Relationships, by their very nature, are fraught with conflict and anxiety. They are, however, fundamental to human development and interaction, and are therefore necessary. How, then, do we develop long and loving relationships while also learning to discern those that are redeeming and edifying from those that are destructive and pernicious?
This is a long-term skill set developed through many factors. It begins with our family, does it not? If we are fortunate enough to have a loving and caring family unit, however flawed, we begin life in an advantageous position. Many people, however, are not so fortunate.
The traditional relationship structure is now taking on a new form. Many families, for example, push young individuals toward study and achievement. This often produces the anticipated results: high academic scores and an almost blind instinct to compete with fellow human beings. There is nothing inherently wrong with competition if one is naturally inclined toward it. But it is becoming increasingly apparent that fewer and fewer adolescents wish to embrace this competitive ethos. (1)
Among Generation Z, (2) there is a collective sigh of relief in “opting out” of the system entirely. The number of NEETs (3) and freeters (4) is skyrocketing across the developed world. This, however, is dangerous, because talent is ultimately a collective phenomenon. Human beings must work together if we are to achieve both physical and spiritual growth within civilization.
We cannot have young people “lying flat,” (5) nor can we allow exploding homelessness, if we wish to create a society that is progressive and enlightened — one awakened to the Common Good. How, then, does one change this ethos? It begins with the relationship we have with ourselves and the relationships we cultivate with the broader community.
To build a harmonious meritocracy should be the aim of any enlightened leader. The thoughtless adherence to a rigid goal or ideological platform, such as existed under many of the demigods of history, (6) will soon become a thing of the past. The Internet has made us all democrats. Herein lies both the promise and the problem.
The Internet possesses the potential to unify society by allowing citizens to actively participate in the commonwealth. In many societies, we are now able to voice our political views freely and without obstruction. Yet to do this effectively, we must possess the capacity to think, reflect, and differentiate the subtle points of an idea. We cannot become merely automata blindly following a predetermined life path.
A society is ultimately a collective of relationships. A truly modern civilization, therefore, must provide its citizens with four essentials: housing, safety, health, and the ability to be educated. These should not merely be rewards for labor, but basic qualities of civilized life. Human relationships will always remain unique, yet a society built upon the acceptance of each individual, combined with the encouragement of clarity, thoughtfulness, and human greatness over addiction and despair, will eventually create a beautiful civilization for the future. Albert Camus (7 leaves us with a thought: Human relationships always help us carry on because they always presuppose future developments, a future.
A closing thought: The reason many individuals are running away from society is that the aforementioned essentials are presently only achieved by selling time for money — becoming long-term wage slaves. Yes, money is necessary. Human beings require sustenance and stability to live well. Yet beyond the sphere of these four essentials, people should not need to work for the entirety of their lives merely to acquire a house or struggle endlessly to pay school tuition fees. This is absurd in a society as wealthy as ours. Future relationships, when our basic needs are fulfilled, will include poets, painters, philosophers, and artists in the spirit of a new Renaissance.
To sum up: This week, we spoke about relationships and their need to be nurtured
To be noted: From Lady Gaga (8) — I’m not here to be perfect, I’m here to be real.
Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWupm_cePX8&list=RDeWupm_cePX8&start_radio=1
For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFQXkmfmdNo&t=8s
This week, on your introspective walk, please ponder what relationships mean to you.
Every day, look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave — critical thinking is great!
Quote: Respect your relationships
Footnotes:
3) https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp92218jpryo
4) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeter
5) https://www.bbc.com/news/business-60353916
6) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Socialist_Program