Agreed, Oriental mysticism is the base of conservatism. Ommmmm.......Now, can we return to the rational West?!
10
wow - amazing and beautiful.
16
Dalai Lama, thank you for this perspective on the anger that is seeming to grow, like a viral epidemic, in the US. Your comments in this essay remind me of your philosophical statement, the one that I try to live by: IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO BE COMPASSIONATE; YOU MUST ACT. When we act to help others, we deepen our sense of our own worth, and we create meaningful connections with others and a sense that there is still such a thing as "community". Not only must we recognize that helping others is essential, it is a privilege to be able to do so. Whether we have a friendly conversation with a homeless person and ask them sincerely how they are doing, or whether we help a neighbor to the polls, or whether we donate an organ so that another person may have health, it is our privilege to be useful to others and to help our fellow man, and we must be grateful for having the privilege to be able to help others. This is the way to a deep sense of wellbeing and joy. Thank you to both of you for this very important essay that reminds us about one of the most basic powers of being human: the power to help others by cultivating the generosity of our spirit. I would like to hear President Obama read this essay aloud so that the whole nation could hear it and absorb your message.
41
"Man cannot stand to live a meaningless existence." Carl Jung
37
I love the message of this article, but the writing dearly needs editing. What has happened to the literary standards of the NY Times?
44
People know that they should not reject others, but they find it difficult to accept others as they are—or where they are, because people do change. You may be their change.
15
Thank you so much for your reflection, Your Holiness. I recall reading that when Mother Teresa arrived in the USA to address Congress, she looked about and said this was the poorest country she had ever visited.
41
It's a little hard to take a collaboration between the spiritual leader of Tibet and the president of the American Enterprise Institute seriously. Has the Dalai Lama read much Ayn Rand? Is he familiar with the heartless and inhumane policies of Arthur C. Brooks and his fellow Libertarians, which would seem the polar opposite of his own?
90
I think that Dali Lama tries to convey in this article is a call for getting out of our narcissistic striving--and do something good for others. The way to get out of one's neediness is not to focus on it, and engulfed by self-pity but help the needed--the poor and the disadvantaged.
30
I'll keep it short - just wrapping up my research and it's 330am: The article is correct in many ways. But let's look a bit deeper inside us individually as well as look concretely what's happening around us, in front of our eyes. 1. A lot of people externalize their discontent these days via naming, blaming, shaming, labelling, judging, attacking. 2. A lot of other people are running, freezing, avoiding, appeasing, crying, becoming depressed and dying. 3. Both types have a tendency towards clinging to something or pushing something away. (e.g. drug, shopping, wealth, food etc 4. Using external things to heal or fill an inner void won't work (even if the outer world caused it. Everybody has a level of trauma to process - it's a spectrum from complex PTSD all the way down. 5. Finding INNER PEACE via non-violence to self and others will heal you. Really care and love yourself and all humans you meet. Set boundaries if they are abusive, run if in physical danger. But that's a healing approach. Change starts with a few people. I live with this inner peace/emotional freedom now. The prospect of winning the lottery doesn't excite me anymore. The prospect of pain or death doesn't frighten me. Those are just temporary events or events that aren't that relevant. What's relevant is feeling at peace now. And now is always no. Tomorrow when I wake up it'll be now again and I'll be in peace in the now again. Focus on non-violence in all your affairs - no "them vs US' do Ashtanga!!!
37
So the two of you put your heads together and came up with:
"The problem is ... the growing number of people who feel they are no longer useful, no longer needed, no longer one with their societies."
and
"diligent work in the service of others is our highest nature and thus lies at the center of a happy life." (any cite for that statement?)
So you're both saying we need to work harder, and that work will set you free? I'm not falling for that.
Both of you guys are programmed by ideology, one religious and the other Republican, and your analysis reflects it. Ideology is an echo chamber, it is your comfort zone. You won't find any universal solutions inside.
This column reads like the establishment trying to settle down the kids, maybe put them to bed. Kinda paternalistic.
I'd say that not feeling one with society is a good thing, because our shallow corporate-consumerist society (which is cutting the world out from under us) is a very bad thing. So endemic alienation is a rational response, we are waking up from the poverty of mindless consumption - we're heading down the birth canal toward enlightenment.
The solution is to replace capitalistic society with one that actually can be truly compassionate - not to better adapt to a machine-like corporate-consumerism, which most values efficient materialism and considers human lives as mere inputs.
We got the "don't worry, be happy" talk before. It seems even less relevant now that we're somewhat awake.
"The problem is ... the growing number of people who feel they are no longer useful, no longer needed, no longer one with their societies."
and
"diligent work in the service of others is our highest nature and thus lies at the center of a happy life." (any cite for that statement?)
So you're both saying we need to work harder, and that work will set you free? I'm not falling for that.
Both of you guys are programmed by ideology, one religious and the other Republican, and your analysis reflects it. Ideology is an echo chamber, it is your comfort zone. You won't find any universal solutions inside.
This column reads like the establishment trying to settle down the kids, maybe put them to bed. Kinda paternalistic.
I'd say that not feeling one with society is a good thing, because our shallow corporate-consumerist society (which is cutting the world out from under us) is a very bad thing. So endemic alienation is a rational response, we are waking up from the poverty of mindless consumption - we're heading down the birth canal toward enlightenment.
The solution is to replace capitalistic society with one that actually can be truly compassionate - not to better adapt to a machine-like corporate-consumerism, which most values efficient materialism and considers human lives as mere inputs.
We got the "don't worry, be happy" talk before. It seems even less relevant now that we're somewhat awake.
74
One cannot argue with the idea that human fulfillment rests on the desire to help others. The challenge is to translate this ideal in ways that the average Joe who is struggling to pay his bells and has little hope of progressing can understand and embrace. When he is desperate, he sees those who have more as the enemy, hence our current political climate which has given him permission to vent his anger. When the world closes in on him and his family, what answers do we have for him?
6
Overpopulation is a problem. Mother nature is suffering.
The last thing we need is for people to feel more entitled to have more children.
The last thing we need is for people to feel more entitled to have more children.
37
I appreciate the Dalai Lama's optimism, but he does not acknowledge that while these countries are wealthy, there is vast inequity in all of them. Millions of people in these America, live below the poverty line. This means while they are full time employees, they still earn to little and struggle on a day to day basis to pay for rent and food. Not feeling useful is a symptom of the problem.
12
George Bernard Shaw said something similar that I love: “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. Life is no 'brief candle' to me. It ia a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to the future generations.”
38
To @PS in Mass. I love the poem by Emily Dickinson you posted, which I had never heard before.
Here is another poem, also by Emily Dickinson, which is no less appropriate for an article on compassion and current political conditions.
There is a pain—so utter—
It swallows substance up—
Then covers the Abyss with Trance—
So Memory can step
Around—across—upon it—
As one within a Swoon—
Goes safely—where an open eye—
Would drop him—Bone by Bone.
Here is another poem, also by Emily Dickinson, which is no less appropriate for an article on compassion and current political conditions.
There is a pain—so utter—
It swallows substance up—
Then covers the Abyss with Trance—
So Memory can step
Around—across—upon it—
As one within a Swoon—
Goes safely—where an open eye—
Would drop him—Bone by Bone.
13
'No ideology or political party holds all the answers.'
With all due respect to the Dalia Lama, it is pretty clear which part of the political spectrum is responsible for these anxieties being bred, amplified, and spread. It rhymes with blight.
With all due respect to the Dalia Lama, it is pretty clear which part of the political spectrum is responsible for these anxieties being bred, amplified, and spread. It rhymes with blight.
42
This is exquisite and really gets to the heart of everything. I believe we are ALL needed now, more than ever, and I agree that the time we are now in is a turning point for us, and that with our collective efforts and intentions, we can create a better world.
We all have something to contribute, thank goodness for our incredible uniqueness and diversity!
We all have something to contribute, thank goodness for our incredible uniqueness and diversity!
12
The "anger and great discontent" characterized in this piece by this odd couple is not the dynamic afflicting America. This is just a "softened by Buddhism" version of the "woe is me as a white man" theme in the Trump campaign. The anger and resentment are not because these Trump supporters don't feel "needed." It's because they are threatened by decades of social progress that have raised the possibility that America is actually not a white, straight, Christian nation. The anger is simmering resentment over civil rights, gay rights, feminism and every other cultural shift that eroded their sense of subconscious superiority.
60
If our purpose here on earth is to serve other people, what are those other people doing here? Is their purpose to be miserable, so that we can serve them and feel good about ourselves?
From my point of view, the Dalai Lama is saying we should exploit human misery to gratify your own egos.
I would rather work toward a world where nearly everyone has enough money, resources, robotic help and autonomy to take care of themselves. I do not want to served by others in my old age. It is embarrassing, undignified and expensive. If I can't take care of myself I hope machines can do it.
Of course there will always be some number of helpless people, sick people, people disabled in accidents and so on. They will always need human help. I think we should pay people to help them. We should give a decent, living wage to caretakers. At present they are paid a pittance.
From my point of view, the Dalai Lama is saying we should exploit human misery to gratify your own egos.
I would rather work toward a world where nearly everyone has enough money, resources, robotic help and autonomy to take care of themselves. I do not want to served by others in my old age. It is embarrassing, undignified and expensive. If I can't take care of myself I hope machines can do it.
Of course there will always be some number of helpless people, sick people, people disabled in accidents and so on. They will always need human help. I think we should pay people to help them. We should give a decent, living wage to caretakers. At present they are paid a pittance.
17
The article says many of us feel superfluous. Let's be honest: most of us actually are superfluous. There are so many billions of people on this planet, many more people than are needed to ensure the survival of the species. If the majority of us disappeared tomorrow, the remaining population would survive, and prosper. You could argue that the remaining population (and the other species we share the plant with) would be the better for it.
By any rational reckoning, then, most of us are "excess to requirements". And the trends tell us to expect even more of the same: population is increasing, automation of jobs is increasing, and more people (especially men) are left with no employment or other means to contribute to society.
So what does that tell us about how we should live? The Dalai Lama nailed it (as always): the challenge of our time is to find a way to be of service. Individuals have to break out of their old ways of thinking, and stop depending of traditional employment to provide livelihood and purpose. They need to find a need, and fill it. That is the task our new world is setting before us. And the challenge for our leaders is to reconfigure policy so that everyone can become employed, everyone is offered a means to contribute. Until we address those challenges successfully, we will be anxious and miserable.
By any rational reckoning, then, most of us are "excess to requirements". And the trends tell us to expect even more of the same: population is increasing, automation of jobs is increasing, and more people (especially men) are left with no employment or other means to contribute to society.
So what does that tell us about how we should live? The Dalai Lama nailed it (as always): the challenge of our time is to find a way to be of service. Individuals have to break out of their old ways of thinking, and stop depending of traditional employment to provide livelihood and purpose. They need to find a need, and fill it. That is the task our new world is setting before us. And the challenge for our leaders is to reconfigure policy so that everyone can become employed, everyone is offered a means to contribute. Until we address those challenges successfully, we will be anxious and miserable.
8
Usefulness should be seen as internal. In the sense that it requires no great expression of outside need to validate one's self worth. Those who depend mainly on outside ego-bolstering and such are courting the manipulations that can be visited on the demonstrably vulnerable. Those who must have some external pull may be fine, but it is no substitute for internal stability, spirituality and sustainability. Were I restyling this article I would begin with the importance of individual consciousness, the seat of our freedom, and go from there. I suspect the Dalai Lama might agree. Inner peace begins within.
3
"The problem is not a lack of material riches." Many people consider water to be among material riches, and water is a commodity in short supply in too many places throughout the world, and is becoming more so each day. Although the water shortages in the U.S. are usually not front page news, many states and communities throughout this country have been hard-hit by these shortages, and the horrendous water shortages in many developing countries will lead to water wars that make current wars look pale by comparison. The very real problems described in this article are all true, but the simplistic suggestion that the underlying reason is not feeling useful is naive at best. Of course working age people need jobs--but there are few of them, particularly for uneducated people--who comprise the vast majority of most countries. And in closing, many of us who have worked our way though college and graduate school and paid off all of our student loans (in my case in my fifties), and have had successful careers helping others are quite happy, thank you very much, having the time in retirement to pursue our own interests for a change.
2
I have heard about an unusual organization that addresses some of these problems. It is called Underearners Anonymous (website:UnderearnersAnonymous.org; see also the Wikipedia entry for "Underearners Anonymous"). As the name implies, it is based on the 12 Step addiction model, but with a twist. Here, the addiction is to the narcissistic self-importance that prevents people from being of genuine service to others. Although there are difficulties in rigorously testing the effectiveness of 12 Step programs, especially regarding the inherently subjective "disease" of "underearning", the Wikipedia article cites some compelling anecdotal evidence.
1
It is correct and understandable that everyone needs to feel needed; however, that is not the primary motivation for the Trump supporters. It's one thing to want a job, it's another to vote with a belief that your gender and race entitles you one over "others". In addition, contrary to the general opinion, the average Trump voter's household income is 72K. That is a lot of people who have above average jobs. The overwhelming trait of the average Trump supporter is that they are white and male with at least a decent job, so I'm not seeing where most of them have no work in their lives that provide their feeling of wanting to be needed. That there is a subset of Trump voters in depressed and neglected areas in which there isn't much in the way of jobs, doesn't mean that it is the primary motivation of all of them.
The hatred and violence of many of these people indicated that there is much more going on and it would be very naive to believe that race and gender isn't the underlying cause of most of the bitterness given all that has transpired. I'm all for more opportunities for those that want and need a job, but it's disingenuous to say that their plight is what drives most of the feelings of Trump supporters.
The hatred and violence of many of these people indicated that there is much more going on and it would be very naive to believe that race and gender isn't the underlying cause of most of the bitterness given all that has transpired. I'm all for more opportunities for those that want and need a job, but it's disingenuous to say that their plight is what drives most of the feelings of Trump supporters.
8
Imagine a world 50 years from now when nuclear fission is finally possible providing virtually unlimited clean energy. Image a world where robots will take over all the menial tasks. Imagine a world where medicine can keep almost everyone healthy and active until they pass away in final old age. Image a world where basic necessities are virtually free and everyone is free to pursue whatever interest them. In this perfect world, many of us will adapt to this new lives and thrive. However, many will still be unhappy and yearn for the good old days when they can walk bare foot to school through snow. This is the human condition.
5
I retired in 1999 and as soon as I did so, I started volunteering because I knew that I needed to feel useful. Bridge and golf, etc. are not for me, only partly because I'm not good at either. There are many organizations that need help and though they don't pay anything, it gives one a sense of accomplishment and keeps one active.
I've read articles recommending the establishment of a universal basic income. Maybe that could include payment for volunteer work, especially with children and senior citizens. I think that the idea of a universal basic income would be more acceptable if grantees were viewed as being useful to their community.
I've read articles recommending the establishment of a universal basic income. Maybe that could include payment for volunteer work, especially with children and senior citizens. I think that the idea of a universal basic income would be more acceptable if grantees were viewed as being useful to their community.
8
Artificial intelligence and robots offer the prospect of a world in which most current work roles are irrelevant. Once it was telephone operators. Now it is cab drivers, truck drivers. Next will come call center workers as Watson or similar systems eliminate those jobs as well. Remaining work roles - doctor, lawyer, teacher, police officer, others - appear to be a matter of time. Human beings appear increasingly to be redundant.
The Dalai Lama offers a road forward. The angry people who are not needed, who may lack a job, are making a statement. They need to be needed. If our society can create cars that drive themselves why can't we address the need to be needed? Clearly, this is not a problem for which a robot or an app on your smart phone will offer a solution. There are millions of people who need to be needed. It will take millions of people to meet this need. Churches, clubs, political parties, work places, neighborhoods, families all have possible roles in meeting the need to be needed. For now, increasingly work roles are changing as are family roles. If men need to feel manly but the changing role of women narrows existing men's prerogatives they may seek different roles.
Perhaps the angst of not being needed is contributing to the rise of Jihadism in countries with massive unemployment of men.
The Dalai Lama offers a road forward. The angry people who are not needed, who may lack a job, are making a statement. They need to be needed. If our society can create cars that drive themselves why can't we address the need to be needed? Clearly, this is not a problem for which a robot or an app on your smart phone will offer a solution. There are millions of people who need to be needed. It will take millions of people to meet this need. Churches, clubs, political parties, work places, neighborhoods, families all have possible roles in meeting the need to be needed. For now, increasingly work roles are changing as are family roles. If men need to feel manly but the changing role of women narrows existing men's prerogatives they may seek different roles.
Perhaps the angst of not being needed is contributing to the rise of Jihadism in countries with massive unemployment of men.
8
> natural human hunger to serve
Man has an independent, volitional mind, with no impossible, innate or "natural" ideas, however hidden by "science" prostituted in the service of religion. This requires man to exert the mental effort to produce the knowledge and values needed for life in concrete reality.
This requirement has terrified virtually all in history, including Brooks and the Dali Lama. We must return to the rational West or America will continue sinking into the swamp of historical mysticism.
Man has an independent, volitional mind, with no impossible, innate or "natural" ideas, however hidden by "science" prostituted in the service of religion. This requires man to exert the mental effort to produce the knowledge and values needed for life in concrete reality.
This requirement has terrified virtually all in history, including Brooks and the Dali Lama. We must return to the rational West or America will continue sinking into the swamp of historical mysticism.
1
Inner psychological conflict in human beings appears to be the cause of most human suffering. But resolving these inner conflicts is not a high priority in society. Politicians, institutions and organizations leverage those inner conflicts to advance their self-serving agenda and dominant people in myriad ways. Seeing the social big picture is nice. But revealing the small picture of the individual and the challenges they face is the core compassion needed to liberate people from the shackles of needless ignorance and suffering.
3
Although I agree with the Dalai Lama's premise, I don't see any form of acknowledgement of the "economic" basis for implementing his changes. You can change "society" and "politics", but if you can't change "business", then there is a fundamental disconnect.
In an ideal society, people would have a life long career. This was the case for centuries of society after the Renaissance, but disappeared post WWII. In a capitalist economy efficiency and profitability are the goal. The economic basis for age discrimination is that senior employees don't produce enough, cost more, and generate excessive healthcare costs.
For many Americans around age 55 there is a spiritual as well as economic crisis. They are eased out by their current employer, and are unlikely to be hired back into their profession again. Encore careers may be good for people that chose the wrong one to start, but if you trained your entire life to be an engineer, scientist, etc (starting at age 6) that's your self-identity.
The Boomer generation is perceived as being uniquely selfish, but it's the first generation that faced the new economic reality of forced early retirement, no pension, the absence of any corporate paternalism, and a life spent in isolated nuclear families. There is a lot of anger in the realization that in America there is no social role for seniors.
In an ideal society, people would have a life long career. This was the case for centuries of society after the Renaissance, but disappeared post WWII. In a capitalist economy efficiency and profitability are the goal. The economic basis for age discrimination is that senior employees don't produce enough, cost more, and generate excessive healthcare costs.
For many Americans around age 55 there is a spiritual as well as economic crisis. They are eased out by their current employer, and are unlikely to be hired back into their profession again. Encore careers may be good for people that chose the wrong one to start, but if you trained your entire life to be an engineer, scientist, etc (starting at age 6) that's your self-identity.
The Boomer generation is perceived as being uniquely selfish, but it's the first generation that faced the new economic reality of forced early retirement, no pension, the absence of any corporate paternalism, and a life spent in isolated nuclear families. There is a lot of anger in the realization that in America there is no social role for seniors.
14
Notice that the article encourages us to, "start each day by consciously asking ourselves, 'What can I do today to appreciate the gifts that others offer me?'"
This suggestion emphasizes the importance of allowing others to contribute to our lives--to acknowledge our needs and let others meet them. Noticing and accepting the gifts of others is harder than it sounds. Many of us have been conditioned to take care of others but to avoid seeming weak or needy ourselves. Ironically, I can contribute to my community by consciously making space for and appreciating the gifts that others bring to my life.
This suggestion emphasizes the importance of allowing others to contribute to our lives--to acknowledge our needs and let others meet them. Noticing and accepting the gifts of others is harder than it sounds. Many of us have been conditioned to take care of others but to avoid seeming weak or needy ourselves. Ironically, I can contribute to my community by consciously making space for and appreciating the gifts that others bring to my life.
10
One wonders what is going to happen to more and more of us as currently much celebrated, exponentially accelerating, artificially intelligent robots, hard and soft, one by one replace human jobs up and down the scales of skill. A guaranteed basic income, as some propose, won't help alleviate the need for being needed. Why are we racing ahead to render ourselves as a species unneeded. For such a allegedly smart species, it really seems pretty dumb.
21
Some years ago in Zurich, the Dalai Lama spoke about fear and freedom with Eugen Drewermann, a popular former Catholic priest who has inspired millions. The Dalai Lama was amazed when Drewermann argued that freedom may feel like a threat unless the existential angst that comes with being human is stilled by the experience of unconditional acceptance through another person. Next week, Drewermann will be speak at the Desmond Tutu Center for Peace, Reconciliation and Global Justice in Indianapolis. Being needed is important, but being wanted to exist - not just for utility's sake - is even more important, Drewermann says. The world's 'needy' often experience those 'needed' as their oppressors, because those who 'have' exploit the lands of those who remain 'needy'. When rich people feel needed through charity, it may perpetuate a form of what I call charitable narcissism. Sharing power is in many respects much more needed than 'selfless' sharing of some goods that others need. Sharing power means one stops making oneself indispensable, making oneself being needed, and one instead shares the power with those who are deprived of the power to meet their own needs. Unjust economic power relations make the language of being 'needed' tricky. Drewermann addresses this in his current work on values that shape current economic policy and its effects on the most 'needy' as well as those 'needed'. He does through a dialogue between Christianity, Buddhism, the sciences, and economic theory.
15
My country and many others across the world have been forced to adopt one ideology that is destroying us. It's Neoliberalism and has been around this country since Jimmy Carter and then Ronald Reagan. To our surprise the Democrats secretly adopted it and it has been downhill ever since. Things will get much worse with Hillary Clinton who is very strongly neoliberal. There is little we, the People, can do since we have been cut out of any communication with the powerful ones. It is terrifying to live under the fist of presidents who willingly destroy all the people except the very rich. It is that simple. Most Americans do not now what neoliberalism is. They have no idea because no one ever talks about it so they don't even know the word. Neoliberalism is destroying the world no so slowly. People wonder what is going on but can't put their finger on anything. But it's there crushing teh middle class and the poor are already crushed. War war war.
9
A man here shared that he felt his purpose for being was being thwarted by our society and his efforts to take care of a son suffering bone marrow cancer with a wife who was working but emotionally unavailable was proving this to him.
I see the story quite differently, but appreciate he feels irrelevant.
I see that we are permitting ourselves to cross social boundaries and practice roles outside of our norms. His wife is behaving as we often claimed men do when working through major crises. Focused, unmoved, and hell bent on maintaining security. He is providing what we typically expect a mother to do, care taking.
Both are essential to the survival of a family. He does not recognize that he is a superb man capable of exchanging roles with his wife to best advantage their family. He is unaware he could be in her shoes and she in his without appreciating how amazingly supportive they are of one another and their son, but feel no connection to this heroic achievement because they are stuck in the same under appreciated roles, simply reversed.
I have found among many of my lesbian friends an insistence that one is the feminine and the other masculine. Obviously, masculinity is not going out of style, it's simply an opportunity open to more humans than men. Men should feel free to be caretakers, especially if it appeals to them.
Imagine that man caring for a son with cancer feeling less of a man because he isn't in his wife's place working. That's a MAN, I swear.
I see the story quite differently, but appreciate he feels irrelevant.
I see that we are permitting ourselves to cross social boundaries and practice roles outside of our norms. His wife is behaving as we often claimed men do when working through major crises. Focused, unmoved, and hell bent on maintaining security. He is providing what we typically expect a mother to do, care taking.
Both are essential to the survival of a family. He does not recognize that he is a superb man capable of exchanging roles with his wife to best advantage their family. He is unaware he could be in her shoes and she in his without appreciating how amazingly supportive they are of one another and their son, but feel no connection to this heroic achievement because they are stuck in the same under appreciated roles, simply reversed.
I have found among many of my lesbian friends an insistence that one is the feminine and the other masculine. Obviously, masculinity is not going out of style, it's simply an opportunity open to more humans than men. Men should feel free to be caretakers, especially if it appeals to them.
Imagine that man caring for a son with cancer feeling less of a man because he isn't in his wife's place working. That's a MAN, I swear.
10
The pace of change is fast and seemingly relentless; adjusting to new circumstances, putting energy in the right places, staying relevant and making sense of it all is not easy. This article suggests we should pull together rather than divide people into winners and losers. One could argue that we as a nation can do this better now than ever before because of the medical, technical and scientific advances that have brought us here – an abundance of food, shelter, etc.. Fundamental survival is not threatened (for most).
But there is tremendous friction in the effort to create societal harmony coming from attempts to interpret history in an unbalanced, negative and retrospective way: one that says Washington and Jefferson should be discredited because they had slaves; Wilson should not be honored because he had racist views; America is guilty of Native-Am genocide while pursuing westward expansion. This negative sentiment has expanded more recently into: America has a racist/rapist culture, men are fundamentally violent/flawed, white men are privileged and need not be respected any longer.
Dishonoring national heroes, disregarding historic contributions to the common good (often seen as virtuous in their time and place), disrespecting men generally … these are not signs of maturity, wisdom or even a willingness to get along. This feels more like a left-wing power-grab than progress. What happened to the promise of "a kinder and gentler" tomorrow as women gained power?
But there is tremendous friction in the effort to create societal harmony coming from attempts to interpret history in an unbalanced, negative and retrospective way: one that says Washington and Jefferson should be discredited because they had slaves; Wilson should not be honored because he had racist views; America is guilty of Native-Am genocide while pursuing westward expansion. This negative sentiment has expanded more recently into: America has a racist/rapist culture, men are fundamentally violent/flawed, white men are privileged and need not be respected any longer.
Dishonoring national heroes, disregarding historic contributions to the common good (often seen as virtuous in their time and place), disrespecting men generally … these are not signs of maturity, wisdom or even a willingness to get along. This feels more like a left-wing power-grab than progress. What happened to the promise of "a kinder and gentler" tomorrow as women gained power?
6
In the rich world, the chickens have come home to roost. People in poor countries have always been highly unemployed i.e. labour has been in the excess. Today it is in the rich countries, thanks to outsourcing which itself is driven by our desire to have everything cheaper, itself driven by the enlightenment based values of materialism - that we are in the excess, while we create employment for the poorer counties. We are regressing to times gone by where there were rich people and poor people but not much in between. We are in effect impoverishing ourselves after becoming so wealthy - by becoming superfluous.
6
This piece is lovely, and true. But it brings me know comfort. It is all about, and only about, human suffering and happiness. It is unfortunate that neither of these two men could teach the other about the suffering of our planet, the Antropocence, and the dangerous loss of bio-diverstiy due to a billion humans growing to 7.5 billion in the last 400 years. But this might be the greatest time ever to be alive, and reproducing at an unsustainable rate.
2
"This speaks to a broader human truth: We all need to be needed."
No, it doesn't. But you'd have to be able to think analytically, instead of clinging to your religious fantasies.
I don't need to be needed, whatever that means. I need food, clothing, and shelter. In order to acquire these products (stuff that someone else produces), I must myself produce something - either the things I need, or something that I can trade with someone else for the things I need.
This speaks to the only broad Human Truth: Humans must produce to be successful and enjoy life.
No, it doesn't. But you'd have to be able to think analytically, instead of clinging to your religious fantasies.
I don't need to be needed, whatever that means. I need food, clothing, and shelter. In order to acquire these products (stuff that someone else produces), I must myself produce something - either the things I need, or something that I can trade with someone else for the things I need.
This speaks to the only broad Human Truth: Humans must produce to be successful and enjoy life.
5
True, too many don't feel truly useful, and that hits hard at self-image and happiness.
However, it is also much more than that. Those too many also feel left out, unable to provide for themselves and those for whom they feel they ought to provide.
That is much more than inevitable economic change. It is also political choices, bad, very bad, political choices.
It is government looking out for the few, and not for the many. The few have the money, politics wants (and needs) the money, and so it serves those who have what it wants. That is by definition NOT those being left out, it cannot be them because they are left out.
In this way, the Democratic Party abandoned its own base. That base turned in desperation to Republicans, who certainly will betray it too.
We are in 1856, when voters felt abandoned by both parties. We await an 1860 election of a new party, reorganizing the factions of the old parties to provide a new, responsive party.
We can hope the resulting reforms do not lead to disorder, chaos, like it did in 1860, but that is not inevitable. That arose from the specific nature of those specific failings, the failure to provide responsible leadership on slavery.
I do not by this predict Civil War, just an entirely new politics like the emergence of total realignment in 1860.
Feeling useful, having a cause to believe in and be part of, would be one result, but not the only one, and not even the most important one.
More important would be effective government.
However, it is also much more than that. Those too many also feel left out, unable to provide for themselves and those for whom they feel they ought to provide.
That is much more than inevitable economic change. It is also political choices, bad, very bad, political choices.
It is government looking out for the few, and not for the many. The few have the money, politics wants (and needs) the money, and so it serves those who have what it wants. That is by definition NOT those being left out, it cannot be them because they are left out.
In this way, the Democratic Party abandoned its own base. That base turned in desperation to Republicans, who certainly will betray it too.
We are in 1856, when voters felt abandoned by both parties. We await an 1860 election of a new party, reorganizing the factions of the old parties to provide a new, responsive party.
We can hope the resulting reforms do not lead to disorder, chaos, like it did in 1860, but that is not inevitable. That arose from the specific nature of those specific failings, the failure to provide responsible leadership on slavery.
I do not by this predict Civil War, just an entirely new politics like the emergence of total realignment in 1860.
Feeling useful, having a cause to believe in and be part of, would be one result, but not the only one, and not even the most important one.
More important would be effective government.
6
Lovely. Do I see a tiny little opening for the creation of real value in our lives?
Real jobs for real people, not for machines. Don't replace bank tellers with machines and "concept" banking. Don't keep on enhancing opportunities and tax cuts for market gamblers and people who build gilded palaces using other people's money. (I'm looking at you, Trumpsters.)
Work hard at real clean renewable energy, production, delivery, storage, and conservation. That's a yuuuge jobs program. Stop factory farming and the dumping of toxic waste. It might be a bit more work than blasting the environment with chemicals and machines, but the result is a liveable long-term earth as opposed to a scorched and toxic planet that is no longer hospitable to humans. (And escape to Mars? Setting aside the travel expense, isn't earth already easier to fix than a totally inhospitable planet?)
Conservation is conservative. Taxes for the rich are just selfish and counterproductive. "Job creators" are not creating jobs, they're hoarding and creating an entire new market specializing in overvalued costly stuff.
So while I treasure the gentle tolerant ideals of amazing Dalai Lama, could we put those ideals into practice? It might be hard work, practicing what you preach, sharing the wealth and working together to solve problems, but it sure beats the alternative!
Real jobs for real people, not for machines. Don't replace bank tellers with machines and "concept" banking. Don't keep on enhancing opportunities and tax cuts for market gamblers and people who build gilded palaces using other people's money. (I'm looking at you, Trumpsters.)
Work hard at real clean renewable energy, production, delivery, storage, and conservation. That's a yuuuge jobs program. Stop factory farming and the dumping of toxic waste. It might be a bit more work than blasting the environment with chemicals and machines, but the result is a liveable long-term earth as opposed to a scorched and toxic planet that is no longer hospitable to humans. (And escape to Mars? Setting aside the travel expense, isn't earth already easier to fix than a totally inhospitable planet?)
Conservation is conservative. Taxes for the rich are just selfish and counterproductive. "Job creators" are not creating jobs, they're hoarding and creating an entire new market specializing in overvalued costly stuff.
So while I treasure the gentle tolerant ideals of amazing Dalai Lama, could we put those ideals into practice? It might be hard work, practicing what you preach, sharing the wealth and working together to solve problems, but it sure beats the alternative!
13
oops, that was tax cuts for the rich. are selfish and counterproductive.
On that "concept" banking, I'm a bit hot about that, because they're trying to get rid of cash money. The end result is charging a fee for every transaction. Just like credit now, which takes its cut from seller and buyer, and charges the largest interest to the ones least able to pay.
On that "concept" banking, I'm a bit hot about that, because they're trying to get rid of cash money. The end result is charging a fee for every transaction. Just like credit now, which takes its cut from seller and buyer, and charges the largest interest to the ones least able to pay.
5
Trump's followers have just exactly this feeling of not being useful described in this article. Trump is getting their vote because he is promising that with their useful support "America will be great again"
3
Budda also said, "One's purpose in life is to ease suffering".
7
Your Holiness,
Thank you very much for weighing in during the final stretch of our election.
I'll be asking myself a new question at the beginning of each day. “What can I do today to appreciate the gifts that others offer me?” My own brain, my own heart is my temple. Kindness unto others.
Thank you very much for weighing in during the final stretch of our election.
I'll be asking myself a new question at the beginning of each day. “What can I do today to appreciate the gifts that others offer me?” My own brain, my own heart is my temple. Kindness unto others.
50
I've always been fascinated by the contrast between the Buddhist emphasis on usefulness and the Taoist emphasis on uselessness. I suspect the two concepts are not at all polar opposites.
Perhaps, as well, people who at first seem like polar opposites, aren't, in fact.
Perhaps, as well, people who at first seem like polar opposites, aren't, in fact.
4
"It is something simpler: a shared belief in compassion, in human dignity, in the intrinsic usefulness of every person to contribute positively for a better and more meaningful world."
I think that this comment encapsulates the heart of our Constitution. It is what The United States of America is about. It is the WHY behind Freedom, Equality, and Justice for ALL.
I also think, I know, that we can look at one another and see brothers and sisters, see the common Human beauty that lies at the core of every one of us, including Arthur C. Brooks, regardless of the outer trappings of race, sex,religion, wealth, occupation, age, ectcetra. Many of us can, and do, do this. Our consciousness has expanded beyond the old frozen ideas of being separate individuals locked in a war for self survival. This consciousness is also expanding like wildfire through billions of the 7 billion humans on the planet, and since it is our destiny, it is and will continue to triumph.
I think that this comment encapsulates the heart of our Constitution. It is what The United States of America is about. It is the WHY behind Freedom, Equality, and Justice for ALL.
I also think, I know, that we can look at one another and see brothers and sisters, see the common Human beauty that lies at the core of every one of us, including Arthur C. Brooks, regardless of the outer trappings of race, sex,religion, wealth, occupation, age, ectcetra. Many of us can, and do, do this. Our consciousness has expanded beyond the old frozen ideas of being separate individuals locked in a war for self survival. This consciousness is also expanding like wildfire through billions of the 7 billion humans on the planet, and since it is our destiny, it is and will continue to triumph.
3
Anger, discontent? I think the authors of this article better get real and start preaching to the right crowd: like employers, people who constantly invent ways to eliminate jobs, to make people work more for less, the people who preach lean and mean, the people who take advantage of the poor and make them work for shameful wages. I think that those spiritual people like the Dalai Lama and the Pope need to talk in concrete terms and tell us how to change what makes us feel useless.
7
Here's some concrete advice, I hope it helps: Work on possible change, don't bother with impossible change, and focus more on the path than the goal. Easier said than done, but how to do it is exactly what Buddhist teachers like the DL have committed to teaching, throughout their entire lives.
1
Yes, it would be gratifying to see the Dalai Lama call out the rapacious thugs who run so much of capitalist enterprise nowadays. But I suspect the gratification would wear off soon enough, nothing would change, and we would be back where we started. The Dalai Lama is in the business of helping us see the truth of our circumstances, and giving us the means to find contentment in those circumstances. He's telling us how to find meaning and purpose even when our jobs have been automated out of existence, and our leaders are bent on dividing us and setting us against one another.
1
So, Mr. Brooks, you'll be voting for Democrats for all the federal, state and local offices on your ballot this election?
The past several decades have shown us that that is what we need to get functioning government in order to address the issues that Americans face. The purpose of government is to join together and pool resources--money and talent--in order to solve problems collectively. Compromise is essential! I see the Buddhism in that, but I don't see the American Enterprise Institute in there.
The past several decades have shown us that that is what we need to get functioning government in order to address the issues that Americans face. The purpose of government is to join together and pool resources--money and talent--in order to solve problems collectively. Compromise is essential! I see the Buddhism in that, but I don't see the American Enterprise Institute in there.
12
I want to look a little deeper - the free market economy obviously doesn't have any use for a lot of people - no economic use - and in a lot of community work, you may be very helpful, but probably not really needed - so I want to speak up for the person just sitting on the park bench. If only we could learn to value people just for being fellow living creatures - other people, and ourselves - not needed, but valuable anyway.
2
People need help, not validation. The latter comes from within. Yes people can be compassionate and self-sacrificing. However, there are economic limits and a great deal of inexperience on the part of those individuals.
We are metaphors and all metaphors yearn for implementation. However, in a secular world where the top down mentality prevails our choices are often shunted to the side for capitalism's benefit.
In a sense we live in a third world, a combination of the secular and the spiritual. Finding the balancing point is critical for success and I will suggest that until we find the correct function of money we will continue to come up short. Money is the fulcrum and its' placement is of utmost importance.
We are metaphors and all metaphors yearn for implementation. However, in a secular world where the top down mentality prevails our choices are often shunted to the side for capitalism's benefit.
In a sense we live in a third world, a combination of the secular and the spiritual. Finding the balancing point is critical for success and I will suggest that until we find the correct function of money we will continue to come up short. Money is the fulcrum and its' placement is of utmost importance.
2
What a crock. Here we are, doing our best to make lemonade out of lemons and the best you can come up with is a pat on the head? Government needs to be strong, and collect taxes, and direct money to where there is a need for services that capitalism will not pay for. Keep your pious advice. Tax Apple and fund daycare centers and bridge building. It isn't rocket science.
21
A lot of people are superfluous. No one speaks of overpopulation, but 7.4B globally and 320M nationally are just too many for a post-industrial, highly automated society that only needs workers with narrow, difficult to obtain skill sets. And I don't see any way to put a positive spin on it -- when something is redundant, it gets tossed.
10
And thus the anxiety for many people because the vast majority feel and see what you describe.
3
This column is consistent with the theme of Sebastian Junger's book, Tribe.
2
Being aware enough to see progress; is not trivial.
Cynicism sets in and cycles.
Cynicism sets in and cycles.
2
What His Holiness indirectly points out is that America is not a compassionate society. It is a consumer society founded on greed, in which our identity is defined by our work and our value by our income, wealth, and possessions.
Our leaders-- the corporate executives as well as the politicians they fund-- are anything but compassionate. In large part due to the ideology Mr. Brooks promotes, corporate leaders practice a zero-sum plunder capitalism focused on maximizing short-term gain for themselves and their shareholders at the expense of the rest of the economy. They see workers as parasites that divert money and resources from creating "shareholder value; and aggressively reduce that diversion through automation, outsourcing, or forcing fewer workers to do several jobs and work off the clock. This form of capitalism has no room for the sort of compassion of which the Dalai Lama speaks.
It should not be surprising that our society suffers from so much anxiety. We define ourselves by our work and the "success" that derives from it, even as it's increasingly precarious. And when layoff inevitably occurs, it means a loss of identity, status, and self-worth (along with income and health insurance).
Such a society is inherently unstable and unsustainable. When a hollowed-out pyramid collapses, the apex falls the farthest. Perhaps our leaders would be receptive to the Dalai Lama's message if he emphasized that compassion is the true way to maximize shareholder value.
Our leaders-- the corporate executives as well as the politicians they fund-- are anything but compassionate. In large part due to the ideology Mr. Brooks promotes, corporate leaders practice a zero-sum plunder capitalism focused on maximizing short-term gain for themselves and their shareholders at the expense of the rest of the economy. They see workers as parasites that divert money and resources from creating "shareholder value; and aggressively reduce that diversion through automation, outsourcing, or forcing fewer workers to do several jobs and work off the clock. This form of capitalism has no room for the sort of compassion of which the Dalai Lama speaks.
It should not be surprising that our society suffers from so much anxiety. We define ourselves by our work and the "success" that derives from it, even as it's increasingly precarious. And when layoff inevitably occurs, it means a loss of identity, status, and self-worth (along with income and health insurance).
Such a society is inherently unstable and unsustainable. When a hollowed-out pyramid collapses, the apex falls the farthest. Perhaps our leaders would be receptive to the Dalai Lama's message if he emphasized that compassion is the true way to maximize shareholder value.
21
Thank you.
Mr. Trump is using fear of "them" to play directly into these anxieties. He's arguing that by ejecting illegal immigrants and restricting new immigrants, there will be only "us." The bad news is, that won't actually help the problem. It just allows the frustrated to lash out at someone, a drug-like fix.
He's put a hole in the lid on the cesspool of racism, sexism, and xenophobia that better leaders keep covered. It's un-American to do so.
Mr. Trump proposes large infrastructure spending to help give many people a purpose, but combined with his tax cuts this will blow a hole in the budget deficit and explode the debt according to multiple sources. He advocates exclusion, as opposed to inclusion.
Mrs. Clinton proposes tax hikes on the rich to fund both education and moderate infrastructure spending, without changing the current debt trajectory. She advocates inclusion.
We'll make the choice of which vision we want on Tuesday.
He's put a hole in the lid on the cesspool of racism, sexism, and xenophobia that better leaders keep covered. It's un-American to do so.
Mr. Trump proposes large infrastructure spending to help give many people a purpose, but combined with his tax cuts this will blow a hole in the budget deficit and explode the debt according to multiple sources. He advocates exclusion, as opposed to inclusion.
Mrs. Clinton proposes tax hikes on the rich to fund both education and moderate infrastructure spending, without changing the current debt trajectory. She advocates inclusion.
We'll make the choice of which vision we want on Tuesday.
3
This article is bigger than one person. This is not about Trump. It is about what is guiding us as humans.
My own two cents...probably worth about half that... I would like to suggest that a person first has to acknowledge that they want to be needed. This is not always the case where independence and power are so celebrated. Also, it takes a healthy dose of humility to recognize that you are here to serve others, oftentimes in small ways. Here I am thinking of Wendell Berry's "The Futility of Global Thinking". In our current culture we are rarely taught that serving a person across the counter can actually be an honorable undertaking.
74
PJM, you underestimate yourself. Your two cents here are worth much more than that. In fact, I think what you said is spot on. I especially like your closing sentence: well said!
4
Work is love in action.
2
"diligent work in the service of others" is no longer promoted by parents and society in general. People are caught in the confusing miasma of competing memes: be selfish and you will succeed in this competitive nasty world (a Conservative Ayn Rand meme ) a behavior that nourishes itself in others and is widespread today vs being cooperative, empathetic, sharing of wealth that promoted civil society and group survival. Teamwork is often touted as a desirable behavior but little practiced except in sports and enlightened business environments.
1
And yet people didn't seem as concerned with this problem of being "unneeded" (which I agree with, btw) when women could barely participate in the work force - weren't they supposed to get all of their significance from their families? Some women do feel needed in the role of the mother and the caretaker of the home, and this is an important role. And some women don't. And you know what? Some men feel significant in the role of the father and the home caretaker too. And some don't. It's not all about participation in the workforce, although that is one key component. It's also about community involvement. Wouldn't it help to do more community service? To feel needed by the others around you, not just in your work? You can feel unneeded and employed at the same time. The sad, spiteful desperation of many Trump supporters this cycle isn't attributable to economic factors - in fact, many of them are employed, and there's no evidence they're any less well off than those on the other side of the political aisle, or the compassionate aisle (discounting politics - just looking at how people treat others, especially "Others"). No, it's not just work. It's a profounder sense of emptiness than that. Maybe it's technology. Maybe it's lack of community engagement. Maybe it's a failed ideology, a sense of selfishness that, paradoxically, hollows out the self. Are women supposed to feel content with home life but not men? Yikes. Misogyny runs amok this year.
6
As we populate and overpopulate exponentially - and the more compacted into physical space in all its forms we become; personal meaning will diminish as ascribed to an individual. Your voice will also diminish - everyone (except the very wealthy) is becoming more and more commodified. You can say 'the times, they are a changing' and fool yourself all you want. But there is no other way to put it: Things are getting ugly and will get uglier.
4
Agree. The great and prescient Kurt Vonnegut made this angst the theme of his first novel, Player Piano, in 1952 - so this isn't a new problem - just harder to ignore now. But I think the superfluousness many feel is partly from the incredible complexity of our world today that makes it much more incoherent. It's not just the automation and/or farming out so much meaningful manufacturing work to people in low-wage countries (giving them meaning and $$ in trade for cheaper stuff with less "net meaning" for most of us). The complexity includes unsustainable environmental degradation that calls out for respecting earth's limits in order to protect the next generation from this one (i.e. sustainable development). Our capitalism isn't used to such limits, and though the path is pretty clear (e.g. carbon taxes), we are loathe to admit to the limits and therefore to learn to live within them. Al Bartlett has worked brilliantly to educate people the last few decades on the dangers of exponential growth of...well, anything...exponential growth per se is unsustainable on a finite planet. We "need to be needed" but in a society and economy that has made the proper adjustments for our 21st century. Millennials have much more environmental education than previous generations, and are turned off by the inauthenticity of political systems that don't make these adjustments. But as President Wilson said: "If you want to make enemies, try to change something."
3
Could be I'm being reactionary but our popular culture is out of control. Our lives are continuously portrayed as being on the verge of some meaningless apocalyptic event. Climate change, is not to be met head on with scientific innovation and engineering but a surrender to nation. our fantasies of horrible improbable and impossible events are going to happen soon. How real are zombies? The election even has reached apocalyptic tones if either candidate looses.
It takes our mind off our real problems. there no such thing as job security anymore. Working hard doesn't matter when the mba armed with a scientificly derived power point explanations saying how they can make more money without you. Don't fit that algorithm you're in the street.
It takes our mind off our real problems. there no such thing as job security anymore. Working hard doesn't matter when the mba armed with a scientificly derived power point explanations saying how they can make more money without you. Don't fit that algorithm you're in the street.
1
Subtract the bit about trapping people "in misery and dependence" and I'm on board. Helping others does not cause those that are helped to be trapped in any way. Those that are helped rise up, turn around and help others up, and so on. Helping begets more helping. Giving help to those who need it is not and has never been like giving people a destructive drug to which they will become addicted. We need top put this lie promulgated by Republicans to rest once and for all. It is used as an excuse to cut back in charity. There should be no limits to our charity.
5
I greatly admire the Dalai Lama and I respect Arthur C. Brooks after having read The Conservative Heart. But I am not resonating with these two very different members of one half of our species purporting, "...a broader human truth: We all need to be needed." What humans need is a more profound understanding of their place in the world, In other words, why we are here?
What's needed by me is winning the struggle to transmit and receive compassion and respect. Doesn't that have something to do with the Golden Rule?
What's needed by me is winning the struggle to transmit and receive compassion and respect. Doesn't that have something to do with the Golden Rule?
1
"Fewer among us are hungry, fewer children are dying..." This will come as a big surprise to the millions who suffer from just these problems, even in the US of A. The Dalai Lama and Mr. Brooks live in a world, where religion is the chief obstacle to a better life. Religion is poison. Get woke, both of you.
8
Of course it sounds wonderful, and the need to be needed is absolutely true. But the age-old stumbling block is resentment of who has more of the good things. Communism doesn't work, Capitalism doesn't work. Implementing what you prescribe seems impossible on a political scale. But, you are right, in one's daily life it is possible, even for those of us who aren't natural "givers." Those of us who do not form relationships easily, who feel exhausted by life - we must trying to find where we can be useful to others. Thank you!
5
It is ironic that these authors credit religion exclusively with the answer to a happy life when in America it is liberal Democrats, the more secular party, that supports social safety nets and equality which benefit all in society without prejudice. In contemporary America, where the far right is encouraging incivility as a necessary tactic to defeat evil secularists in the culture wars, and in doing so nurturing the least noble of human behavior, hence the rise of the egomaniacal Trump, such insights as provided here ring out of tune and poorly timed with the contemporary American reality.
If religion teaches that we feel better, "the more we are one with the rest of humanity," than what explains the anger of the religious right and their efforts to exclude so many from society? Is it because this contemporary form of religious observance is anomalous? History would suggest otherwise. But anomalous or not, it is self-serving and judgmental rather than empathetic. The contemporary fire and brimstone political evangelicals present a contradiction these writers willfully choose to ignore in the pursuit of an idealized, harmonious, but unrealized message.
If religion teaches that we feel better, "the more we are one with the rest of humanity," than what explains the anger of the religious right and their efforts to exclude so many from society? Is it because this contemporary form of religious observance is anomalous? History would suggest otherwise. But anomalous or not, it is self-serving and judgmental rather than empathetic. The contemporary fire and brimstone political evangelicals present a contradiction these writers willfully choose to ignore in the pursuit of an idealized, harmonious, but unrealized message.
5
I'm sorry but this statement is backwards. The piece is about GIVING, not receiving.
"“What can I do today to appreciate the gifts that others offer me?”
"“What can I do today to appreciate the gifts that others offer me?”
This essay is focused on "feeling Better" which is a very self centered concept in itself.
More important than feeling better is doing the hard work of addressing the ignorance and violence perpetrated by the intolerant alpha males and their acolytes who generate all the grief on this planet.
Live with the anxiety it takes to make tough change -THEN you'll get to live to feel better.
More important than feeling better is doing the hard work of addressing the ignorance and violence perpetrated by the intolerant alpha males and their acolytes who generate all the grief on this planet.
Live with the anxiety it takes to make tough change -THEN you'll get to live to feel better.
4
I'm afraid you've misunderstood the article. But your conclusion would be happily sanctioned by the DL himself, I'm sure.
JFK is sadly out of date. Americans ask now only what others can do for them and not the other way around.
6
For the longest time I have been saying that there is a compassion deficit in the world. The causes are manifold, as are the results. In American society, people have been reduced to “consumers” and we are constantly being told through advertising that we are not enough; not good enough, not smart enough, not thin enough, not rich enough. This is exactly the type of conditioning that creates the angst that Americans live with and which results in conditions like depression. How can we love one another when we’ve been convinced that we are not worthy of loving ourselves?
The desire for riches has been instilled in our society by a business class whose only real interest is more wealth. The stock market has become a casino where slow but steady growth is no longer appreciated, but quick turn-arounds are applauded. A simple life, well lived, is no longer something to strive toward. We now live in the age of McMansions, day traders, and celebrities as role models.
Change starts with each of us as individuals. If we can turn down the noise and look inside and find what makes us happy, what fuels our passion, we may just find that self-love that leads to the ability to love others.
The desire for riches has been instilled in our society by a business class whose only real interest is more wealth. The stock market has become a casino where slow but steady growth is no longer appreciated, but quick turn-arounds are applauded. A simple life, well lived, is no longer something to strive toward. We now live in the age of McMansions, day traders, and celebrities as role models.
Change starts with each of us as individuals. If we can turn down the noise and look inside and find what makes us happy, what fuels our passion, we may just find that self-love that leads to the ability to love others.
4
How refreshing, with all that's going on in the world, to read something positive! I retired about three years ago and I like it, but I must confess to some difficulty in finding a direction. The Dalai Lama and Mr. Brooks have given me some very good food for thought. I have found great satisfaction in just being nice to people; saying "thank you" to the barista, complimenting people I meet in the park on their great looking puppy, holding the door for a lady (I was brought up right), and any other little kindnesses I can perform. Maybe it's time to scale this up a bit and see what's shakin' at the senior center. I hear they have people helping others to learn to read, or speak English, or lots of other stuff. It doesn't sound like a lot, but what's that old saw about a journey of a thousand miles...?
75
We live in the Technological Age, in the Nuclear Electronic era. In this time, still emerging and taking form, we find that the barriers of geography have been superceded by electronics, pollution, transportation, etc.; that there are no more frontiers, that we are all in one fishbowl.
Our brains, formed in the Stone Age, in the Hunter/Gatherer Era, are geared towards survival of the individual, the family and the clan. We still instinctively battle over territory. The winner still takes it all, or as much as possible. This results in massive inequalities all over the frontier-free world, because the technology of communications, shipping, manufacturing, banking and sales "greases the tracks", and makes it easy for a small number in the know to accumulate an awful lot, and for a very large number to be left out, feeling useless, unnecessary, disenfranchised, small and discontent. The Dalai Lama has correctly identified the problem.
The solution he proposes, while appealing, is insufficient. As long as wealth and power are distributed so unevenly, as long as knowledge and truth are so distorted by showmanship and appearances, we will remain agitated.
We need to collectively go beyond the instinctive drives of the Stone Age, to adapt to the new world, to evolve, collectively, to order our one world so that humanity as a whole, as well as select individuals, can thrive, psychologically and spiritually, as well as economically and materially.
Our brains, formed in the Stone Age, in the Hunter/Gatherer Era, are geared towards survival of the individual, the family and the clan. We still instinctively battle over territory. The winner still takes it all, or as much as possible. This results in massive inequalities all over the frontier-free world, because the technology of communications, shipping, manufacturing, banking and sales "greases the tracks", and makes it easy for a small number in the know to accumulate an awful lot, and for a very large number to be left out, feeling useless, unnecessary, disenfranchised, small and discontent. The Dalai Lama has correctly identified the problem.
The solution he proposes, while appealing, is insufficient. As long as wealth and power are distributed so unevenly, as long as knowledge and truth are so distorted by showmanship and appearances, we will remain agitated.
We need to collectively go beyond the instinctive drives of the Stone Age, to adapt to the new world, to evolve, collectively, to order our one world so that humanity as a whole, as well as select individuals, can thrive, psychologically and spiritually, as well as economically and materially.
1
Can I find it in my heart to have compassion for those who express their insecurities and fears about the global economy as scapegoating, narrow-minded hatred? I have been thinking about this a lot as I despairingly drive by my neighbors' road signs professing support for a presidential candidate who incites hatred and fear. But these are my neighbors, so perhaps the Dalai Lama is right that I should try to understand rather than just condemn them. The only problem with the Dalai Lama's beautiful message is that it is most likely preaching to converted. Those who are puzzled by the anger on the right are often the most compassionate, and are being asked to feel compassion, for those who seem to have no compassion for anyone's hardships but they're own. Thus the burden of compassion always falls on the left.
3
Martin Luther, who revolutionized our western notion of vocation, said: "You can cobble shoes to the glory of God." What we does shapes who we are, and who we are shapes what we do. Christianity tells us that we are all created in the image of God. When we share ourselves through good purpose and neighbor love, God is honored. As a Presbyterian pastor, I wish more American clergy would echo these central themes of our tradition instead of telling their flock how to vote. I thank the Dalai Lama and Mr. Brooks for their timely wisdom.
1
People are anxious because we have now seen that globalization, multiculturalism, and all these other trendy ideologies that have been shoved down our throats in past years are false pretexts by which to bring "us" together, and that all they really do, is serve a minority who are benefitting financially for doing so leaving all of us behind. The only thing it's done, is make everyone feel lost and useless and forces you to be apologetic about who we are, where you once fit in, and where you felt you belonged. You can't even defend your own love of culture and country anymore lest you are called a xenophobic, racist pig. Leaders need to recognize that a compassionate society is one that starts by being compassionate to their own as a starter, and not ridicule and demonize those that wish to preserve it. We in the west recognized that it's perfectly okay to prefer a hamburger over foie gras and vice versa and respected and celebrated each other's differences. Then the Islamic cultures are ushered in by the likes of Merkel and next Hillary, and expect everyone to serve halal meat and take the word pork out of our vocabulary and text books (and I am not joking by the way on this one) and and who gets defended? Yes you got it. I am not surprised our world is coming unhinged and with it, our sense of self and where we can feel good, or do good.
1
So maybe the American Enterprise Institute could stop working so hard to turn American into a banana republic.
Maybe a little compassion for those who didn't have health care.
Maybe a little compassion for those who don't own giant oil companies.
Maybe a little compassion for democracy and the rule of law, instead of adherence to the law of the jungle that ALEC has been promoting across the land.
You will pardon me if, upon seeing Brook's name attached to this piece, I became a bit jaded. It is my knee jerk response to the puppets of the koch bothers.
Saying that, my hat gets tipped to the Dalai Lama for bravely wading into the muck that is Our national discourse right now.
Maybe a little compassion for those who didn't have health care.
Maybe a little compassion for those who don't own giant oil companies.
Maybe a little compassion for democracy and the rule of law, instead of adherence to the law of the jungle that ALEC has been promoting across the land.
You will pardon me if, upon seeing Brook's name attached to this piece, I became a bit jaded. It is my knee jerk response to the puppets of the koch bothers.
Saying that, my hat gets tipped to the Dalai Lama for bravely wading into the muck that is Our national discourse right now.
6
Admit it. The American dream is dead. The dream of working hard and creating a decent life with a nice home, etc. etc. is out the window. How many people had that dream destroyed when the monied interests in this country, out of pure greed and nothing else, destroyed their jobs by laying them off or shipping their jobs over seas.
That would be millions folks. That's right, millions and millions.
And you wonder why they feel superfluous. They're not just superfluous, they're worthless.
All the churches in this country that have steeples on them should replace what's on the top of them with a large dollar sign, because in the good old U.S. of A. that's the only thing that's really worshiped.
I give you Donald J. Trump
That would be millions folks. That's right, millions and millions.
And you wonder why they feel superfluous. They're not just superfluous, they're worthless.
All the churches in this country that have steeples on them should replace what's on the top of them with a large dollar sign, because in the good old U.S. of A. that's the only thing that's really worshiped.
I give you Donald J. Trump
5
Last night, I was thinking again along similar lines, which is the lack of a consensus that we are one people, inherently deserving of respect. We need to evolve our thinking beyond tribalism, which was useful in the past, but has become the major obstacle to mutual respect and compassion. The world is more crowded, and to survive, we might try to better treat this planet and each other. Be kind, and please start with yourself. You are worthy. Thank
you Mr. Brooks and Your Holiness, for your continuing contributions.
you Mr. Brooks and Your Holiness, for your continuing contributions.
3
From your mouths, dear authors, to Republican ears.
1
Such a simple yet profound truth: Humans have the urge to feel needed. It explains why I took on hours of volunteer work day, even with a full time job--one that evidently didn't satisfy that need. People who are ill or disabled would rather die than ask friends or neighbors for help, yet, with few exceptions, asking makes them feel needed. Thank you for this enriching article.
1
This is a wonderful insight. Thank you both, much. A book, maybe?
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I, myself, need to be needed, at 75, with a Ph.D. I tell people who reject me that I am "Doctor NO". But , I say, I would like to be a "Doctor MAYBE". Maybe some people will give me a chance to contribute the smallest idea or do the small task, with trust...
Perhaps if we are upfront about being REJECTED, in this way, we can challenge others to trust us. Maybe, if we share your essay we can gain some acceptance and some great success...
==================================================
"People who need people are the luckiest people..." Song
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I, myself, need to be needed, at 75, with a Ph.D. I tell people who reject me that I am "Doctor NO". But , I say, I would like to be a "Doctor MAYBE". Maybe some people will give me a chance to contribute the smallest idea or do the small task, with trust...
Perhaps if we are upfront about being REJECTED, in this way, we can challenge others to trust us. Maybe, if we share your essay we can gain some acceptance and some great success...
==================================================
"People who need people are the luckiest people..." Song
1
"In Germany, people who seek to serve society are five times likelier to say they are very happy than those who do not view service as important. Selflessness and joy are intertwined. The more we are one with the rest of humanity, the better we feel."
This speaks louder than many volumes on the emotional needs available for demagogic exploitation in Germany 70 years ago. It also refutes the Smith-Mandeville "private vice, public virtue" thesis that neoconservatives tried to make the lynchpin of all social policy: selfishness, rather than commitment to others, is the mainspring of all productive activity.
Yet, it's not hard to reconcile these notions: doing for others is also doing for ourselves. Realizing this we can better recognize when ostensible altruism is really selfish (the domineering or meddlesome helicopter parent, particularly of adult children needing some breathing space).
The more we understand this need, the better we can create opportunities to genuinely fulfill it, as well as avoid perversions or dangerous exploitations of the impulse.
This speaks louder than many volumes on the emotional needs available for demagogic exploitation in Germany 70 years ago. It also refutes the Smith-Mandeville "private vice, public virtue" thesis that neoconservatives tried to make the lynchpin of all social policy: selfishness, rather than commitment to others, is the mainspring of all productive activity.
Yet, it's not hard to reconcile these notions: doing for others is also doing for ourselves. Realizing this we can better recognize when ostensible altruism is really selfish (the domineering or meddlesome helicopter parent, particularly of adult children needing some breathing space).
The more we understand this need, the better we can create opportunities to genuinely fulfill it, as well as avoid perversions or dangerous exploitations of the impulse.
3
In the past, wars culled the herd as a fire sweeps thru an old growth forest. Sadly, it appears another one maybe on the horizon because we have not progressed enough as a species past our basest instincts, and many in society honestly do not care enough about others to do those that make themselves useful to others.
1
Had the Dali Lama been the sole author of this piece, I would have little criticism. As a spiritual leader and a Nobel laureate for peace, the Dali Lama helps us think about our place in this world - how to help others and be happy. But because Arthur Brooks, the head of the right-wing think tank AEI, has coauthored this essay, I feel it must be taken in a different context. A healthy, happy and productive society relies on many things - yes, individual contributions as encouraged by the Dali Lama are important. But it also relies on a working, compassionate government. The policies and opinions of the AEI are anything but compassionate.
320
If we look at the widely varying depth of human capacities, we are reminded of the human body as analogy. The various cells of the body are unique and serve varied vested interests, all intimately focused toward the well-being of the single organism it hosts. But, even so, in the absence of sufficient nutrition, brain cells will hoard all available resources for their own needs, even to the fatal expense of the whole.
That being so, even with this innate capacity, brain cells unfailingly work for the benefit of the whole organism, given sufficient nutrients.
What is true for the individual organism is also true for the collective One organism of humanity. If we survive this adolescent developmental stage we are currently experiencing historically, no doubt government will also come to reflect the living miracle of the human organism.
That being so, even with this innate capacity, brain cells unfailingly work for the benefit of the whole organism, given sufficient nutrients.
What is true for the individual organism is also true for the collective One organism of humanity. If we survive this adolescent developmental stage we are currently experiencing historically, no doubt government will also come to reflect the living miracle of the human organism.
2
Maybe we should sponsor a WPA linked we did in the Great Depression?
3
some of the world’s richest nations.
It depends on what you call rich -many more people than statistics show are not able to function because up to 70 per cent of the population are one pay cheque away from disaster (so many debt charities say this it has to be true!) i.e. being turfed out of their homes -cant pay the food etc Only people with fixed incomes or in a select few professions are still thriving but coupled with the total lack of spirituality and community networks the economic and social forces are disastrous
It depends on what you call rich -many more people than statistics show are not able to function because up to 70 per cent of the population are one pay cheque away from disaster (so many debt charities say this it has to be true!) i.e. being turfed out of their homes -cant pay the food etc Only people with fixed incomes or in a select few professions are still thriving but coupled with the total lack of spirituality and community networks the economic and social forces are disastrous
In July, 1979, President Carter, prompted by the energy crisis and rising unemployment and inflation, addressed the nation with his famous "malaise speech." In its best known passage he went beyond the headlines and said, "It is a crisis of confidence. It is a crisis that strikes at the very heart and soul and spirit of our national will. We can see this crisis in the growing doubt about the meaning of our own lives and in the loss of a unity of purpose for our nation." It was an eloquent appeal for national soul-searching, and the public's response was overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating that Americans were capable of facing up to a crisis of their moral and civic values. The
Dalai Lama and Arthur Brooks are making a similar wake-up call in a more perilous time for our country. But does America still have the capacity for self-examination? Can its leaders muster Carter's passion for restoring confidence in our better angels? Only one of the candidates, Hillary Clinton, has the instincts for that. The other candidate, clearly, does not.
Dalai Lama and Arthur Brooks are making a similar wake-up call in a more perilous time for our country. But does America still have the capacity for self-examination? Can its leaders muster Carter's passion for restoring confidence in our better angels? Only one of the candidates, Hillary Clinton, has the instincts for that. The other candidate, clearly, does not.
5
while I agree that being useful is a major component of happiness, I think this story only tells a small part of the frustrations. People see prosperity all around them and are furious that they can not share in it. Those who hold the levers of power believe that they have earned their disproportionate wealth, and do little to share. The only real solution to the inequality that capitalism inevitably brings is to provide to all the basic needs of life, so that the inequality is really just about luxuries.
1
Buddhism contains some wisdom, but it, like other religions based on (as Hitchens teaches us) hero worship, unassailable dogma, and the thought crime, is not from whence people need to be taking their inspiration. Service to others is high-minded folderol but the notion is in reality a sop of the sort that motivated Napoleon to observe that, "religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich."
People want and express an innate desire for personal security, personal freedom, and personal peace of mind. They don't by nature want a life about others. They want fewer others and to that end population control ought to be the new religion of governments and cultures.
Population quiescence, social stability, peace and freedom, that ought to be the human goal. Of course anything that is anti growth and consumption raises the ire of finance and business, and so is hallmarked as evil. Religion of even the kindest sort is in the pocket of economics, and even it has a vested interest in an endless supply of new ignorant minds willing to practice that arcane inanity and fundamental lie by which humans are subjugated, worship. Teach voluntary and wise individual/personal limitation on reproduction, and most of what appears to be human angst will simply disappear.
People want and express an innate desire for personal security, personal freedom, and personal peace of mind. They don't by nature want a life about others. They want fewer others and to that end population control ought to be the new religion of governments and cultures.
Population quiescence, social stability, peace and freedom, that ought to be the human goal. Of course anything that is anti growth and consumption raises the ire of finance and business, and so is hallmarked as evil. Religion of even the kindest sort is in the pocket of economics, and even it has a vested interest in an endless supply of new ignorant minds willing to practice that arcane inanity and fundamental lie by which humans are subjugated, worship. Teach voluntary and wise individual/personal limitation on reproduction, and most of what appears to be human angst will simply disappear.
4
"Virtually all the world’s major religions teach that diligent work in the service of others is our highest nature and thus lies at the center of a happy life."
Perhaps a better definition of "the service of others" is in order. The extremists in the Republican base seem to think this includes instigating violence against Democrats seeking or holding public office, threatening and attacking the patients and staff at medical clinics, and teaching their own children to believe blindly rather than look at the facts and think for themselves, just to name a few examples.
Helping is more than just sending your old clothes to a bunch of poor people you don't want in your schools or neighborhoods, or donating a few dollars to disaster victims. It means acceptance, tolerance, and open-mindedness.
Perhaps a better definition of "the service of others" is in order. The extremists in the Republican base seem to think this includes instigating violence against Democrats seeking or holding public office, threatening and attacking the patients and staff at medical clinics, and teaching their own children to believe blindly rather than look at the facts and think for themselves, just to name a few examples.
Helping is more than just sending your old clothes to a bunch of poor people you don't want in your schools or neighborhoods, or donating a few dollars to disaster victims. It means acceptance, tolerance, and open-mindedness.
3
Mr. Gyatso and Mr Brooks:
I believe both of you are confusing being needed with being respected. Without respect, or being ignored ( a particularly nasty way to disrespect) one feel loss of self respect, rejected and angry very very angry.
Platitudes about being needed are fine for you 2 sitting high on the Everest of world society. You both have respect to spare from your followers. Neither of you is ever ignored as if you weren't even a living person but just a cog in the world money machine, thrown out by the newest gizmo.
Your collective words really say "Hey you out there, get off you butts and do something that needs doing so we don't have to spend any money on it. Help others so we don't have to"
Ignorant, self-revering hypocrites posing as knowledgeble authors!
This lacl of respect i
I believe both of you are confusing being needed with being respected. Without respect, or being ignored ( a particularly nasty way to disrespect) one feel loss of self respect, rejected and angry very very angry.
Platitudes about being needed are fine for you 2 sitting high on the Everest of world society. You both have respect to spare from your followers. Neither of you is ever ignored as if you weren't even a living person but just a cog in the world money machine, thrown out by the newest gizmo.
Your collective words really say "Hey you out there, get off you butts and do something that needs doing so we don't have to spend any money on it. Help others so we don't have to"
Ignorant, self-revering hypocrites posing as knowledgeble authors!
This lacl of respect i
The only uneasiness is between the haves and the have nots.
Those that have are feeling anxious, because all around them they see that the have nots are demanding to have some as well.
The have nots are feeling anxious, because all around them, they see a system designed to work against them to have anything at all.
One has got to give and it looks like it is going to be the former,
hallelujah !!
Those that have are feeling anxious, because all around them they see that the have nots are demanding to have some as well.
The have nots are feeling anxious, because all around them, they see a system designed to work against them to have anything at all.
One has got to give and it looks like it is going to be the former,
hallelujah !!
2
If we were all gone tomorrow, guess what? The world would still be here. The only thing that needs us, is us. Which is kind of like talking in a circle, and what's the point of that?
3
This is an interesting article that is perhaps more noteworthy for what it does not say.
It seems to me that the root cause here is unfettered capitalism. Before you dismiss this as some sort of socialistic rant, hear me out.
Capitalism is a terrific tool for generating wealth, something it does better than any system out there. It is also a system that can be awfully alienating and impersonal as the profit motive can have a way of shunting more humane values to the back burner.
We live in a society that too often confuses financial net worth with human net worth. The predatory pharmaceutical entrepreneur contributes arguably nothing to human welfare and reaps huge financial rewards while the dedicated teacher scrapes by on a comparative pittance of a salary.
Reducing jobs, outsourcing, layoffs and furloughs are celebrated in the financial markets while the compassionate employer is often punished by those same markets.
We too often define ourselves by our jobs, which leaves the disabled, unemployed and underemployed feeling a bit left out without recognizing the often sizable value they have to those around them.
I don't have the answers, but it seems to me that part of the solution here is a tamer, more compassionate capitalism with softer edges, one that recognizes that the bottom line is often in conflict with other human needs. Put another way, we need to ensure that capitalism works for all of us, rather than all of us working for it.
It seems to me that the root cause here is unfettered capitalism. Before you dismiss this as some sort of socialistic rant, hear me out.
Capitalism is a terrific tool for generating wealth, something it does better than any system out there. It is also a system that can be awfully alienating and impersonal as the profit motive can have a way of shunting more humane values to the back burner.
We live in a society that too often confuses financial net worth with human net worth. The predatory pharmaceutical entrepreneur contributes arguably nothing to human welfare and reaps huge financial rewards while the dedicated teacher scrapes by on a comparative pittance of a salary.
Reducing jobs, outsourcing, layoffs and furloughs are celebrated in the financial markets while the compassionate employer is often punished by those same markets.
We too often define ourselves by our jobs, which leaves the disabled, unemployed and underemployed feeling a bit left out without recognizing the often sizable value they have to those around them.
I don't have the answers, but it seems to me that part of the solution here is a tamer, more compassionate capitalism with softer edges, one that recognizes that the bottom line is often in conflict with other human needs. Put another way, we need to ensure that capitalism works for all of us, rather than all of us working for it.
253
Matt sez; "It seems to me that the root cause here is unfettered capitalism."
Totally Agree. This is a rootier cause than; "Can't we all just get along?"
We all could use more thinking different, which is harder than we can know.
Let's stop saying: "capitalism is the worst system except all the others".
Because is it? Do we know all the others? Have all the current others been optimized? Are there others that we've not yet developed?
When will Professor Krugman start thinking different and present us with a more optimal economic system? Today his column asked "Who Broke Politics?" He answered "the Republicans. The comments presented different also good answers, my favorite being "the Constitution", since it was written by an establishment comprised of slave owning white males.
But what really broke politics, to my mind, is corporate-consumerism, which undermines everything by demanding cynicism (which knows, "the price of everything and the value of nothing").
Economic power concentrates and entrenches economic power such that adaptability to a changing world is lost and inequality is institutionalized. There are a couple of ways to mitigate this but neither works well when technology accelerates change at an accelerating rate as is happening now.
What's needed fast is a real-time adaptive economic system - a sustainable market system that actively redistributes power.
This would allow compassion amongst Trumpsters, Sandanistas, and Clintonites.
Totally Agree. This is a rootier cause than; "Can't we all just get along?"
We all could use more thinking different, which is harder than we can know.
Let's stop saying: "capitalism is the worst system except all the others".
Because is it? Do we know all the others? Have all the current others been optimized? Are there others that we've not yet developed?
When will Professor Krugman start thinking different and present us with a more optimal economic system? Today his column asked "Who Broke Politics?" He answered "the Republicans. The comments presented different also good answers, my favorite being "the Constitution", since it was written by an establishment comprised of slave owning white males.
But what really broke politics, to my mind, is corporate-consumerism, which undermines everything by demanding cynicism (which knows, "the price of everything and the value of nothing").
Economic power concentrates and entrenches economic power such that adaptability to a changing world is lost and inequality is institutionalized. There are a couple of ways to mitigate this but neither works well when technology accelerates change at an accelerating rate as is happening now.
What's needed fast is a real-time adaptive economic system - a sustainable market system that actively redistributes power.
This would allow compassion amongst Trumpsters, Sandanistas, and Clintonites.
1
> The predatory pharmaceutical entrepreneur contributes arguably nothing to human welfare and reaps huge financial rewards
Don't use their medicine. Die.
Don't use their medicine. Die.
Beautifully articulated!
1
Easy for the Dalai Lama to say. He was chosen for a lifetime job when he was around 3 years old.
'The fear of being unneeded' in the life of a regular person - a life he has never experienced - includes the fear of being laid off for reasons beyond one's control, of not being able to secure an adequate income, of losing not so much material goods as security.
'And yet, fewer among us are poor, fewer are hungry, fewer children are dying, and more men and women can read than ever before. In many countries, recognition of women’s and minority rights is now the norm. There is still much work to do, of course, but there is hope and there is progress.' True perhaps, but the Lama should know, people do not live in the aggregate, but in individual experience, and not in the long sweep of history, but in the immediacy of the day. If I myself am drowning, it doesn't help to tell me how many more people are on dry land.
As philosophers go, I am more inclined to Bertolt Brecht's immortal observation, 'food comes first, then morals'. And though the Dalai Lama is well meaning, he reminds me of WS Gilbert's Sir Joseph Porter, KCB, a landlubber who becomes First Lord of the Admiralty and presumes to teach the sailors a hornpipe, causing one to comment, " 'e means well, but 'e don't know."
'The fear of being unneeded' in the life of a regular person - a life he has never experienced - includes the fear of being laid off for reasons beyond one's control, of not being able to secure an adequate income, of losing not so much material goods as security.
'And yet, fewer among us are poor, fewer are hungry, fewer children are dying, and more men and women can read than ever before. In many countries, recognition of women’s and minority rights is now the norm. There is still much work to do, of course, but there is hope and there is progress.' True perhaps, but the Lama should know, people do not live in the aggregate, but in individual experience, and not in the long sweep of history, but in the immediacy of the day. If I myself am drowning, it doesn't help to tell me how many more people are on dry land.
As philosophers go, I am more inclined to Bertolt Brecht's immortal observation, 'food comes first, then morals'. And though the Dalai Lama is well meaning, he reminds me of WS Gilbert's Sir Joseph Porter, KCB, a landlubber who becomes First Lord of the Admiralty and presumes to teach the sailors a hornpipe, causing one to comment, " 'e means well, but 'e don't know."
2
A very useful statement.
Long ago, social psychologists concluded that people usually feel the loss of something roughly twice as strongly as they feel the gain of the same thing. You can see this formula at work everywhere: reactions to stock market gains and losses, to rising up or falling down the class system, etc.
Moreover, people tend to think of anything that they have acquired as the result of their own actions and efforts (even when clearly they are not), while ascribing the failure to acquire these same things to external factors: "they" did it to me, it was fate, "they cheated", the system is rigged.
When folk are detached from small scale social groups in which they are, and are felt to be needed these logics are unmitigated, can wreck people's psychological standard of living.
Long ago, social psychologists concluded that people usually feel the loss of something roughly twice as strongly as they feel the gain of the same thing. You can see this formula at work everywhere: reactions to stock market gains and losses, to rising up or falling down the class system, etc.
Moreover, people tend to think of anything that they have acquired as the result of their own actions and efforts (even when clearly they are not), while ascribing the failure to acquire these same things to external factors: "they" did it to me, it was fate, "they cheated", the system is rigged.
When folk are detached from small scale social groups in which they are, and are felt to be needed these logics are unmitigated, can wreck people's psychological standard of living.
4
"Willy Loman never made a lot of money. His name was never in the paper. He’s not the finest character that ever lived. But he’s a human being, and a terrible thing is happening to him. So attention must be paid... Attention, attention must be finally paid to such a person." These are heart-rending words from Willy's wife, Linda, in the Arthur Miller play "Death of a Salesman." But Donald Trump offers neither aid nor comfort to people like Willy Loman. To Trump, the Willy Lomans of the world are 'losers' and their wives "would not be (his) first choice, believe me."
12
The greed and fear of modern America was paid for by the fact that we have lost our sense of community. We cannot undo what it took 40 years to create. But, we better take the first step.
3
In the past we have had wars that united us against a common enemy.
In more peaceful times we seem to be turning against ourselves.
Perhaps we need a nationwide project of some sort that would unite people
in a constructive way.
In more peaceful times we seem to be turning against ourselves.
Perhaps we need a nationwide project of some sort that would unite people
in a constructive way.
4
Jesus spent time in the company of thieves and prostitutes--or so I was taught as a child. So I suppose the Dalai Lama isn't breaking new ground being in the company of the American Enterprise Institute, which is devoted to a market economy based on the ideas of Adam Smith and his emphasis on each person following their own selfish interests. The American Enterprise Institute also supports "small government," which in the context of supporting a market economy based on pursuit of self interest means blocking the government from protecting the rest of us from predatory exploitation. This would strike me as odd company, indeed, were it not for a long history of religious leaders seeing the need not to exclude the prostitutes and thieves.
But the company of Mr. Brooks in co-authoring an article concerning meaning and compassion in one's life makes me wonder whether the Dalai Lama understands that his company thinks that good comes from a mysterious hidden hand that magically conjures meaning and compassion from individual acts of greed. This article is not enough for me to lose my impression of the Dalai Lama as an essentially decent person, but it does raise doubts about why he thought it wise to lend his good reputation to a man and a group who espouse a social system based on individuals acting in their self interest. Does the Dalai Lama endorse the idea that some hidden hand--surely as mysterious a concept as any religion has proposed--will turn greed into good?
But the company of Mr. Brooks in co-authoring an article concerning meaning and compassion in one's life makes me wonder whether the Dalai Lama understands that his company thinks that good comes from a mysterious hidden hand that magically conjures meaning and compassion from individual acts of greed. This article is not enough for me to lose my impression of the Dalai Lama as an essentially decent person, but it does raise doubts about why he thought it wise to lend his good reputation to a man and a group who espouse a social system based on individuals acting in their self interest. Does the Dalai Lama endorse the idea that some hidden hand--surely as mysterious a concept as any religion has proposed--will turn greed into good?
8
This somewhat idealistic argument fails to take into account the sharing we do on the internet. Clearly, youtube videos and social media is a powerful, nacent force, and a gratifying way of people feeling connected.
2
"The problem is not a lack of material riches. It is the growing number of people who feel they are no longer useful, no longer needed, no longer one with their societies."
All the more reason to elect Hillary Clinton and give her a majority in Congress, so we can implement her plan to upgrade our streets, bridges, water and sewer treatment plants and airports. People with good, well-paid jobs do not spend all day reading right-wing nightmare propaganda. When all the bills are paid and there's something left over for fun, they go to movies and the ballpark instead.
All the more reason to elect Hillary Clinton and give her a majority in Congress, so we can implement her plan to upgrade our streets, bridges, water and sewer treatment plants and airports. People with good, well-paid jobs do not spend all day reading right-wing nightmare propaganda. When all the bills are paid and there's something left over for fun, they go to movies and the ballpark instead.
3
The Dalai Lama and the president of the American Enterprise Institute, a neocon think tank, a compromise too difficult to stomach.
6
Richness comes from grounded, loving participation in something that improves the lives of others. Whether it's reading to kids at a local school, taking tickets for community theater, cleaning up a road, helping a neighbor, smiling and projecting kindness on to retail workers, et cetera, everyone can find a way to get out of Self, and help others. There's no better cure for ennui than doing for someone else. Guaranteed.
2
I love this guy, he always hits the nail on the head. I must retire soon but feel I may not have enough to do to take the place of the service I provide by working.
2
"Today everything comes under the laws of competition and the survival of the fittest, where the powerful feed upon the powerless. As a consequence, masses of people find themselves excluded and marginalized: without work, without possibilities, without any means of escape.
Human beings are themselves considered consumer goods to be used and then discarded. We have created a “throw away” culture which is now spreading. It is no longer simply about exploitation and oppression, but something new. Exclusion ultimately has to do with what it means to be a part of the society in which we live; those excluded are no longer society’s underside or its fringes or its disenfranchised – they are no longer even a part of it. The excluded are not the “exploited” but the outcast, the “leftovers”." Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 2013
Human beings are themselves considered consumer goods to be used and then discarded. We have created a “throw away” culture which is now spreading. It is no longer simply about exploitation and oppression, but something new. Exclusion ultimately has to do with what it means to be a part of the society in which we live; those excluded are no longer society’s underside or its fringes or its disenfranchised – they are no longer even a part of it. The excluded are not the “exploited” but the outcast, the “leftovers”." Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 2013
A lot of the comments here seem to equate being needed with being employed. I can understand why since making enough money to feel secure is a first order problem. However, I think that is a very narrow interpretation of what this article says.
You are not needed just because you're employed. (Except, of course, by dependents who look to you for financial support.) You're not needed by your employer. You can be replaced, as is so often demonstrated via layoffs.
Twenty years ago, I was laid off for the first and only time. I was shocked to discover how much of my sense of self-worth was bound up in having a job. Who was I if I wasn't working, paying my way, making a contribution to society? That experience really helped me reevaluate and ground myself.
I am not my job. I can make myself useful in other ways, like volunteering, when I'm working and when I'm not. Even just helping friends and family members with emotional support or help with a project counts.
Being needed (and the emotional and psychological benefits that accrue to you through doing so) is about helping others, not about working.
You are not needed just because you're employed. (Except, of course, by dependents who look to you for financial support.) You're not needed by your employer. You can be replaced, as is so often demonstrated via layoffs.
Twenty years ago, I was laid off for the first and only time. I was shocked to discover how much of my sense of self-worth was bound up in having a job. Who was I if I wasn't working, paying my way, making a contribution to society? That experience really helped me reevaluate and ground myself.
I am not my job. I can make myself useful in other ways, like volunteering, when I'm working and when I'm not. Even just helping friends and family members with emotional support or help with a project counts.
Being needed (and the emotional and psychological benefits that accrue to you through doing so) is about helping others, not about working.
160
I wonder, does Mr. Brooks now feel "needed" by completely ignoring the American Enterprise Institute's role in promoting the loss of a massive number of family supporting wage jobs in the USA?
5
Could part of the explanation be that more and more well paying jobs are being automated out of existence? (90% of job losses through technology/automation, 10% due to offshoring). This trend will not reverse, increasing the number of folks who are not meaningfully employed. This is not the future that the Jetson's depicted.
1
"In America today, compared with 50 years ago, three times as many working-age men are completely outside the work force."
Trade agreements outsource labor and have disproportionately hurt working men. These trade agreements tell American working men that they are unneeded.
Trade agreements outsource labor and have disproportionately hurt working men. These trade agreements tell American working men that they are unneeded.
1
Reminiscent of a decades-old exchange Vaclav Havel had with a Western prime minister, who warned that in materialistic western democracies people now suffered from the loss of the sense of any meaning in life. No powerful churches; no world wars; no great national crusades to absorb energies and attention. The prime minister predicted environmentalism would arise to fill the void. Prescient, but only to some extent, as the Dalai Lama's piece here shows.
1
You matter.
This is a good reminder we all need to hear it, and say it - and act on it, that belief in the worth and dignity of every human being.
It's not just spiritual, but concrete - in how long we live and how well.
This is a good reminder we all need to hear it, and say it - and act on it, that belief in the worth and dignity of every human being.
It's not just spiritual, but concrete - in how long we live and how well.
1
What seems to be required is a new understanding of whether and how the means to live with dignity is coupled with what it is we offer to society. Currently we seem unable to think "work" (i.e., contribution) without thinking of "pay" (i.e., material reward for work). There are countless examples of work/contribution with no thought of its being compensated: parents caring for children and spouses, children caring for elderly or infirm parents or siblings, volunteer work, neighbors caring for neighbors, friends caring for friends, etc. Almost all of us contribute good to those around us and to our communities, but we are not "paid" for it. As technology renders more and more of what used to be human work obsolete, we are going to need to start thinking about how all people will live with dignity when there is simply not enough "paid work" to go around. Why do the means of a life of relative comfort and dignity have to be coupled with work someone is willing to offer money for? Are we willing to take seriously that there may be other and better motivations for people doing their best work than those that are strictly monetary? Can we get beyond the idea of an economic quid pro quo in order to move forward as a species?
1
Simplistic. Not being essential (needed) is only relevant in comparison to others. It's relative deprivation that is fanning the flames of discontent. Social media is the medium. And each member of the discontented is using an expensive computer and costly high speed connection to learn the difference between their income and that of the CEO. The hordes at Trump's rallies are not undernourished. Nor are they dressed in rags.
But unimaginable wealth, often accumulated through business practices not available to the 99%, has successfully lobbied for an environment where the 99% and 1% are playing by different rules, stratifying those on the lowest rungs.
Being needed is not the issue. It's the blatant unfairness of the system, special interest laws enacted through lobbying (legalized bribbery), and the privileged status of lawmakers that enable them to accumulate wealth as a result of being elected.
The system is poking its fingers in a lot of eyes.
But unimaginable wealth, often accumulated through business practices not available to the 99%, has successfully lobbied for an environment where the 99% and 1% are playing by different rules, stratifying those on the lowest rungs.
Being needed is not the issue. It's the blatant unfairness of the system, special interest laws enacted through lobbying (legalized bribbery), and the privileged status of lawmakers that enable them to accumulate wealth as a result of being elected.
The system is poking its fingers in a lot of eyes.
7
If history proves anything it's that all religious and all political systems exist to dominate and control. Control for personal and institutional gain. Corruption of the foundational tenants of these systems is inevitable because greed and control are fundamentally inherit to the human condition.
The only exception is the rare individual who's compassion and/or empathy compels them to act for the common good. Unfortunately, like the Dalai Lama, these saintly individuals are few and generally condemned by the people and systems they hope to save. Best wishes to all who attempt to live with peace, love and charity in their heart.
The only exception is the rare individual who's compassion and/or empathy compels them to act for the common good. Unfortunately, like the Dalai Lama, these saintly individuals are few and generally condemned by the people and systems they hope to save. Best wishes to all who attempt to live with peace, love and charity in their heart.
4
Well now, here's a beautiful thought: "what unites the two of us in friendship and collaboration is not shared politics or the same religion. It is something simpler: a shared belief in compassion, in human dignity, in the intrinsic usefulness of every person to contribute positively for a better and more meaningful world."
If only I thought that at least half of the country really DID have a "shared belief in compassion, in human dignity"!!
You tell us Mr Brooks - without hiding behind His Holiness - where is this belief in compassion and human dignity within Donald Trump's campaign? Where is this belief in almost anything the republican party says or does??
I'd really like to know, because I'm not seeing it, not hearing it, not feeling it. So you tell me, Mr Brooks - where's the compassion on the right?? Of course, I mean where is it in terms of ACTIONS, not just feel-good blather.
Please show us what you've got on your side in this regard, because all I see is an overgrown child with behavior problems holding a junk deck of cards, spewing and bluffing - but he's got lots of raving individuals with guns on his side.
Gee, why am I not feeling very optimistic?
If only I thought that at least half of the country really DID have a "shared belief in compassion, in human dignity"!!
You tell us Mr Brooks - without hiding behind His Holiness - where is this belief in compassion and human dignity within Donald Trump's campaign? Where is this belief in almost anything the republican party says or does??
I'd really like to know, because I'm not seeing it, not hearing it, not feeling it. So you tell me, Mr Brooks - where's the compassion on the right?? Of course, I mean where is it in terms of ACTIONS, not just feel-good blather.
Please show us what you've got on your side in this regard, because all I see is an overgrown child with behavior problems holding a junk deck of cards, spewing and bluffing - but he's got lots of raving individuals with guns on his side.
Gee, why am I not feeling very optimistic?
11
"Nam Myoho Renge Kyo" Dali Lama, Bless YOU...!
3
There's a good reason why there are so many Reader Comments on this subject. It strikes an important nerve of complete truth. JGAIA
If only the Dalai Lama were on the ballot!
2
HHXIVDL: Blessings, and thank you for keeping us in your thoughts.
2
Its not about religion. Oh that he were running for president. He wants a citizenry that participates in the wellbeing of everyone in our society--to work with the human being--that that be our priority. He wants leadership to make that important ....again. We are ever fearful....as we dig a well for protection....but let's offer a hand out of the hole.
2
Simply put, LIGHTEN THE LOAD!!
The message here is completely undermined by one of the messengers. Brooks worships at the alter of unfettered and unregulated capitalism whose end objective is to remove all inefficiencies (most people) from standing in the way of maximizing profit for their corporate masters and then reducing all taxes on same corporate masters.
Its disappointing that the Dalai Lama has allowed himself to be used in this way.
Its disappointing that the Dalai Lama has allowed himself to be used in this way.
12
Despite Mr. Brooks' name this is the kind of kumbaya piece for which liberals get an eye roll from me. And I am a lefty. Brexit, Trump, right wing parties gaining in Europe is rooted in the to kick down and fear of the brown people becoming too many. We're not all good people, some are less so, less educated and selfish.
So the 1st world isn't gaining in wealth as much as before? So be it, we can also make sacrifices, share the booty, take in refugees, beef up security and give up some of the privileges we've been born with. Times are changing and if it's not always in your favor and that's unacceptable to you need to grow up.
So the 1st world isn't gaining in wealth as much as before? So be it, we can also make sacrifices, share the booty, take in refugees, beef up security and give up some of the privileges we've been born with. Times are changing and if it's not always in your favor and that's unacceptable to you need to grow up.
2
I thank his holiness for this outsider's perspective. Indeed, this is the great failure of our economic system: we need more than goods and services, we need to be needed as well. With automation, the need for work naturally diminishes. But ironically, the only ways to create more work for everyone are exactly those that would most offend Mr. Brooks: deliberately reducing efficiency by banning automation, restricting trade, or strengthening unions; or creating artificial demand through regulation or taxation and government spending, or by reducing wealth inequality.
1
Humanity has changed since we're now able to see and hear one another in real-time. The different circumstances in which we live can be shocking. These are the first impressions of a new human collective nervous system. But, as Maslow's basic needs for survival are broadly met, the various circumstances of people's lives will be subsumed by an underlying affection humans have for our kind. This innate but still unrealized magnetic attraction humanity shares with one another will inevitably come forward as inequality lessens and our true natures flourish in a multitude of diverse yet united understanding and love.
This is our inevitable human future, if we can keep from killing ourselves in this collective adolescence we're currently experiencing. Even now, the signs of service to one another are growing exponentially, even furthered by misdirected examples we see daily. In this moment, I can become Thou, and we can see and treat one another as we would be treated. We can see the end in the beginning and be there even today.
This is our inevitable human future, if we can keep from killing ourselves in this collective adolescence we're currently experiencing. Even now, the signs of service to one another are growing exponentially, even furthered by misdirected examples we see daily. In this moment, I can become Thou, and we can see and treat one another as we would be treated. We can see the end in the beginning and be there even today.
2
Black Americans have been needed in America. First as slaves denied their humanity. Then as second class citizens denied their equality. Feeling unneeded is a white luxury that translates into if we don't have our enslaved and discriminated against blacks then who are we going to look down upon to maintain our superior status.
Feeling and being treated as human beings is what blacks need. Being needed as a unique innate lazy, ignorant, immoral and violent criminal caste is not good for blacks.
No theocratic Dalai Lama nor conservative sage knows anything meaningful and real about how black lives are experienced in the USA. This piece is philosophical theological socioeconomic political educational nonsense.
Feeling and being treated as human beings is what blacks need. Being needed as a unique innate lazy, ignorant, immoral and violent criminal caste is not good for blacks.
No theocratic Dalai Lama nor conservative sage knows anything meaningful and real about how black lives are experienced in the USA. This piece is philosophical theological socioeconomic political educational nonsense.
1
Aside from the obvious misery that unemployment and underemployment bring, part of the problem also stems from how our society teaches us to value ourselves. Especially men in America derive too much of their identity and sense of self-worth from their jobs. Ask someone who they are and you're most likely to hear "I'm a [JOB TITLE]." This is more than just a social convention, it's hardwired into our cultural belief system.
So yes, the government has to do more to bring jobs back, but to really stem the tide of anger and isolation discussed here, we have to change how we raise our children (and ourselves) so we understand that our worth and value is intrinsic, not tied to employment and financial status.
Hand in glove with that goes a realization that all work deserves equal respect and dignity. The "prestigious" professional who thinks his or her plumber is a member of the lower orders does as much damage to the fabric of American society as any of the preening, self-righteous and "distinguished" members of Congress who now threaten the very basis of our democracy with their pre-fab impeachment plans (evidence not included).
So yes, the government has to do more to bring jobs back, but to really stem the tide of anger and isolation discussed here, we have to change how we raise our children (and ourselves) so we understand that our worth and value is intrinsic, not tied to employment and financial status.
Hand in glove with that goes a realization that all work deserves equal respect and dignity. The "prestigious" professional who thinks his or her plumber is a member of the lower orders does as much damage to the fabric of American society as any of the preening, self-righteous and "distinguished" members of Congress who now threaten the very basis of our democracy with their pre-fab impeachment plans (evidence not included).
2
It begins, I think, with people who do not value and respect the work of others. Not just the most menial tasks, but even the most necessary jobs. As a society we no longer hold teachers, nurses, or even ministers in esteem, or consider their occupations essential. If we as adults do not place value on the work of teachers, how can we expect our children to do so? And part of showing that value is paying everyone a living wage.
But worth starts with self-worth. People have to see what they do as intrinsically valuable to society. The mail carrier and garbage collector are as important as the doctor. Once self-esteem is an integral part of each person's life, esteem for the work and importance of others follows naturally. Remember Jimmy Buffett: "It's my job, and that's enough reason."
Once you have self-esteem, and then hold the occupations of others in high regard, the last step is showing gratitude for their labor. If I'm clearing my driveway and the city plow drives past, I at least wave, and even occasionally stop the driver to thank him. I thank the lawn service employee who stops his mower so the dog and I can walk past without a shower of lawn clippings. I talk to the policeman parked at the corner. If a hotel employee does me a special favor, I make sure the management knows about it. I'm not perfect - I can be curt with the fast food worker who confuses my order - but I try.
But worth starts with self-worth. People have to see what they do as intrinsically valuable to society. The mail carrier and garbage collector are as important as the doctor. Once self-esteem is an integral part of each person's life, esteem for the work and importance of others follows naturally. Remember Jimmy Buffett: "It's my job, and that's enough reason."
Once you have self-esteem, and then hold the occupations of others in high regard, the last step is showing gratitude for their labor. If I'm clearing my driveway and the city plow drives past, I at least wave, and even occasionally stop the driver to thank him. I thank the lawn service employee who stops his mower so the dog and I can walk past without a shower of lawn clippings. I talk to the policeman parked at the corner. If a hotel employee does me a special favor, I make sure the management knows about it. I'm not perfect - I can be curt with the fast food worker who confuses my order - but I try.
2
Although I am female, I do believe that women entering the workforce has had a negative impact on males in certain societies. The drive to empower women has had the unintended consequence of edging men out from the workforce in developed countries and in developing countries the drive for equality of educational opportunities for girls is also marginalising men in those societies. Women, having been given a shot at independence, no longer need to depend on men to be breadwinners. Sadly, males have become the vulnerable ones. Sad but true.
For centuries women have earned their worth without jobs. Perhaps these men should pick up a dust rag or vacuum cleaner.
9
We have to seriously think of euthanasia in this country. Choice. Get rid of the taboo. For some there is no point in living after a certain age. Dignity.
“All the world’s major faiths teach love, compassion and tolerance.”
No they don’t. Perpetuating this particular mindless and mythical meme has really got to stop. Not just because it’s not even remotely close to being true, but because it’s a rather important point to understand if we are to take the rest of this op-ed seriously. There are better and worse paths towards cultivating love, compassion and tolerance,. and thus towards alleviating social/general/existential anxiety. Some paths foster these virtues, while others are antithetical to them.
Not all faiths/religions/ideologies/philosophies are the same. The Dalai Lama surely knows this, which is why it’s perplexing that he decided to write that at all.
No they don’t. Perpetuating this particular mindless and mythical meme has really got to stop. Not just because it’s not even remotely close to being true, but because it’s a rather important point to understand if we are to take the rest of this op-ed seriously. There are better and worse paths towards cultivating love, compassion and tolerance,. and thus towards alleviating social/general/existential anxiety. Some paths foster these virtues, while others are antithetical to them.
Not all faiths/religions/ideologies/philosophies are the same. The Dalai Lama surely knows this, which is why it’s perplexing that he decided to write that at all.
5
I would add to what the DALAI LAMA says. It is not just about the fear of being unneeded but about the esteem of being a contributor to the society. Both these may seem similar but are different especially for many humans. For some, the fear of being unneeded is enough to cause despair while for some being needed is not enough. Being cared is not enough. Their esteem demands that they need to be a positive value adder to the society and when does not happen, anxiety and gloom creeps in. I have experienced it first hand. Human life is complex and yet there is so much to learn every day. If we can pick ourselves up from a dark, lonely day, brave the night and be there the next day and maintain that quest for adventure, that aptitude for life, chances are one day, we will see the light. So guys, keep walking and the smiles are not too far away!
There are so many opportunities just in your local community to volunteer or do part time work. Social work, church, school, retirement/old age homes. A plethora of experiences and opportunities await. However, you must reach out and become engaged in your community.
Abjectly shallow.
"How strange, then, to see such anger and great discontent in some of the world’s richest nations." Strange to whom?
We're a social species, accordingly our most valuable, coveted, and competed for resource is people. In a developed democratic society this competition is bound to be fiercer than in a primitive tribal or autocratic one.
"one shocking experiment, researchers found that senior citizens who didn’t feel useful to others were nearly three times as likely to die prematurely" Seniors, unlike young people, can't die prematurely.
"We all need to be needed."
No, we need to FEEL needed; there's a sea of difference between the two. The author's conclusion that we "need to be needed" implies a scary and destructive mindset of entitlement. The fact that you were born does not automatically mean anyone or anything needs you. However, you can make yourself FEEL needed through a relentless pursuit of relevance to others by fighting for status and visibility. In a developed society, there are always winners (few) to whom go the spoils and invisible losers (many) left to suffer.
"Leaders need to recognize that a compassionate society must create a wealth of opportunities for meaningful work..."
You can't legislate compassion. We need an economically and technologically advanced society, where compassion is a free choice.
I'd venture to guess that there's more compassion in Mongolia than in USA, China, and Japan together.
"How strange, then, to see such anger and great discontent in some of the world’s richest nations." Strange to whom?
We're a social species, accordingly our most valuable, coveted, and competed for resource is people. In a developed democratic society this competition is bound to be fiercer than in a primitive tribal or autocratic one.
"one shocking experiment, researchers found that senior citizens who didn’t feel useful to others were nearly three times as likely to die prematurely" Seniors, unlike young people, can't die prematurely.
"We all need to be needed."
No, we need to FEEL needed; there's a sea of difference between the two. The author's conclusion that we "need to be needed" implies a scary and destructive mindset of entitlement. The fact that you were born does not automatically mean anyone or anything needs you. However, you can make yourself FEEL needed through a relentless pursuit of relevance to others by fighting for status and visibility. In a developed society, there are always winners (few) to whom go the spoils and invisible losers (many) left to suffer.
"Leaders need to recognize that a compassionate society must create a wealth of opportunities for meaningful work..."
You can't legislate compassion. We need an economically and technologically advanced society, where compassion is a free choice.
I'd venture to guess that there's more compassion in Mongolia than in USA, China, and Japan together.
1
At the heart of this disenchantment with the society is our attachment to acquire material things and compete with your neighbors. Societies that are more focused on warding off competition instead of embracing change and retooling themselves are going to lag behind . Instead of hankering for utopia, we must find ways to reinvent ourselves and adapt to the changing times. Wishing changes and competition away is not going to make America great again.
2
The Dalai Lame repeatedly asserts the PC line that all the major religions teach tolerance, compassion and love. But this is simply not true. There is one major religion, in particular, that teaches absolute submission to harsh laws, intolerance of all non-believers, hegemonic male supremacy, extreme censorship of speech, writing, and artistic expression, and conversion by force.
Can you guess which one it is?
Please, people, we may fervently wish for a world as depicted by the Dalai Lama, but asserting it is so, does not make it so! Unfortunately, the actual world is fraught with problems of all kinds, including ruinous ideologies. We will not overcome such unless we face the truth.
Can you guess which one it is?
Please, people, we may fervently wish for a world as depicted by the Dalai Lama, but asserting it is so, does not make it so! Unfortunately, the actual world is fraught with problems of all kinds, including ruinous ideologies. We will not overcome such unless we face the truth.
3
I can guess which religion you are referring to. It is Evangelical Christianity as it impinges its beliefs and US politics.
3
i believe you can argue on behalf of almost every decade by saying "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times".
However, i'm still not clear on what separates being "needed" from being "needy".
However, i'm still not clear on what separates being "needed" from being "needy".
Yes, and when bellies are full, a deeper hunger appears. To be needed and also a longing for a spiritual quest which demands a digging deeper instead of a set of pacifying systems of belief which fall short and are not enough to get us through these times. Politics must be nourished by a relevant and heartfelt ; existential substratum inclusive and transcendent. The merging of spirit and matter...
1
While we are discussing the truth that everyone should feel needed, we must not fail to mention its critical counterpart, that is, that not everything on the planet should be framed in terms of human need. Why is it that organized religion in the 21st century, when the planet is teeming with more than 7 billion People, still fails to acknowledge the critical mandate for human population control?
164
Everything coming from the American Enterprise Institute is depressing, even when cloaked in Tibetan philosophy. Fact. The United States is in reality still divided along the same lines that broke into Civil War when Lincoln was elected. The South was defeated on the battle field, but was victorious in Congress, where our civil war rumbles on and on and on. AEI would like us to look the other way. But this latest tact makes me hoot. Republicans can't make up their minds: we're so well off that no one feels needed anymore, or America is a catastrophe and Trump will make it "great" again. AEI is an alt-right think tank and propaganda machine. I'm anxious because the GOP is openly advocating the overthrow of democracy by failing to concede to a Democratic election of a Democrat president. Let me be clear. I'm anxious because of you Arthur C Brooks and the self-serving agenda of the AEI. Koch brothers anyone? How stupid you must think we are, hiding behind the Dalai Lama. I don't need to be needed. This hog wash is so transparent as to be insulting.
1
These days there is a universal human hunger to be in power, especially if you're a white heterosexual male. As a group, these men are losing their power and it frightens the hell out of them. A black man is president; a woman hopefully will be the next president;more and more women are earning degrees and are in the workforce, slowly, oh so slowly, gaining positions of authority; minorities are growing and white people will be the minority in the US within years. A Republican Congress has blocked President Obama even when he threw out ideas that were theirs a few years before and they've promised to block Hillary Clinton if she's elected. Republican senators are saying they won't approve nominees to the Supreme Court so that they won't lose the conservative hold they've had for two generations.
Build a wall; evict undocumented people; disrespect women, those with disabilities, and anyone else who isn't like Donald Trump; vet immigrants based on their religion; cut social security, Medicare, Medicaid, and taxes for the rich; throw the ACA in the trash; and for god's sake don't elect a nasty woman to the highest office. Yes, let's make America great again, like it was when women, minorities, the sick, and the elderly had no power! Sigh.
I'm an older white woman with two sons and it makes me sick. And if you want to talk about religion, when are women going to be in positions of power? When was the Dalai Lama ever a woman? It's all about power, not feeling needed.
Build a wall; evict undocumented people; disrespect women, those with disabilities, and anyone else who isn't like Donald Trump; vet immigrants based on their religion; cut social security, Medicare, Medicaid, and taxes for the rich; throw the ACA in the trash; and for god's sake don't elect a nasty woman to the highest office. Yes, let's make America great again, like it was when women, minorities, the sick, and the elderly had no power! Sigh.
I'm an older white woman with two sons and it makes me sick. And if you want to talk about religion, when are women going to be in positions of power? When was the Dalai Lama ever a woman? It's all about power, not feeling needed.
4
Yesterday in a email conversation with a friend I sent him this; "Meanwhile I send you this; from Noam Chomsky’s recollection about something Dean Burnham once wrote, “…the inability to participate in a meaningful fashion in the political arena may have a rather important psychic effect. …People will find some ways of identifying themselves, becoming associated with others. taking part in something. They’re going to do it in some way or another. If they don’t have the option to participate in labor unions or in political organizations that actually function, they’ll find other ways. Religious Fundamentalism (or in this case tribal/Trumpian fundamentalism) is a classic example."
Trump will hopefully lose this election, but Trumpism will not go away.
It will be incumbent for President Clinton to put America to work. Everyone put their ears to the winds of history and hear the echoes of the ethos of FDR. Meaningful work for all will reunite America.
Trump will hopefully lose this election, but Trumpism will not go away.
It will be incumbent for President Clinton to put America to work. Everyone put their ears to the winds of history and hear the echoes of the ethos of FDR. Meaningful work for all will reunite America.
1
Bromides and platitudes.
The left's fascination with hippy-dippy mysticism is a constant source of great amusement to me. Aren't they supposed to be the "Super Smart People™?"
Guantanamo is still open, the Nobel Peace Prize recipient is still droning at will, we are in the middle of at least three wars, the manufacturing sector has been destroyed by terrible deals made by terrible people with terrible countries, etc. etc. etc.
We need to be needed? There's some Frank Burns level thinking for you: It's nice to be nice to the nice...
The left's fascination with hippy-dippy mysticism is a constant source of great amusement to me. Aren't they supposed to be the "Super Smart People™?"
Guantanamo is still open, the Nobel Peace Prize recipient is still droning at will, we are in the middle of at least three wars, the manufacturing sector has been destroyed by terrible deals made by terrible people with terrible countries, etc. etc. etc.
We need to be needed? There's some Frank Burns level thinking for you: It's nice to be nice to the nice...
1
The fear that people feel is fueled by stories of a future where robots, computers and artifical intelligence will replace the labor of humans who are left to wonder "where will I fit in to this type of world". Society continues to change at a frightening pace. I put this into perspective by considering how people felt in the early 1900's when faced with the change from agriculture to industry, telephones speeding up communication, and new values and mores coming into society. There must have been culture shock then but they survived and thrived. We will too because the United States is made up of strong people who overcame adversity in other countries before arriving here and we have their DNA.
It amazed me,all those years ago,when I thought, how come communism doesn't even try to incorporate capitalism into its doctrine. They are both the perfect medium for power and greed. Somehow we all thought capitalism and democracy were somehow joined at the hip. Not seeing one as an economic system and the other as a political system. Finally the passion of greed has infected both political systems. And now in both political systems the individual is cut out., an and illusion of being part of the system is almost hallucinogenic.
All around the developed world economic systems without individualism. Fewer innovators. Fewer workers. Artificial intelligence replacing individual intelligence.
Manufacturing systems are being replaced by service systems and poorly run ones at that. First world countries with second rate medical standards, which where once nonprofit have become mostly for profit.
So why are people frustrated? Why has hatred evolved? Why has religion not developed an equality between men and women?
You know that slippery slope? We're on it.
All around the developed world economic systems without individualism. Fewer innovators. Fewer workers. Artificial intelligence replacing individual intelligence.
Manufacturing systems are being replaced by service systems and poorly run ones at that. First world countries with second rate medical standards, which where once nonprofit have become mostly for profit.
So why are people frustrated? Why has hatred evolved? Why has religion not developed an equality between men and women?
You know that slippery slope? We're on it.
Fear of being unneeded? I don't think women know what that is. There's an elephant in the room. Start by making women equals. No mention of that here. What a boatload. The Dalai Lama said he would like to be reincarnated as a mischievous blond woman and "her face must be very attractive (or) nobody (will) pay much attention". That tells you all you need to know about the world's regard for women.
People have been making sacrifices all along, but guess what? They are mostly women! Time for men to step up, make some sacrifices, and do some of the boring grunt work. Get off your high horses, stop excluding and trying to control women - and do your own laundry! You will feel needed. Then watch the world evolve into a better place where being needed isn't conflated with being used and abused for half of the population.
People have been making sacrifices all along, but guess what? They are mostly women! Time for men to step up, make some sacrifices, and do some of the boring grunt work. Get off your high horses, stop excluding and trying to control women - and do your own laundry! You will feel needed. Then watch the world evolve into a better place where being needed isn't conflated with being used and abused for half of the population.
4
"We need to make sure that global brotherhood and oneness with others are not just abstract ideas that we profess, but personal commitments that we mindfully put into practice."
Nice idea, but not click-worthy, so will not catch on. Media thrives on divisiveness.
Also, nice, idea, but how many men, for example, are now taking on locker room talk among their colleagues and acquaintances and saying "no more."
I know several men who've encountered it of late and kept their mouths shut. Didn't want to rock the boat, they said.
And now, the story in today's NYT about Harvard soccer players abusive practice of rating female soccer recruits in lewd, disgusting terms.
This is the easy stuff to root out. Gentlemen?
Nice idea, but not click-worthy, so will not catch on. Media thrives on divisiveness.
Also, nice, idea, but how many men, for example, are now taking on locker room talk among their colleagues and acquaintances and saying "no more."
I know several men who've encountered it of late and kept their mouths shut. Didn't want to rock the boat, they said.
And now, the story in today's NYT about Harvard soccer players abusive practice of rating female soccer recruits in lewd, disgusting terms.
This is the easy stuff to root out. Gentlemen?
2
"In many ways, there has never been a better time to be alive."
Gee, really, lets count the refugees, lets count the hungry, lets count the working poor, lets count the children with crap parents, lets count the seniors who after a lifetime of work can barely keep a roof over their heads, lets count the daily unjust acts perpetrated by the powerful on the powerless. This naive Goody Two Shoes homily makes me sick and it is hard to believe the Dali Lama would allow his name to be affixed.
"And yet, fewer among us are poor, fewer are hungry, fewer children are dying, and more men and women can read than ever before. In many countries, recognition of women’s and minority rights is now the norm. There is still much work to do, of course, but there is hope and there is progress."
How nice, I don't know about the per capita or percentage reality of these claims. What I do know is that we, the world, have millions if not billions of people on the wrong side of this paragraph.
And rather than attributing not being needed, the fact of meaninglessness experienced by so many is closer to the truth. Many who are needed are unhappy in the extreme. Of course expecting Brooks to be aware of the feelings experienced by the many who serve the public would be too much too ask. Go into our schools, hospitals, prisons.
Never mind environmental and economic meltdown.
Gee, really, lets count the refugees, lets count the hungry, lets count the working poor, lets count the children with crap parents, lets count the seniors who after a lifetime of work can barely keep a roof over their heads, lets count the daily unjust acts perpetrated by the powerful on the powerless. This naive Goody Two Shoes homily makes me sick and it is hard to believe the Dali Lama would allow his name to be affixed.
"And yet, fewer among us are poor, fewer are hungry, fewer children are dying, and more men and women can read than ever before. In many countries, recognition of women’s and minority rights is now the norm. There is still much work to do, of course, but there is hope and there is progress."
How nice, I don't know about the per capita or percentage reality of these claims. What I do know is that we, the world, have millions if not billions of people on the wrong side of this paragraph.
And rather than attributing not being needed, the fact of meaninglessness experienced by so many is closer to the truth. Many who are needed are unhappy in the extreme. Of course expecting Brooks to be aware of the feelings experienced by the many who serve the public would be too much too ask. Go into our schools, hospitals, prisons.
Never mind environmental and economic meltdown.
1
Lovely thoughts, but what solutions do they provide, where do they lead?
I'll tell you where.
End free trade.
Impose tariffs to the extent necessary to bring sufficient production back to America to provide employment at a living wage for all Americans. This will probably result in a decline in living standards, prices will go up on some things, but prices are too low on many things anyway. There is too much of everything too cheap. It is time to sacrifice some productivity, forego some comparative advantage, in exchange for a more equitable distribution of wealth, and to make available to all Americans the feeling of being needed.
I'll tell you where.
End free trade.
Impose tariffs to the extent necessary to bring sufficient production back to America to provide employment at a living wage for all Americans. This will probably result in a decline in living standards, prices will go up on some things, but prices are too low on many things anyway. There is too much of everything too cheap. It is time to sacrifice some productivity, forego some comparative advantage, in exchange for a more equitable distribution of wealth, and to make available to all Americans the feeling of being needed.
I love the message, but messages like this are most effective when coupled with a least a couple concrete suggestions.
As jobs are freed up from automation, we should direct people toward jobs and opportunities where humans matter most.
1. Our schools simply do not have enough loving role models and caring adults. The people in them are great, but having more good men and women in schools is the number one place we should be re-directing our workforce that is freed up from more menial labor.
2. Many of the elderly in our country are lonely. More visitation and integration with the elderly community benefits both the young and old.
3. Art will always be relevant. We should seek to employ more people to beautify our cities and our countryside with unique art, empowering artists while sparking the imagination and awe of viewers.
4. Music too will always be relevant. Music in public places and private places alike brings joy to musicians and audiences.
5. Disability programs should be constantly working to find small and big ways those on disability can still participate in meaningful ways. We need a more flexible vision of what contributions mean. Particularly with the advent of video services and online platforms, there will be many meaningful jobs possible today for those on disability or those who are otherwise physically limited.
How to pay for this? Slightly increase progressive taxes. Invest in humanity. Create middle-class jobs and beauty and meaning for all.
As jobs are freed up from automation, we should direct people toward jobs and opportunities where humans matter most.
1. Our schools simply do not have enough loving role models and caring adults. The people in them are great, but having more good men and women in schools is the number one place we should be re-directing our workforce that is freed up from more menial labor.
2. Many of the elderly in our country are lonely. More visitation and integration with the elderly community benefits both the young and old.
3. Art will always be relevant. We should seek to employ more people to beautify our cities and our countryside with unique art, empowering artists while sparking the imagination and awe of viewers.
4. Music too will always be relevant. Music in public places and private places alike brings joy to musicians and audiences.
5. Disability programs should be constantly working to find small and big ways those on disability can still participate in meaningful ways. We need a more flexible vision of what contributions mean. Particularly with the advent of video services and online platforms, there will be many meaningful jobs possible today for those on disability or those who are otherwise physically limited.
How to pay for this? Slightly increase progressive taxes. Invest in humanity. Create middle-class jobs and beauty and meaning for all.
2
In order to have a compassionate society, it's necessary for people to see each other as being connected, as being a part of a greater brother/sisterhood. Yet, here in the US, the essence of our politics is an us vs. them, what's-in-it-for-me mentality. And we've now reached a point where even a democratic election isn't respected, and won't result in any consensus or cooperation. The irony, of course, is that everyone wants more or less the same basic things: peace, health, prosperity, security, love and friendship, a sense of community, happiness (a result of everything?) . We just disagree on the form they will take, and how best to achieve them. And our politicians highlight and exploit these differences for their own ends.
It's nice to talk about everyone recognizing and taking the responsibility to act for the common good, but, regrettably, the average person is simply too small-minded to do so on their own. We need leaders with vision and moral authority to guide us and unite us. And the true tragedy of our sickening political season is that neither of the meaningful choices we have fits that bill. One, of course, is unapologetically mean-spirited and divisive, and the other, while possibly having her heart in the right place, is too ethically murky and personally unlikeable to stand any chance of bringing us all together. So as bad as things already are, it looks like, for the time being anyway, they're going to get even worse. Sad.
Dalai Lama for President, anyone?
It's nice to talk about everyone recognizing and taking the responsibility to act for the common good, but, regrettably, the average person is simply too small-minded to do so on their own. We need leaders with vision and moral authority to guide us and unite us. And the true tragedy of our sickening political season is that neither of the meaningful choices we have fits that bill. One, of course, is unapologetically mean-spirited and divisive, and the other, while possibly having her heart in the right place, is too ethically murky and personally unlikeable to stand any chance of bringing us all together. So as bad as things already are, it looks like, for the time being anyway, they're going to get even worse. Sad.
Dalai Lama for President, anyone?
1
We get depressed when our ability to give is blocked in some way.
2
When the world seems to have gone crazy with all manner of cruelty, nastiness, ugliness and selfishness the only possible way for positive progress, hope and happiness to to begin on our own 'doorsteps', in our own small worlds. We need each other's help and kindnesses. Even one tiny action of warmth and kindness will have an effect. We have to believe that the small ripples will spread into a big ocean. I'd like to quote the following,
"ANYWAY"
People are unreasonable,
illogical and self-centred,
LOVE THEM ANYWAY
If you do good, people will accuse you
of selfish, ulterior motives,
DO GOOD ANYWAY
If you are successful,
you win false friends and true enemies,
SUCCEED ANYWAY
The good you do
will be forgotten tomorrow,
DO GOOD ANYWAY
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable,
BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY
What you spent years building
may be destroyed overnight,
BUILD ANYWAY
People really need help
but may attack you if you help them
HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY
Give the world the best you have
and you'll get kicked in the teeth
GIVE THE WORLD
THE BEST YOU'VE GOT ANYWAY.
(from the book 'A Simple Path')
For me, it's worth trying.
"ANYWAY"
People are unreasonable,
illogical and self-centred,
LOVE THEM ANYWAY
If you do good, people will accuse you
of selfish, ulterior motives,
DO GOOD ANYWAY
If you are successful,
you win false friends and true enemies,
SUCCEED ANYWAY
The good you do
will be forgotten tomorrow,
DO GOOD ANYWAY
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable,
BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY
What you spent years building
may be destroyed overnight,
BUILD ANYWAY
People really need help
but may attack you if you help them
HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY
Give the world the best you have
and you'll get kicked in the teeth
GIVE THE WORLD
THE BEST YOU'VE GOT ANYWAY.
(from the book 'A Simple Path')
For me, it's worth trying.
6
Well said, Mary!
Thanks Mary.
Two things strike me about this article and the appurtenant comments:
1. How many would take the Dalai Lama seriously if they knew he was a self avowed Marxist and someone who wants to restore a feudal theocracy in Tibet?
2. I thought Americans were supposed to be rugged individualists. Why all the whining on this page about feeling useless, especially from the President of the ultra right wing, Koch-funded AEI? If you feel unneeded, don't expect the government to help you. The American way is to find some way to make yourself useful.
1. How many would take the Dalai Lama seriously if they knew he was a self avowed Marxist and someone who wants to restore a feudal theocracy in Tibet?
2. I thought Americans were supposed to be rugged individualists. Why all the whining on this page about feeling useless, especially from the President of the ultra right wing, Koch-funded AEI? If you feel unneeded, don't expect the government to help you. The American way is to find some way to make yourself useful.
4
Yes, I agree that everyone needs to feel needed, and that is completely different from the need to feel important. There is so much need in our country and the world that absolutely anyone has unlimited, even overwhelming. opportunities to be useful.
My anxiety and dissatisfaction, when I allow it to surface, stems from other unsolved issues: Increasing inequality, widespread pollution, divisive and corrupt politics, corporate takeover, wild west gun culture, still unsolved perpetual toxic nuclear waste storage, wildlife decline...
For myself, I'm old, I've had a good long run. My anxiety is for the horrific future that is our legacy to the grandkids. Unspeakable.
My anxiety and dissatisfaction, when I allow it to surface, stems from other unsolved issues: Increasing inequality, widespread pollution, divisive and corrupt politics, corporate takeover, wild west gun culture, still unsolved perpetual toxic nuclear waste storage, wildlife decline...
For myself, I'm old, I've had a good long run. My anxiety is for the horrific future that is our legacy to the grandkids. Unspeakable.
6
It's hard to be critical of the Dalai Lama, and I certainly appreciate the essence of this piece.
What troubles me, however, is the challenge of responding to the hate emanating from the right wing of the political spectrum here and in Europe. To them life is a zero sum game. For them to "win," everyone else has to lose. Black, women, immigrants, liberals. The right wing sees them as justifiable victims in their scorched earth politics and policies. And many of those with this kind of hate in their hearts will probably assert that they are good people, breadwinners, family people. They go to church on Sunday and may be integral parts of their communities. But the hate they display is visceral, coming from a place where the rest of us might have a soul, and compassion.
If Hillary wins, how does she overcome that? How can you possibly be a uniter in the face of this hatred? President Obama tried, but I would have to say that he failed.
And, regardless of who wins, how do you contain this hatred from turning into something far worse?
So, great, thoughtful ideas here. But I'm not particularly optimistic.
What troubles me, however, is the challenge of responding to the hate emanating from the right wing of the political spectrum here and in Europe. To them life is a zero sum game. For them to "win," everyone else has to lose. Black, women, immigrants, liberals. The right wing sees them as justifiable victims in their scorched earth politics and policies. And many of those with this kind of hate in their hearts will probably assert that they are good people, breadwinners, family people. They go to church on Sunday and may be integral parts of their communities. But the hate they display is visceral, coming from a place where the rest of us might have a soul, and compassion.
If Hillary wins, how does she overcome that? How can you possibly be a uniter in the face of this hatred? President Obama tried, but I would have to say that he failed.
And, regardless of who wins, how do you contain this hatred from turning into something far worse?
So, great, thoughtful ideas here. But I'm not particularly optimistic.
145
Matt,
In our republic, you vote out the haters. To do that, we need the non-haters to vote. Too many of them don't, I suspect. There can't be more haters than non-haters, but right now they're "winning". Until we as a people get sick and tired enough of our "representatives" and their "leadership," we get the government we deserve.
We start by voting only for those who don't hate. There are enough of them in either party to replace the hundreds in Congress who hate.
In our republic, you vote out the haters. To do that, we need the non-haters to vote. Too many of them don't, I suspect. There can't be more haters than non-haters, but right now they're "winning". Until we as a people get sick and tired enough of our "representatives" and their "leadership," we get the government we deserve.
We start by voting only for those who don't hate. There are enough of them in either party to replace the hundreds in Congress who hate.
"To them life is a zero sum game....many of those with this kind of hate in their hearts will probably assert that they are good people, breadwinners, family people..."
I don't consider myself "good people" or bad ones and don't feel very hateful. Yet, I'm not blind either, and can see that in a stagnating competitive environment that our ol' good USA has been since 1970s life IS a zero sum gain.
If it weren't we would not have needed a re-distributor-in-chief.
"President Obama tried..."
No, he didn't, and, frankly, it's not his or gov job to engineer our collective mindset. I, for one, would resist such an attempt no matter how well meaning and would instruct my children to fight it tooth and nail. My ancestors fought hard for freedom of thought and soul.
I don't consider myself "good people" or bad ones and don't feel very hateful. Yet, I'm not blind either, and can see that in a stagnating competitive environment that our ol' good USA has been since 1970s life IS a zero sum gain.
If it weren't we would not have needed a re-distributor-in-chief.
"President Obama tried..."
No, he didn't, and, frankly, it's not his or gov job to engineer our collective mindset. I, for one, would resist such an attempt no matter how well meaning and would instruct my children to fight it tooth and nail. My ancestors fought hard for freedom of thought and soul.
1
Start by not hating yourself. There is a lot of hate coming from both sides of the spectrum. When you say that you want, not enough food, nor enough housing, nor enough of any specific thing, but rather, to be "equal" to someone else in the sense of having an equal amount of whatever they have, you are placing a value on them having less as much as someone else having more. you are saying that they have to lose. of course they won't like it, especially if, while they have more of one thing, they have less of another (time? life expectancy? concern by society or the government?)
1
Everyone seeks meaning. That is, consciously or subconsciously we all must ask do I matter? Do I have value? It is a basic psychobiologic need. There is little escaping it. And it has a lot of relevance for human health.
As a society, we are too often sold that meaning comes from the external-how much money one makes, their external physicality (attractiveness, athleticism), control over others (power), the car they drive, the title of their job.
True meaning comes from connection to other living beings. The biologic necessity for this is unmistakable. That connection is interrupted by the many distractions that we all have. Too much media, and in particular, too much negative media, enhancing fear and anxiety. That fear and anxiety separates us from the ability to give more readily, to think about others. It works against our innate predisposition.
The antidote? Kindness. Giving. Kindness is a way to connect with others. To establish meaning that reaches that fundamental biologic need. Darwin recognized this. Adam Smith recognized this. And many others. And it is an interesting observation that people who volunteer tend to live longer and have lower death rates than those who do not. Why?
So aside from stepping out of the media saturated world, join a service organization. Help others. Reconnect on a regular and sustainable basis. It is called the "helper's high" for good reason.
Have a nice day, to all of you!
As a society, we are too often sold that meaning comes from the external-how much money one makes, their external physicality (attractiveness, athleticism), control over others (power), the car they drive, the title of their job.
True meaning comes from connection to other living beings. The biologic necessity for this is unmistakable. That connection is interrupted by the many distractions that we all have. Too much media, and in particular, too much negative media, enhancing fear and anxiety. That fear and anxiety separates us from the ability to give more readily, to think about others. It works against our innate predisposition.
The antidote? Kindness. Giving. Kindness is a way to connect with others. To establish meaning that reaches that fundamental biologic need. Darwin recognized this. Adam Smith recognized this. And many others. And it is an interesting observation that people who volunteer tend to live longer and have lower death rates than those who do not. Why?
So aside from stepping out of the media saturated world, join a service organization. Help others. Reconnect on a regular and sustainable basis. It is called the "helper's high" for good reason.
Have a nice day, to all of you!
1
These wise words have resonated in the lives of individuals for centuries. Our history and our personal recollections resonate with this experiences. But the sense of loss of purpose, particularly in the West flows from a deeper more significant problem. We have organized every aspect of our lives around an economic system that is in exact opposite to the message of the 'compassionate society.'
While we embrace compassion in our personal lives, we mistakenly believe that our broader social lives are magically separate from our home, family or immediate neighborhood. So we support a social order that says that anything that is of value must be a commodity and if it's not, we must turn it into one.
So every aspect of our lives is now driven by the voracious appetite of consumption and profit. A painting is valued for its price tag, not its beauty. Our sacred obligation to educate our children is an investment opportunity. The bottom line is what's important. Even our water and the very air we breath can only be maintained if someone can accumulate sufficient profit from merely allowing us to exist.
The crisis of this new form of capitalism is that it is like a cancer cell; unique in its design and operation, but one that will ultimately devour its host. While we each must cultivate compassion from within, we must work together to recognize and change a social order that has no room for love, brotherhood or compassion. If we fail, the earth itself will take up this challenge.
While we embrace compassion in our personal lives, we mistakenly believe that our broader social lives are magically separate from our home, family or immediate neighborhood. So we support a social order that says that anything that is of value must be a commodity and if it's not, we must turn it into one.
So every aspect of our lives is now driven by the voracious appetite of consumption and profit. A painting is valued for its price tag, not its beauty. Our sacred obligation to educate our children is an investment opportunity. The bottom line is what's important. Even our water and the very air we breath can only be maintained if someone can accumulate sufficient profit from merely allowing us to exist.
The crisis of this new form of capitalism is that it is like a cancer cell; unique in its design and operation, but one that will ultimately devour its host. While we each must cultivate compassion from within, we must work together to recognize and change a social order that has no room for love, brotherhood or compassion. If we fail, the earth itself will take up this challenge.
Add this element to the existential stew:
A single perspective is only one part - one part - of the complete story.
This overlooks that others with a different perspective may be right, too.
So there is the mistake in the underlying thinking.
We've lost the idea that "rightness" can belong to anyone but ourselves.
Do we want to continue to beat on the door of "rightness", or do we want to enter into the building?
I believe that if you parse out Darwin, you will find the truths he defines relating to survival and competition are greater than "Winner take All" reductivism so popular today - a narcissistic projection, I believe.
A single perspective is only one part - one part - of the complete story.
This overlooks that others with a different perspective may be right, too.
So there is the mistake in the underlying thinking.
We've lost the idea that "rightness" can belong to anyone but ourselves.
Do we want to continue to beat on the door of "rightness", or do we want to enter into the building?
I believe that if you parse out Darwin, you will find the truths he defines relating to survival and competition are greater than "Winner take All" reductivism so popular today - a narcissistic projection, I believe.
Respected authors:
We humans are superfluous. At best, we can make a difference in our own lives, and the lives of people we love (I mean really love, and are responsible for). Our role in the cosmos, on the planet, in our country, state, county and neighborhood is an abstraction that is rendered concrete by a few select individuals only for fleeting amounts of time.
It is rational to accept this. To deal with this. To grow intellectually as a result.
It is completely irrational, self-serving, and dangerous to lash out at others because we feel superfluous. Europe is skirting with, nay embracing - if with some hesitation - fascistic thinking and behavior because it regards lashing out at someone as a rational response (in this case brown immigrants, Muslim immigrants). Britain Brexited. I guess they showed us. Norway (with per capita income of over $100,000) is holding Nazi rallies.
And we here will vote for Trump. Yes, the republicans will show us exactly how much damage they can do to the rest of us, exactly how powerful they are. And dare the people elect Hillary, they will impeach her, and stop her from doing anything.
Sorry respected authors: superfluous, weak, hollow people feel superfluous. That gives them no right to lash out, and go nihilistic (as the bulk of the western regions - Hungary to California - are doing).
Please do not, as you do, justify that. Please do not, as you want, have me own this. I do not, and will not.
Much respects. Kalidan
We humans are superfluous. At best, we can make a difference in our own lives, and the lives of people we love (I mean really love, and are responsible for). Our role in the cosmos, on the planet, in our country, state, county and neighborhood is an abstraction that is rendered concrete by a few select individuals only for fleeting amounts of time.
It is rational to accept this. To deal with this. To grow intellectually as a result.
It is completely irrational, self-serving, and dangerous to lash out at others because we feel superfluous. Europe is skirting with, nay embracing - if with some hesitation - fascistic thinking and behavior because it regards lashing out at someone as a rational response (in this case brown immigrants, Muslim immigrants). Britain Brexited. I guess they showed us. Norway (with per capita income of over $100,000) is holding Nazi rallies.
And we here will vote for Trump. Yes, the republicans will show us exactly how much damage they can do to the rest of us, exactly how powerful they are. And dare the people elect Hillary, they will impeach her, and stop her from doing anything.
Sorry respected authors: superfluous, weak, hollow people feel superfluous. That gives them no right to lash out, and go nihilistic (as the bulk of the western regions - Hungary to California - are doing).
Please do not, as you do, justify that. Please do not, as you want, have me own this. I do not, and will not.
Much respects. Kalidan
1
I would also factor in the protracted culture of narcissistic self-obsession as a major obstacle to building a compassionate society: 15-year-old pop star "legends", the Kim Kardashian/Paris Hilton "me, myself, and I" role models, shopaholism, workaholism, fashion hostages, gym zombies, from which at least a sizeable percentage have no interest in helping others, don't even think of it as an integral part of their lives. Suburban living, as well, with one car for each adult family member: (from 2 to 10!) does not engender compassion or altruism, not to mention the social isolation of living strictly within a very narrow cultural demographic.
America was founded on democratic principles, but seems to be imploding from self-indulgence and a feigned sense of deprivation among relatively financially secure people. The poor do not make up the Trump voter base, that is certain.
America was founded on democratic principles, but seems to be imploding from self-indulgence and a feigned sense of deprivation among relatively financially secure people. The poor do not make up the Trump voter base, that is certain.
1
And in this 18 month slog, we have seen it amply demonstrated that there is no person on earth more narcissistic than Donald Trump.
1
His holiness extols his collaborator's commitment to a "belief in compassion, in human dignity." He must be blissfully unaware of the work of the think tank over which Brooks presides. But even this article delves into intellectually lazy false equivalence, saying both sides are responsible, when the rise of European nationalism and this country's determined obstructionism comes only from one side, the side which Brooks loyally represents.
But it is hard to pass on this passage, when the Republican platform, relentlessly shilled for by Brooks, works diametrically against these stated advances:
"And yet, fewer among us are poor, fewer are hungry, fewer children are dying, and more men and women can read than ever before. In many countries, recognition of women’s and minority rights is now the norm. There is still much work to do, of course, but there is hope and there is progress."
But it is hard to pass on this passage, when the Republican platform, relentlessly shilled for by Brooks, works diametrically against these stated advances:
"And yet, fewer among us are poor, fewer are hungry, fewer children are dying, and more men and women can read than ever before. In many countries, recognition of women’s and minority rights is now the norm. There is still much work to do, of course, but there is hope and there is progress."
2
We are not privy here to a rerun of the "odd couple". Their connection is sealed in a sense of traditionalism. The Delai Lama speaks from an ancient view of the world, and its worth of long ago. Mr. Brooks is a conservative Republican who is not strong on the need for social change.. Where the rest of u stands depends on how we hold the measuring stick. If it is vertical then it looks like people are better off than their hunter gatherer forebears. However if it is held horizontal, assessing the potential of the present, it is not as rosy a picture. The have nots live a far more unpleasant distance reality than the haves. The very basics of human survival defined by the modern world, not some moldy reference point, makess it clear this analysis is full of falsehoods. Shirley Chishold wisely said: "I do not measure American by its achievements, but by its potential." A 12+% poverty rate should not be acceptable. Loss of income at non living wages should be unacceptable. Health insurance is still not universal causing excessive deaths. People live on the streets or poor housing. Insecure supposedly protected rights still abound. The casualties of war face us every day.
To make a person feel needed, friends and family are essential while working at a living wage producing products or services that citizens need. That is what fills the bill of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is still a work in progress.
To make a person feel needed, friends and family are essential while working at a living wage producing products or services that citizens need. That is what fills the bill of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is still a work in progress.
Service to others, not in pursuit of personal fortunes or advancement. Service to those genuinely in need and for causes that will increase general welfare and not just of those who already command a disproportionate share of resources. Not all service is equal. And while it is always improving to listen to the measured observations of the Dalai Lama his message of 'service' is one his co-author needs to understand and take to heart. Not all service is equal even if it is a palliative for anxiety. And that is the larger message...
I speak to hundreds of people a week as an outreach coordinator for a non profit homeless organization and I can tell you that the pain people, old and young, are experiencing in this country does not stem from not serving humanity, but from pervasive unemployment that the government hides behind with fake improvement numbers; bloated medical costs (not only high premiums but from hospitals and third party contractors that were not held accountable under Obamacare); losing children from opiate addiction; high cost of food and basic hygiene products; little wage increase outside the financial or technology sectors,....the list goes on. Sure, it is lovely to serve humanity and to be useful, and to give oneself over entirely to a life of sacrifice, but Arthur Brooks and the Dalai Lama wouldn't really know about that.
4
The authors have expressed a core truth that is unfolding, and will continue to grow until no one can ignore it. The era where obsolete jobs were replaced by new, higher paying ones is coming to an end. At this point, even the automation automates itself and except for a relatively few "techno-wizards" which orchestrate the magic, there will be less and less "productive" employment for the rest of us.
The severity of the problem in different regions will depend on the predominant value system. Cultures like the US and Japan which self-worth is almost totally focused on value in the workplace, are going to have to make the first and possibly the hardest transitions.
How can we change our culture to decrease the impact? Well, the millennials may be on the right track. Many of them seem to reject mass-market goods, food and entertainment in favor of local/rustic/retro alternatives. So, while the global infrastructure will become 100% automated, we can still provide "extra" value to each other on a local level. But to make this work, we will have to embrace ideas like national minimum incomes, which will allow people to stop focusing on trying to be one of the few "gainfully" employed, and just become the best versions of themselves in the post-work society.
The severity of the problem in different regions will depend on the predominant value system. Cultures like the US and Japan which self-worth is almost totally focused on value in the workplace, are going to have to make the first and possibly the hardest transitions.
How can we change our culture to decrease the impact? Well, the millennials may be on the right track. Many of them seem to reject mass-market goods, food and entertainment in favor of local/rustic/retro alternatives. So, while the global infrastructure will become 100% automated, we can still provide "extra" value to each other on a local level. But to make this work, we will have to embrace ideas like national minimum incomes, which will allow people to stop focusing on trying to be one of the few "gainfully" employed, and just become the best versions of themselves in the post-work society.
1
Most of the world is in the midst of an economic global upheaval that we have been slow to recognize was happening. At the same time, women and minorities, particularly in developed countries but even in less developed countries, have assumed roles and responsibilities that were unthinkable a generation or two ago. And, as has always been the case, there are reactionary forces against change by those who genuinely believe they have lost power as a result of these changes or who have been swayed to believe they have lost something by dangerous demagogues who in fact care only about their own power and winning. The result could very well be catastrophic for the entire world. The Dali Lama and Mr. Brooks are certainly on to something, but I doubt that those seeking to aggrandize themselves care at all. Rather, they welcome the current economic and social turmoil as presenting only opportunity for them to advance their agenda of personal power. The rest of us be damned.
The essay suggests we must protect the vulnerable. Surely Brooks is behind the addendum, that such policies shouldn't "trap people in misery and dependence." Probably tacked the phrase on in red pen when he looked at the first draft. We all know this is well-established code, same as "personal responsibility", for "Screw the poor."
The American Enterprise "Institute" (read Lobbying Group) does not care how anybody is affected, least of all on a personal, emotional level, as long as one more source of cold profit is created. I suppose it is a tribute to the Dalai Lama practicing what he preaches here that he would attempt to find common ground with Arthur Brooks. He is therefore a better man than I am.
The American Enterprise "Institute" (read Lobbying Group) does not care how anybody is affected, least of all on a personal, emotional level, as long as one more source of cold profit is created. I suppose it is a tribute to the Dalai Lama practicing what he preaches here that he would attempt to find common ground with Arthur Brooks. He is therefore a better man than I am.
1
Perhaps we could start by outlawing companies' automatic telephone answering systems and put real people in these jobs for a more human touch. It isn't entirely that we're losing jobs to foreign countries as that we're losing jobs to technological "innovations" that frustrate everyone. I would gladly switch internet providers and a whole slew of other companies if I could talk to a human being when problems arise.
2
This conversation will get even more pressing as automated manufacturing, automated everything, combines with population growth to make jobs ever more scarce.
3
The authors words and thoughts are truly wonderful but when they write about ". . . a shared belief in compassion . . ." I believe that the one thing that differentiates most Republicans from most Democrats is the lack of compassion by so many Republicans. Unfortunately, I don't see this as changing. It's Republicans who want to do away with Obamacare; it's Republicans who want to prevent certain groups from voting; it's Republicans who want to weaken if not do away with social security and Medicare. What a very sad state of affairs.
7
Not that I disagree with the authors' thesis that each of us needs to be needed. The search for purpose is ancient and will probably be around as long as we are.
But that's just what makes me anxious: how much longer *will* we be around? For significant segments of the population in prosperous countries, it is indeed a great time to be alive, with more material, mental, and social resources available than ever. These privileged populations can live their lives oblivious (as we all are to varying extents) of their own privilege. If they should chance on reports of suffering among less-privileged populations, they can easily dismiss them as irrelevant to their own lives. Or worse, find reasons "those people" deserve to suffer. Such class divisions are hardly new, and will probably also be around as long as we are. But the present surely feels like a time when they are greatly increased.
But what really worries me is the ease with which privileged classes (in this case meaning MOST of us in the so-called first world) ignore the enormous cumulative costs of our lifestyle for the planet. Natural habitats and the species that live in them are disappearing. Temperatures are rising, severe storms are increasingly common, seas are rising. Human population grows without bound and more people than ever demand and achieve "first world" lifestyles, accelerating the destructive effects this lifestyle has on the planet. If that doesn't make you anxious, what does?
But that's just what makes me anxious: how much longer *will* we be around? For significant segments of the population in prosperous countries, it is indeed a great time to be alive, with more material, mental, and social resources available than ever. These privileged populations can live their lives oblivious (as we all are to varying extents) of their own privilege. If they should chance on reports of suffering among less-privileged populations, they can easily dismiss them as irrelevant to their own lives. Or worse, find reasons "those people" deserve to suffer. Such class divisions are hardly new, and will probably also be around as long as we are. But the present surely feels like a time when they are greatly increased.
But what really worries me is the ease with which privileged classes (in this case meaning MOST of us in the so-called first world) ignore the enormous cumulative costs of our lifestyle for the planet. Natural habitats and the species that live in them are disappearing. Temperatures are rising, severe storms are increasingly common, seas are rising. Human population grows without bound and more people than ever demand and achieve "first world" lifestyles, accelerating the destructive effects this lifestyle has on the planet. If that doesn't make you anxious, what does?
121
All the while having no sense of true community. Facebook and technology don't count, and I fact contribute to the social isolation.
The article is a good one, but it addresses only one side of the picture. Despite all the vision put out of lazy workers, of indifferent unionized workers (up yours, Roger Smith), and so forth, people do want to feel like they contribute, like they mean something, and feeling like they produced something, did something, is important.
However, the other side of the equation is that while there is a lot of wealth in the US people also need to feel secure. In the article, they mention why refugees want to come here, and it is because they know the US for the most part is safe, or at least safer than being bombed or having their head cut off by ISIS. People in this country want the same thing, they want the security of knowing their kids will be educated, that they will have meaningful work and can have a safe retirement, and those things are not guaranteed.
And no, no one is addressing that. The GOP is off on the Ayn Rand kick, if people lose jobs it is because they are 'parasites', the Democrats spout job retraining as the answer, when those jobs don't exist either. What needs to be discussed is how do we have people have a secure life (mandated minimum income support?) and also provide meaning, too, where they are doing something useful and not just on the dole....and no one has answered that, and hence the anger.
However, the other side of the equation is that while there is a lot of wealth in the US people also need to feel secure. In the article, they mention why refugees want to come here, and it is because they know the US for the most part is safe, or at least safer than being bombed or having their head cut off by ISIS. People in this country want the same thing, they want the security of knowing their kids will be educated, that they will have meaningful work and can have a safe retirement, and those things are not guaranteed.
And no, no one is addressing that. The GOP is off on the Ayn Rand kick, if people lose jobs it is because they are 'parasites', the Democrats spout job retraining as the answer, when those jobs don't exist either. What needs to be discussed is how do we have people have a secure life (mandated minimum income support?) and also provide meaning, too, where they are doing something useful and not just on the dole....and no one has answered that, and hence the anger.
2
Your holiness, I agree that a sense of purpose is an extraordinarily important component of an emotionally fulfilling life. However, purpose is only one component among many.
I would point out that while the Buddha himself teaches the middle way, the way between all extremes, the American Enterprise Institute, the organization that Mr. Brooks heads, does not typically teach the middle way, but rather the path of perpetual tightening, leading to the inevitable breaking of the proverbial string. I know that you will understand this analogy.
Many, many people derive their sense of purpose via work. Unfortunately, the union of oligarchic capitalism and globalism that the AEI champions has led to many of these same people losing their access to meaningful work. Now, if money were not needed to keep a roof over one's head or food on one's table, it would be one thing. But money is needed - and money is currently being horded by the hedonistic, utterly nonspiritual, power-hungry elite that funds the AEI.
Now, while it is theoretically possible to meditate while living in a cardboard box, it is not an ideal environment for the typical spiritual aspirant. And yet, that precisely where many of us may indeed end up if current trends continue.
Your holiness, I humbly urge you to refocus your energies on transforming the tragic mindset of Mr. Brooks and his fellow travelers at the American Enterprise Institute (Norm Ornstein excepted!).
I would point out that while the Buddha himself teaches the middle way, the way between all extremes, the American Enterprise Institute, the organization that Mr. Brooks heads, does not typically teach the middle way, but rather the path of perpetual tightening, leading to the inevitable breaking of the proverbial string. I know that you will understand this analogy.
Many, many people derive their sense of purpose via work. Unfortunately, the union of oligarchic capitalism and globalism that the AEI champions has led to many of these same people losing their access to meaningful work. Now, if money were not needed to keep a roof over one's head or food on one's table, it would be one thing. But money is needed - and money is currently being horded by the hedonistic, utterly nonspiritual, power-hungry elite that funds the AEI.
Now, while it is theoretically possible to meditate while living in a cardboard box, it is not an ideal environment for the typical spiritual aspirant. And yet, that precisely where many of us may indeed end up if current trends continue.
Your holiness, I humbly urge you to refocus your energies on transforming the tragic mindset of Mr. Brooks and his fellow travelers at the American Enterprise Institute (Norm Ornstein excepted!).
16
Basically, this isn't true. People just want to be able to have dignity and to have that, means you can pay your bills. Too many people can't. They face a spiral of diminishing returns. Globalism has exacerbated this. The power of multinational corporations have undermined the up and comers with unweildy rules that benefit the biggest, because they can afford it. The tax structure also benefits the biggest, enabling them to escape with their largess off shore and leave the middle of this citizenry to foot the bill, not only with our dollars but also our blood in endless wars. There is simply no excuse for this set up except greed by the wealthy and powerful.
83
Greed and selfishness.
2
Dignity and self-worth are inherently linked with being needed by society. Many wealthy people still feel the need to be recognized or needed by their peers or society at large. It is why may turn to philanthropy or other means of public engagement. It is a basic premise of human nature to be a social being, and and make one's place in society better.
If we didn't care about being needed or respected, we wouldn't care about dignity. But we do care about dignity, which is the respect of others, because we care how others think about us. Dignity is inherent on other people's opinion of our self-worth, which is inherent on how they feel about our place in society. A wealthy person can pretend to not care about how others view his or her worth, because money insulates them from the world's harshness. A poor person has to deal with low income, and low self-esteem if society does not accept their worth.
I personally do not agree with your opinion that it is not true people need to be needed. Money does not solve a spiritual dilemma. Lack of money does make it worse however.
If we didn't care about being needed or respected, we wouldn't care about dignity. But we do care about dignity, which is the respect of others, because we care how others think about us. Dignity is inherent on other people's opinion of our self-worth, which is inherent on how they feel about our place in society. A wealthy person can pretend to not care about how others view his or her worth, because money insulates them from the world's harshness. A poor person has to deal with low income, and low self-esteem if society does not accept their worth.
I personally do not agree with your opinion that it is not true people need to be needed. Money does not solve a spiritual dilemma. Lack of money does make it worse however.
You deny the strength of underlying needs of the human psyche ,underscored well in the article, and bemoan the negative effects of corporations (who have no need to feel valued by other humans) on the general economy . We cannot allow inhumane corporate values to rule the government and have happy people.
A premise of this piece seems to be that human work is being made obsolete by technology. This is false on several grounds. Actually this claim is largely a counter to claims that globalization is causing job loss in the US.
People are frustrated because good jobs are scarce and real wages have not been increasing since the 70's. Productivity increased much faster during the post-WWII years when wages also increased - why should automation be a problem now when it is increasing much more slowly?
Some of the people who argue that people are being replaced by robots also argue that the US as well as China and many other countries face a major problem of a smaller work force because of aging. Both of these things can't be true.
The solution to increasing productivity - that is greater automation - is simple - reduced work hours as well as greater wealth for workers. Workers have been getting neither of these things.
People are frustrated because good jobs are scarce and real wages have not been increasing since the 70's. Productivity increased much faster during the post-WWII years when wages also increased - why should automation be a problem now when it is increasing much more slowly?
Some of the people who argue that people are being replaced by robots also argue that the US as well as China and many other countries face a major problem of a smaller work force because of aging. Both of these things can't be true.
The solution to increasing productivity - that is greater automation - is simple - reduced work hours as well as greater wealth for workers. Workers have been getting neither of these things.
35
The problem is that the way our current system is set up, it is much more advantageous for an employer to have one full time worker doing over-time up to 60 hours a week rather than having three people working 20 hours a week. Also, right now jobs that pay enough for you to live on 20 hours a week are usually not the ones that allow you to work 20 hours a week. On the contrary, they are usually high-skill jobs that require you to be available through email or text 20 hours a day and practically demand that you be a workaholic in the first place to get that far.
Boy, do you seem to have missed the point!
Heresy! All solutions must fall within the auspices of a social order that first and foremost protects the interests of investors! This simple rule has been understood since the 1400s, do you not understand the rules?
You are needed. Everyone is needed. There are all kinds of volunteer opportunities for all ages. Take your pick according to your interests. You will find new friends and new purpose in life.
If I may suggest.....wherever you live, your local natural areas are degraded by invasive vegetation, leading to species losses and destroying the biodiversity of forests and other habitats. Volunteering with removal will keep you fit, healthy and energetic without cost of a gym. Working outdoors is refreshing, and the esprit de corps exhilerating! Everyone in my regular group is over 60. Giving back to nature gives us purpose and accomplishment, a real win/win. At the end of a long work day, we share a pizza, wine, laughs and great conversation. Nothing brings people together like a common goal. Life is good!
If I may suggest.....wherever you live, your local natural areas are degraded by invasive vegetation, leading to species losses and destroying the biodiversity of forests and other habitats. Volunteering with removal will keep you fit, healthy and energetic without cost of a gym. Working outdoors is refreshing, and the esprit de corps exhilerating! Everyone in my regular group is over 60. Giving back to nature gives us purpose and accomplishment, a real win/win. At the end of a long work day, we share a pizza, wine, laughs and great conversation. Nothing brings people together like a common goal. Life is good!
55
Awesome post, for any age.
2
The most important thing a society can do is offer ways for any person to make a contribution in line with his innate drive to do so. Some of this opportunity comes through paid work but some may come through the opportunity to contribute outside of the workplace through volunteerism or participation in communities, for example.
I concur with the Dalai Lama and with Mr. Brooks that nothing is more important than feeling that one matters in the world.
Some people easily find ways of making themselves useful in a way that gratifies them. But many people need help making this connection, particularly those with infirmities. I have often thought that local governments should have ombudspeople with specifically this role- to help people connect to opportunities to serve so that, whatever else may be affecting a person at any particular time, he retains a regular opportunity to give of himself (his time and care, not just his wallet).
I concur with the Dalai Lama and with Mr. Brooks that nothing is more important than feeling that one matters in the world.
Some people easily find ways of making themselves useful in a way that gratifies them. But many people need help making this connection, particularly those with infirmities. I have often thought that local governments should have ombudspeople with specifically this role- to help people connect to opportunities to serve so that, whatever else may be affecting a person at any particular time, he retains a regular opportunity to give of himself (his time and care, not just his wallet).
16
With the advancement of artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, self-driving vehicles and the flood of refugees from war and corruption, some of us have begun to realize that we truly are not needed. We feel that the wealthiest in our society see most of humanity to be nothing but a problem. This is one of the reasons that Donald Trump's evaluation of women only on their appearance and ability to deliver sensual satisfaction is deeply disturbing. Soon, we will have "low maintenance" robots that can provide that service. Trump would also do away with whole societies, including Latin Americans and Muslims. They simply do not meet expectations. It seems to me that we are in the process of converting mankind into a digital species that, perhaps, will lack the emotional problems of human existence. This is the source of our deep anxiety.
9
I think that you exaggerate about Trump, as is commonly being done in the media, when you say that he would "do away with whole societies, etc." Trump is not the great communicator, and he very likely wouldn't be a good President, but exaggerations are not helpful. A huge propaganda machine has been created during this election cycle by just such intemperate speech.
Really, our religions are based on love and tolerance? Let's take a look from a woman's perspective of the three Abrahamics. The supreme deity who creates/ gives birth to the world is only male - who needs to be worshiped, worshiped, worshiped without end. Women are the cause of all problems (Eve). A powerful male not only can have his way with a young woman and impregnate her (God and Mary), but we celebrate that action every year (while children play the roles of powerful male and non-consenting female). The Abrahamic male deity is a derivative of a war god. We don't slaughter and treat humans like garbage in spite of our religions, but because of them. So, please, stop assigning all the good of humanity to these awful, self-centered, hubristic beliefs. Human are good. Just take a look at the love a mother has for her child. Let's look to mother nature for the source of life, rather than this unnatural construct of a war god we prostrate and sacrifice our children to. If we want peace and love for each other, we need to drop the war-god, males-need-to-be-worshiped and women scape-goated belief systems. These beliefs are killing us.
122
@Native New Yorker, thank you! I couldn't agree more.
4
If you do not have the capacity to appreciate the contributions of religion to humanity, (and this is an intellectual and emotional capacity that one either has or does not have), you can at least save face by not trying to proselytize with worn-out opinions.
Chrstians dropped the war god with Jesus. And the primary message of the Jewish and Christian faiths is to "Love the Lord our God with all our heart and soul and mind. and our neighbors as ourselves." The problem is we are not always so good at it. No surpise there. The Scriptures are full of stories of our failure and God trying to set us right.
There used to be more attention to go around. It's scare now because we give it all to our screens. No one can feel needed if they are not given attention.
14
Thank you so much for these compassionate words.
If one examines the Roseto Effect, we see a small Pennsylvania Italian community can stall diseases that take their toll on the anxious. How was it a town that ate anything it wanted had such a low heart attack rate? Security. The residents confirmed that few felt worried about their futures because they knew the community would take care of them. No fear of abandonment, loneliness, purposelessness. Every soul was sacred.
In a few generations, those bonds of assurance have weakened and the community now sees the same rates of heart disease as the rest of us. Some forms of assimilation are not in our vested interest.
Caring for one another, that's why we were put here in the first place. Build community into all our efforts to reduce anxiety.
If one examines the Roseto Effect, we see a small Pennsylvania Italian community can stall diseases that take their toll on the anxious. How was it a town that ate anything it wanted had such a low heart attack rate? Security. The residents confirmed that few felt worried about their futures because they knew the community would take care of them. No fear of abandonment, loneliness, purposelessness. Every soul was sacred.
In a few generations, those bonds of assurance have weakened and the community now sees the same rates of heart disease as the rest of us. Some forms of assimilation are not in our vested interest.
Caring for one another, that's why we were put here in the first place. Build community into all our efforts to reduce anxiety.
18
When II was a little kid my Grandfather taught me to "cast my bread upon the water and it'll comeback seven-fold." This practice of orienting towards what I can give as opposed to get has not always made me happy but when undertaken, it HAS left me feeling peaceful. And now, at age 58, a cancer survivor and parent, conventional metrics for success don't seem so important and this article reminds me to be on fire with gratitude.
I actually had the pleasure of spending a few private hours with The Dalai Lama almost thirty years ago. He spoke of many things including how we're all interconnected and the importance of protecting our natural environment though unlike Bill Murray's character in Caddyshack, I don't recall him saying I'd gain enlightenment in this life but I do remember how his presence filled up the room (which WAS nice).
I actually had the pleasure of spending a few private hours with The Dalai Lama almost thirty years ago. He spoke of many things including how we're all interconnected and the importance of protecting our natural environment though unlike Bill Murray's character in Caddyshack, I don't recall him saying I'd gain enlightenment in this life but I do remember how his presence filled up the room (which WAS nice).
23
There are too many people, and the population just keeps exploding. We're now at the point where we're essentially warehousing millions with little hope for their future.
34
There are too few people, and our population and civilization face demographic collapse.
Or are we simply not imaginative enough to conceive of new kinds of work for people? I can think of many things that need doing, but no one wants to pay for it or considers it beneath their status. People need to feel connected to avoid anxiety. What about services for the lonely? That's well worth investing in, even if we don't get rich off the prospect. We are richer for the service.
The greatest challenge, assuming basic needs and comforts are not an issue, is "how to defeat boredom." At one point, about fifty years ago, there was an amusing yet prophetic slogan in the 1968 student revolts in France and elsewhere, which was "We deserve the right not to be bored." This is nothing new, but given the accelerating distribution of creature comforts and the doing away with "jobs" as we knew them (resulting in "unemployment"), boredom and uselessness are becoming more pronounced challenges for a greater number of us, no longer concentrated only in the retirement cohorts. The authors correctly identify the problem, and point toward some answers. The search for answers and acting on them is indeed the challenge, and, actually, that's not boring.
7
Your last sentence is great. Makes me think of the quote, "Boredom is simply a lack of attention". But it also makes me think of another, "Culture is not your friend" (T. McKenna) - we all need to take care with media and its power to commodify and simplify.
Through a certain frame of reference the Dalai Lama would be considered a member of the highest, priestly caste. As such his message is most appropriate. In my opinion his point seems to resonate as true. Pondering his collaborator's contribution I am led to assume that the message resonates as true and important among people who might not be thought of as especially spiritual as well. Insofar as the message reaches individuals it might well incline them to be aware of ways small and large to activate compassion by seeking and lending a sense of usefulness among those they encounter. I think they can miss this opportunity if their reaction is that something else, the government, the church, businesses, other demographic groups are the ones to put this into action. I have not done the research which would uncover action plans for groups, but I do know that Karen Armstrong has a foundation to promote compassion (I don't know if it includes promoting a warranted sense of usefulness). It seems there are some voices who believe direct promotion of self esteem has not been a helpful response to the problem addressed here.
4
being needed and doing good has been defined, in part, due to religious teachings which tell us that the role of a man is to work and provide (solely) for his family. and so employment fulfills this.
but needed has not been extended to outside of the nuclear family to any great degree.
but today, we no longer need full employment by even 1/2 the population (men) to produce and supply all the goods and services that we require, partly due to technology advancements.
so this is the huge cultural realignment that must occur. to define success in terms other than work. and imbue people with a sense of purpose, and hence need, that guides their life.
but
but needed has not been extended to outside of the nuclear family to any great degree.
but today, we no longer need full employment by even 1/2 the population (men) to produce and supply all the goods and services that we require, partly due to technology advancements.
so this is the huge cultural realignment that must occur. to define success in terms other than work. and imbue people with a sense of purpose, and hence need, that guides their life.
but
10
The concept that behind our anxiety in modern times there is a fear of being unneeded?
This could very well be true. It could also be true the reason why is because the world is so overpopulated and systems of society are stressed, pressured to help everyone. Which is to say as systems become more and more stressed by sheer millions we descend psychologically to the average feeling that no one is really needed, not even the geniuses among us (God help a genius if even he or she feels more necessary than anyone else--the arrogance!) but social systems stress more and more that we all are necessary, that every person is valuable, must have a place no matter how humble and of course the place is precisely more likely than not to be in fact humble...
A psychology of humbling a person then turning around and saying you love him. "All people are necessary! You are no better than anyone else! Here is your place! I do this because I love you! We all need you!" A world in which religion, whether Eastern or Western, gives way to a psychology of secular crowd control in an overpopulated world. "Be still you! We love you!"
"You are necessary! We will find you a place! We will GIVE you a place! Here is your place, sit and work here! Is everything alright now? Good." A world of constricted action, circumscribed, controlled task, meditation to relieve stress and plenty of visual and aural entertainment to provide commotion which cannot actually exist in social life. Deep breath--scream.
This could very well be true. It could also be true the reason why is because the world is so overpopulated and systems of society are stressed, pressured to help everyone. Which is to say as systems become more and more stressed by sheer millions we descend psychologically to the average feeling that no one is really needed, not even the geniuses among us (God help a genius if even he or she feels more necessary than anyone else--the arrogance!) but social systems stress more and more that we all are necessary, that every person is valuable, must have a place no matter how humble and of course the place is precisely more likely than not to be in fact humble...
A psychology of humbling a person then turning around and saying you love him. "All people are necessary! You are no better than anyone else! Here is your place! I do this because I love you! We all need you!" A world in which religion, whether Eastern or Western, gives way to a psychology of secular crowd control in an overpopulated world. "Be still you! We love you!"
"You are necessary! We will find you a place! We will GIVE you a place! Here is your place, sit and work here! Is everything alright now? Good." A world of constricted action, circumscribed, controlled task, meditation to relieve stress and plenty of visual and aural entertainment to provide commotion which cannot actually exist in social life. Deep breath--scream.
3
Wonderful inspiring words. To feel needed. To BE needed; by oneself
and by others. Those whom we already know, and know us…and those
strangers whom everyday gifting will yet permit us to know and to engage
in order to make much needed differences. Here.There. Temporary or
more sustained well BEING.In unlimited areas and arenas; qualities and levels.This Ode to a life of greater equity for each may semantically entrap by suggesting Binary Realities of: Needed-not Needed; Being-not Being; Feeling-not Feeling,rather than realities of each one, usefully considered as a dynamic
multidimensional continuum. Each with its own interfering barriers as well as
enabling bridges. Each with its known, currently unknown and perhaps even
unknowable, necessary conditions to be achieved, or not, as internal and
external, micro to macro conditions change.Missing in this article’s plea
were the reminders, and an invitation, to those of us willing to join in this
marathon for making our world more menschlich, of the need to embrace and
to share failing forwards as well as succeeding backwards. Missing too was the need to constantly remind oneself about the reality of ever present uncertainty and unpredictability even as we do the best that each of us can, given our resources as well as our flaws.
and by others. Those whom we already know, and know us…and those
strangers whom everyday gifting will yet permit us to know and to engage
in order to make much needed differences. Here.There. Temporary or
more sustained well BEING.In unlimited areas and arenas; qualities and levels.This Ode to a life of greater equity for each may semantically entrap by suggesting Binary Realities of: Needed-not Needed; Being-not Being; Feeling-not Feeling,rather than realities of each one, usefully considered as a dynamic
multidimensional continuum. Each with its own interfering barriers as well as
enabling bridges. Each with its known, currently unknown and perhaps even
unknowable, necessary conditions to be achieved, or not, as internal and
external, micro to macro conditions change.Missing in this article’s plea
were the reminders, and an invitation, to those of us willing to join in this
marathon for making our world more menschlich, of the need to embrace and
to share failing forwards as well as succeeding backwards. Missing too was the need to constantly remind oneself about the reality of ever present uncertainty and unpredictability even as we do the best that each of us can, given our resources as well as our flaws.
Expected "Change" in America 2017 (cultural, political, economic, etc.)?
Expect intensification of crowd control, increasing bureaucracy of all systems, increasingly forced philosophy of greatest happiness of greatest number of people in nation of increasing millions. A nation which increasingly favors placeholder type of people, those neither deficient nor exceptional so long as they can be slotted into position, provide continuity.
Expect education to become more and more of a mass market turn out product system--education not to produce individuals let alone outstanding ones but to select capable, go with the system people. Quite simply "no one is better than anyone else", "you have to think of everybody else", etc. Genius of psychology of humbling a person to average or else...
Expect increased control over spoken not to mention written word. Expect film to provide more and more fantasies of adventure, excitement, escape, expressions of volition that people wish they had. We will not so much have exceptional people but people pretending to be exceptional on the screen for us...A work of art for 2017: A picture of people trapped in an elevator watching an action movie on screen, the people in elevator standing perfectly still, being perfectly polite but trembling, almost writhing in anguish of just desiring to actually for once...Be.
No person is really needed in such a society except to be more still than not and to serve in a more often than not humble capacity.
Expect intensification of crowd control, increasing bureaucracy of all systems, increasingly forced philosophy of greatest happiness of greatest number of people in nation of increasing millions. A nation which increasingly favors placeholder type of people, those neither deficient nor exceptional so long as they can be slotted into position, provide continuity.
Expect education to become more and more of a mass market turn out product system--education not to produce individuals let alone outstanding ones but to select capable, go with the system people. Quite simply "no one is better than anyone else", "you have to think of everybody else", etc. Genius of psychology of humbling a person to average or else...
Expect increased control over spoken not to mention written word. Expect film to provide more and more fantasies of adventure, excitement, escape, expressions of volition that people wish they had. We will not so much have exceptional people but people pretending to be exceptional on the screen for us...A work of art for 2017: A picture of people trapped in an elevator watching an action movie on screen, the people in elevator standing perfectly still, being perfectly polite but trembling, almost writhing in anguish of just desiring to actually for once...Be.
No person is really needed in such a society except to be more still than not and to serve in a more often than not humble capacity.
3
Nice thoughts, but in this country, let us not forget that it has been the Republicans in Congress who have refused to consider any kind of jobs or infrastructure legislation which would certainly bring a sense of purpose, pride, usefulness and personal fulfillment to the working classes. The greatest sense of dissatisfaction is among Trump supporters who have indeed been screwed by all the Republicans. Do you honestly think Trump will bring a Zen philosophy to his potential presidency?
It seems it is always the Republicans, always, you can't get around it. Time for a New Deal for the 21st century.
I really need to go meditate for a while - possibly till next Wednesday when I might be able to awaken from this interminable nightmare we've been living with.
It seems it is always the Republicans, always, you can't get around it. Time for a New Deal for the 21st century.
I really need to go meditate for a while - possibly till next Wednesday when I might be able to awaken from this interminable nightmare we've been living with.
33
It is often hard to find something to do that feels useful. After several years on disability, I settled on a longstanding family tradition of knitting for charity, and taught myself to knit. It is not a flashy or glamorous contribution. In light of my small fixed income, most of the yarn comes from thrift shops and yard sales. But it keeps my hands busy, my mind somewhat occupied learning new patterns, and I hope that my small contributions bring a small measure of happiness and comfort to those in need; the families in the shelters, the new, frightened parents of a premature infant, the cancer patient with no hair. It is a small thing, and I never meet the recipients of my projects, but it bolsters my spirits to do what I can to help others.
662
My grandmother always did the same thing (and at the age of 95, still does!)--knitting and crocheting hats for infants at the nearby hospital. In my lifetime I've seen her go from a house always bursting with family visiting--cousins, aunts, uncles, siblings--to living in a nursing home. Most of her family (including me) are now far away, her husband has passed, and I know she loved her home. But her spirit never seems to dampen. She's constantly looking at the people around her and trying to bless them and finding ways to help out, even if they're small. She's an incredible lady. You remind me of her--your work touches the hearts of many people who I'm sure are in great need of a smile. God bless the work of your hands!
3
Barbara,
I disagree, yours is not a small contribution. Knit on.
I disagree, yours is not a small contribution. Knit on.
3
You have made my day by sharing this story, maybe my year. This is a wonderful undertaking. I, too, taught myself to knit at one point in my life. You have taken it much farther. I would love to see you weave your initials and uplifting messages into the garments. You sound capable of figuring a way to do that. Keep those needles ticking.
1
There is no lack of work to be done. Roads need repair, cities need cleaning, the elderly need human contact and care, children need devoted teachers and engaged parents that aren't working all the time, etc.
There really is no lack of ways to be useful. Except these things are not profitable. Unfortunately, some kind of central planning entity seems to be required to collect funds and pay people to do these things. But that's socialism.
I am sure the free market will repair the infrastructure, teach inner city kids and care for our poor isolated elders. Forcing people to pay for these things is immoral apparently...
There really is no lack of ways to be useful. Except these things are not profitable. Unfortunately, some kind of central planning entity seems to be required to collect funds and pay people to do these things. But that's socialism.
I am sure the free market will repair the infrastructure, teach inner city kids and care for our poor isolated elders. Forcing people to pay for these things is immoral apparently...
23
In a land that celebrates independence and freedom of action it's hard to sell the idea of need. Better to push forward the concept of respect, of which feeling needed is a component. We need more outward respect for everything everybody, more inward respect for ourselves and must balance between the two.
6
The Versailles Treaty severely limited the size of the German army. The army had been a source of upward mobility, dignity and respect for many men. Economic shocks came. Men, higher paid and less "docile," were laid off first. Nature abhors a vacuum. These men formed militias and many, with nothing better to do, drank the "free" beer handed out by certain demagogic parties and then listened to their propaganda. We know where that led. Now we seem to be creating the same situation in this country: do we want to?
20
Beautiful article.
So standing on the neck of the person next to you isn't the secret to success or happiness after all ?
Go tell that on the mountain.
So standing on the neck of the person next to you isn't the secret to success or happiness after all ?
Go tell that on the mountain.
9
I think there is a tremendous amount of anxiety as life for people seems to be more unpredictable than ever and poses a threat to anyone's financial well being. Large private companies want to drop pensions totally or (after a person is retired) change the rules and give a lump payment. Many have worked decades and there is a possibility if one receives a pension their social security may be altered. One political party wants to take your money for their social programs as paying for their children's college and dental and you wonder why people have anxiety.
4
Let's however not conflate apples with oranges. I'm not about to naively begin empathizing with a mob of rightwing crazies whose calculation of self worth is zero sum. I'm somewhat certain the rise of populist fascism in the 30's didn't occur because someone forgot to give Goebbels a hug.
20
This.
I appreciate your resentment of those who suffer from anxiety foisted upon them by the ill intentioned, but the only reason that appeals to them is because they think no one else cares about them. If we don't, no one will.
I found a StarTrek episode that tells the story more soulfully. "And the Children Shall Lead..." takes us to a planet where an evil "Angel" has secretly killed all the adults, and the children are told they have been abandoned. The Angel asks them to give him all their rage so he may use it to ground the Enterprise. He converts that rage into fear he instills into the crew so they cannot do their duties. Not until they stare down this "Angel" and refuse to give into his fear mongering does he wither in the most horrific way.
CBS will ask you to prove you are old enough to view this, but had no problem broadcasting it back in the Sixties when Nam was the norm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo1zbUwSNWg
I found a StarTrek episode that tells the story more soulfully. "And the Children Shall Lead..." takes us to a planet where an evil "Angel" has secretly killed all the adults, and the children are told they have been abandoned. The Angel asks them to give him all their rage so he may use it to ground the Enterprise. He converts that rage into fear he instills into the crew so they cannot do their duties. Not until they stare down this "Angel" and refuse to give into his fear mongering does he wither in the most horrific way.
CBS will ask you to prove you are old enough to view this, but had no problem broadcasting it back in the Sixties when Nam was the norm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo1zbUwSNWg
1
"a natural human hunger to serve our fellow men and women" is not the same as needing to be needy.
The latter can make one needy and self-interested.
The former is about others, service, and meaning.
Everyone benefits from an opportunity to making contributions they find meaningful.
Fortunately, the opportunities to contribute positively to others and a greater good are always present. If indeed needing to be needed is a source of some people's anxiety, they need only to look in their own communities for the opportunity to make meaningful contributions in whatever way they can.
The latter can make one needy and self-interested.
The former is about others, service, and meaning.
Everyone benefits from an opportunity to making contributions they find meaningful.
Fortunately, the opportunities to contribute positively to others and a greater good are always present. If indeed needing to be needed is a source of some people's anxiety, they need only to look in their own communities for the opportunity to make meaningful contributions in whatever way they can.
Reading this column was so refreshing. Thanks for the reset.
1
NPR gave me a Trump free Saturday recently, but this is just what the doctor ordered. Thanks, NYTs, for theses healing words. We must reach out to those who feel rejected. This is their country, too. We do not have to embrace their arguments, but we can validate them.
I appreciate the woman who worries that college aide and child care may whittle her own retirement planning into the dirt. Hill says she's revenue neutral, but all the same, this woman can see money will be diverted where she has no need anymore. We are all worried there will be nothing left for ourselves, but we insist we all live on the same revenue stream. This is our conundrum.
I learned Millennials outnumber Boomers, thank good! There are enough kidz to carry us into our old age, thank immigration. We are a great nation, and we can resolve this to everyone's benefit if we want it.
I appreciate the woman who worries that college aide and child care may whittle her own retirement planning into the dirt. Hill says she's revenue neutral, but all the same, this woman can see money will be diverted where she has no need anymore. We are all worried there will be nothing left for ourselves, but we insist we all live on the same revenue stream. This is our conundrum.
I learned Millennials outnumber Boomers, thank good! There are enough kidz to carry us into our old age, thank immigration. We are a great nation, and we can resolve this to everyone's benefit if we want it.
I relish the idea of people "living in a a shared belief in compassion, in human dignity, in the intrinsic usefulness of every person to contribute positively for a better and more meaningful world" the latter part of your wish being identical to:
"We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal".
But how do you possibly have hope for such a world when our basic survival instincts drive us to zero-sum thinking and behaviors, to establish our own spaces and identities, and to associate with people who think and act just like ourselves?
This process reinforces, intensifies and elevates to the group level the "us against them" mentality -- the belief that if others get more than us, we lose. All the while, what we share in common, from deep within, is submerged and completely forgotten.
This describes what has happened in the 240 years of our so-called great American experience in which our track-record of treating one another equally is has been nothing short of horrendous and it almost split our union into two separate parts.
And our "exceptional" experience is really no different than the intra-Christians wars that plagued Europe in the 16th century, the millennia old enmity between the Arabs and the Jews, the intra-Islamic fratricide and other such tribal warfare we witness around the globe.
Hard to imagine the attitude shifts, social contracts and changed behaviors that will bring about such tolerance and compassion.
"We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal".
But how do you possibly have hope for such a world when our basic survival instincts drive us to zero-sum thinking and behaviors, to establish our own spaces and identities, and to associate with people who think and act just like ourselves?
This process reinforces, intensifies and elevates to the group level the "us against them" mentality -- the belief that if others get more than us, we lose. All the while, what we share in common, from deep within, is submerged and completely forgotten.
This describes what has happened in the 240 years of our so-called great American experience in which our track-record of treating one another equally is has been nothing short of horrendous and it almost split our union into two separate parts.
And our "exceptional" experience is really no different than the intra-Christians wars that plagued Europe in the 16th century, the millennia old enmity between the Arabs and the Jews, the intra-Islamic fratricide and other such tribal warfare we witness around the globe.
Hard to imagine the attitude shifts, social contracts and changed behaviors that will bring about such tolerance and compassion.
5
There is no "millennia-old" enmity between the Arabs and the Jews.
In Massachusetts, a local woman wrote something similar:
IF I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
Emily Dickinson
IF I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
Emily Dickinson
407
This column more than anything else this election season convinces me that Trump will win. The writers are so out of touch. So many people are struggling to get by. Times are great if you're a government worker or lobbyist or one the millions living off the taxpayer - those on welfare and fake disability and the other welfare queens, kings, and cheats. The writers should go talk to the ordinary Americans who are paying the bills for all of the above.
4
Trump is a welfare King!!! Now he wants to be dictator.
3
How many current jobs will be lost to AI over the next twenty years? And THEN what do we do? Do we pay people for living? It would give more time to help other people and make that our job BUT if there is no work, there is no money to live.
What is going to be done about that problem? It's not that moving jobs out of America is the worst thing in our future. The worst problem is that robots will take away hundreds of thousands of more jobs. And....then what? Politicians better be looking at that problem. Or we will devolve into increased violence against each other. It will be 'every person for his or her self'.
What is going to be done about that problem? It's not that moving jobs out of America is the worst thing in our future. The worst problem is that robots will take away hundreds of thousands of more jobs. And....then what? Politicians better be looking at that problem. Or we will devolve into increased violence against each other. It will be 'every person for his or her self'.
11
Someone has to build and maintain the robots.
Let's suppose you're right about AI (though I doubt you are). You ask, "Do we pay people for living?" Well, what's the alternative? What's the point of producing goods and services without human labor if the result is that no one can buy the things produced? There is none.
The things produced have to be distributed somehow. Currently we do it through wages for workers, the use of profits for consumption by the rich, and some paltry welfare for the poor, unemployed, disabled and retired. When wages for workers disappear -- and they are by far the greatest source of income for consumption -- they will have to be replaced.
The things produced have to be distributed somehow. Currently we do it through wages for workers, the use of profits for consumption by the rich, and some paltry welfare for the poor, unemployed, disabled and retired. When wages for workers disappear -- and they are by far the greatest source of income for consumption -- they will have to be replaced.
Dali Lama: Nov. 4th, 2016
RELIGION AND CIVILIZATION ARE INCOMPATIBLE.
RELIGION AND CIVILIZATION ARE INCOMPATIBLE.
10
I could not agree more. It is the liberals and socialists who have driven all sense of purpose out of peoples' lives, with their shrill agendas that can only thrive by sowing discontent. And it is always the common people who will the price.
Until we return to being mindful, compassionate and, yes, conservative, we will continue to walk in the darkness liberalism has brought upon us.
Until we return to being mindful, compassionate and, yes, conservative, we will continue to walk in the darkness liberalism has brought upon us.
3
If the left is the problem why has the right ended up with all the money?
13
David,
You would be surprised how much money ended up on the left, look no further than Silicon Valley. Surprisingly to you perhaps, but not to me, it is the conservatives who are giving more to causes that benefit the needy than the left.
And don't try to label Trump a conservative or right (which is not the same thing anyway), please! Because he is not, he only thinks of himself, so you could call him a "Centrist", but that would give far too many decent people a bad name. He is just not of this universe, let's leave it with that.
You would be surprised how much money ended up on the left, look no further than Silicon Valley. Surprisingly to you perhaps, but not to me, it is the conservatives who are giving more to causes that benefit the needy than the left.
And don't try to label Trump a conservative or right (which is not the same thing anyway), please! Because he is not, he only thinks of himself, so you could call him a "Centrist", but that would give far too many decent people a bad name. He is just not of this universe, let's leave it with that.
Excellent words. Subtle insight.
I agree that the sense of being useful equates
meaning and happiness, but human beings also
seem to enjoy a perennial happiness in hatred.
I am not trying to offend; rather I am thinking of the little I know of human history. We seem to be ornery, angry, cantankerous and violent. Wars persist, both personal and societal as well as national.
If only human beings would read words like yours, take them to heart and act in accord, the human world would change, gently, slowly, and with some violence in the interim, but peacefully at some later day.
With cautious hope for all, but a warm mirth in myself this morning,
Be well and thanks guys,
Ws
I agree that the sense of being useful equates
meaning and happiness, but human beings also
seem to enjoy a perennial happiness in hatred.
I am not trying to offend; rather I am thinking of the little I know of human history. We seem to be ornery, angry, cantankerous and violent. Wars persist, both personal and societal as well as national.
If only human beings would read words like yours, take them to heart and act in accord, the human world would change, gently, slowly, and with some violence in the interim, but peacefully at some later day.
With cautious hope for all, but a warm mirth in myself this morning,
Be well and thanks guys,
Ws
6
If you are a white, middle-aged, nonprofessional male in today's United States of America, you are superfluous. (I should know--I'm all three.)
But this is nothing new. Albert Jay Nock made it the title of his memoir in the mid-40's--The Superfluous Man. He felt superfluous for different reasons than white, middle-aged men feel superfluous today (he felt it was because a man of letters like him was irrelevant in a world ruled by the base passions emanating from the gut and the loins).
Since Nock's day, the developed world has worked diligently at throwing off what a significant portion of it (i.e., females) thought were the shackles of oppressive male supremacy. By now, it has more or less succeeded. And you wonder now why men feel irrelevant?
It's like when I had a kid going through a bone marrow transplant and I was his primary caregiver. The chaplain came and talked to me after I had a row with one of the transplant doctors. He asked was I depressed. Well, my kid had been in the hospital for about three months by then and the transplant team wasn't doing its job properly; I had quit my job to care for him; my wife had all but left the marriage to concentrate on her job; and I rarely ever saw my daughter. I wanted to explain all this to him and reply, "Wouldn't I have to be insane if I weren't a bit depressed?" But didn't. I just told him I was tired.
Of course men should feel irrelevant. Because they (we) are.
But this is nothing new. Albert Jay Nock made it the title of his memoir in the mid-40's--The Superfluous Man. He felt superfluous for different reasons than white, middle-aged men feel superfluous today (he felt it was because a man of letters like him was irrelevant in a world ruled by the base passions emanating from the gut and the loins).
Since Nock's day, the developed world has worked diligently at throwing off what a significant portion of it (i.e., females) thought were the shackles of oppressive male supremacy. By now, it has more or less succeeded. And you wonder now why men feel irrelevant?
It's like when I had a kid going through a bone marrow transplant and I was his primary caregiver. The chaplain came and talked to me after I had a row with one of the transplant doctors. He asked was I depressed. Well, my kid had been in the hospital for about three months by then and the transplant team wasn't doing its job properly; I had quit my job to care for him; my wife had all but left the marriage to concentrate on her job; and I rarely ever saw my daughter. I wanted to explain all this to him and reply, "Wouldn't I have to be insane if I weren't a bit depressed?" But didn't. I just told him I was tired.
Of course men should feel irrelevant. Because they (we) are.
76
The implication in your statement about women throwing off their shackles is that men are irrelevant "because" women are no longer oppressed, and therefore men's relevance was a function of keeping women down.
Separately, I cannot understand why you have felt irrelevant when caring for your son - nothing could have been more important. Of course, this has traditionally been women's work; perhaps this is the root cause of your sense of irrelevance - changing gender roles.
Separately, I cannot understand why you have felt irrelevant when caring for your son - nothing could have been more important. Of course, this has traditionally been women's work; perhaps this is the root cause of your sense of irrelevance - changing gender roles.
17
Thank you for sharing that.
1
What?
White men are feeling angst because they're no longer legislating and controlling their known world (unless they live in Indiana)?
Yes, sorry Charlie, women are alive, they constitute half the human race, and they're doing a whole lot of the work (counseling, teaching, administering) that keeps you and your country and your children going. And, since 1920 (did you hear about this?) they are entitled to vote.
Maybe it's time for men to catch up.
You're not irrelevant. Many of you are adorable. And many of you are nuts. Have you checked out the T-shirts sold at Trump rallies demeaning and threatening Hillary Clinton?
You're still in the catbird seat. But the woods have widened. Get used to it.
White men are feeling angst because they're no longer legislating and controlling their known world (unless they live in Indiana)?
Yes, sorry Charlie, women are alive, they constitute half the human race, and they're doing a whole lot of the work (counseling, teaching, administering) that keeps you and your country and your children going. And, since 1920 (did you hear about this?) they are entitled to vote.
Maybe it's time for men to catch up.
You're not irrelevant. Many of you are adorable. And many of you are nuts. Have you checked out the T-shirts sold at Trump rallies demeaning and threatening Hillary Clinton?
You're still in the catbird seat. But the woods have widened. Get used to it.
Very true that we all need to feel needed, that we need to know that we mean something, that we are contributing. However, to conflate identity and self-esteem with a job is misguided - a job is just something we do to make money so that we are not dependent upon welfare (a shame!!) and so that we can become contributing consumers to fuel our materially driven economy.
Could we imagine a world where we all have purpose and meaning and look out for each other, but are not working for money?
Could we imagine a world where we all have purpose and meaning and look out for each other, but are not working for money?
4
@Susan: It's difficult to imagine a world without money, because it's existed for so long and colors so much of what we do.
However, there was a time when money was not ubiquitous, nor the sole reason for living.
There needs to be a way to guarantee everyone a basic standard of living, without money coming into play. A restructuring of society, perhaps, with no emphasis on the hierarchical, might help.
In a society where everyone truly has equal value, things might be different. But we'd also need to restructure our values in order to have a more equitable society.
As long as we continue to overvalue certain types of people and undervalue others, we'll continue to have a money-based, hierarchical system in which some people are "too good" (according to an abstract, ephemeral system of evaluation and sorting) to perform menial tasks, while others who aren't "good enough" are relegated to doing only the menial work and are excluded from spheres where the tasks are more interesting, stimulating, and more remunerative.
However, there was a time when money was not ubiquitous, nor the sole reason for living.
There needs to be a way to guarantee everyone a basic standard of living, without money coming into play. A restructuring of society, perhaps, with no emphasis on the hierarchical, might help.
In a society where everyone truly has equal value, things might be different. But we'd also need to restructure our values in order to have a more equitable society.
As long as we continue to overvalue certain types of people and undervalue others, we'll continue to have a money-based, hierarchical system in which some people are "too good" (according to an abstract, ephemeral system of evaluation and sorting) to perform menial tasks, while others who aren't "good enough" are relegated to doing only the menial work and are excluded from spheres where the tasks are more interesting, stimulating, and more remunerative.
1
I see a lot of commenters here explicitly reject this piece of writing simply because Mr. Brooks is listed as an author. The point of this article is about celebrating the shades of gray in our society. However, the liberal critics here are only reading it in black and white.
While I too, am suspicious of Mr. Brooks involvement considering his political leanings, I see this collaboration as extending hope to it's readers. That perhaps, Mr. Brooks is sincere in his support of this particular thesis.
While I too, am suspicious of Mr. Brooks involvement considering his political leanings, I see this collaboration as extending hope to it's readers. That perhaps, Mr. Brooks is sincere in his support of this particular thesis.
7
I'd love to see Mr. Brooks have a change of heart. If it were sincere, that would mean acknowledging his role and that of the powerful organization he leads in bringing about the current state of affairs. It would mean specifically repudiating many of their ideas and policies. Do we see that? I think it's wrong to portray Mr. Brooks' critics as simplistic black and white thinkers, while others, such as yourself, are subtle thinkers, seeing shades of grey. The difference is between people who have been paying attention and who know what the American Enterprise Institute is, and those who see a nice guy saying comfortable things about being nice to each other. And hey, he's writing with the Dalai Lama! He must be okay! This article is actually deeply cynical. It's this type of obfuscation and misdirection that breeds disbelief and contempt.
1
"The answer is not systematic."
Perhaps not, but the answer is systemic. Our lovely system of unrelenting "economic dynamism and disruption," something AC Brooks adores, spits people out, makes them redundant. Good luck building your children's book society of mutual support and affirmation in a world like that.
And where's Gail? Gail? Gail? You in there? Come back!
Perhaps not, but the answer is systemic. Our lovely system of unrelenting "economic dynamism and disruption," something AC Brooks adores, spits people out, makes them redundant. Good luck building your children's book society of mutual support and affirmation in a world like that.
And where's Gail? Gail? Gail? You in there? Come back!
10
Contrast this article with Donald Trump's attitude towards reflection:
"...when prodded toward soul-searching. “No, I don’t want to think about it,” he said when Mr. D’Antonio asked him to contemplate the meaning of his life. “I don’t like to analyze myself because I might not like what I see.”
"...when prodded toward soul-searching. “No, I don’t want to think about it,” he said when Mr. D’Antonio asked him to contemplate the meaning of his life. “I don’t like to analyze myself because I might not like what I see.”
4
Precisely. We all, as individuals, want to belong and feel the need to be part of this social construct. We achieve this by serving others, as it is a reflection of our own being. Too much stuff, material wealth, may actually be an impediment to feel one with nature. If we could implement the Golden Rule (do to others what you would like them do unto you) may be a good start. And let's not forget Louis Blanc's (though attibuted to Karl Marx): 'From each according to his/her talents; to each according to her/his needs'. Someone said that Heaven and Hell are within ourselves, depending on what we make of us, and to others?
6
I had to stop and re-read the line about where one should start each day to create a compassionate society, since my first thought was that one should start by thinking "what can I do for others?". On second thought, though, that risks treating the 'others' in the same impersonal, transactional way that dehumanizes them, and also presupposes that the world is empty, negative, lacking. Starting by asking "what can I do today to appreciate the gifts that others offer me?" starts from a position of grace, recognizes the positive in the world (however small), and takes a step (however limited) to increase it. It will take some concerted effort to make such a profound change in mindset.
12
Want to be needed? Make yourself useful. Volunteer, visit the elderly and the infirm, pick up trash around your hood. Smile, be cheerful, quit whining.
12
His Holiness, in teaching that possessions are burdens, goes contrary to the consumerism and preoccupation with acquisition of material things. It's something like Plato's comparison of the owner of a chariot being enslaved to it. Not vice versa.
1
I am bewildered that the considerably educated Mr. Brooks overlooks the considerable amount of research suggesting that the increasing inequality of the past several decades has increased anxiety and distrust.
9
Thank you for this thoughtful essay. A large part of the problem is too many people. The combination of growing human population and simultaneous loss of jobs to automation means greater competition for less work and devalued lives. Like any other resource, nothing cheapens life than too many. Family planning is key to dignity, humanity and respect into the future.
10
there is plenty of work to be done. The wages for that work are not sufficient. If the work that needs to be done provides for basic, quality necessities, then satisfaction and happiness can be found in action outside of work. There are differences between vocation and avocation. One former is material, and the latter spiritual.
2
Thank you, newyorkerva. A healthy society is like an ecosystem, each offering unique abilities to the whole. Time was when there was a place and use for your innate talents. We're not all identical, interchangeable cogs, not everyone is talented at tech. Vocational expectations have become increasingly narrow and unfulfilling, devaluing individual gifts, and as such, individuals themselves.
1
Please ignore the source and instead consider the fundamental point. Humans (men and women of all cultures, nations, religions, political parties, etc...) crave being needed. Whether the solution is to be given stuff, ignored or fired....you're not needed. It's a very simple concept. So, is the answer to provide more stuff, ignore further, etc....or should we accept change is needed?
1
Many people have made these points much more credibly that A.C. Brooks. He has promoted a destructive view of the economy and of human worth and will continue to do so. Actually, this nonsense is useful. If he really means this, and is sincere about this work, then he's painted himself into a corner. We can watch to see if the AEI promotes policies that are in line with what he's saying here. Although, of course, this is an argument against systemic change. Don't want to rock the boat.
The ruthless financial engineering based on the principle of Profit at any cost and the concomitant fix at the short-term results have caused much of the misery today. In front of this onslaught generated from the USA, nothing seems to be able to withstand its destructive force. One feels for the French and the British who are still trying to hold onto something good that they possessed in their socio-political arena. One only hopes that the coming generation here will re-calibrate the ethos and once the US re-calibrates, the world at large will re-look at this unneeded demonic "me, myself, and I" ethos and the balance would again be restored! Optimism has its rewards!
7
This is certainly not the whole story, but I put some of the blame on smartphones, the technology of the small screen and the "feed" disconnects from true social interaction and feeds fear, extremism, isolation and addiction. The close-focus handheld small screen has taken over the planet in less than ten years, a mad electric experiment. The medium is the message, and the message here is de-evolution revealed in phone-head, the stoop, kyphosis, paralysis, body movement limited to the thumb. No joy, no life of the body. Old before their time, with no real community: An easy herd for extremist demagogues to move.
4
Thank you for a needed reminder in this time of collective confusion.
Global warming tells us, too, that we are all interconnected, as one planet, beyond any individual nation-states, or corporate interests, or even our happiness as individual humans.
Our individual (and collective) compassion, and deeds, must not only be for our fellow humans. We must also act for the health of the non-human world of which we are all a part -- plants, animals, water, the fertility of the soil.
And for the many generations who will follow us.......
Global warming tells us, too, that we are all interconnected, as one planet, beyond any individual nation-states, or corporate interests, or even our happiness as individual humans.
Our individual (and collective) compassion, and deeds, must not only be for our fellow humans. We must also act for the health of the non-human world of which we are all a part -- plants, animals, water, the fertility of the soil.
And for the many generations who will follow us.......
9
"A shared belief in compassion, in human dignity, in the intrinsic usefulness of every person ....." Beautiful words all of us should live by.
White nationalists/Brietbart Alt-Right/Trump see black, brown, yellow skin color and can not get past the color. They do not share this belief. What belief do they want to live by? If you are not white you are not needed or we do not recognize your human hunger to be needed?
Either way, the white anger and frustration is something that should not be indulged.
White nationalists/Brietbart Alt-Right/Trump see black, brown, yellow skin color and can not get past the color. They do not share this belief. What belief do they want to live by? If you are not white you are not needed or we do not recognize your human hunger to be needed?
Either way, the white anger and frustration is something that should not be indulged.
7
Being "needed" is not enough. Men crave an identity they can be proud of, like welder or carpenter. I know of a few blue collar workers who retrained, learning how to become low level white collar workers. They made a decent living, but it was never the same.
1
These men still can be proud of their skill. it's just not a lucrative anymore. Why are we attaching wealth and income to happiness and a sense of self worth?
1
Thank you both for sparking an important conversation.
4
Every April 15th, I'm reminded how needed I am.
7
Yes, we all need to be needed. But what if we currently do not feel needed at work? We can look to two other places: family and community. To focus on the latter briefly: community plays a diminished role in the minds of many. It takes us away from staring at our phone screens. It takes a sacrifice of one's own desires and whims to participate in a community. But it can provide an ample reward: a sense of purpose.
3
This column sounds more like Arthur Brooks than the Dalai Lama. Here's why:
My impression is that Buddhism is based on the idea that we suffer because of ego-attachment to ideas, emotions, etc. It seems to me that the fear described in this op-ed is an example of being attached -- i.e. to "being needed", a decidedly non-Buddhist consciousness.
Instead of focusing on "fear", the solution that may be preferable is to focus on what has deep heart and meaning -- and behave accordingly (in Buddhist terms, follow the Eight-Fold Path). That would be "solving" this problem on a different level that from where it arose.
Alernatively, Rabindranath Tagore expressed the solution quite elegantly: "I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy."
John Lennon put it another way: "Imagine" - "Perhaps some day you'll join me -- and the world will be as one."
Dream - Image - Act - Rejoice!
My impression is that Buddhism is based on the idea that we suffer because of ego-attachment to ideas, emotions, etc. It seems to me that the fear described in this op-ed is an example of being attached -- i.e. to "being needed", a decidedly non-Buddhist consciousness.
Instead of focusing on "fear", the solution that may be preferable is to focus on what has deep heart and meaning -- and behave accordingly (in Buddhist terms, follow the Eight-Fold Path). That would be "solving" this problem on a different level that from where it arose.
Alernatively, Rabindranath Tagore expressed the solution quite elegantly: "I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy."
John Lennon put it another way: "Imagine" - "Perhaps some day you'll join me -- and the world will be as one."
Dream - Image - Act - Rejoice!
8
Wonderful piece; thank you.
3
Government for the Common Good, is there anything wrong with that?
5
Want to kill a child, or have their life be cut short?
Change their lives so that they no longer belong to a strong family, to a town, to a country that cares about them. They will find a way to survive the terror and psychological pain by using drugs, violence, joining gangs...anything to have a sense of belonging alongside brothers and sisters.
This America is the opposite of a caring compassionate society, we are not in charge and we are not even citizens, except in name only. America is of the investor class, and the super rich, and if we are neither, we are servants, or worse, unwanted and unneeded. The coming time of robot production and augmented reality will lead to horrendous addictions to unreality and more and powerful drugs.
There is no us, so "we" cannot work toward anything.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene
Change their lives so that they no longer belong to a strong family, to a town, to a country that cares about them. They will find a way to survive the terror and psychological pain by using drugs, violence, joining gangs...anything to have a sense of belonging alongside brothers and sisters.
This America is the opposite of a caring compassionate society, we are not in charge and we are not even citizens, except in name only. America is of the investor class, and the super rich, and if we are neither, we are servants, or worse, unwanted and unneeded. The coming time of robot production and augmented reality will lead to horrendous addictions to unreality and more and powerful drugs.
There is no us, so "we" cannot work toward anything.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene
2
The Dali Lama and Arthur Brooks.
Yin and Yang.
Good and Evil.
I wish the Dali Lama well on his search for enlightenment. It seems he has a long way to go. As for Mr. Brooks, the Dali might tell me that no one is hopeless. Realizing the falseness of this opinion is his first step.
Om.
Yin and Yang.
Good and Evil.
I wish the Dali Lama well on his search for enlightenment. It seems he has a long way to go. As for Mr. Brooks, the Dali might tell me that no one is hopeless. Realizing the falseness of this opinion is his first step.
Om.
4
Word perfect!!
Couldn't agree more with the message of this beautiful article!!
Couldn't agree more with the message of this beautiful article!!
2
I felt that. I got a dog.
I now life to please my dog.
Never been more happy!
I now life to please my dog.
Never been more happy!
12
Ichigo,
I LOVED your note.
Animals, dogs, cats, etc. are an amazing link to our heart. I am 73 and I feel very happy, needed and useful. I also read to school children. I am a lucky man.
I have had a dog walking (cats, chickens as well) business for 13 years. I am so happy...Taking care of the animals connects me to their owners and now everyone fills fufilled.
Thank you for your wonderful note.
Gene
I LOVED your note.
Animals, dogs, cats, etc. are an amazing link to our heart. I am 73 and I feel very happy, needed and useful. I also read to school children. I am a lucky man.
I have had a dog walking (cats, chickens as well) business for 13 years. I am so happy...Taking care of the animals connects me to their owners and now everyone fills fufilled.
Thank you for your wonderful note.
Gene
3
While I agree with virtually all that is expressed here (with a notable exception below) and have experienced much of it in my own life, there is a key aspect of "need" that is not addressed. Need has, largely, become synonymous with weakness and in our hyper-individualist value regime and discourse. So long as this message is organized around "need" its resonance will be negative to many. Similarly, the idea of serving--except in the police or armed forces--has been diminished in our societal thinking. Perhaps the term "inter-dependence" or even "purposeful inter-dependence" might convey this important human truth without invoking our 21st century American baggage.
Now to my objection.
In the paragraph below the authors, understandably, seek to make their critique "inclusive" of all. However, the simple fact is that one political party actively and explicitly rejects this message and prioritizes wealth and power over human relationships and well-being not withstanding Mr. Brooks personal position.
"Misguided thinking from all sides contributes to social exclusion, .... Indeed, what unites the two of us in friendship and collaboration is not shared politics or the same religion. It is something simpler: a shared belief in compassion, in human dignity, in the intrinsic usefulness of every person to contribute positively for a better and more meaningful world. The problems we face cut across conventional categories; so must our dialogue, and our friendships."
Now to my objection.
In the paragraph below the authors, understandably, seek to make their critique "inclusive" of all. However, the simple fact is that one political party actively and explicitly rejects this message and prioritizes wealth and power over human relationships and well-being not withstanding Mr. Brooks personal position.
"Misguided thinking from all sides contributes to social exclusion, .... Indeed, what unites the two of us in friendship and collaboration is not shared politics or the same religion. It is something simpler: a shared belief in compassion, in human dignity, in the intrinsic usefulness of every person to contribute positively for a better and more meaningful world. The problems we face cut across conventional categories; so must our dialogue, and our friendships."
1
There is a large lack of control within our daily lives that seems to upend many of us. Which can create ongoing frustration that manifests itself into anger then depression. I believe there is a difference between the European and US counterparts. Being that in Europe the citizens don't fall in between the hard cracks of life as often and don't require the proverbial bootstraps. Our isolation due to the advent of computers and the internet is not a positive. Humans need steady doses of interaction with others, in real life. We're out of touch literally.
6
As always the His Holiness the Dalai Lama has offered gift of his wisdom and compassion. He represents the kindness potential in all beings.
3
Nicely said, and something that we do not often hear yet that has been on my mind recently as I approach the age of voluntary (hopefully) retirement. Much as I enjoy indulging my interests and passions, it has become clear that I will wither if I do not do something that I can justifiably feel is useful to others. The DL and Mr. Brooks point out that this is, unsurprisingly, a common feeling of humankind but that in many cases is an unconscious yearning and discontent rather than a mindful understanding. They attempt to correct that and make us all aware of our need to be useful.
102
Wonderful and true. "In the end, the love you make is equal to the love you take." The Beatles
3
I've now realize, as a wiser septuagenarian, that the rest of the world (except my dog) wants me to be invisible: shut up, stay out of sight - better yet, be dead (but first, 'give us some of your money'). Looking back now at my younger days, I can now that was always true. In non-tribal societies, especially industrialized societies, fellow humans are not only dispensable, they are generally loathed.
8
Dear Pete,
I was struck by your sadness and loneliness. I felt that way after retirement and after trying many new jobs, I started a dog walking business. You mentioned your dog. Perhaps you might like to volunteer in your local shelter and walk the dogs. I read to school children and I love it.
Id like to talk to you. Not with easy answers but maybe an idea or two beyond what I have written.
Gene (Sandy Hook Ct)
I was struck by your sadness and loneliness. I felt that way after retirement and after trying many new jobs, I started a dog walking business. You mentioned your dog. Perhaps you might like to volunteer in your local shelter and walk the dogs. I read to school children and I love it.
Id like to talk to you. Not with easy answers but maybe an idea or two beyond what I have written.
Gene (Sandy Hook Ct)
It is interesting to see the varied comments on this article, but I don't think there is necessarily a disconnect between having a purpose in life and government help. My uncle worked in a CCC camp in the late thirties. It gave him work but also gave him a purpose. While we can't fix all the problems in today's world with government, we can't solve our problems without the help of government either.
8
After a very eloquent riff on human empathy and brotherhood, please excuse my cynicism and sense of the absurd, but who put this duo together. Who said "Yah, let's go with the Dalai Lama and Arthur Brooks, I wanted the Pope and Ann Coulter, but Ann doesn't like poor people or immigrants ," or "I wanted the Ayatollah Khameinei and Mitch McConnell, but Mitch wouldn't take his shoes off and sit on a Persian rug"
6
I lean progressive, but am concerned about the many commenters here who refuse to see any value in this editorial because it is co-written by a conservative.
So many Times readers (see responses to Paul Krugman's column today) are decrying the unreasoned, unstinting opposition of the Republicans, yet refuse to see their own tendency to see the other side in black and white terms (and no, I'm not promoting false equivalency; it is far far far far worse on the conservative side - but if that's the case - if there really is even a tiny bit more sanity among progressives, then they bear the brunt of the responsibility to get past the factionalism)
I remember an episode of Firing Line featuring William F Buckley and the Dalai Lama. Buckley was aggressively trying to goad the DL into declaring the USSR to be our enemy. The DL was calmly trying numerous different ways to invite Buckley to see the USSR with some compassion and kindness.
The more the DL did this, the more hostile and outraged were Buckley's responses.
Finally, the Dalai Lama paused, and said, "If I am your enemy, and you criticize me, I am not going to listen to anything you say. If I am truly your friend, and you criticize me, I will listen to you."
Buckley, in an extremely rare moment, was speechless. He seemed to have actually thought it over, though, and slowly nodded his head, if not in full agreement, at least indicating that he had taken this in.
If we (all of us) can do this, there might yet be hope.
So many Times readers (see responses to Paul Krugman's column today) are decrying the unreasoned, unstinting opposition of the Republicans, yet refuse to see their own tendency to see the other side in black and white terms (and no, I'm not promoting false equivalency; it is far far far far worse on the conservative side - but if that's the case - if there really is even a tiny bit more sanity among progressives, then they bear the brunt of the responsibility to get past the factionalism)
I remember an episode of Firing Line featuring William F Buckley and the Dalai Lama. Buckley was aggressively trying to goad the DL into declaring the USSR to be our enemy. The DL was calmly trying numerous different ways to invite Buckley to see the USSR with some compassion and kindness.
The more the DL did this, the more hostile and outraged were Buckley's responses.
Finally, the Dalai Lama paused, and said, "If I am your enemy, and you criticize me, I am not going to listen to anything you say. If I am truly your friend, and you criticize me, I will listen to you."
Buckley, in an extremely rare moment, was speechless. He seemed to have actually thought it over, though, and slowly nodded his head, if not in full agreement, at least indicating that he had taken this in.
If we (all of us) can do this, there might yet be hope.
22
I loved this article. It speaks to the heart of life; compassion, connection, purpose. I see many people who have lost all three. And yes, they are angry. But there is some solidarity with their anger, proving some connection. And I see it this election cycle.
We do have a lot here in the USA, but much has been taken away from us. Like the feeling of a secure retirement. The feeling that we can afford the "American Dream" just by working hard. Healthcare that is affordable and easily obtained.
I see, every single day, the graciousness of people who do reach out and help others. They reach out, but still feel isolated, unneeded. And some people are just tired. It is hard work trying to live here in the land of plenty. To achieve society's view of prosperity, we must work hard, pay huge mortgages, huge medical deductibles when we seek care. We pray our 401K stays intact. We try to make sure our kids have every possible opportunity, but we worry about the ever growing drug culture among them. Suicide amongst teens is growing. We have aging parents, outlandish college tuition. If we are black, we worry we could be shot. There still is blatant racism here. Sometimes we just do not feel safe. And escaping for entertainment is now beyond most budgets.
So maybe the anger stems more from not being heard, issues not being addressed, and less from not being needed. I don't know. But this is a useful dialogue, especially now with the divisiveness of this election cycle.
We do have a lot here in the USA, but much has been taken away from us. Like the feeling of a secure retirement. The feeling that we can afford the "American Dream" just by working hard. Healthcare that is affordable and easily obtained.
I see, every single day, the graciousness of people who do reach out and help others. They reach out, but still feel isolated, unneeded. And some people are just tired. It is hard work trying to live here in the land of plenty. To achieve society's view of prosperity, we must work hard, pay huge mortgages, huge medical deductibles when we seek care. We pray our 401K stays intact. We try to make sure our kids have every possible opportunity, but we worry about the ever growing drug culture among them. Suicide amongst teens is growing. We have aging parents, outlandish college tuition. If we are black, we worry we could be shot. There still is blatant racism here. Sometimes we just do not feel safe. And escaping for entertainment is now beyond most budgets.
So maybe the anger stems more from not being heard, issues not being addressed, and less from not being needed. I don't know. But this is a useful dialogue, especially now with the divisiveness of this election cycle.
222
I appreciate and agree with many of your statements. However, "It is hard work trying to live here in the land of plenty" is not one of them. It is hard work to live in Syria.
It seems to me that much of this anger and resentment comes from white males who are experiencing what it's like to be marginalized and it frightens them that their contributions are not valued as highly as they used to be. The future awaits and we must face it together with dignity, understanding and compassion for all.
It seems to me that much of this anger and resentment comes from white males who are experiencing what it's like to be marginalized and it frightens them that their contributions are not valued as highly as they used to be. The future awaits and we must face it together with dignity, understanding and compassion for all.
Janice Badger Nelson, your wonderfully expressive comment is so important for our times.
2
Amen.
1
As we edge closer and closer to the post-work society (think self-driving Uber cars) these questions will take front and center. Even after we've tackled the hairy question of how wealth is re-distributed in a world in which automation has displaced most workers, we'll still have to find a way to make ordinary people feel they have a place in the world and a purpose in life.
42
Our purpose in life: Staying connected, especially with family members, with schoolmates, with co-workers. After years of military living and moving our home over 20 times and having lost contact with just about everyone because I found it so hard to keep saying goodbye...so I stopped seeking out people to connect with so that I could withdraw from the pain of separation. Now in my late 70's, although I have children and grandchildren, I don't have a partner. Yes, I've been blessed in many ways and I live a comfortable life style, and I'm not complaining.
I'm just saying that dedication to the well-being of the family circle we live in is a good starting place.
I'm just saying that dedication to the well-being of the family circle we live in is a good starting place.
It's hard to feel needed when one is unemployed, attempts for months on end to find a job, gets no responses, is told to fix the resume over and over, and is finally told that one is a failure, is obviously incompetent, and doesn't deserve to have a decent life. This despite years of experience, good reviews on every job, etc. Not everyone has experienced continuous employment, been able to save for every contingency, or feels safe and needed.
In America we are forced to be aware of how unnecessary we are. We've seen our friends and colleagues fired for no reason. We've been fired for no reason. We've seen a complete lack of interest in our needs as average Americans on the part of our elected representatives. We're forced to consider everyone a potential enemy who can rat on us for whatever they want and get us in trouble. Community doesn't exist unless we conform. This election season has given us more than enough proof of that.
Every time there is move to help all Americans someone has to say that we don't want to help lazy moochers or drug users or people who have been arrested, or something. Or someone feels that since they have lived a virtuous life they shouldn't be forced to help those who didn't. And guess what, too many of our politicians play this same game. Our discontent stems from these sorts of games: a pretense of caring while doing nothing but building in exceptions or exemptions so that no one is helped.
In America we are forced to be aware of how unnecessary we are. We've seen our friends and colleagues fired for no reason. We've been fired for no reason. We've seen a complete lack of interest in our needs as average Americans on the part of our elected representatives. We're forced to consider everyone a potential enemy who can rat on us for whatever they want and get us in trouble. Community doesn't exist unless we conform. This election season has given us more than enough proof of that.
Every time there is move to help all Americans someone has to say that we don't want to help lazy moochers or drug users or people who have been arrested, or something. Or someone feels that since they have lived a virtuous life they shouldn't be forced to help those who didn't. And guess what, too many of our politicians play this same game. Our discontent stems from these sorts of games: a pretense of caring while doing nothing but building in exceptions or exemptions so that no one is helped.
726
Sorry to hear u are having such a tough time... U sound like a good person, kind and perceptive. Wish u the best!
1
I think what this article said was go volunteer to help somewhere/ someone. It will certainly help your mental health, and possibly even help you get a job. I need to do this.
If a person loses their job when they are in their fifties, they can kiss their good life goodbye because they aren't going to be given another job. What happens to people who are considered by those hiring as just too old? That's why the disability rate has risen so high. People have to live. They have to have money to eat and pay for a place to live. I guess people in their fifties aren't supposed to eat.
10
It seems that some respondents here seem to ignore HH the Dalai Lama's entreaty by fixating on the co-author's, Mr Brooks's, name, which is quite sad.
To begin with, HH the Dalai Lama makes friends from all walks of life. Just as Pope Francis has no problem meeting with Putin, it's a good bet that he would hold talks with President Xi of China in a heartbeat even though the Tibetans have suffered terribly.
Besides, somehow some people in the West still have the misconception that the DL is a liberal, it is not necessarily the case in doctrinal matter.
Ultimately, perhaps it is more important to judge the book with its substance and not its cover, thinking the DL and Mr Brooks cannot co-author something worthwhile exposes one's own needs as opposed to what the world needs
To begin with, HH the Dalai Lama makes friends from all walks of life. Just as Pope Francis has no problem meeting with Putin, it's a good bet that he would hold talks with President Xi of China in a heartbeat even though the Tibetans have suffered terribly.
Besides, somehow some people in the West still have the misconception that the DL is a liberal, it is not necessarily the case in doctrinal matter.
Ultimately, perhaps it is more important to judge the book with its substance and not its cover, thinking the DL and Mr Brooks cannot co-author something worthwhile exposes one's own needs as opposed to what the world needs
89
Why should Brooks get credit for egalitarian and humanistic sentiment which he clearly does not subscribe to in his ordinary politico-economic activities?
1
@skeptonomist - Obviously you have never heard of HH the DL 's gospel - really the foundation of Buddhism - interdependence. You, me, Mr Brooks and the DL are all interconnected. More importantly, with you us-versus-them mentality, what make you any better than people you are criticizing? Instead, why not bring your case against what you deem unacceptable and debate about it*
* incidentally, this is what the Tibetan teacher training does. At the end of rigorous training, the teacher-to-be will have a final oral debate with his peers. A sight to behold
* incidentally, this is what the Tibetan teacher training does. At the end of rigorous training, the teacher-to-be will have a final oral debate with his peers. A sight to behold
@bos: The idea that HH has floated, that he is the last in the line of Dalai Lamas, is actually a very radical idea within his religion, based on a very pragmatic thought that the Chinese would present a false future Dalai Lama to work toward the continued Chinese autocratic control of Tibet.
My feelings about this collaboration is the willingness for Brooks to write up a bunch of ideals at diametric opposition to the consistent work of the think tank over which he presides. I am appreciative of the sentiments while being wholly suspicious that one of these authors believes not a word of what he has written.
My feelings about this collaboration is the willingness for Brooks to write up a bunch of ideals at diametric opposition to the consistent work of the think tank over which he presides. I am appreciative of the sentiments while being wholly suspicious that one of these authors believes not a word of what he has written.
2
It would be helpful to both the society and to disenfranchised men if Moore were willing to take on what used to be considered "woman's work". That includes teaching nursing and all of the other caring careers that we are so lacking today. There is nothing unmanly about teaching a kindergarten class or caring for elderly dementia patients. If this were combined with a dynamic infrastructure project I think many men would feel needed once again.
220
To Lori Frederick: Who is Moore? I can't find any reference to anyone named Moore in either the original article or the comments up to now. (Now is 9:58 AM Friday, Nov. 4.)
Am I missing something? Or did I click in the wrong place?
Am I missing something? Or did I click in the wrong place?
1
Maybe. But if you look at the compensation we offer for these jobs it suggests there is not a lack of supply (we wouldn't be able to offer such low wages if the issue was we didn't have enough people to fill the jobs). I would love to see more men in these fields, but it's not as if there are tons of jobs there waiting for them.
What a beautiful essay. I will try to better understand and empathize with those who feel alienated. Their pain is real, their need to be useful is valid. A great call to spiritual action for us all.
59
So, "a shared belief in compassion, in human dignity, in the intrinsic usefulness of every person."
Yet no mention of the role of government, society working for the common good. Instead Conservatives, Libertarians, and Republicans in general have been arguing that government is the problem. They say we are individuals who should mind our own business and act only for our own interests, except women who need our guidance, allowing the invisible hand to produce the most good for the largest number of us. They leave out Adam Smith's understanding of "sentiment," and any profound respect for each other in and of itself (not for our own advantage).
Institutional religion has led to sectarianism and mutual hostility rather than to the spirituality that underlay their original beliefs. So, the question is not how can we show our appreciation for each other with more civil "thank you's," but how do we see ourselves as fundamentally social beings and not individual competitive actors without interior lives?
Our most important election will select someone to represent us and serve us. One candidate, with her flaws and all, aspires to work for everyone, especially the poor, infirm, and weak. The other boasts of his prowess to make an advantageous deal that tricks and belittles his partners, while benefiting himself regardless of the collateral damage. And he is nothing but facade -- no interior self.
Anxiety is found here. Don't distract us from seeing this, Dalai Lama, please!
Yet no mention of the role of government, society working for the common good. Instead Conservatives, Libertarians, and Republicans in general have been arguing that government is the problem. They say we are individuals who should mind our own business and act only for our own interests, except women who need our guidance, allowing the invisible hand to produce the most good for the largest number of us. They leave out Adam Smith's understanding of "sentiment," and any profound respect for each other in and of itself (not for our own advantage).
Institutional religion has led to sectarianism and mutual hostility rather than to the spirituality that underlay their original beliefs. So, the question is not how can we show our appreciation for each other with more civil "thank you's," but how do we see ourselves as fundamentally social beings and not individual competitive actors without interior lives?
Our most important election will select someone to represent us and serve us. One candidate, with her flaws and all, aspires to work for everyone, especially the poor, infirm, and weak. The other boasts of his prowess to make an advantageous deal that tricks and belittles his partners, while benefiting himself regardless of the collateral damage. And he is nothing but facade -- no interior self.
Anxiety is found here. Don't distract us from seeing this, Dalai Lama, please!
162
The Dalai Lama has said at other times that most of what we experience as suffering is created inside our own minds. I'm very anxious about this election, but have pondered possibilities with either candidate in power. We have created this divide through our own selfishness and fear. So the first thing to do is look inside ourselves. What's under the anxiety? And what's under that? If you drill down, you find under the selfishness, fear and anger, sadness. That's where to begin. Reside in the sadness, gently. Let yourself cry if you have to. Then get up and begin. Others need help, even if it's just carrying someone's groceries. There are so many ways to plug in. If you have leadership skills, start something others can join and create a giving situation many can participate in. But don't ever forget the sadness at the bottom of it all, because that is where you can be touched, where your heart is touchable, and that is where compassion starts.
1
To Sky,
Well stated, and worth thinking about.
But whereas Buddhists see suffering (sadness) due to the transitory nature of (what they see as) our illusory world, others see joy and beauty in our existence. I'm not wise enough to sort it all out. But until someone does, I need not take their insight as absolute truth. One insight might see the need to retreat and seek extinction of one's self, another might see the need to reach out and join with others to find out how we should act in a world we see as real. And we can all get along no matter which foundation we find convincing.
Well stated, and worth thinking about.
But whereas Buddhists see suffering (sadness) due to the transitory nature of (what they see as) our illusory world, others see joy and beauty in our existence. I'm not wise enough to sort it all out. But until someone does, I need not take their insight as absolute truth. One insight might see the need to retreat and seek extinction of one's self, another might see the need to reach out and join with others to find out how we should act in a world we see as real. And we can all get along no matter which foundation we find convincing.
2
Hmm. Two men writing about the sorrows of men.
I greatly admire the courage and fortitude of the Dalai Lama. I do not admire Arthur Brooks and the American Enterprise Institite. So what's going on here? How did they become pals?
It's nice that they mention children and education. Yet of course Mr. Brooks and his party don't want to pay the substantial taxes that would support more equitable education in the US.
So ... again ... how did these two men pair up?
Oh, I see. By ignoring half of the human population. Those pesky females.
The United States is now soiled, embroiled, in the ugliest election season I can remember ... and I'm pretty old. Should I just start meditating? And if we check out the real news, it becomes clear that the Republican Party has nominated a sexist (and racist) pig as its candidate. The story, in this election, will be the gender gap. I really do think women will save us.
And Arthur Brooks (and David Brooks) can't hide behind a little line of Buddhist prayer flags or sermons. They've been exposed. Their party is venal. And women are beginning to figure that out.
See you on Wednesday.
I greatly admire the courage and fortitude of the Dalai Lama. I do not admire Arthur Brooks and the American Enterprise Institite. So what's going on here? How did they become pals?
It's nice that they mention children and education. Yet of course Mr. Brooks and his party don't want to pay the substantial taxes that would support more equitable education in the US.
So ... again ... how did these two men pair up?
Oh, I see. By ignoring half of the human population. Those pesky females.
The United States is now soiled, embroiled, in the ugliest election season I can remember ... and I'm pretty old. Should I just start meditating? And if we check out the real news, it becomes clear that the Republican Party has nominated a sexist (and racist) pig as its candidate. The story, in this election, will be the gender gap. I really do think women will save us.
And Arthur Brooks (and David Brooks) can't hide behind a little line of Buddhist prayer flags or sermons. They've been exposed. Their party is venal. And women are beginning to figure that out.
See you on Wednesday.
606
Burn! As my 11-year-old would say. Your comment is nicely written - however, as a woman, I did very much enjoy this column. Your perspective is a good and useful one but not the entire response we should have to this column.
I was thinking as I read that perhaps having children is a way to feel needed, because no one needs you more than your own child. And, in a way, it has provided a way for me to soldier on.
However, I advocate for zero population growth, so I would not say all women and men should have children (no!).
I agree with the suggestions of this column that we look outwards from ourselves to give, no matter who or where or what, and find our place in the world through service to others.
I was thinking as I read that perhaps having children is a way to feel needed, because no one needs you more than your own child. And, in a way, it has provided a way for me to soldier on.
However, I advocate for zero population growth, so I would not say all women and men should have children (no!).
I agree with the suggestions of this column that we look outwards from ourselves to give, no matter who or where or what, and find our place in the world through service to others.
1
Thank you for writing about exactly what is so irritating about this condescending and oblivious piece - the utter disregard for women. I believe my eye twitched as I read the word "brotherhood" in the article. Imagine if it had been "sisterhood" instead?
6
Interesting response. I perused the article again. I only take issue with the criticism that"half the human population" is "ignored". There is one mention of statistics for men only in the work force. "Men and women" are mentioned several times. My guess is that the time period studied (last 50 years) coincides with a (laudable, 'bout time, etc.) increase in women in the work force. So, statistically, a societal/historical (welcoming women in a real way into the work force) might skew the discussion of number of people working as a trend. Yes the
Republicans are all what you describe, I share that opinion. However, the teaming of Arthur Brooks and the Dalai Lama should not inspire suspicion, but serve as a kind of model for a new order. Unlikely allies rise above the prejudices of their "tribe" (Brooks Arthur and David), and create new visions with unexpected partners. All of us are needed to restore this country...
Republicans are all what you describe, I share that opinion. However, the teaming of Arthur Brooks and the Dalai Lama should not inspire suspicion, but serve as a kind of model for a new order. Unlikely allies rise above the prejudices of their "tribe" (Brooks Arthur and David), and create new visions with unexpected partners. All of us are needed to restore this country...
1
Even an act of service to an animal releases me from personal turmoil for a gratifying moment
71
Not "even". Animals are helpless and suffer so much at the hands of humans. Helping animals is a very noble endeavor. They have no recourse...
5
If you can generate profits and value in this great country, you'll always be needed. When you stop learning, working and planning for the future....you fall behind, from a professional standpoint at least.
It has always been this way and will always be so.
It has always been this way and will always be so.
4
Dear Crossing Overhead,
If generating profits and value is your definition of being needed you have, I'm sorry to say, allowed corporation to define your existence. Since when do trees require compensation for breathing oxygen into the air so you can live? Does the sun require payment for its light? Is a child to paid for rewarding another with her smile? When has a mother demanded recompense for birthing and loving that child? Our journey together is not about capitalism or profit. It has always been this way and always will be.
If generating profits and value is your definition of being needed you have, I'm sorry to say, allowed corporation to define your existence. Since when do trees require compensation for breathing oxygen into the air so you can live? Does the sun require payment for its light? Is a child to paid for rewarding another with her smile? When has a mother demanded recompense for birthing and loving that child? Our journey together is not about capitalism or profit. It has always been this way and always will be.
2
And what happens when, in the near future, there are NO jobs for most of the people because of AI and rich companies moving to find slave labor in poor countries? Huh? What happens THEN??
3
What happens then is we stop looking to others to solve our problems for us. We begin to realize we are in charge and if we work together we can make a change. What happens is with global tech, everyone is talking with everyone else and we organize globally. WE are the ones in who need to recognize we are free now and no one has power unless we give it to them.
2
I thought about this 40 years ago, how to free people from meaningless jobs and bring a sense of self worth and healthy living to many more people. The only answer I could come up with is one that we had already known. An agrarian life. We have evolved from a long history of self sustaining farmers the world over. By decentralizing agriculture and moving people back on to the land we can give useful and meaningful healthy lives to many more people. Yes, this will mean that we will have much less access to material goods, but it does not have to mean that we will have to sacrifice gains in education, technology, or medicine. A decentralized society will still require all of the occupations of today, just fewer meaningless one such as cashiers, cooks, and other service workers as most people will be doing these things for themselves. It has been shown in many research papers that labor intensive farming can and does bring higher yields and more sustainable farming than the machine intensive and corporate farming practices we have today. Instead of one family farming 10,000 acres we should have 1,000 families farming 10 acres. Lets go back to the small communities organized around small farms.
29
You would be amazed what you can grow in a suburban yard. On my quarter acre I have a citrus grove. Although my grapefruit tree was severely damaged by Matthew we harvested almost 100 grapefruit from the broken branches and there are at least that many left. I also have lemons, oranges, limes and 3 kinds kumquats. A lot of it will be going to the food bank this year. The tomatoes didn't do well in our sandy soil, but there are many other varieties of things to try. One can even grow potatoes in a box or punctured plastic garbage can using shredded newspapers!
Yeah...except some of us like cities and enjoy restaurants (which you consider superfluous), arts, culture, museums, fashion, shopping, meeting new people on a regular basis, etc. You might consider these extraneous, but for others it's a significant part of life.
2
We can also free people from meaningless jobs by respecting them and the job they do. When I was young we still had the milkman and the coal man, etc. (UK). I always had a wondrous feeling that all were so special and integral to our lives - I realize now that was because of how my parents treated people.
1
Shortly after the attacks on September 11, 2001, I recall reading an article (probably in the NY Times) that quoted the Dalai Lama as saying that this was "an enormous opportunity for non-violence." This remark probably went unnoticed by most people, although I do recall seeing, shortly thereafter, signs on the front lawns of a few houses that read, "War is not the answer."
Now the Dalai Lama and Mr. Brooks have a different message: "Feeling superfluous .... creates the conditions for negative emotions to take root."
With regard to the dangers posed by the candidacy of Donald Trump for President of the United States, Adam Gropnik recently wrote in The New Yorker: "Bigotry, fanaticism, xenophobia are the norms of human life—the question is not what causes them but what uncauses them, what happens in the rare extended moments that allow them to be put aside, when secular values of toleration and pluralism replace them."
Mr. Gropnik does not tell us in his article what factors prevent the ascendance of what he regards as the perpetual human propensity for evil. I believe the Dalai Lama and Mr. Brooks have identified at least one of those factors.
Now the Dalai Lama and Mr. Brooks have a different message: "Feeling superfluous .... creates the conditions for negative emotions to take root."
With regard to the dangers posed by the candidacy of Donald Trump for President of the United States, Adam Gropnik recently wrote in The New Yorker: "Bigotry, fanaticism, xenophobia are the norms of human life—the question is not what causes them but what uncauses them, what happens in the rare extended moments that allow them to be put aside, when secular values of toleration and pluralism replace them."
Mr. Gropnik does not tell us in his article what factors prevent the ascendance of what he regards as the perpetual human propensity for evil. I believe the Dalai Lama and Mr. Brooks have identified at least one of those factors.
228
Yet the government response to 9/11, with Brooks' support, was to first invade Afghanistan seeking roaring hot vengeance on Osama bin Laden and his collaborators and enablers. Then there was, against military wishes, letting him slip away by failing to send more resources to Tora Bora. Then, finally, a pivot to a ginned up, falsely premised invasion of Iraq. That those two wars continue in perpetual futility is proof positive that American government has no regard for the Dalai Lama's call for non violence. The idea that Brooks, the Koch Brothers' willing tool, could agree on that is laughable on its face.
5
Valid and useful connection between the two articles. Before we cast a stone, let us all try a bit harder to empathise with one another.
See David Graeber's great essay "On Bullsh*t Jobs" and the current disbelief of babyboomers that millennials would rather earn less money than do something that matters. I think things are going in the right direction and once the generation that defined themselves through their work titles dies away, we'll be freer to define ourselves by the contributions we bring to society as a whole.
26
I think this comment shows a lack of understanding of an older generation wherein many chose lower paying work in order to do meaningful work to help others and improve society (teachers, social workers, first responders, other helping professions, working for and creating non-profit organizations ) and now are volunteering at a never seen before rate at food banks, homeless shelters, domestic abuse shelters, reading programs in schools and literacy programs for adults, refugee assistance programs and in so many other ways! I am aghast at the stereotype of the self-centered boomer, although those do exist. Not all of us gave up our ideals and became yuppies. Many passed these community based values on to our children who are making even more progress for society!
1
I could not agree more: [There is] "a universal human hunger to be needed. Let us work together to build a society that feeds this hunger."
Mr. Arthur C. Brooks must be feeling a powerful case of "cognitive dissonance". How could someone who speaks eloquently of "the fear of being unneeded" simultaneously support the huge and overwhelmingly powerful Republican Party, which preaches hate, lies, fear, rebellion, division, and disharmony?
Mr. Arthur C. Brooks must be feeling a powerful case of "cognitive dissonance". How could someone who speaks eloquently of "the fear of being unneeded" simultaneously support the huge and overwhelmingly powerful Republican Party, which preaches hate, lies, fear, rebellion, division, and disharmony?
470
the republicans challenge us; the democrats placate us. being challenged gets one to being needed. Being placated precedes a dissolute lifestyle.
Trump is a challenge to us -- are we up to the challenge..?
Trump is a challenge to us -- are we up to the challenge..?
Maybe Arthur Brook had a conversion encouraged by Dali Lama?
3
The Dalai Lama got it right. His beautifully crafted statement about the human need to feel needed resonates with me--a retired internist. It took eight years after college --medical school, internship and residency--to learn my trade as a doctor. Then, there were 42 years of medical practice. There were huge frustrations along the way but there was the joy of hard work and the sustaining sense of feeling needed.
I am a doctor lucky enough to retire with physical and intellectual health intact. But after four years on the sidelines of the noblest of the professions I continue to feel a certain hollowness. The Dalai Lama would understand. Unhappily, our American medical leaders show a shocking disinterest in utilizing valuable medical resources in retirement. Capable retired doctors, whether volunteer or employed, could better enrich our nation.
I am a doctor lucky enough to retire with physical and intellectual health intact. But after four years on the sidelines of the noblest of the professions I continue to feel a certain hollowness. The Dalai Lama would understand. Unhappily, our American medical leaders show a shocking disinterest in utilizing valuable medical resources in retirement. Capable retired doctors, whether volunteer or employed, could better enrich our nation.
132
Dear Dr. Hannah,
Here in SC we have an organization called VIM - Volunteers in Medicine. Most of the local "retired" doctors spend all or part of one day a week providing medical care to the low income or indigent of the area. Everyone of them talks about how much they love the work. The need is there. Come visit or check it out on line. You could start one in your area.
Here in SC we have an organization called VIM - Volunteers in Medicine. Most of the local "retired" doctors spend all or part of one day a week providing medical care to the low income or indigent of the area. Everyone of them talks about how much they love the work. The need is there. Come visit or check it out on line. You could start one in your area.
2
Dr Hannah, I appreciate the implication in your comment about the value of creating a structure for utilizing retired doctors like you. One of my children volunteered at the weekly medical clinic at a local homeless shelter. You are so needed at such a place. How about looking for a place like that and/or working with your county health department or medical society to establish a program for retired medical professionals at programs for mothers and children, the homeless, the elderly, or veterans? This would be such a great service.
3
Thank you, Dalai Lama, for your wisdom and initiative to provide social leadership.
8
Yes, it is important to feel needed, but it is more important to take off the blinders that prevent us from noticing the disruptions in the current way of life introduced by technological changes that eliminate the old ways people found work that made them feel needed. Remember when there were secretaries, paralegals, taxi drivers, wagon drivers, bank tellers and businesses that employed people to answer telephones? The times they are a changing and we need the kind of wisdom that can deal with it.
416
I'm sure we've all noticed this technological elimination of many jobs and the severe economic and psychological dislocation it has bred. Certainly one of the dominant political themes of our age, even if politicians across the spectrum kick the can by promising to restore near-full employment ("elect me, and jobs for everyone! Just some new training, or more hardnosed trade negotions, or tax incentives for (or punitive measures for job-exporting) manufacturers...").
Let's face it: we're increasingly facing the "post-service economy", the next stage after the "postindustrial economy." As Tony Kushner gloomly observes in "Perestroika," "what comes when the snake molts its old skin without a new layer prepared- death!" We must face up to these challenges without false band-aids. Society must adjust.
Recently I got a Delancey Place email (subscribe everybody!) on Keynes predicting with increased efficiency, halving of the workweek within 50 years. Talk about being half-right: half the population working more and harder than ever before, half desperate for any work at all, but certainly little increase in genuine leisure except for a few, a substantial swath getting the lion's share of benefit, and enormous numbers in excruciating strain.
The economic and psychological promise of technology has been neither understood nor fulfilled, its hazards fulfilled but not understood or adequately adressed.
Let's face it: we're increasingly facing the "post-service economy", the next stage after the "postindustrial economy." As Tony Kushner gloomly observes in "Perestroika," "what comes when the snake molts its old skin without a new layer prepared- death!" We must face up to these challenges without false band-aids. Society must adjust.
Recently I got a Delancey Place email (subscribe everybody!) on Keynes predicting with increased efficiency, halving of the workweek within 50 years. Talk about being half-right: half the population working more and harder than ever before, half desperate for any work at all, but certainly little increase in genuine leisure except for a few, a substantial swath getting the lion's share of benefit, and enormous numbers in excruciating strain.
The economic and psychological promise of technology has been neither understood nor fulfilled, its hazards fulfilled but not understood or adequately adressed.
The people who are now unemployed and unemployable DO need an income. I know rich people tend to go on about "wisdom" and "enlightenment", while the poor and unemployed strangely tend to focus on things like paying the rent, utilities, and being able to feed themselves.
3
Prosperity disrupts poverty. Farming disrupts hunting-gathering. Individual rights disrupts slavery.
In a major op-ed piece for the world's premier news organization, The Dalai Lama, a leading figure of Buddhism world-wide, and his co-author, make not a single explicit mention of the atrocities committed by people claiming the name of Buddhism in Myanmar, atrocities being committed daily against the Rohingya people. It is unspeakable hypocrisy. For shame, both of you. You are together a ghastly cosmic joke.
7
HH the Dalai Lama has touched on the essential nature of malcontent: The need to be needed is indeed palpable. Paradoxically, perhaps one way to feed this hunger is to fulfill other people's needs and wants in a genuine way.
As the DL has pointed out, some people kill in the name of religion. The anger is insatiable. They go so far as to send others to die by brainwashing the latter into strapping bomb to the body. That is the antithesis of fulfilling other people's needs and wants. They become hungry ghosts themselves.
To prevent the formation of hungry ghosts can be long and short. A wholesome education in science and genuine faith in kindness and compassion is needed. Science gives us the reason - that no one can exist alone - and faith nourishes our spirit. This will help to steer the impressionable away from the stray path. For those who are already marred in greed, anger and ignorance, we can feed them with wholesome food instead of junk food (note: by food, it is meant more than that of the physical body). One must fight anger with anger. And an eye for an eye should be executed at the last resort.
But first, we must take care of our own hungry ghost. A lot of times we do outrageous things out of righteousness. While there may be instances in which fighting fire with fire is necessary, most of the times they are excuses to justify our own failure in stepping in other people's shoes
mangalam
As the DL has pointed out, some people kill in the name of religion. The anger is insatiable. They go so far as to send others to die by brainwashing the latter into strapping bomb to the body. That is the antithesis of fulfilling other people's needs and wants. They become hungry ghosts themselves.
To prevent the formation of hungry ghosts can be long and short. A wholesome education in science and genuine faith in kindness and compassion is needed. Science gives us the reason - that no one can exist alone - and faith nourishes our spirit. This will help to steer the impressionable away from the stray path. For those who are already marred in greed, anger and ignorance, we can feed them with wholesome food instead of junk food (note: by food, it is meant more than that of the physical body). One must fight anger with anger. And an eye for an eye should be executed at the last resort.
But first, we must take care of our own hungry ghost. A lot of times we do outrageous things out of righteousness. While there may be instances in which fighting fire with fire is necessary, most of the times they are excuses to justify our own failure in stepping in other people's shoes
mangalam
6
Yeah, but how can one feel needed when experience is no longer valued? When the workplace is only interested in profits because of greed, jobs are outsourced or given to less qualified immigrants and younger workers because they are cheaper. How can one feel needed when meritocracy no longer exists and healthy individuals are forced into retirement before they are ready or willing? Those historical prosperous countries the article mentions, the Western world, are being attacked by accusations of racism for every single perceived slight not warranted. When accomplishments fought hard by these Western countries are undermined with accusations of racism and resources exhausted, how can they feel happy or needed when their hard work is not valued? The problem is not just about being needed, it is about a great culture being devalued with exploitation by those who did not work nor can sustain its greatness.
18
Your pain and anger is relatable but misplaced. Many immigrants and young people are building and sustaining the greatness of the country and have worked to make this country great, including perhaps some of your forbears who might have been immigrants themselves once. We are immigrants having built our lives here for the past 30 years and dealing with the same forces of globalization and digitalization. My father basically had early retirement. His industry, telecommunications, has totally changed in his career - from the first cellphone he designed to now being cast aside with the iPhone. But he's found peace, writing blogs, playing ping pong, participating in choir. We are not rich, we are not poor. My mother can't get over the fact that we are not rich, which is a shame considering she grew up in a one bedroom without a running toilet with her parents and two sisters. Life is perspective, being grateful, letting go and finding joy.
45
It's not all as about you. Try helping others for a change. How? Figure it out!
19
I agree. I am a nurse of 40 years. On the individual level, yes, I am needed. My patients need me. However, I have been laid off several times through bad hospital management, and have found that, with my added years, finding good employment is becoming more difficult due to agism. So, I never feel secure investing myself in my work - I may be asked to move along again, an old cog who has nothing to contribute. It really sucks the joy out of my work, looking over my shoulder, afraid of the next lay offs.
60
My g.p. commented recently that when he returned to France to open a practice, there was no welcoming from the government even though there is a desperate need for new young doctors.
I responded by telling him that he was an extremely important person in the surrounding Provencal villages and that his patients are very grateful he is here. As a g.p., he screens patients for all serious illnesses and is in a position to save many lives.
Pharmacists in France play a similar screening role and, given their medical training, are often the first line defense for life threatening diseases, referring people on to the most appropriate medical practitioner or medicine.
When I first became an expatriate 14 years ago in rural Provence, I noticed that people responded well to praise and recognition for their contribution to the community and developed a habit to speak up in French with a simple "well done" acknowledgement.
I responded by telling him that he was an extremely important person in the surrounding Provencal villages and that his patients are very grateful he is here. As a g.p., he screens patients for all serious illnesses and is in a position to save many lives.
Pharmacists in France play a similar screening role and, given their medical training, are often the first line defense for life threatening diseases, referring people on to the most appropriate medical practitioner or medicine.
When I first became an expatriate 14 years ago in rural Provence, I noticed that people responded well to praise and recognition for their contribution to the community and developed a habit to speak up in French with a simple "well done" acknowledgement.
45
Thank you for this moment of quiet truth. The work programs of yesteryear like the CCC were as much about dignity as about economic survival or infrastructure. We all need to support our civic organizations now more than ever. My intention today is to show my appreciation to those around me.
92
Somehow these words do not ring true the way they should. the same way that Dr. Martin Luther King's words about personal responsibility were taken out of the context of his broader statements about societal responsibility by conservatives, the altruistic impetus to help others here is certainly a clarion call but not to be put in the service of the monied interests represented by the AEI.
74
"Leaders need to recognize that a compassionate society must"...
No matter how we finish that sentence, we understand one of the greatest sources of frustration and feelings of uselessness: leaders and governments have unquestionable failed to provide answers to the people, and all this happens while corporate and big interests exercise more and more power.
Indeed the solution starts from the individual, and from movements that stem form the bottom up, where we the people take charge, even in simple and small steps, but ones that move us not into "protecting" the identity that we feel is fading away, rather to serve and bring our light forward for others, for society as we may understand it.
If we keep waiting for solutions to arrive from anywhere else, we are wasting precious time, and maybe waiting much longer than we hope.
Critical masses of people that think and act in this way, may just elect the leaders that can successfully understand and commit to a compassionate society.
No matter how we finish that sentence, we understand one of the greatest sources of frustration and feelings of uselessness: leaders and governments have unquestionable failed to provide answers to the people, and all this happens while corporate and big interests exercise more and more power.
Indeed the solution starts from the individual, and from movements that stem form the bottom up, where we the people take charge, even in simple and small steps, but ones that move us not into "protecting" the identity that we feel is fading away, rather to serve and bring our light forward for others, for society as we may understand it.
If we keep waiting for solutions to arrive from anywhere else, we are wasting precious time, and maybe waiting much longer than we hope.
Critical masses of people that think and act in this way, may just elect the leaders that can successfully understand and commit to a compassionate society.
22
Thank you for this most potent reminder of what humanity means. The eloquence of speech and both simplicity yet universality of message has me knotted about how i came to where i am.
12
Work is in danger of becoming obsolete. Lawrence Summers (former president of Harvard and Treasury Secretary) has forecast that a third of men between the ages of 25 and 54 will be out of the work force by 2050.
This is a serious matter. It is not merely a matter of providing income to all those who are idled against their wishes. Something must be done to replace the activity of work itself.
The authors of this piece would endorse volunteer work of course, but that is not sufficient because it is only an outlet for a particular type of highly motivated person.
There has to be a national jobs program. Here's the key point for me: business offers jobs based on efficiency and economic need, but government does not need to be and should not be limited by this constraint. Government should be interested in doing useful work, yes, but it can also be considered a success if government provides a work activity to someone who otherwise would have none.
Example: government could foreswear the use of 'automatic phone menu systems' in it's offices. The phone menus that most of us detest are an efficient means used by business to keep the labor cost of customer service down. Government does not have to be cost conscious in the same way. It could employ HUMANS to answer the phone and help callers who have questions. The inherent value of providing a job is a central feature of a job like this, a fact that a business is free to ignore.
This is a serious matter. It is not merely a matter of providing income to all those who are idled against their wishes. Something must be done to replace the activity of work itself.
The authors of this piece would endorse volunteer work of course, but that is not sufficient because it is only an outlet for a particular type of highly motivated person.
There has to be a national jobs program. Here's the key point for me: business offers jobs based on efficiency and economic need, but government does not need to be and should not be limited by this constraint. Government should be interested in doing useful work, yes, but it can also be considered a success if government provides a work activity to someone who otherwise would have none.
Example: government could foreswear the use of 'automatic phone menu systems' in it's offices. The phone menus that most of us detest are an efficient means used by business to keep the labor cost of customer service down. Government does not have to be cost conscious in the same way. It could employ HUMANS to answer the phone and help callers who have questions. The inherent value of providing a job is a central feature of a job like this, a fact that a business is free to ignore.
195
I agree thoroughly with your well argued position that the government needs to create jobs. I have read studies that indicate that the government needs to be twice as large as it is now to service a more complex society and the larger population. My point is these would not be makework jobs but would actually be contributing to a more helpful and humanistic government. We have been brainwashed to think that the government is too big but is it is actually too small. These are jobs today cannot and will not be offshored and will contribute directly to a better society. This includes not just administrators but teachers nurses first responders and construction workers.
58
So true! Government could prioritize service and quality in a way that businesses haven't done for years and years and years. Instead, as a small business owner I've experienced that more and more of the work of government (data entry, for example) has been turned back to citizens -- now I need to enter all my quarterly employee information online for the NC Dept. of Employment Security, for example, which has transformed a task that took moments with Quickbooks into a task that takes me at least an hour every quarter. I would prefer to pay higher taxes and keep people employed. We could have pleasant convos with Social Security and IRS phone answerers. We could have beautiful roads and bridges, parks and daycare centers. Keep people engaged and make our country beautiful again.
9
The primary philosophical difference between the Republicans and Democrats USED to be the role of government in the the lives of people. Our philosophy produced the WPA and Conservation Corps during the Depression.
Sadly, a quiet revolution happened here beginning in the 80's - Dark Money pervaded our system led by the Libertarians and their even darker vision. Now we have a Congress with members who reject decency, have thrown out the notion of cooperation for the common good. They really hate our government and have no interest in helping HUMANS. They got in office due to the results of gerrymandering. they don't represent us and they don't believe they need to. They have hijacked the Republican party and now it is truly unrecognizable. This country is in big trouble. And the current republican party is the reason.
We must get money out of politics, and fix the district drawing that has resulted in 41 members of congress being able to shut down all progress and all help for the People. Vote D! Vote in the mid-terms! Vote like our lives depend on it.
Sadly, a quiet revolution happened here beginning in the 80's - Dark Money pervaded our system led by the Libertarians and their even darker vision. Now we have a Congress with members who reject decency, have thrown out the notion of cooperation for the common good. They really hate our government and have no interest in helping HUMANS. They got in office due to the results of gerrymandering. they don't represent us and they don't believe they need to. They have hijacked the Republican party and now it is truly unrecognizable. This country is in big trouble. And the current republican party is the reason.
We must get money out of politics, and fix the district drawing that has resulted in 41 members of congress being able to shut down all progress and all help for the People. Vote D! Vote in the mid-terms! Vote like our lives depend on it.
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A deeply thoughtful article. A wonderful way to start the day.
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Well said. (I just wish I could say that for some of the other odd comments I just read.)
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Ingrid: If HH's coauthor was Arthur C Jones, there would be reaction close to universal like that of RS, to whom you reply. But the problem is that Brooks has not only a personal track record, but the work product of an entire think tank over which he presides standing in stark cognitive dissonance to the thoughts expressed here. To quote Bill Parcells: "you are what your record says you are." It is plenty easy to square these sentiments with the Dalai Lama's record. It is quite a stetch to reconcile Brooks' record with the sentiments expressed here.
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Consider yourself more open to others' PsOV. You did some good work listening to those who don't share your feelings. That's empathy. Well done.
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