The Demise of Free Thought

When a generation comes to believe in a mentality of self, can that same generation ever abide by the consequences of their actions or even recognize that there are consequences in the first place? In a society where self-gratification reigns as king and we soak in every word that is spoken by the media like a parasite, has the line between happiness and pleasure become so blurry that a false security of joy has been found in selfish desires? Has the idea that an individual should have the right to pursue happiness become so diluted and twisted that it now implies a freedom from any kind of moral standard if that standard is preventing the procurement of what they perceive as happiness? If that procurement requires any kind of moral subjugation, is it really worth pursuing? In my humble opinion, these questions deserve to be asked, discussed, and answered.

Personally, I believe it becomes increasingly difficult to show compassion, empathy and love towards others when an individual clings to a mentality of self. The capability to feel the emotions of humanity is numbed, as an individual is willing to act with disregard to any kind of moral code in order to obtain the illusion of happiness. We’re living in a time where almost every action an individual takes will be justified by the majority regardless of the possible negative implications that result simply because of a proclamation of desired happiness. This only leads to more important questions that deserve to be considered. What is moral? Is there such a thing as absolute truth? Reflecting on all the things you’ve ever held as truth, why do you believe the way you do? If you’ve never pondered questions like these before, why not?

The value of asking and discussing these kinds of questions should immediately be recognized, but the problem is that we’re letting screens filter what we see, dictate what we hear, and influence what we believe. In a situation where anyone who disagrees with another person’s outlook is suddenly a hypocritical bigot, it may very well be possible that there were some questionable ideologies at the heart of the disagreement; however, we won’t ask or answer our own questions because it’s easier to let the world make those decisions. A lie has been told by our culture that wealth, status, and popularity should be the ultimate aspirations of life. By falling victim to this lie, anything that will provide an increase in any of these three areas become pleasing in our sight. The consequence of this belief is that we become idols in our own eyes, and the very moment individuals believe that the world is revolving around them is the exact same moment they fall into obscurity.

Never let the possibility of harsh truths prevent you from asking important questions. The world will readily provide a means to become blind and deaf to reality through the acceptance of false promises. Will you see? Will you listen? Will you openly discuss matters that deserve to be discussed? Or will you accept the lies that claim to bring comfort, but really only provide a false reality? You're the only person who can answer these questions for yourself. Will you take that responsibility?