Make Your Home the Center of Your Life: Embracing Withdrawal from a Failing Society
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Ruins of the Human World
2.1 Failure of the Modern World
2.2 Capitalism and Industrialism as Unreformable Systems
- Timothy Leary's Call to Drop Out
- The Irrelevance of Complete Independence
- The Importance of Connection to Gods and Land
- Withdrawing from Society
6.1 The Difficulties and Possibilities of Separation
6.2 Making the Home the Center of Life
- Organizing Resistance versus Individual Choice
- The Logical Conclusion of the Failed Experiment
- The Futility of Reform
- Better Uses of Our Time
- The Meaning of Home
11.1 The Problem of a Meaningless Home
11.2 The Spiritual Nature of the Problem
- Conclusion
The Ruins of the Human World
In a world where the human society is in ruins, it becomes crucial to address the failures of the modern world and the irreformability of its systems. Timothy Leary's call to drop out in 1966 rings truer than ever in our urban industrial society that offers no future. The gods have fled, and the connection to them and the land becomes more vital than material self-sufficiency. While many advocate for collective resistance and attacking the infrastructure, there is an alternative perspective that emphasizes individual choice and withdrawal from the decaying society.
Failure of the Modern World
The modern world, with its capitalistic and industrialist foundations, has failed on all levels. Its systems cannot be reformed, leaving us with the realization that withdrawal is the best course of action. While some argue that complete independence from industrial society is irrelevant due to the difficulties and complexities involved, the importance of reconnecting with the gods and the land should not be undermined. It is this connection that holds more significance than mere self-sufficiency.
Timothy Leary's Call to Drop Out
In 1966, Timothy Leary urged young people to drop out of society, recognizing the imminent decline and hollowness of industrial modern life. His message, though relevant then, is even more profoundly true in today's world. The notion of organizing resistance and collectively undermining the system dominates most discussions around returning to a pre-industrial, pre-modern way of life. However, in this essay, the focus is on the individual choice to turn away from a society that cannot be fixed or reformed.
The Irrelevance of Complete Independence
While complete independence from industrial society may seem ideal, it is not the crux of the matter. The difficulty and perhaps even impossibility of entirely separating oneself from societal influences should not deter individuals from making the conscious decision to withdraw. The suggestion put forth here is to emphasize the creation of a meaningful home—a place of personal refuge and connection to the earth.
The Importance of Connection to Gods and Land
Amidst discussions of saving the earth and protecting our home, it is surprising how few individuals possess a clear understanding of why these actions are essential. We often hear the truism that the earth is our home, yet the notion of home has become meaningless to many. If our homes are reduced to mere repositories for possessions, the importance of saving them loses its value. Therefore, the problem lies not merely in the physical state of the earth but in the spiritual connection between individuals and their homes, their gods, and the land.
Withdrawing from Society
The individual journey of withdrawing from society takes time and effort. While acknowledging the challenges and complexities involved, it becomes necessary to prioritize activities other than trying to save a failing society. Making the home the center of one's life is a tangible step towards reclaiming a sense of purpose and connection. It is important to note that making a home can have various meanings, as each individual must find their own path towards meaningful withdrawal.
Organizing Resistance versus Individual Choice
While many advocate for collective resistance and the destruction of the infrastructure, an alternative perspective emphasizes the individual's choice to turn away from a society that cannot be saved. Although both approaches have merits, this essay highlights the potential for individual action as a meaningful response to the unraveling state of the world. It is a call to focus on personal withdrawal, rather than relying solely on collective efforts.
The Logical Conclusion of the Failed Experiment
After years of grappling with the idea of saving an unfixable society, the logical conclusion emerges—reform is impossible. The experiment of modern civilization has reached its breaking point, leaving us with no option but to chart a different course. The recognition of this conclusion paves the way for alternative pursuits that serve humanity and the earth in more sustainable and meaningful ways.
The Futility of Reform
Efforts to reform a failed system are futile, as capitalism, industrialism, and the modern world cannot be salvaged. The urgency to act and find alternatives should not be dismissed. Rather than investing time and energy into saving a sinking ship, redirecting our efforts towards actions with a higher probability of success becomes the logical choice. It is through individual withdrawal and redirecting our focus that we can make a real difference.
Better Uses of Our Time
As the realization of the impossibility of reform sets in, it becomes crucial to reassess how we allocate our time and energy. Instead of futile attempts to fix a broken system, channeling our resources into more productive endeavors becomes paramount. By establishing a home, both physically and spiritually, we create a foundation from which to pursue endeavors that align with our values and offer the potential for positive impact.
The Meaning of Home
The alarming discrepancy between the truism that the earth is our home and the lack of meaningful connections to our actual homes becomes apparent. This discrepancy is at the heart of the problem. Our homes should be more than mere repositories for possessions; they should be a reflection of our connection to the earth and our place within it. Understanding and enhancing this connection is a spiritual quest that each individual must embark upon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the state of the world calls for a reevaluation of our relationship with society and the earth. The ruins of the human world highlight the failures of the modern system, rendering reform impossible. Instead of fruitlessly attempting to fix a broken society, individuals are encouraged to withdraw and create meaningful homes. This journey involves reconnecting with gods and land and redirecting our efforts towards pursuits that can make a genuine difference. By prioritizing the home as the center of our lives, we lay the foundation for more purposeful and fulfilling lives.
