schweblog

I’ve been keeping up with Clockwork’s blog and have been disagreeing with him quite often. I should preface this post by telling you, good reader, that I’m not trying to single out Clockwork. Rather, I am merely trying to point out the insufficiencies of an idea that saturates our world, which he pontificates on quite well.

This is going to sound incredibly existentialist, but you do not have to accept the world you live in so that you may function from day-to-day. The world is a confused, reprehensible environment. It is an environment that, if you believe the cynics, is full of greedy humans, hellbent on nothing more than establishing power through whatever means necessary. We are powerless, in light of this grand cosmic force which we call “human nature,” to do a thing about it. The best we can hope for, most believe, is to plunge ourselves into denial and hope to survive.

The Russians had a word for the general mindset established after realizing the horrors of the world and our own futility: ennui. There’s more to this view than a simple lack of interest, though–it’s a cynical ennui. Not only are you going to lament about the state of the world while remaining planted firmly in your seat, but you’re also going to assume the worst about everyone else on top of it. To you, my angst-ridden friend, I have one bit of advice: open your bloody eyes.

The world is ugly and disgusting, tragically flawed to the point of being scary. But it’s also peppered with glorious bits of beauty that, if you weren’t in denial, might just restore your faith in humanity–and yourself. There is genuine charity and generosity in this world. There are selfless deeds committed daily. There is hope that you cannot see because you’ve stapled your eyelids shut. But why?

Because it’s easy. Basking in a pity party for humanity at large while doing nothing about it isn’t the result of you tapping into the grand reality of the world. It isn’t the result of a profound epiphany that you had in your easychair. It’s a result of you not wanting to do anything to make a positive change. You’re not alone in your attitude, but you’re certainly not justified (as easy as that would be). It’s the easy route.

And it’s bullshit. You can make a difference, however small. It will trickle down, you touching people’s lives and making a difference. Karma isn’t some grand spreadsheet, tallying and keeping score in the entire scheme of human interaction. It’s much less exact than that: it is a germ that spreads amongst people–if you are touched, you are compelled to do something, anything to return the favor to humanity at large. Contribute. Donate. Act.

Some of us choose to shack up in our houses while the bug passes through our systems, only daring to go out into the world when there is no longer a demand from our conscience to make that difference. But there is something to be said about going out into the daylight with your eyes wide open, aware of the great possibility of humanity. It is a sensation greater than anything you will ever know. Now all you have to do is try…

In short, get off your ass and stop whining. Do something.