What are the themes around which you structure your life? They are often hidden behind unreflected behavior but are observable to anyone who knows you. Have you ever wondered why an individual behaves in a way that is obviously offensive or destructive but does not change. It is very possible that the individual is not even aware of the dynamic because the theme is hidden behind unreflected behavior.
For example, on which side of the duality, self - other, do you fall. Do you tend to be primarily concerned with your own wants and needs or are you aware and concerned about the needs of another? Our culture certainly directs us to focus on ourselves and to great success. Long term relationships tend to fail because one or both of the "loved ones" are more in love with themselves than with the other person they are "in love" with. It is like two egos vying for supremacy each playing the part of a demigod in their relationship requiring that their needs be met even at the detriment of the other.
On which side of the duality, individual - community, do you fall? Do you really think that CDO's (Credit Default Swaps) would have been created by some ingenious financial guru who knowingly and purposefully put together failing mortgages, reaping billions of dollars in the process, causing the worst financial meltdown since the Great Depression, if he had cared a lick about the community? Reflect upon your own behavior. How much of your time and effort do you put into your community and how much into self? In what direction do your dollars flow?
Our culture says that what is relevant and meaningful in life is found within humanity. You are the focus. You should get everything you want. You deserve it. Self-expression, fulfilling your needs, securing your rights is what is important and relevant and and from which we derive meaning. From this perspective other people are important only in as much as they make you feel better, if they meet your needs. Even helping your neighbor is considered a function of your own well being. You do it if it makes you fell better. Otherwise, not so much.
Self, individual rights, self-expression, needs all centered in humanity are not the only themes around which we can structure our lives. Besides, these themes fail and ultimately lead to anarchy. This self-centeredness plays itself out on Wall Street, in violent oligarchies, and sadly in families all over this globe.
There is another way to live. We can structure our lives around a Word that lasts and lasts and lasts...
okay, so i would like to comment on paragraph four. I agree that our society places more emphasis on individuals rights than that of the masses. that worked back in 1776 when we were a much smaller country, but not anymore. Now criminals have more rights than victims, there is too much violence, too many drugs, too many guns, etc. Sooooo, what could be a solution for those who have become so anxious that they even fear their neighbors? We all need TO-GATHER TO-GETHER, TO-PRAY TO-GETHER. Kapish?
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