Opiate

There is a space between the Romantic and Pragmatic in which it is possible to live a life that is worthy of the human soul.

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Television, movies, entertainment; something to think about so we don’t have to think; I wonder how did we get here? How did it happen that a few hold power and the many don’t question? Looking back on history it seems it has always been so – those in power have always benefited from the unwillingness of the many to look beneath the surface. The powerful have always benefited from those who find comfort in a leader who will tell them that the course they follow is right, justified and good. As long as the masses do not suffer overly much, as long as those that benefit can put out of mind the “others” that might be repressed, as long as there is something to think about that is not too dark and that does not disturb too much the tranquility, then power remains where it is.

How can it be wrong if so many others believe as I do?

I wonder how many leaders have invoked the name of their god or the fates to justify their actions. "We are called to… We have a divine task before us…" When do we question?

What would society look like if it aspired to some higher ideal? To care for – to preserve – to value the lives and accomplishments of even the most humble; shouldn’t that be our goal? How can anyone argue that we have a democracy when the legal system, the health system, the educational system works most effectively for those possessing wealth? Who has access to power? How rare and determined must a poor person be to rise up in the ranks – to gain education, to be elected? At what point will we question this status quo?