Reflections on Humanity: The Dual Illusions of Exceptionalism and Greed
The answers to the woes of humanity may not be simple, but they start with recognizing our own faults and questioning the stories we've been told. It's high time we acknowledged our shared journey on this planet and realized that true greatness lies not in outdoing one another but in lifting each other up.
Yes, You Are ‘Well Adjusted’: But Broken!
The modern concept of being 'well-adjusted' is ensnared in a paradox. While on the surface, it denotes a sense of psychological stability and social conformity, a deeper scrutiny reveals it as a veiled endorsement of a system that perpetuates self-centeredness, materialism, and a disconnect from broader societal issues. The discourse around adjustment, therefore, warrants a broader examination, one that transcends the superficial and delves into the underpinning societal values and their implications on individual and collective well-being.
The Male Loneliness Epidemic: A Crisis of Our Own Making?
In the age of relentless competition, survival of the fittest mentalities, and an obsession with individual achievement, many men find themselves isolated even amidst crowds. Today's man is often conditioned to perceive the world through a lens of rivalry and one-upmanship. This hyper-competitive culture, bred in boardrooms and locker rooms, unfortunately, seeps into personal relationships, robbing men of genuine human connections.
The Ecological Crisis of the Human Psyche
Our world stands at the precipice of an impending crisis, one that is evident not only in the melting ice caps and rising sea levels but also in the dimmed eyes and frantic minds of modern humans. While the narrative of our planet's ecological deterioration is one that's been repeated, there's an equally pressing narrative that is often left untold: our current way of living isn't just unsustainable for the planet; it's unsustainable for the human psyche.
The Amnesia of Flourishing: Has Modernity Made Us Forget What's Good for Us?
Why is it that in our hyper-connected, technologically-driven world, surrounded by a constant deluge of scientific discoveries of ‘how to optimise our lives’, we appear to be so disconnected from what's truly good for us?
my martial arts journey: Where am I at in my practice and coaching
Nothing, however, sharpens introspection like confronting one's mortality. Health complications forced me to confront the toll taken on my body and spirit. Though outwardly, I might appear invincible, especially in the pixelated reality of social media, inwardly, battles rage on.
Meaning and Agency: Are We Truly Free in Defining Life's Purpose?
When individuals make statements such as "doing X brings me happiness, peace, or fulfilment," what they are fundamentally conveying is that X gives their life a sense of purpose or meaning. However, it's essential to probe deeper and question the origin of this meaning. Is this sense of purpose a result of individual agency, or is it influenced and shaped by the societal structure they find themselves within?
The Nonconformist's Guide to Self-Preservation: The True Meaning of Self-Reliance
In a society that often values passive compliance and the ease of following trends, stepping outside the norm to hone self-preservation skills is an act of non-conformity. This physical, mental and spiritual journey not only prepares one to confront potential threats but also embodies Ralph Waldo Emerson's philosophy on the necessity of self-reliance in modern times.
The 12 Historical Missteps Pushing Humanity to the Brink
“I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.” - Robert Oppenheimer’s haunting words serve as a fitting introduction to this exploration of the current global mess we seem to be swimming in. This acknowledgement of the power and potential devastation of human ingenuity reverberates through time, echoing sentiments from centuries past. Today’s global crisis did not just 'magically' emerge; its roots stretch back, intertwining with the philosophies and revolutions of yesteryears.
Yes, We Live in a Zoo: Our Modern Cage of Despair
As you walk amidst the labyrinth of city streets, the urban sprawl might seem like a testament to human triumph. But beneath the façade of glittering skyscrapers and digital wonders, lies a striking parallel: the zoo.
Animals in captivity, stricken with 'zoochosis', display behaviours born of environmental despair.
When we witness such distress in our fellow humans, trapped in the midst of modernity, do we see them or their cages?
Is it a matter of personal malfunction or an urgent call to reevaluate the environments we've constructed?
The Unseen Wounds: Unmasking the Impact of Machismo on Men’s Emotional Healing
"My childhood was woven amidst the concrete structures of an impoverished neighbourhood where the common refrain echoed, 'boys don't cry.' This was a narrative perpetuated by the men who filled the absence of close male figures in my life. Subsequently, my career as a 'professional fighter' only fortified this belief, refining the mantra to 'real men don’t cry'."
Time and Attention: The True Wealth of Existence
Our fleeting existence is akin to an irretrievable treasure, its value magnified by its impermanence. We often forget this priceless asset, getting caught up in the trappings of the mundane, overlooking the urgency of our ticking clocks.
The Age of Entertainment Overdose: The Unforeseen Consequences of an Always-On Culture
"In this unprecedented era of rapid digital innovation, entertainment is no longer a luxury—it has become an everyday necessity, a habitual indulgence. Just try to go for 30 minutes without having to pick up your phone. Not easy, right?" ...and a solution I found that works!
The Quiet Revolution: Embracing Stillness in an Era of Hyper Performance
We are all invariably engrossed in the relentless pursuit of "better". We strive to be better professionals, better students, better parents, or better at [fill in the bank…], always pushing the boundaries of performance. It's a ceaseless race, one that perpetuates the culture of ceaseless self-optimization. But is 'better' always beneficial? Does improving in the conventional sense necessarily lead to a more fulfilling life? Or could the path to a better 'us' lie not in constant growth but instead in embracing moments of ‘otherness’?
4000 Weeks: The Unadorned Truth of Our Finite Time
Most people measure life in years, but what happens when we translate this into a more tangible unit of time? 80 years, the average lifespan of a human being, equates to approximately 4000 weeks. For some, this figure may seem bountiful; for others, distressingly short.
Greed is Our Kryptonite: How Insatiable Desire Weakens the Superpowers of Humanity
In the vast panorama of comic book heroes, none is more iconic than Superman. Hailing from the far-off planet Krypton, this champion of justice possesses extraordinary superpowers. Yet, for all his might and moral fortitude, a tiny fragment of his home planet – a dull, green crystal known as kryptonite – has the power to bring him to his knees. Strikingly, a similar weakness haunts humanity, a metaphorical ‘kryptonite’ that threatens to diminish our collective potential and strength – the relentless force of ‘greed’.
What if so Many of Us are Struggling Not Because It’s Us - Rather Modernity That’s Making Us Sick?
In recent times, there has been a remarkable increase in public discourse on trauma and its treatment. Online platforms are bustling with discussions, webinars, and summits dedicated to trauma recovery strategies. It is encouraging to witness this growing awareness and dialogue on such a critical subject that has long been pushed into the shadows.
Monkey See, Monkey Do?Rethinking Our Aggressive Legacy from Our Primate Cousins
Instead of using instances of violence as an indicator of inherent aggression, it is crucial to understand the broader context. Chimpanzees' behaviour is highly influenced by external stressors, particularly those caused by human activities.
Reshaping Our Worldview: The Urgency of Ecological Consciousness Amid Technological Progress
To clarify, it isn't science and technology that I contest, but rather the paradigm that governs their application and, indeed, our broader societal functioning.
Journey to Renewed Life (& How I Beat Depression)!
In the dawn of 2020, as the world ushered in a new decade, I found myself seeking sanctuary on the rugged coastlines of the Isle of Man. My spirit was worn, having traversed the ravages of years-long depression. I arrived in this new land, cradled in the Irish Sea, with an earnest desire to heal, and hope as my compass.