Understanding the Complexities of Human Behavior: A Dive into Selfishness, Social Media, and Evolution
Throughout history, mankind has grappled with questions about our nature and the root causes of our behaviors. The question of why people seem to act so selfishly or irresponsibly resonates deeply. Numerous factors contribute to this phenomenon, with selfishness, greed, irresponsibility, and the influence of social media standing out as major culprits.
Selfishness, Greed, Irresponsibility: Intrinsic Factors
From a young age, we tend to prioritize our needs and desires over the needs of others, a trait that is deeply ingrained in human psychology. As we grow older, these tendencies can be exacerbated by a realization of our mortality, often leading to a selfish and sometimes irresponsible behavior. The 'powers'—be they governments, corporations, or media—often exploit these feelings through fear-based strategies to divide rather than unite us.
Amplified by Anonymity: The Role of Social Media
The anonymity provided by social media platforms has significantly amplified our propensity to ignore the voices of others. The ease with which we can voice opinions without accountability has led to a heightened sense of hatred towards others. Many people today re-elect career criminals and ignore the accountability of those in power. This outsourcing of responsibility can lead to a passive or even supportive attitude towards systemic issues.
Historical Context: Hidden Issues in the Past
It is important to note that the issues of selfishness and lack of responsibility are not new. Growing up in the late 1950s and early 1960s, many individuals experienced behaviors and situations that were often hidden due to societal taboos. For instance, matters that are now made public through arrests were hushed up or disregarded in the past, and those who spoke about them faced skepticism and disbelief.
The Evolutionary Perspective: Personal and Collective Transformation
Our species evolved over a vast period, with approximately 200,000 years of human history. While we have made significant advances in understanding ourselves through DNA and fossil records, this is a relatively new field of study. The complexity of human behavior lies not only in our individual tendencies but also in our collective nature.
Diagnoses like Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) reveal the depth of our personal struggles. Similar to the case of the mother described, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and treated with strong medications, the underlying issues of love and emotional support are often overlooked.
Despite these challenges, there is an ongoing evolutionary push that could either uplift humanity to a new level or hinder our progress. The idea of a collective consciousness should not be dismissed. While dysfunction exists at both the personal and societal levels, there is also a strong potential for love, kindness, and compassion to prevail. This is the side that we must nurture and that will ultimately win out.