What is wrong with the concept of virtual reality? Nothing, but it is, well, virtual — not authentic! This is analogous to reading about a country, but never visiting it. You are left with an impression, but you do not experience the true sights and smells. I often think of young people today, for example. Very few have ever had a part-time job. They are then suddenly thrust into the real world of employment — the early-morning hours, the office politics, and the stress. It is totally understandable why so many want to escape and “lie flat.” (1)
This, unfortunately, is the short-term solution. In the long run, almost everyone — even if one’s family is independently wealthy — will require a task, an income, or a responsibility and, hence, interaction with people and all the difficulties that occur. Relationships, by their very definition, are difficult.
The level of exposure to pornography and “love” on social media has created an illusion of what physical and spiritual intimacy is truly all about, and what real connectivity entails. Most examples are fake. The resulting consequences are truly pernicious. One of the most tragic is the incel movement. (2) This loose association comprises young men who have never been exposed to physical attachment and blame women for this occurrence. This is, once again, the consequence of our digital age.
The only thing that is comforting about our time in history is the understanding that, unless our civilization ends, there will be a change, a correction. Now, to be fair, things could get far, far worse before they get better. We could quite easily descend into a time that we have little human interaction and more isolation and distraction.
Many studies on the recent pandemic (3) have documented the changes that have come over society because of being solitary. In our local area, for example, when the quarantine was first implemented, we had time to go to our local shop and buy the necessary provisions. The alcohol aisle was decimated. There were no “intoxicants” left to purchase.
This means, simply put, that we want to take a vacation from ourselves as much as possible. This can only be a thoughtless solution to the pain of being alive, however.
The truly contented individual is one who has successfully answered the three questions of life: Why am I here, what is my mission and what will happen when I leave this physical plane — when I transcend? This can only be done by living in the natural, reflective world, not the virtual one. This is where true fulfillment and happiness lie. The novelist, Paul Coelho, (4) leaves us with a thought: I realized a long time ago that a warrior in search of his dream must take his inspiration from what he actually does and not from what he imagines himself doing.
A closing thought: Many pundits suggest that we should be away from social media, and our phone, for a certain period every day and just reflect on the beauty of life — my life. There is no reality external to me in a subjective sense. Without me, there is no reality. Aristotle tells us that we all seek happiness. (5) Why then are so many people unhappy? This is because happiness requires work. Nonetheless, it is far easier to be unhappy than to be happy. Don’t be indolent, be willing to put in the work on yourself.
To sum up: This week, we spoke about living in the real world.
To be noted: From Aristotle (6) — Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.
Just for fun:
For reflection:
This week, on your reflective walk, please ponder what reality means to you.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
Quote: To be fully alive is exhilarating!
Footnotes:
1) ‘Lying flat’: Why some Chinese are putting work second
2) Explained: What is the incel movement?
3) ‘Socially stunted’: how Covid pandemic aggravated young people’s loneliness