Whether we wish it or not, we live in a very chaotic society, constantly bombarded with all kinds of noise: depressing stories in the news, social media and its bottomless feeds, traffic, daily demands of life, and a world where everyone is gradually moving online.
The height of human existence is not being technologically modern beings. It is not being rich or numbing ourselves with vices. Instead, it is how we can experience something, feel awe, or be spiritually touched by something. A computer has no heart that can be stirred by the works of Chopin, and it has no mind to enjoy the writings of Dostoevsky
. The internet has been bogged down by people arguing about what AI could do to our world, and how it could become more competent than humans. How it could become more logical than us, take away jobs, and surpass human intelligence. But it can never rival the human experience.
There is a peace in that. And also a need for us, as humans, to not lose our humanity, because then, yes, we will be more useless than computers.
If we lose sight of what makes us human are we even human?
As we approach the new year, it is a practical time to think about such things. We live in a technological era brimming with exciting innovation and the ability to save lives, but what about the less beautiful side? Our nation is currently in waves of political turmoil, torn apart as people clash violently over issues of crime, social justice, and reform. It can be, quite understandably, difficult to experience peace, spiritual fulfillment, or even social fulfillment in these times. I recently spoke to a mentor in my life, and she told me that her word for 2024 was present and, I think that is very beautiful. Simply being present in our daily lives can help us notice all the beautiful details and slow us down. Leaving us less overwhelmed with the big picture.
“It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.” - J.R.R Tolkien
So be present. Whether it be drinking a cup of coffee on the balcony, walking around the block, or a daily commute to work, it is peaceful and, in a way, thrilling to unplug and be present. This is an easy practice that can reap fantastic rewards.
It would be my dream to live a life of freedom, freedom from the bonds society places on us: a life that is a journey to find little sanctuaries in our chaotic and beautiful world. Nothing rivals the experiences we are capable of having, no machine can yet emulate it, so for this New Year let us all focus on being present. Why should we be present?
I will not bore anyone with the science because most of us have read it. But what about the more academic side to it? As I wrote in my previous piece, ‘Can it be that I have not lived as one ought’ I discussed the fact people simply do not find fulfillment through processions and success, and if they do it is material fulfillment, not ultimate spiritual fulfillment. But why? Why are we not able to find fulfillment?
That is, of course, not a question that has a simple answer, but there are certainly possible options. One idea comes from the slightly cliche quote, ‘Feed Your Soul.’ But, we as humans are physically mortal and spiritually immortal. If it is our immortal selves- our soul and mind- that makes us human, it would make sense we would find the deepest sense of fulfillment in peace feeding into that versus feeding into the desires of our temporary flesh. Can it be true that gifts of the mind to the soul fulfill us more than a gift, a drink, or large sums of money? Can we even put a price on something like the works of the great composers or the ideas of a good philosopher?
If we were to agree with the argument that spiritual fulfillment, sought by feeding our minds and souls, is superior to physical fulfillment; then I believe we have answered the question, why should we be present? Something about being present, and noticing the beauty in the little things feeds one's mind and brings about peace and fulfillment. So, a challenge to all of us in the coming year: Be Present.
Note: I recently finished ‘A Gentleman In Moscow’ which loosely inspired this piece. I’d highly recommend it.
My bad! To my faithful readers. The book mentioned was
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
please share the author’s name of “a gentleman in Moscow”. for your readers that have less access to your books laying about the house. 🙂