with the world’ question will emerge. I don’t believe the world will ever change until humans evolve past the animal instinct. We’ve evolved intelligence wise, but consciously we’re still stuck in the dark ages.
For individuals deception is more profitable than actual work. This is why the higher the hierarchy in business, religion, and government the greater the skill at deception. Allocation of assets by deceivers for deceptions is suboptimal for all. Fortunately the majority of people work very hard very often and foybders make occasiobal breakthroughs to leap foward. Meanwhile deceivers have tricked victims into blaming themselves with concepts like “sin”.
If i may, i think the way money is structured is to blame.
Before i explain, let me just say that nothing is as taken for granted as the existence and form of money but really, it’s just a figment of our collective imagination which means it’s just as easy to change it.
You can check out the Zeitgeist Addendum movie (2008) http://zeitgeistmovie.com/
for further details but the gist is that essentially our societies are currently built on a basis of fear and scarcity. And in every place where we’ve solved scarcity, we now have to manufacture it (burning excess diamonds to keep prices high, etc).
Moving forward our institutions and societies will need to be based on love and respect, and the old institutions will probably need to go but the thing that holds it all together is the way money is constructed.
There, that’s my two cents worth… :)
The problem with the world is not enough people visit raptitude.com. Everyone reads Raptitude = a happy planet.
LIKE!
Simple… lack of personal responsibility for one’s actions, including ownership of the impact one has on others. People are not taught to be fully responsible for themselves resulting in a world full of victims and martyrs.
Too many individuals who all think they are the centre of the universe (and compete with each other for the title).
Too much emphasis on Having, not enough on Being.
There’s an awful lot that’s right with the world too. Thankfully :)
I’m looking forward to read your answer David..!
Célia´s last [type] ..Little pleasures
A big part of what’s wrong with the world is the manipulation of the poor by the rich, in various forms, over centuries. Two examples: the church controlling information and bamboozling peasants, and corporations constantly advertising and creating “need” to keep us working and buying and wasting. That sort of thing is good for creating neurosis, and in those who can’t keep up, psychosis.
Awareness of the neurotic and the psychotic (via media) makes it difficult for so many to see what’s right with the world, or even to accept that we are, like other animals, vulnerable to happenstance and misfortune, from weather, fire, earthquakes, plagues, accidents, the psychotic, the rabid. Beauty and darkness alike are part of what’s right with the world; perhaps it is our definition of right and wrong that needs expanding. Would constantly puzzling over what’s wrong with the world be in itself neurotic?
Meg´s last [type] ..Love Corks? Recycle Them! Here’s How
I think about this question a lot actually. In my opinion it all comes down to selfishness. People doing whatever it takes to benefit #1 regardless of what effect it has on other people. Most notably, I think this is manifested in terms of money. People always want more, more, more, and they’re willing to harm (physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, etc) other people in order to achieve their goals.
I believe the problem with the world is that there is an overwhelming feeling of entitlement people have with little to no accountability for their own actions, their own emotions, their own thoughts.
I would like to think that their isn’t anything wrong with people or the world. Humanity is coping with consciousness as best we can with the tools we have. Slowly but surely we will get better at it. Hopefully we will learn how to put aside individual differences for the promise of a much greater collaborative good.
Chris Walter´s last [type] ..The Real me The Real us.
Haha, yes, those searches can be really funny, I’ve noticed that with my analytics as well.
What’s wrong with the world? In all honest, what a terrible question to ask! I didn’t know there was anything wrong with it… should I start spending my time looking for things to find wrong? No way. I’ll leave that question to people who want to create more unhappiness.
You’ll find whatever you’re looking for, you know that. So why spend time searching for the bad? I’d rather you ask the question, what’s right in the world. That’s one I could answer.
Andrew Olson´s last [type] ..41 Ways to Be Happy Now
I see there being a lack of understanding by humans of their own human condition. the possible/probable scenarios that human beings can want, will want, or can end up subjected to are infinite. there is no formula for how people will live, or should live. so who’s to say who is right?
I think these few excerpts from a short essay I wrote for a recent religion class might touch on what I believe could be a basic theme of “what is wrong with the world.” Enjoy!
The unity of all things is a concept that most Westerners do not understand. They may claim to get it when presented, they may nod and smile, but ultimately deep within an empty sense of separateness exists. Individualism is highly regarded in our section of the world, perhaps in all the world. Emphasis is placed on uniqueness as identity. Due to our societal programming, each of us desires to stand out and be recognized for our special or alternative qualities. Alone, this concept is not a negative one. In many ways it is highly valuable to express one’s individuality. Yet setting down the idea that everything is connected to everything else in exchange for this false sense of value via individualism is a dangerous path; one that tends to be exacerbated by the cultural value of said individualism. Human beings long for connection. We seek to fill this need of connection through many avenues, mostly negative ones such as alcohol and other drugs, relationships with others, and possessions. Ultimately, such vices lead to further separateness and empty feelings.
It is my personal belief that each of us is searching for this same connection. Many, if not all, religions attempt to describe this sense of connection but in vastly different terms and ideas. As I stated earlier, it is a deep drive present in all humans to find and connect with everything else.
How would the world be impacted if everyone acknowledged our deep connection to everything and everyone else? Would war exist if each soldier saw themselves inside the “enemy?” Would slaughterhouse machinery gather dust if all cheeseburger lovers felt connected to every cow on Earth? Would paper mills close their doors if all writers felt indivisibly connected to the beautiful trees of the forest? Such ideas seem so impractical in a society consumed with consumption. They seem idealistic, even foolish to some. This only further illustrates the misunderstanding and misconception held by human beings of the true reality of things.
Our connection to All is the most beautiful part of life. We are deeply driven to find it, yet the majority cannot even grasp the idea much less be affected by it or change their life choices because of it. I optimistically (perhaps naively) yearn for the day humanity takes her next evolutionary leap and embraces this beautiful connection. I believe it is possible, perhaps generations from now. But what a beautiful world we could create should everyone feel as compelled to protect everything else just as they protect themselves. Individualism inside the collective is a world I wish to experience.
“We seek to fill this need of connection through many avenues, mostly negative ones such as alcohol and other drugs, RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS, and possessions. Ultimately, SUCH VICES lead to further separateness and empty feelings.”
Relationships are vices?
Certain types of relationships…most definitely! Sadly, genuinely healthy human relationships are a rarity. Most seem to be attachments rather than an equal sharing of ego-less true love for our fellow man.
Maybe this has been said, I didn’t read the comments. What is wrong with the human world?
I have a one word answer, FEAR! It is at the root of all craziness and extreme thinking.
Lori´s last [type] ..Children and Their Pain
What an interesting discussion thread. There is no need to be negative about a world we love and exist in. But the question “what’s wrong with the world” begs some analysis, as the people in this world seem aligned to destroy it. There are some really good points that readers have contributed: egoism, selfishness, greediness, consumerism, radicalism, loss of faith, loss of sense of community,etc.
As powerful a tool cyberspace is, and as much as it seems to have “opened” the world for many of us, one of the things that is wrong in this world is that we don’t look people in the eye when we talk, and we don’t share meals like we used to. We don’t spend enough time face to face , seeing each other and feeling for each other.
Thanks David. Great question. But it really is a wonderful world. We only have to appreciate the beauty.And share it with other people.
I have thought about this for quite some time now, and while I am sure there are much deeper problems within the human race the one I most commonly see here in the U.S. is simple; entitlement. Almost every horrid thing I have seen done to others is backed by a complete disregard for anyone or anything else due to a feeling of entitlement to whatever an individual wants. It seems like this way of thinking has weaved its way into the very fabric of our society today and is ripping it apart from the inside.
There is nothing wrong with the world. Sure there’s problems, but it’s all part of the way this crazy bio system works. The problem, instead, is our expectations. We have too many and they’re unrealistic. We push them so hard that we spoil ourselves from being able to actually observe and appreciate what is instead of ruing what is not. It’s an old old old human problem. It’s the flip side of the dreaming that lifts us out of disease and filth into a cleaner world and longer lives. Our desire for something different inspires us, but we too often let our failure to achieve, receive, or perceive, upset us.
Lanie actually wrote what the essence of the problem is: at the end of the day, we are animals, in every sense of the word. We as evolved humans, have the benefit of extreme intelligence and do little with it. There are also way too many of us on this very small planet. Too many rats in a cage…
Well, you already explained it in the post “Society is sick, what should we do about it?”
We are animals mentally equipped to survive in the wild, not this world that we created for ourselves. The evolution of civilization has evolved much more rapidly than we ever could. So, people are trying to survive in a civilized world like animals, and it’s not working out. At least I THINK that’s what you said, and it makes sense to me.
As a catholic, I would say it’s the decline of spiritualism but there are problems religion or no religion so I don’t think either side has it on that one.
I think the only thing that’s really wrong is the very fact that we’re all human beings. No one’s perfect; everyone makes mistakes – some bigger, some smaller. Granted, a lot of times life does seem shitty, but in the big scheme of things, it’s just part of life itself. If everyone realized and most importantly accepted it, perhaps this world would be a better place. But then again, for the very reason that we’re human, I highly doubt that it will ever happen.
There is nothing wrong with the world . . . we just need to wake up. When we stop viewing life through the skewed and clouded lens of the fearful and fragile Ego, innate generosity and compassion will bloom. :D
When we stop clinging to ego attachments, we lighten our load and learn who we truly are. ~ Lama Surya Das
nrhatch´s last [type] ..The Logic of Inconsistency
Nothing is wrong with the world. It is people’s expectations that it should be something different than it is that make them unhappy. Rather than look to what we don’t have, we can opt to embrace what we do. Yes, sometimes life is hard – I have suffered deep, deep loss, been the victim of a horrible violent crime, lost my brother to a war, and so on. But – every precious gifted moment I DO have, is still a joy, is still a gift and a blessing.
The world IS. It simply IS. We opt to fantasize about a different world. But since everyone has a different perspective as to what that world is, it is clear that pretty much no world could satisfy everyone, and one person’s joy could create another’s misery. It is all perspective. And if you are happy in your own self, and your own life, you can help spread joy to the world around you. Joy is there every moment of the day just waiting to be embraced. Even Victor Frankl, living in a concentration camp, could express hope and appreciate what was there in the moment.
Instead of complaining about what is wrong with the world, we can instead opt to operate from an attitude of gratitude, as they say…and count our blessings instead of sheep, as we drift of to sleep.
Jan Cox (1937-2005) once said that there are no problems, except, maybe, death. He died. If I venture an interpretation of this point of his, understand that to specify the details of, say, a goal of human history, would be to make concrete that which by definition is the between. Jan laughed at the spectacle of modern philosophers, but he is dead, so I use a language I am comfortable with, to make things brief. Perhaps the reason people see “problems,” is they mistake the unit of measurement. What if man’s rickety, binary, verbal functioning, is in fact both too small and too large to allow one to see the flow of reality. But that is not to criticize binary thought: it is responsible for man’s external progress, the ability to imagine the external world divided is the be able to rearrange. Think air conditioning. There is much which can be seen, but not spoken of (without loosing your own awareness.) That does not mean you cannot POINT at it. Hence my words here.
Lots of good ideas here. I liked Soundarya’s notion of external abundance and internal poverty. I like Lanie’s notion that we’ve yet to experience a consciousness evolution. I liked Celia’s “too much emphasis on Having, not enough on Being.” I think there will be an evolution of consciousness at some point. We’ve built this world with left-brain thinking; public education fosters left-brain thinking. We feel things are out of whack because they are. Seventy percent of us are left-brainers, and left brain is mostly interested in Having. As education evolves and changes and allows and encourages right-brain thinking, society will begin to feel more balanced.
Brenda´s last [type] ..Swimming Lessons
My thought is that ego, power, control, selfishness, and narcissism seem to be accepted norms in many circles, with not enough attention paid to genuine human and spiritual values, to cultivating an inner life. I see a coarsening of the culture, as well as a great deal of entitlement and dishonesty. Sadly.
Mary Jane´s last [type] ..Generosity–U2 and the Blind Fan
In no particular order:
1) fear
2) not watching or not understanding South Park
3) people who are right stop listening to people who are wrong
4) stigmatizing psychedelic experiences
5) wet jeans
6) the disappearance of shame and judgement
7) Internet anonymity
8) shody lists
Lol, this list is fantastic. Very nice.
Indeed.
ahaha… if everyone would deeply understand south park, we would have Heaven on earth.
In no particular order:
1) fear
2) not watching or not understanding South Park
3) people who are right stop listening to people who are wrong
4) stigmatizing psychedelic experiences
5) wet jeans
6) the disappearance of shame and judgement
7) Internet anonymity
8) shody poof reading in lists
Nothing is wrong with the world, if you really want to find something wrong in a human and strictly personal sense, it would be lack of consciousness. that’s the meta-problem, but if you realize that problems are not real you will also realize that even the meta-problem is an illusion!
You can enjoy the life’s show!!
We now live in a way that is no longer natural. We have developed our technology and our culture into something that allows us to distinguish ourselves from the rest of life. This perceived separation is what defines us as human, and it is this separation that has generated the crises of our world / what is wrong with the world.
Because so many people perceive themselves as separate and isolated selves, we simply try to manipulate what is not-self to our own best advantage.
The accumulation of technology and culture has brought us into a realm where we (many of us) have surrounded ourselves by our own artifacts. The knowledge transmitted and things we have created are truly astonishing when we reflect on this notion. But it can also be viewed as a curse since the manipulation of our environment / (human) nature has become the power to destroy it.
The ruin of our civilization has not been a result of human nature, but of human nature denied. And this denial rests upon an illusion, a misconception of self, world, and life. This misconception is so deeply woven into our civilization that we have defined ourselves as something we are not.
I had this exact discussion with a friend today. My opinion is that the total lack of investment in our youth is breeding generation after generation of damaged adults. To me, it is obvious that this is the key to our future as a species. Ill-equipped parents are turning out children who are likewise ill-equipped. Child abuse is an epidemic. Education is a joke. Childhood obesity is commonplace. We, as animals, have lost our basic instincts to prepare our young for survival, due mainly to ignorance and dependence upon government, church, whaever, to tell them what is best. When politicians run for office here in the US, we hear promises about the deficit, the military, oil and Middle East dependence. Do we hear about the next generation, and what we (parents, hell, humans of the world in general) must do to secure our future? We are failing our children miserably. Protecting and investing in the world’s most precious resource has been overlooked.
dreamgirl´s last [type] ..You know what they say about good intentions…
The world is the world is the world. There’s nothing wrong with it. To surrender to what is means to become the lotus which can never be sullied.
Why isn’t the world the way I want it to be? That feels like the real question folks are asking. Can any of us create a template that would satisfy all? We assume we know what all people desire and seek to experience in this life, in this world. I grow my desires in my little corner of this amazing world and share as much love as I can, the more I do, the less seems wrong with the world.
The first things that come to mind are insecurity and the need for control. In my quest for understanding life, (aka pursuing happiness), I’ve stumbled upon many roadblocks; identification with form or with ego, jealousy, fear, the list goes on and on. I’ve found that most anything can really be simplified down to our insecurity and our need for control.
One disease to rule them all
It spans continents
We seem helpless in it’s path
It’s called simply greed and we need an antidote
Nothing is ‘wrong’ with the world! Where we are now is the product of past causes and conditions. Actually the past could not possibly have been any different and hence where we are now is a perfect reflection of our legacy. Sure, it could be argued that certain people could have made different choices etc but you could also argue that given the exact conditions at the time (upbringing, genetics, personality, weather conditions… etc), what occurred was the only thing that could possibly have occurred. I realise I’m closely approaching that philosophical minefield of ‘free will’ here.
More pragmatically, I think the single biggest thing we could do to improve the future world would be to become more mindful. With mindfulness comes an awareness of our interconnectedness and the fact that our own happiness in inextricable linked with the happiness of others.
Big Zen´s last [type] ..Humanity
I just want to touch on the economic status of the world and especially concerning capitalism in the United States. The U.S. does not have a capitalist economic policy, we have modified capitalism which means: The government can choose companies and corporation and give them huge subsidies and tax breaks for the benefit of the government. Many home based businesses struggle with this because, how can they compete with big business when big business doesnt have to pay taxes or have laxed regulations on the way they operate? I believe in laissez faire capitalism which means i believe in human nature and our ability to make good decisions in the way we spend our money. Im not saying that capitalism will make everything better, but ill put my faith in people over government any day. There is a place for goverment and it is to protect the welfare of its people and its borders. By no means am i saying that we can fix the world by every economy becoming laissez faire, some nations or countries by their customs and ways of life permits communism or some type of tyrannical monarchy, but some places are based on freedom of choice, the right to property, and happiness. I believe that human nature, given the right choice, will gravitate towards freedom and happiness
If we think about it, the “problems” in the level of evolution that we encounter ourselves in, are a major player, as a trigger effect, to the next step in evolution.
Do i see my Self awakening to Spiritual ( Consciousnesses ) that I are, if it wasn’t for our constant insatisfaction, problems, pains, losses? If it wasn’t for feeling a Pain, but not knowing exactly were it came from?
There would be no reason at all for growing into Us, since everything was OK.
This is creating possibilities, the terrain for Our arrival, but is just a possibility, we might not get here, and continue to live our problems.
Its a paradox, we need the problems, the challenges (i would call) to Being without “problems”!
The description of Joe T. is a lead of what is happening to us since for ages.
Hi David, real enjoyment to follow your growth, and to notice other triggers that not “problems”!
Tank All of You!
The thing that’s wrong with the world (for me) is my obsession with getting more. Not so much the impact my obsession with getting more has on the physical world but the way it pollutes my perception of what is here. I always want more money, more security, more sex, more prestige, etc. That creates in me the sense that something is wrong. So I agree with those who say nothing is wrong. There’s nothing wrong that I can’t change the moment I let go of always wanting more. Sounds easy but it puts all the responsibility in my lap. I can’t blame the politicians or the rich people or the inconsiderate people. It’s on me to change the quality of my world.
What a great and massive question to ask and so many great answers here.
What is wrong with the world? Where to start?
I would agree that mainly people. People are slowly destroying the beautiful planet we live on – through toxic waste, diminishing ozone layer, nuclear weapons, chemicals, pesticides.
People’s greed for money and power has destroyed many countries, lives and the planet.
What is the solution? A return to eco living and peace, but how can we ever win over the power-hungry human nature.
As Ghandi said ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’ and as someone already commented here by spreading positivity and doing good ourselves we can hopefully affect others to do the best they can to.
For example David’s earlier inspired me to do a 30 day vegan fast and so saving lives of many animals. Learning as much as we can about the world and doing our best is the way to go, I think and hopefully it will be enough!
Maia´s last [type] ..You are what you eat (and wear!)
Humans are the problem with this world.
Glad to see so many responses. Lots of emails on this too. I’ve been hesitant to comment on them because I don’t want to discourage or encourage any particular type of answer. I’m going to post my thoughts on it once I collect them and sort them out.
People don’t take the time to learn to understand each other. And people fear and hate what they don’t understand.
there is a lot of thing that could happen in this word every second, minute, day and a year, people make everything could change in a second.I think most people would not say there isn’t something wrong. But if we’re going to regard the world as if there’s something wrong with it, shouldn’t we be able to identify it, at least we just be prepared what ever happen.
Vanessa´s last [type] ..Choosing Friends Wisely
something is surely wrong! but with humans!lol search queries gave me a laugh!
mk´s last [type] ..Concept Cars
As the great George Carlin would say… “The world is fine… the people are fucked.”
The planet is ok. We are just another experience in one planet in the whole universe. It happens that it didn’t go well I guess. If something would save us, would be either our extinction or love.
What is wrong with the world:
We don’t LOVE ourselves……and that creates:
Fear
Greed
Looking without instead of looking within
Selfishness
Materialism.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
Chronic fear of death and the resultant anxiety, which lead to suffering and consequently misguided and misanthropic ways out of that suffering, including rigid belief systems, amassing wealth at the expense of others, greed, addictions, prejudice, short-term thinking. Our consciousness of our own mortality, in one way wondrous, but for most people nothing but constant, low-level (background noise) torment.
The first thing that came to mind when I read this was Michael Jackson’s “Man In The Mirror”.
It’s so easy to point the finger at someone else… this person cut me off, this person doesn’t treat me with enough respect, this person, that person, those people, blah blah blah… it could go on forever, but when do we ever really try to look at ourselves? Do we really work on ourselves, or do we expect others to cater to us?
What I have learned in my life is that when I work on myself, other people notice it, and they respond. When I quit smoking, there were easily 5 or 6 people at work that talked about quitting also. When I changed my diet and started exercising more, I lost 50 pounds… other people at work wanted to know my “secrets” so they can do it too. They still comment on how well I did, and we talk about healthy eating, and it was over a year ago when I lost weight.
I could easily say that people are greedy and rude and don’t use manners anymore, people don’t think of others too much, but think mostly of themselves. That kind of thinking is not very loving or forgiving. Pointing the finger at others only makes me more angry, because people are not perfect, and it’s easy to see imperfections when I look for them.
What I took from the relgions, when I went, is the basics that were taught, most importantly The Golden Rule. I admit I make mistakes, but I am constantly working on myself to be happy with how I live my life. It is important for me to treat others like I would want to be treated. When I do that, I feel better about myself.
There is no changing people; they change when they want to change, no one can tell them otherwise… it doesn’t matter where you live in the world. So, maybe we should stop finding fault with others and work on ourselves. Forgive and forget.
Don’t they say that the people in your life are really just a mirror of who you are and what you are feeling? If you feel angry, don’t angry people seem to be around you? I have noticed that in my life, anyways.
Maybe we can spread positivity to the world and thus change OUR world. Feels better than pointing the finger at others and judging them, wishing things would be better.
“One kind gesture, one person at a time, one day at a time” ~Steve Maraboli
:)
I feel as if the fundamental “problem with the world” is respect, or rather the lack of it. On every level, simple respect would help so many issues disappear.
In personal relationships with family and friends, respect allows you to see that people aren’t perfect and make mistakes, but they’re still decent people with feelings and aspirations too. If they’re not decent people, respect allows you to see that they have a backstory, something that is driving them to do what they do. They’re just as real and valid as you are.
On a wider level, within your own societies, respect causes you to realize that the world around you is made by people who are also human. The clerk at the grocery store ringing up your purchase, the engineer who designed your phone, the lumberjack who cut down the tree that built your home, the politician guiding the spending in your city… everything around us is made, driven, and otherwise somehow connected to other people. Being arrogant, greedy, and selfish, we disregard how completely connected we are to other people. We shouldn’t take anything for granted; those creators, however ambiguous and obscure they are to us, ought to receive a little of our respect. They are human, just the same as you.
On the grand scale, across cultures and continents, respect lets you appreciate different viewpoints and lifestyles. This trickles down into the other levels as well. No two people will ever agree on everything, but it’s possible to live together. You aren’t the only person alive, so obviously there are more ways than your own to live. Realizing this, and giving other peoples and cultures the respect you would like to receive yourself, could potentially dissolve the hate that seems to linger in the world.
I have found, at least in my life, respecting other people has given me a way to view the world and people around me that is vastly different from those around me… I get angry less, I’m more willing to help, and I see that people are beautiful, no matter how they’re formed.
Well its definetely hard to pinpoint this or sum it up with a few sentences but I’ll give it a shot. From my perspective I think it has to do with how much meaning and weight we put on labels. Most often the ones we give ourselves. We use these words to define us, as if our entire set of beliefs can be summarized into a few words. Democrat, Conservative, Socialist, Anarchist, Christian, Buddhist, you get the point. Now when people hear these words (and I’ve caught myself doing this as well) they absolutely prejudge. Its almost impossible not to. For example if I’m going to dicuss politics with a person, as soon as they identify themselves as a Republican, I catch myself no longer interested in what they have to say. I have all these biased opinions as to what I think they stand for and why I will not benefit in the slightest by listening to them. But if I really think about it, I dont fit into the definitions of the labels I use on myself 100%. So maybe thats one of the problems, that all we have to hear is one or two labels and if those labels dont match up with our own then sometimes were too quick to dismiss that person. If there were no seperate groups with predetermined beliefs or ideals then maybe we’d be forced to work a little harder to get to know someone before we could draw conclusions.
People trying to find what separates us instead of what brings us together.
its ego
Seems to me that many people here are blaming lots of symptoms, like lack of respect or greed or lack of spirituality, instead of root causes of these things. I think Emily and Jason have it spot on: we realise our own mortality and it terrifies us, and from then everything seems scarcer, because we know we will ultimately lose everything. We go through life insecure and feeling like everything, especially time, is scarce, so we live for the short-term and act in our own interests. So, like many have said, fear and pain and fear of pain is really at the root of many of our worst actions.
Empathy and a sense of life’s abundance are the best qualities a person can have. Which is probably why they’re the hardest qualities to consistently cultivate!
There is nothing wrong with the world. It is as it is. But this does not address the “feeling” many people have of something awry. The cause of this feeling is there are too many people. Man is the ultimate invasive species and we are trashing the earth. And the world population keeps doubling approximately every 11 years now. So this “feeling” will not be going away anytime soon.
Another aspect of this feeling of wrongness is that the absolute number of “bad” people is also increasing. There is a constant percentage of people that are just wired wrong: sociopaths, pedophiles, etc. Because of the constant increase in population, the absolute numbers of “bad” persons increasing at this same rate. And because we are all packed tighter together, they are in closer proximity to the rest of us. So our interactions with these “bad” people with also continue to increase.
The solution? Take care of your own little section of the world. Do something inside your sphere of influence to make it a better place. It probably won’t help the big picture, but it will make you feel better and will make a small part of the world a better place.
I agree with Pascal – “All human evil comes from a single cause, man’s inability to sit still in a room”.
One way of looking at the question will deliver the answer: Self-esteem.
Because the majority of us humans rely on outward things to denote their intrinsic value, their self-esteem is dependant.
It depends on what friends think, on income, on possessions, on stature and who writes what about whom.
On good days there are good reviews but when one doesn’t accomplish the incredibly demanding goals the mind places upon “what is good enough”, one falls short and self-esteem plummets.
Because we want to feel good about ourselves we resolve to do better at being an achiever (and a reckless consumer) all over again.
The good news of course is that self-esteem is something one generates independently of one’s exterior world.
When you genuinely like yourself, life becomes so much easier and the rampant need to do (fix) something is no longer an issue.
I don’t think the world is all wrong or all good. There are equally many amazing and awful things about it. I think it’s the dual nature of humans, our physical self versus our inner voice. Our base instincts, wants and desires in conflict with the part of us that wants to master ourselves, make ourselves better human beings, that houses our compassion, love, selflessness, etc. It comes down to which side we as individuals lean toward more, contributing to the way the world in general leans — tipping the balance to human beings who master ourselves or let our desires control our actions.
I didn’t have time to read through the comments and see if this has already been said. But I believe what is “wrong” with the world is too many individuals live in it that lack self love or rather self understanding. I could articulate as to the how and why I believe that causes EVERY problem on earth but I believe your imagination can do a better job then my words could.
Hi,
When I first saw the question my thought was, ‘lets focus on what’s right with the world.’ I absolutely agree with Andrew. You get what you look for and then get into judging, who’s right vs wrong blah blah same ole shit.
The world is an illusion and all points are relative. It’s all good. No worries. We’re in earth school. We’re flawed human beings. The only lesson I see is how to love like Jay says. Who can I love today? Where can I serve? How generous can I be? How can I forgive. That’s the attitude that will make all things right with the world. Thanks for making us all think over here.
Tess The Bold Life´s last [type] ..75 Steps for a Fear-Less Life
Lot’s of things are wrong with the world, mainly because of people’s greed which destroys the planet. Using chemicals in agriculture and industry is making our planet suffer. If all insects dissapeared from the earth soon everything would perish, but if people dissapeared then nature would flourish. But as someone already wrote, me must start with ourselves if we want to change things and hopefully we will inspire others to do the same also.
Maia´s last [type] ..You are what you eat (and wear!)
What’s wrong with the world is materialism and the neverending lust to buy more things, to have more and more. More people should definitely get familiar with the thoughts of Tibetian monks and such. Those guys know what’s up. This materialism i’m talking about extends way far up to corporate world and especially some of the big leaders. Obviously not everyone is rotten, but there definitely is more than a few bad apples. In a nutshell: materialism, greed and general thoughtlessness.
Unconsciousness is “wrong” with the world. If people realized that happiness is a choice, they would choose happiness. If they didn’t, they couldn’t. Evolution’s not done yet.
I’ve heard one quote and recently that might shed light on this. It was said by a survivor of a building collapse in South Korea. “One thing I’ve learned from this,” she said, “is that if you are going to build a building, build as though you are building it for your family. Then, tragedies like this wouldn’t happen.” (I might have butchered this quote.) Although she’s simply talking about building, the principle, I think, is the same. If we served others, doing whatever we’re doing, as though we’re serving our families, all of a sudden, maybe there’s more clarity on how to properly manage our finances, knowing that someone’s depending on us. Maybe the salesperson becomes more honest, because his family’s buying a product, and they shouldn’t waste their money on something that’s not worth it. Maybe terrorism becomes less prevalent. The challenge should not be figuring out how to make our side win, but figuring out how to make all sides part of a human family.
Everyone keeps blaming others for making the world wrong, but what if, in the end, excluding the little things we could fix with humankind – and they are little, in the big picture – it’s not even our fault?
I don’t know. I think what’s wrong with the world is the lack of guidance, divine or not, call it what you will. Free will. We were given so much freedom of being, yet no advice on what to do with it.
We drift around, hoping to find a path, but there’s no one there to tell us if it’s even the right one. We gravitate towards authority hoping that they can guide us, settle our unsettled minds, yet they can’t, because they, too, are clueless about life and purpose.
I think what’s wrong with the world is that God is dead and we’ve been left alone, decaying, trying to survive. Metaphorically speaking, yet…
People don’t realize that we are all in this together. We are all on the same planet and just lucky enough to experience whatever life we were given. Instead of reaching out to others and being open and accepting, many people close off and stick to what they know… them self.
The fundamental concept of currency has pushed aside morals in the expectation of higher profits. I’ll quote the wu-tang clan by saying “Cash Rules Everything Around Me CREAM get the money, dolla dolla bill y’all”. And cash does rule everything around us. The problem enlies when regulations and taxes come into play. People benefit from
Following their lesser emotions like greed, jealousy, and overinflated egos to do illegal activities like sell drugs, dodge taxes, or keep oil profitable (should be illegal). Not to mention currency because of inflation is exponential and therefore a bubble. But the main problem with fiat currency is that things that most of the time, should hold no value, hold too much value, and other NEEDS have little to no value. A system that gives value to material things and lack value of a societies needs, give the society has a whole little to no value and makes everyone feel worthless.
The other problem is that the leaders of my country (United States) like to keep everyone on a black and white level of thinking, but only give them the black. Let me explain. when was the last time you heard of an election where the main ideals of both the democrats and republicans went something like: we need cleaner energy, we need to raise or lower taxes, we need to stop whatever war we are fighting, we need to stop our dependencies on oil, etc. The answer is never, because the two parties promise the same thing with different ways to do them then proceeds to not do them. The black and white was the republican and democrate parties, the only getting black was the fact we let them continue the status quo. A society were the leaders are persuaded through whatever means to keep the people regressing instead of progressing is the other main problem.
Questions?
Gentleness. Respect for where we live. The lost art of letting things unfold gently. We seem so enamored with instant gratification we no longer let people and events take the time to unfurl. We want to know now.
There is nothing wrong with it. There are bad things in the world, but it’s because of those bad things that people grow and evolve. Everyone is on their path to betterment, whether it seems that way or not.
This question is making my head explode – like the question: what is the meaning of life? It’s interesting to talk about, yet finding a real, totally correct answer is out of the question. It’s the beauty of this thing we call life – we grow, learn, discover, love, lose, and try to continually manage our own thoughts with that of all of those surrounding us. If the world didn’t have problems and we all were happy all the time, the experience of human life would be meaningless. Love feels better because we have felt pain and suffering, The sun feels good because we have felt the bad weather. The negative experiences make the positive ones…that much better. It’s the beauty of continually growing and solving these problems that makes the world an awesome place. This world is a beautiful mess. GO GIVE A STRANGER A COMPLIMENT TODAY.
The only thing wrong with the world is our capacity to perceive evil.
The man with ‘The Rich are wrecking the planet’ is seeing the world with framed view of rich and poor. Actually world is composed of human beings not rich or poor. There are people and people. We see them divided. This is our lacking not theirs.
This is really sad. I hate the thought of people hating each other. Some people really love drama, like those organizing rallies. I don’t understand them..you are right it makes me question what’s wrong with the world today? This is just very very sad and I hope that people would just leave things be and be positive rather than hating each other.
Miel´s last [type] ..cheap car insurance
I think people who ask questions like “what is wrong with the world” aren’t really asking “what is wrong with the world.” They’re asking something more like “Why does the state of the world contain so many things I dislike,” probably hoping to find something along the lines of “press up-up-down-down-left-right-left-right-B-A-select-start and life will be good.” Obviously, there is no such answer, but the question is interesting in that when it’s phrased that way, it’s clear that it doesn’t have an answer because people’s desires are contradictory, so it becomes a matter of democracy (is the AIDS epidemic empirically bad, or is it bad because most people can agree that it’s bad?). Unless everyone agrees on everything, somebody somewhere will think there’s something wrong with the world, and if they’re lucky, they’ll google it and end up here. So really, what’s wrong with the world is that it isn’t populated by six billion of me.
Radio Head:
“You do it to yourself it’s true and that’s why it really hurts, you do it to yourself, just you-you and no one else”…
Haha.. I always thought that song was about exactly this. I have no doubt about what the man whispers at the end of the video
Walmart…
Technology made us powerful in a hurry. Wisdom accumulates so slowly.
The problem is that most people fail to see things from other peoples perspectives. There’s no right or wrong. Just different point of views. Even the most evil person has his story.
Adam´s last [type] ..The inception chair
I feel like I could live my whole life righting the wrongs in this world and bearly make a dent on the grand scheme of things. People are dying all over the world, should that not be the BIGGEST ‘wrong’ in life? That we are so caught up in stuff, lifes little dramas, work, relationships, stress over everything. What if you had to spend your whole day concentrating on pure survial? Its not like there isn’t enough to go round, and we all know it! In my own belief, the rich have become very god damn good at getting richer and manipulating the masses, people have become greedy and have forgotten their own truth. We need to stand up to lifes wrongs and put them right! Don’t be scared to question things, the masses have the real power at the end of the day. I am part of the masses and so are you. I hope to make a real change in this world myself one day, and I hope that meny more do the same.
somehow i think it goes back to old aristotle
The problem is not really the World that is the problem ,but the beings that enhabit ut.because this 3rd rock ,was doing wayyy better b4 we showed up and started to mess up everything…its gotten to a point where we cannot even trust the church,governmemt,and even the law,or the babysitter .and it seems that everyone stopped caring even about there own children.and the the badmedia gloryfies allthatis bad and all thatlike it sopp itall up,like sourdough bread in chicken noodle soup .We ….but I guess thats what happens when people stop caring,everyone some time at one point or another should put your feet in some one elses shoes once in your lifetime tjat way you could see alot more tjen you could possably im
The problem is not really the World that is the problem ,but the beings that enhabit ut.because this 3rd rock ,was doing wayyy better b4 we showed up and started to mess up everything…its gotten to a point where we cannot even trust the church,governmemt,and even the law,or the babysitter .and it seems that everyone stopped caring even about there own children.and the the badmedia gloryfies allthatis bad and all thatlike it sopp itall up,like sourdough bread in chicken noodle soup .We ….but I guess thats what happens when people stop caring,everyone some time at one point or another should put your feet in some one elses shoes once in your lifetime tjat way you could see alot more tjen you could possiblly Imagine.and also let all of this happen in this way ….what hapen to we the people??? You tell me?.
That the many have too little, and the few too much. A single piece in a much larger jigsaw.