There has been another report of grievous violence in the news today and a desperate cry of whatever shall we do and think of the children. Gentle reader, we are dealing with the symptom and not the cause. There are three elements at the core of this. The symptoms are drugs and alcohol. The cause is a general dissatisfaction with the modern world.
Drugs and alcohol are an accelerant. Quite simply, they fuel your mood. If you are happy, then drugs and alcohol accelerate this emotion into euphoria. For most of us, that is why we imbibe. Subsequently, the reverse is true.
I have been a roaring alcoholic and rampant drug user in my past. I remember nothing of 1997. But even at my greatest depths I have always maintained a sense of style and have never been in a fight in my life, although I may have talked my way out of more than one confrontation. I have also lost the love of my life due to my inability to curb my excess but I digress.
For the sake of this missive, I shall define a general dissatisfaction with the modern world as suffering. The first noble truth of Buddhism is life is suffering. The first thesis of Epicurus is pleasure (or the alleviation of suffering) is the natural good and goal of life. Epicurus is my favourite philosopher. For him good food, good wine and good friends equates to happiness. I could agree with this more, perhaps with the addition of good music, the greatest art form of all.
One of the causes of this suffering is the expectation of too much from the modern world. We want everything and we want it now. The world hasnt delivered and we are pissed off. The fast food, cheap booze and bad drugs have left us dissatisfied. Add to this toxic cocktail the kind of music that passes for cheap entertainment and its no wonder there is blood on the streets. It is when drugs and alcohol are consumed on top of suffering that all hell breaks loose.
There is no quick fix and my greatest fear is the powers at be will legislate to the lowest common denominator and ban everything. The prohibition mentality is futile and punishes the majority that are not the problem and have us all living in fear. So what to do with the reprobates that inflict their suffering on others? I dont know, teach them how to cook. Make the teachings of Epicurus compulsory at school. Put advisory warnings on every purchase item that happiness is not guaranteed. How do you teach someone to enjoy a sunset or the simple pleasure of holding hands or that it is okay to weep when you feel sad.
There is a final factor to violence. Some people are just plain bad. Learn to recognise the signs and do not cross their path.
Cowboy advice #88 - No man ever got shot doing the dishes.
Drugs and alcohol are an accelerant. Quite simply, they fuel your mood. If you are happy, then drugs and alcohol accelerate this emotion into euphoria. For most of us, that is why we imbibe. Subsequently, the reverse is true.
I have been a roaring alcoholic and rampant drug user in my past. I remember nothing of 1997. But even at my greatest depths I have always maintained a sense of style and have never been in a fight in my life, although I may have talked my way out of more than one confrontation. I have also lost the love of my life due to my inability to curb my excess but I digress.
For the sake of this missive, I shall define a general dissatisfaction with the modern world as suffering. The first noble truth of Buddhism is life is suffering. The first thesis of Epicurus is pleasure (or the alleviation of suffering) is the natural good and goal of life. Epicurus is my favourite philosopher. For him good food, good wine and good friends equates to happiness. I could agree with this more, perhaps with the addition of good music, the greatest art form of all.
One of the causes of this suffering is the expectation of too much from the modern world. We want everything and we want it now. The world hasnt delivered and we are pissed off. The fast food, cheap booze and bad drugs have left us dissatisfied. Add to this toxic cocktail the kind of music that passes for cheap entertainment and its no wonder there is blood on the streets. It is when drugs and alcohol are consumed on top of suffering that all hell breaks loose.
There is no quick fix and my greatest fear is the powers at be will legislate to the lowest common denominator and ban everything. The prohibition mentality is futile and punishes the majority that are not the problem and have us all living in fear. So what to do with the reprobates that inflict their suffering on others? I dont know, teach them how to cook. Make the teachings of Epicurus compulsory at school. Put advisory warnings on every purchase item that happiness is not guaranteed. How do you teach someone to enjoy a sunset or the simple pleasure of holding hands or that it is okay to weep when you feel sad.
There is a final factor to violence. Some people are just plain bad. Learn to recognise the signs and do not cross their path.
Cowboy advice #88 - No man ever got shot doing the dishes.
VIEW 6 of 6 COMMENTS
katmandu:
i felt like i got a mini philosophy lesson reading your blog, i thoroughy enjoyed it 
erinya:
hello my lovely future friend..