The Whole Thing Is A Hoax - Alan Watts On The Human Society

T&H - Inspiration & Motivation7 minutes read

Different cultures view children as candidates for humanity, with the education system perpetuating a cycle of preparation without fulfillment. Society's focus on retirement and a work-play divide creates a perpetual sense of postponement, emphasizing the importance of living in the present for true enjoyment.

Insights

  • **Cultural Approach to Children:** Various cultures view children as candidates for humanity rather than fully formed individuals, shaping societal expectations and treatment of the younger generation.
  • **Emphasis on Present Enjoyment:** Society's focus on future preparation and retirement can lead to feelings of unfulfillment, highlighting the importance of living in the present to truly enjoy life and avoid perpetual postponement.

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Recent questions

  • How do various cultures welcome new members?

    They treat children as candidates for humanity.

  • What is the ultimate goal set by society?

    Retirement, promising leisure and wealth.

  • How does the business system divide life?

    Into work and play.

  • What does society condition individuals to do?

    Live for the future.

  • What is the importance of living in the present?

    To truly enjoy life.

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Summary

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"Living for the Future: Society's Illusion"

  • Various cultures have a unique approach to welcoming new members of society, treating children as candidates for humanity rather than fully-fledged individuals.
  • Children are constantly prepared for the future through a schooling system that progresses from nursery school to college, perpetuating a cycle of preparation without actual fulfillment.
  • The ultimate goal set by society is retirement, promising leisure and wealth, but often leading to a sense of being cheated as life remains unfulfilling.
  • The business system divides life into work and play, with work being a means to make money for future enjoyment, yet money cannot truly buy pleasure as it depends on personal discipline.
  • Society conditions individuals to live for the future, creating a perpetual sense of postponement and frustration, emphasizing the importance of living in the present to truly enjoy life.
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