Challenging the matrix

There is something to be said about modern society where we apparently are living at the best of times in human history.

Just think about all the technological developments, all the medical improvements and also engineering that has allowed for a very different and more comfortable life for millions of humans.

But if the statement above holds to be true, why does the levels of happiness and depression tell us a very different story.

It seems like every generation, every period of history has its own challenges, no matter what. It seems kind of inevitable that some new kind of problem or set of challenges will emerge, no matter what.

Think about it for a second.

Thats why i share with you the following quote from Naval i think fits better than ever: 

“Modern man is mentally overstimulated, physically inactive and overfed. Rely on meditation, exercise and fasting to restore your natural balance”- 

                                                       Naval Ravikant

BEFORE VS CURRENT CHALLENGES

Previously the challenge was to find food and prevent dying from starvation.

Now that food is not a problem, the new challenge is overeating, causing obesity, cancer, diabetes.

Previously the challenge was surviving illness and infection.

Now although it continues to be a challenge, many people just have a garbage diet, don’t do exercise, and rely completely on medications for everything.

Medications for the blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, sleeping, blood flow.

Literally a pill for everything.

All of which could be perfectly bettered by exercise, diet and good sleeping habits.

Previously men had to learn how to fight, provide, get a woman.

Now they can’t even approach a girl in the streets, they literally are too afraid.

Could we attribute all of this to technology? to major advancements in communication, transportation?

What exactly is it?

I think we are facing a very interesting paradox where our modern solutions are literally creating a new set of “modern” problems, which as i previously stated is apparently to be expected now and in the future.

There simply seems to be no escape, no “perfect” reality. Which makes total sense, there needs to be a duality to all there is in life.

So how do we approach the best we can what seems to be this new “Matrix.”

Think about the major decisions in the life of people of modern society:

Study a to get a College Degree – Why?

For the people who know their purpose or what really ignite their passion at 17-19 (which is rare) and want to become doctor, engineer or whatever. Great, college is the way.

But let me tell you, the vast majority is in there just for the money. To make a living.

What a waste. Living in an era where there exists internet, abundant information, connections, possibilities.

The way to make money is go get a job? what are we in the 1960?

I thin part of this thinking is of course in the way older generations teach and guide their kids. People in general are now learning machines, are not incredible adaptable to change.

But guess what? Change is now being made at the fastest rate ever in history!

I believe that is part of why overpaying for a college degree that for the most part doesn’t even teach students how to think (Critical thinking, hello?)

There you have just a bunch of young adults memorizing things, most of which are not even interesting. Just following what all their friends and people in society are doing like a herd.

One of the best skills for a human to have is the skill to learn anything, that creates adaptability / opportunity. But again, that requires, curiosity, discipline, etc.

That is something that school won`t teach you.

Ok enough of that.

Let’s say some people are more than happy in their 9-5 job, AND not complaining about it. Then they’ll face the next challenge.

Economic input is not enough

Then we face the challenge of wages. As I said there are some people that may be happy in their 9-5 job. They are happy, don’t complain, and enjoy their work.

Not my cup of tea but i do respect that, i think is better to be happy like that than miserable following someone else’s path.

Then what’s the problem? Easy, the money.

No, I’m not saying everyone, I’m not comparing all 9-5`s and saying they are all bad paid.

I’m just stating the fact that the average wages have WAY underperformed the inflation rate.

The implications of that? Well let me put it simple what do you think happens when before the salary was $12,000 and the cost of a house $38,000 and now the salary is at $25,000 and the cost of the house is $389,000.

Exactly, renting becomes the option, receiving money from parents to pay rent, or having 2 jobs and barely affording to live.

Is there any wonder then than proposals as “Forgiving the student loans” get so much noise? Oh, a note on that.