Why does man feel so...
Illustration
"Why does man feel so sad in the twentieth century?" asked the philosopher, Walker
Percy. Though Percy died years ago, his question remains. Why do we feel so sad? It isn't
from scarcity of possessions or things to do. We travel with cell phones and laptop
computers and go home to plasma televisions. Some of us annually change wardrobes.
The hard choice for many isn't whether they can afford wheels; it's, "Shall we buy or
lease?" We have more mental health experts than any society ever.
But, why are we so sad? Why must we take chemicals to cheer us, to correct insomnia, or to cope? Why are increasing numbers of teenage children not just dropping out, but dropping to death from self-made nooses?
Loneliness is one reason. We also want loved ones to respect and need us. Buying the right possessions or reaching particular goals, we assume, cures those needs. If you think that attainments and ownership cure loneliness, try this experiment. Go with a friend to a public building that has a good supply of moveable chairs. Put a chair next to you to represent each of your possessions or accomplishments. Have your friend do the same. You'll find yourselves surrounded by chairs -- and cut off from each other.
We build relationships only by discarding braggadocio and possessions, said Jesus. If we cling to them, we'll only get sadder.
But, why are we so sad? Why must we take chemicals to cheer us, to correct insomnia, or to cope? Why are increasing numbers of teenage children not just dropping out, but dropping to death from self-made nooses?
Loneliness is one reason. We also want loved ones to respect and need us. Buying the right possessions or reaching particular goals, we assume, cures those needs. If you think that attainments and ownership cure loneliness, try this experiment. Go with a friend to a public building that has a good supply of moveable chairs. Put a chair next to you to represent each of your possessions or accomplishments. Have your friend do the same. You'll find yourselves surrounded by chairs -- and cut off from each other.
We build relationships only by discarding braggadocio and possessions, said Jesus. If we cling to them, we'll only get sadder.
