What does it mean to be normal? To be human? Do we even live in a natural way for our species?
I don't mean to argue the technological trappings that surround us are unnatural. Humans are rational beings who solve problems with tools and inquire into the nature of the universe around us, if we choose to exercise that capacity. I don't think technology is inherently dehumanizing. What I mean is our perception of human society.
The communists say money and property distract us from natural life of communal egalitarianism.
The fascists say individualism distracts us from the virtues of a strong centrally-planned society guiding us into the future.
The socialists say we need a strong central government to protect us from ourselves and provide for our needs in order to be fulfilled.
The corporatists say we need to earn them a profit in order to have meaning.
Nationalists in all 195 countries in the world today insist there is deep meaning in allegiance to each of their respective countries.
Adherents to roughly 4200 religions each say the only truth is in their faith.
Perhaps some are right. Perhaps none. How do we know?
We live in a world filled with propagandists, charlatans, and deeply-held beliefs that remain unexamined. We are subjected to a constant barrage of noise demanding our attention and claiming to be The Truth. Meanwhile, we are subjected to arbitrary laws and arbitrary enforcement demanding our unthinking obedience at all times.
How much are we affected by classical conditioning and operant conditioning? Are these organic outgrowths of culture and our progress toward civilization, or imposed behavioral modification by the political class? Do we exhibit a human version of stereotopy and deem it "normality"?
Look at the responses to the 2020 presidential campaign, the COVID-19 pandemic, the rates of mental health issues and gender identity confusion in the youth, hatred for the Other through innumerable manifestations, substance abuse, violent crime, and other points of contention in society.
How do we know what it means to be human when we don't know what natural humanity is?
I'm not asserting that humanity is capable of perfection, or is inherently good. I don't know. Our ancestors built a messy world filled with wars, genocides, police state abuse, racism, institutionalized theft, and other injustices. Politicians and corporatists seek power and wealth through exploitation. Voters seem to follow whoever promises the most crumbs from the table after they feast on their ill-gotten gains. That isn't good at all.
However, people are also capable of amazing cooperative works and benevolent deeds. Politicians appeal to our noble intentions as often as to our base instincts when they want our support.
How then can we discover our true selves as individuals and as a society with others?
My conclusion has been in the direction of Christianity in the Quaker mold. I definitely prefer non-aggression, although complete pacifism eludes me. My desire to respect in others the rights and liberties I wish for myself leads me to laissez-faire free market economic theory in the Austrian tradition and complete opposition to political action as we know it today, although many Quakers seem to lean toward more collectivist ideologies. The Quaker rejection of titles of honor and other trappings of human vanity fits with my rejection of the State and the absurd rituals people perform to pay homage to government thugs.
I could be wrong in every respect, but here is where my journey has led me so far. It has not been an easy journey, but I do believe it has been worthwhile.
How have you examined your beliefs? What do you refuse to question, and why? Have you found yourself trying to justify some cultural tradition or patriotic article of faith only to come up empty? Please comment below.
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