"[W]hile America may be in better shape materially than other places, . . , it’s just as lost as any other modern society when it comes to having a sense of . . . “the Tao” — meaning a sense of cosmic purpose beyond mere individualism, and common values beyond the whims and aspirations of the self." Opinion | America Between Jesus and Faust
I agree. The "greatest generation" was great because they collectively acted in sacrifice for the next generation - planted seeds to grow trees they would never sit under. My Boomer generation is doing the opposite.
I think the greatest generation were lousy uninvolved parents. They may have planted trees but they didn’t put a tire swing on it. I think boomers were much better more involved parents. I am on the cusp between boomers and x. Modern kids don’t allow adults to rape them and keep it a secret. I look forward to what comes next.
Sorry didn’t mean to come off as an ahole. I tried to read the article but was blocked. I think it blends in with the debate as our opinions have moved far right and left. We’ve taken sides (teams) and those are where we’re at, look at our supposed choices for president. Trump and Biden. It’s a damn shame. if you could tell me a little of what the article is about I’ll be able to comment intelligently. I hope.
I generally agree with it, as it isn’t clear that we live and work towards some overall purpose other than self betterment. That said, to the extent it was meant partially in a religious context I disagree.
I guess I see the religious aspect now, but I wasn’t aware of that when I posted. I saw it is a call to be less self-involved, to be more concerned about the planet and subsequent generations. I’m as guilty as anyone in ignoring the bigger picture. I’m fairly sure generations subsequent to ours won’t be too happy with those subsequent to WWII.
The greatest generation is revered for their sacrifice and stoicism (or serious mental issues) that kept them from discussing their actions that helped keep the world from authoritarian rule. The church is viewed as an institution that defines us as a culture Individualism, and the freedoms afforded therein, are considering a uniting American value American exceptionalism is similarly an elusive bond. All these and more are no longer unifiers but are instead posited as divisive issues by whatever siloed media one chooses to consume A common enemy can't even be decided upon. Would a foreign invaser be considered universally bad? What's my point? I don't even know. I'm pretty high. But nationalism requires a common bond and that seems to be increasingly missing in Western Liberal Democracy. We need to find one or prepare to be subjects.
In my view, our greatest strength is that we do not have a Tao singular purpose. This country self heals, adapts, grows, and replenishes with immigrants with a dynamic culture. The differences within are a strength outside.
