Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.
~ Christian Lous Lange
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Hegelian Dialectic: Problem. Reaction. Solution
Life is about participation. Various interactions with humans, animals, and inanimate objects then define who we are by our experiences and our memories of our experiences. Chemical reactions occur when we have a positive or negative experience which then sets off a chain of responses which in time will dictate how healthy we are now and in the future. This we already know and yet there is so much that we don't know.
The more we know, the more we know that we don't know.
We are the sum total of our experiences, and yet life is so much more complex and nuanced. Besides the real life experiences that help us decide what life is all about, we also take in info from a screen on a daily basis. For several hours a day, screens everywhere of every size and shape tell us what to wear, how to think and feel, even who to be afraid of or revere.
I don't think we actually realize how much that little screen dictates. If we fit the mold of what the media says is acceptable in the way of thought, behavior, and even the way we dress, then we can expect to be accepted by popular culture. But if we deviate and choose to take a healthy, albeit different path, then those people are thought to be on the fringe of society. They might not be as easily employable to the "right job" with the "right salary." Health and well-being could be effected not only by sub-par health care but also just by attitude alone. What you think does reflect in overall health.
When we fall into the left/right paradigm, we are controllable. When we see things only as black vs. white, then there is no room for discussion: Either you are with us or against us. You are put into a category or box. The algorithms used by these very divisive techniques can then be used to manipulate the masses. We would be a lot harder to control if we had nuance, if we were changeable, or even if we debated the issue. No, we need to just be either red or blue.
Knowledge is Realizing that We Cannot EVER Know EVERYTHING
It's a little freeing to understand that we are complex creatures that CAN change their minds every once in awhile. It is okay to be "wrong" and to adapt another opinion. I have had it happen to me, as stubborn as I can be sometimes.
Freedom is something that needs to be explored more by all who care about it. I don't think people full grasp not only freedom in the United States but even more importantly: Free Will. God, the Father, gave each of us free will. Free will to make mistakes. Free will to stand up for the poor and dis-empowered. Even free will to exploit other countries, even though we should all know that exploitation is a sin....and a big one. Heck, even free will to tell someone that they know the choice that they made was a bad one but the chance to redeem themselves is still there for them. We can repent. We can make it right. That is a true freedom given by God.
It might be time to find some humility and strength. I pray that we choose God's path towards Him by helping those in need and to stop supporting and person or business that hurts others. Breaking free from the matrix web of lies isn't easy but is absolutely necessary for our health and survival. Together we can take care of each other. Together we are strong.