Are We Living in a Sick Society?

The seminal works of J. Krishnamurti, Aldous Huxley, Henry Miller, and others have long suggested that we do indeed live in a profoundly sick society. This condition bears an uncanny resemblance to a body where the organs or systems are diseased. According to these esteemed thinkers, and beyond mere metaphor, compared to the health of a society, if a portion of it is ill, then the entirety cannot be regarded as healthy. The ill portion might be insignificant, but just as an infection in the body can spread and bring the entire system down, societal issues can have far-reaching and potentially catastrophic effects.

Defining Societal Illness

Societal sickness does not mean that every individual within the society is unwell, but rather that the prevailing conditions or practices are not conducive to the well-being of the whole. It is a matter of the integrity and harmony of the social fabric. When a significant portion of a society is not encouraged to be happy, it is a sign of sickness. This concept is not new; it is echoed in the words of Charles Dickens, who described our times as 'the best of times, it was the worst of times,' where wisdom and foolishness coexisted in equal measure.

The American Experience

Given that you reside in America, let us consider the health of the society within the context of the country. America, like any society, has its share of illnesses. Yet, it offers the possibility to find a healthier environment elsewhere. Embark on this journey if you wish, but know that there is a better path to finding balance within your current community.

Recognizing the Root Cause of Societal Illness

We are at a crucial juncture in history where, for the first time, we can recognize the inherent selfishness, hatred, and greed that drive our ego as the root cause of our societal ills. This recognition is the first step towards awakening to the root of these issues. As the saying goes, 'the first step is acknowledging the problem.' Only by understanding this, can we begin to address it effectively. The cancer within us, if left untreated, can spread and damage our social, emotional, and spiritual health.

The Media's Influence

One of the primary culprits in this societal sickness is the media. The media is a powerful tool that can either heal or harm society. In the wrong hands, it can become a tool of propaganda, spreading noxious ideas that can influence our thoughts and behaviors. The media's primary motive is often profit, which can lead to unethical and ideological content.

Media, in essence, acts like a tyrant, exerting an influence that should not be underestimated. It is a noxious force, and its influence can permeate our minds. As Roberto Assagioli, a contemporary of Freud and Jung, who was also a proponent of meditation, once said, 'Everything is food.' Our environment, including the media we consume, is a constant dietary source for our thoughts and behaviors. It is up to each individual to recognize this and begin the process of eliminating the poisons in their minds.

Education and Environment

The media is not the only problem; education also plays a significant role. It is a powerful tool for shaping the minds of individuals and can be a force for good, but it can also be corrupted. As we have seen in the case of the 'Leipzig Connection,' education can be manipulated to mold and crush our spirits, not just to inspire and uplift us.

Society needs to recognize the strength of its external and internal environment. The spiritual, emotional, and mental health of individuals and the collective are interconnected. What we consume, whether it is through media or our surrounding environment, all have an influence on us. It is not just about what we eat, but also what we think, believe, and absorb. Through education and awareness, we can begin to recognize and eliminate these poisons, leading to a healthier society.

In conclusion, living in a sick society does not have to be a permanent condition. Through recognizing and addressing the root causes, we can begin to heal the social ills that plague us. As Dickens reminds us, life is full of contradictions, but it is up to us to choose the path of wisdom and goodness. Let us strive to be better, not just for ourselves, but for the betterment of our society as a whole.