Man feels his flaws and craves wholeness. Looking around, he searches for someone who’s made it, and, of course, he always finds one.
Usually, it’s a significant Other—parents in childhood, later a celebrity, billionaire, guru, or influencer. They all burn with passion for some object X. They chased it and found their prize—fame, power, wealth, or spirituality.
It brought them pleasure, joy, and peace. At least, that’s the picture they’ve painted for us. These “artists” don’t deny it. They’ve found wholeness. So, can I, if I want the same?
The trouble is, now our desires clash. We’re rivals, fighting over a scarce resource. Anxiety, envy, aggression, and violence follow.
Violence sparks more violence. This spiral plunges downward. Like a whirlpool, it drags everyone into the inferno.
This danger has always existed. But traditions and rituals once saved society from falling apart. Modern man rejects them, floundering in an ocean of chaos without a lifeboat.
Worse, our ancestors’ competition was confined to clans and social ranks. Today, social media bombards us with thousands of reasons to feel like nothing compared to “demigods” across the globe.
Hatred spreads like mycelium. It’s a miracle the world creaks but still stands.
Before seeking solutions, we must study the phenomenon deeply. French philosopher and cultural critic René Girard helps here. His brilliant intuition offers insights you can’t unsee.
A hint: man’s greatest mistake is seeking wholeness outside himself.
Sincerely yours,
-Alexander
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