Discussion Was more convinience really worth sarcificing what makes life feel like life?

[Chemi]

At some point, convenience and the rush for shiny new things stopped being luxuries and became expectations. Everyone chases the newest, "best" upgrade that promises to make life easier but to afford it, they give away huge pieces of their own time, energy, and peace.

And it makes me wonder: is it really worth it? Is the constant competition with everyone around us worth trading away the very things that make life feel like life? Was sacrificing our mental well-being and our limited lifetime really the price we were meant to pay?

I cant imagine living a happy long life in such a society.
I really can't imagine wanting to force a new child into this life knowing all to well the suffering they will have to endure for the next 80 years.

 

[dearlydeparted44]

At some point, convenience and the rush for shiny new things stopped being luxuries and became expectations. Everyone chases the newest, "best" upgrade that promises to make life easier but to afford it, they give away huge pieces of their own time, energy, and peace.

And it makes me wonder: is it really worth it? Is the constant competition with everyone around us worth trading away the very things that make life feel like life? Was sacrificing our mental well-being and our limited lifetime really the price we were meant to pay?

I cant imagine living a happy long life in such a society.
I really can't imagine wanting to force a new child into this life knowing all to well the suffering they will have to endure for the next 80 years.

I feel this way. Humans have cheapened life in many ways... if that make sense. Simplicity and contentment have been burned at the stake in favor of chaos and needless competition. I guess, for those who are just THAT empty, competition and 'moreness' gives their lives meaning and purpose.

It really is amazing what humans attach meaning and purpose to in this society. Not to anything that would genuinely help anyone, but to ideas of being useful and high-value. I mean, look at all of these 'image coaches' selling the idea of the 'high-value' male to young men. And that's always been a thing, going back to the early stages of modern society, and even before that. Selling guys on the idea of endless, needless, pointless competition for everything. Just to one-up other males. And in the end, people wonder why they're still empty after doing all these things.

This society has made a simple life basically unattainable. As, firstly, it requires a ton of money to do just that. Just to get a job that pays one enough to have a little place to call home, take care of their needs, and somewhat enjoy life have become such an unnecessary struggle. People are now looking at survival as luxury. It's a damned shame what this life has become. And I don't see it going away anytime soon.

 

[Forever Sleep]

I think it's a very important question to ask ourselves. Even just to decide upon where our values/ preferences lie. Are we really so keen on having the best that- as you say- we work to such an intense level, we barely get the time to enjoy anything? I've heard plenty of people say they want more of a work/ life balance.

I agree with you though- we're pressured into wanting these things- obviously- because it's how companies make their money.

What's worse is, so many people don't have much of a choice. To simply afford somewhere to live, bills and food can see many people working all hours.

 

[Chemi]

To simply afford somewhere to live, bills and food can see many people working all hour

To simply afford a place to live, pay basic bills, and put food on the table, so many people end up working every hour they possibly can, and it's heartbreaking. Meeting basic needs like having enough to eat or a warm place to stay should never be a daily, painful fight for survival. No one should have to sacrifice their entire life just to barely get by.

 

[itsgone2]

To simply afford a place to live, pay basic bills, and put food on the table, so many people end up working every hour they possibly can, and it's heartbreaking. Meeting basic needs like having enough to eat or a warm place to stay should never be a daily, painful fight for survival. No one should have to sacrifice their entire life just to barely get by.

I think it will lead to increased suicide rates, which are already high

 

[Chemi]

I think it will lead to increased suicide rates, which are already high

Comes down to basic fight-or-flight instinct. If people don't see a point in fighting anymore, they try to run. If there is nowhere left to run, they will inevitably search for other ways to escape.