How It Stands in the World
Long ago, Epictetus observed, "What is the first business of one who studies philosophy? To part with self-conceit. For it is impossible for any one to begin to learn what he thinks that he already knows." Our modern society fosters the erroneous belief that we know everything.
Today, people seem to believe that all opinions are equally valid or true, equating conceit with wisdom, and losing sight of a greater Truth. They are trained to serve the "god" of ego, believe selfishness is a virtue, think their problems are being solved for them by someone else, and seek comfort in the dark — rather than finding the Light.
The one word that defines America and its leaders today is conceit. And it is one reason why our problems just seem to get worse.
Few Americans believe their leaders or their Congress are doing what is right — but they think they're doing a great job.
Aren't the solutions to all our problems neatly provided by more government, science, religion, money, or information? Government looks after our health, welfare, retirement, education, and security; businesses keep making huge profits; money has been thrown at every problem from AIDS to international peacekeeping; our livelihood depends upon technology; we are nearly drowning in information; and there are countless religious sects, a church on every corner, to reassure us in every way. So, why do things keep getting worse? Why do fear, hate, abuse, exploitation, war, poverty, hunger, disease, and disaster never go away?
Look around you. The whole world is going through upheaval. Economic and political "realities" are shifting. War is commonplace. Ethnic cleansing, religious conflict, and racial strife are escalating throughout this "civilized world." Hate and violence are increasing. There are earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tidal waves, typhoons, hurricanes, tornadoes, and massive "natural" disasters. There are airplane crashes, ecological disasters, famines, droughts, pestilence, AIDS, Mad Cow Disease, and new epidemics. We have unprecedented air pollution, water pollution, toxic waste, nuclear plants entering unsafe periods in their ill-designed lives. Nuclear weapons remain the ultimate bargaining tools of nations. Crime, scandals, and corruption are everywhere. The poor are getting poorer. Child abuse is epidemic. Divorce is common. Things are breaking down. read more ...
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