KARACHI:
In the present era, often regarded as the busiest in human history, the world has succumbed to materialism, transforming its inhabitants into seemingly mindless zombies. The pursuit of pleasure, status and wealth has left the younger generation senseless and mentally blind. The shift from an altruistic, love-based society to a conditional and selfish one has shattered the profound mysteries of the soul. The once rational and contemplative human temperament has given way to a hedonistic quest. The quest to fill an internal void with external compensations leads to psychological and existential crises including anxiety, substance abuse, depression, boredom, cognitive dissonance and meaninglessness.
Viktor Frankl astutely notes, “When a person can’t find a deep sense of meaning, they distract themselves with pleasure.” In the pursuit of happiness and contentment, people often overlook the essence of self. As Aristotle aptly stated, “Happiness depends upon ourselves.” Presently, many individuals, oblivious to self-awareness, strive to maximise pleasure, chasing an elusive “hedonism” that resembles a black hole. This brief exploration aims to illuminate the significance of staying connected with our inner selves throughout life’s transient journey. Embracing Socrates’ timeless wisdom that “An unexamined life is not worth living” serves as a poignant reminder to contemplate our existence amidst the materialistic frenzy. Lastly, in the words of Rumi, “Maybe you are searching among branches for what only appears in the roots.
Muhammad Umair
Charsadda
Published in The Express Tribune, January 24th, 2024.
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