Sometimes, we all have moments where we fantasize about hitting the reset button on the world, wiping the slate clean, and starting anew in a different universe. It’s a tempting thought, isn’t it? The idea of erasing all the chaos and irrationality that plague our world and replacing it with a fresh start. But let’s be clear; this isn’t a genuine desire but rather a fleeting frustration that occasionally takes hold of us.
In reality, what most of us truly desire, at a profound level, is a world that consistently makes sense. We yearn for a society where honesty and sincerity are the currency of survival, where success is determined by our ability to be upright and forthright, rather than resorting to cutthroat tactics and manipulation.
What do I mean by “cutthroat” and “manipulation”? Think about the stereotypical used car salesman who amasses wealth through dishonesty, peddling “useless widgets” with the slickest marketing campaigns, or the politicians (especially politicians) who promise the moon and stars during their campaigns, only to fall short of their lofty pledges. If you’re reading this article the way I intended, and truly grasping the essence of my message, then you understand that the initial paragraph expressed a momentary feeling, perhaps even a jest, and ultimately, a metaphor.
The truth is, that irrational people are often driven by a thirst for power above all else. They crave the ability to wield the ultimate weapon – not just a physical weapon, but the power to make others fear and obey them with god-like reverence. Fear often precedes obedience in the minds of those who seek to dominate through destruction and intimidation.
But let’s steer away from televangelist-like calls to action and focus on the path forward. If we genuinely desire a rational world, we must understand that it’s not something that we’re entitled to; it’s something we must earn from the ground up. To paraphrase Mark Spitz’s famous quote from 1972, “If you want to build a rational society, you have to train for it.”
Building a rational society is akin to an arduous training regimen. The allure of irrationality often appears easy, thrilling, and enticing, much like a child’s preference for candy over vegetables, even though the latter is better for their well-being. I’ll admit, as a child, I too succumbed to the allure of instant gratification. I’d yearn for sugary cereals like Fruity Pebbles over the plain, “good-for-you” Shredded Wheat. But with time and guidance from my parents, I learned to prioritize what was genuinely beneficial. Now, I can make rational choices about what I consume, but the challenge lies in convincing more people to want what’s best for them.
To foster a rational society, we must prioritize values like honesty, integrity, and a commitment to education and understanding. These values should be instilled in our children from an early age, teaching them not only to avoid falsehoods and theft but also to speak the truth and act with integrity in every facet of life.
Education plays a pivotal role in developing a better understanding of the world around us. With proper education, we can produce individuals capable of critical thinking, rational decision-making, and positive contributions to society. Thus, investing in a robust education system is crucial to realizing a more rational world.
Furthermore, we must combat manipulation and deceit in politics and business. In a world rife with empty promises and cunning campaigns, we should elect leaders genuinely committed to positive change and who prioritize the interests of the people over personal gain.
Promoting a culture of critical thinking is essential. It helps us navigate the traps of manipulation and empowers us to make better choices. We must teach people not only to accept information at face value but also to seek evidence and facts before forming opinions or taking action.
In conclusion, the path to a more rational society is not easy, but it’s essential for our collective well-being. We must nurture values of honesty, integrity, and education, while also promoting critical thinking and responsible leadership. Only then can we hope to build a world that consistently makes sense, where rationality prevails over chaos and where the pursuit of what’s genuinely good for us takes precedence over instant gratification? No need for destructive resets; just a commitment to a better, more rational future.
