Many people believe that bureaucracies are filled with minions, addled by boring and repetitive tasks, simply filling in time, and living mundane and pitiful lives. In this view, bureaucracy, or government, is therefore a nonsensical blight on mankind and must be reduced, if not stopped altogether, though this is probably impossible. The anarchist, (1) Peter Kropotkin (1842-1921) is an exciting to read in this area. If we adopt this view, then we must realize that its sycophants are not elected but wield enormous power.
How do we begin to control these dangerous and ever-growing, national hydras? Firstly, we must refuse to accept pointless and nonsensical rules. My passport is Canadian but is issued in Taipei. I cannot use this document in my native country for specific undertakings, such as the endorsement of my sons’ passports. Why? It was not issued in North America: the thesis being, supposedly, that all other governments have the potential of being corrupt. Obviously, this is based on the American fear of worldwide terrorism and the agenda of the military-industrial complex It is, of course, totally absurd!
I often point out to my students that they are empowered to change the world. You do not have to be a wage slave. The subsequent reply is that I, as a small microscopic person, can do nothing. This of course is just not true: Gandhi is an example that readily comes to mind. It all begins with one. This means that the simple realization of the changing forces of our society will help us with our personal decisions. We all know that there is a new civilization emerging. We, however, are not quite sure what this means or what will occur. On a much more positive side: if one is flexible, the future will be exciting and spiritually fruitful. Young people, in spite of my earlier comments, are increasingly realizing that they actually have power.
The Buddha discusses desire. If you have little need, you have little desire. This potentially means that a slowing of our consumer-driven avarice is possible. The documentary on small houses is an interesting beginning: http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/we-the-tiny-house-people. The future undoubtedly will be intriguing, to say the least. The great motivator and life coach, (2) Jim Rohn, (1930-2009), leaves us with a thought: Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else’s hands, but not you. (Parts of this article were first published in March 2012)
A closing thought: We believe that life is not short, it is actually very long. You have time to experiment when you are young (or old) to find your correct career path. You do not need to be enfeebled by any decision: it can change. A large part of wage slavery is the belief that “Now that I have started down a certain path, I must stay with it until I die”: no you don’t! Change is possible at every turn. But, you do have to act: as Osho (3) says, (to paraphrase) “There is no hero, there is no coward: there is only action.”
To sum up: This week, we spoke about change. I related a personal story about dealing with bureaucracy. All of us have had similar experiences. We discussed the idea that, if you do not want to be a wage slave, you must be willing to change to find your ideal career.
To be noted: All roads lead to Rome. (4)
Just for fun:
For reflection:
This week, on your thoughtful walk, please reflect on what change means to you.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
Quote: I am willing to change.
Footnotes:
1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anarchism
2) Start Working on Yourself Every Day – Jim Rohn Discipline
3) https://www.youtube.com/user/OSHOInternational
4) Start Working on Yourself Every Day – Jim Rohn Discipline