Today Is No Worse Than Yesterday
What if I told you that life isn't worse or more cataclysmic than yesterday, last year, 10 years, or even 100 years ago?
While there are definitely problems, and some very serious ones that could mean big changes, catastrophic challenges have always existed. It most likely always will in the foreseeable future.
It's The End Of The World…Again
Open any news app, use any web browser, ask nearly anyone, and most will agree that the world is a mess. Many may go so far as to suggest it's the worst it's ever been.
But, is it really?
Throughout history, humanity has grappled with a myriad of problems, worries, and major fears. History books, journals, religious texts, and more describe ancient civilizations up to contemporary societies confronted with existential dilemmas and societal upheavals.
The Roman Empire faced barbarian invasions, economic instability, and political turmoil. Writings were describing the fear of societal collapse and upheaval, echoing concerns that continued through the ages.
In the 14th century, the Black Death ravaged Europe, claiming millions of lives and instilling a profound fear of contagion and mortality.
Similarly, during the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, religious schisms and sectarian violence brought massive uncertainty about the future of faith and society.
During the 20th century, the Great Depression of the 1930s precipitated widespread economic hardship and social dislocation, creating a crisis of confidence in the capitalist system.
The tumultuous period of the 1960s witnessed a confluence of social unrest, geopolitical tensions, and technological advancements. There were fears about nuclear annihilation, civil rights, and the erosion of traditional values.
The 1970s witnessed a wave of environmental concerns, with growing apprehension about pollution, deforestation, and resource depletion sparking fears of ecological catastrophe.
The events of September 11, 2001, launched a global war on terror, unleashing a climate of fear and uncertainty that continues to shape geopolitical policies.
Each of these events, among many more, was seen as the end of the world.
Yet, here we are.
Problems Have Remained The Same Over Time
Believe it or not, while the landscapes and community details may be different, the core problems have remained the same.
There has always been some form of inequality. Disparities in wealth, opportunity, and access to resources have been a persistent issue throughout history.
Wars, both large-scale and small-scale, have been a constant presence throughout history.
Despite progress in alleviating poverty and improving living standards in many parts of the world, poverty remains a widespread and persistent issue.
Environmental issues, from rising temperatures, extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity, and pollution continue to be threatening.
Access to quality healthcare remains a significant challenge for many people worldwide.
Political instability, corruption, and ineffective governance are still a hindrance to social progress and economic development.
Lastly, migration and refugee crises continue as conflict, persecution, environmental disasters, and economic hardships force millions of people to flee their homes each year.
Today's Problems Feel Worse Because We Are Living It
Let's face it. The problems and dramas we face in today's world feel like it's the worst it's ever been.
When we confront contemporary challenges, we're not merely observing them from a distance but experiencing their impacts firsthand. Our responses are immediately magnified, which heightens the perceived severity.
A lot of this comes from the uncertainty of outcomes and personal stakes involved. We don't want to lose the lifestyle we currently have, or are afraid the next way of living will be worse.
When looking at the problems of the past, there is an emotional detachment. Sure, we may empathize, but it's mostly intellectual, and we know how it ended. There is a sense of clarity and resolve that comes from that.
It's always easy to say what could have been done after a thing has already happened.
Technology Allows For Faster Communication, Shorter Cycles
There is no doubt that modern technology has revolutionized the way we communicate.
Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram have become tools to share information rapidly. Smartphones allow access to news anytime and anywhere.
Gone are the days of waiting for the morning paper or the evening news broadcast; instead, breaking news updates are delivered directly to our smartphones in real time.
This drastically shortens news cycles and accelerates the spread of information.
Some 20 years ago, when a "newsworthy" event happened, it would often last for days if not weeks before another event took its place. That was in large part due to the means of information distribution, limited by newspapers, televised journalism, and word of mouth.
Fast forward to today, and it can be hours before a news event disappears and is replaced by another.
This kind of turnover can easily give the impression that more terrible things are happening now than in the years past. While there is an argument that some may be motivated to do more horrible acts, if only for the greater chance to gain attention, generally, journalists are constantly hunting for news to replace the previous one.
Ironically, the demand for real drama only increases.
Problems Can Bring Out The Best Of Us
I don't want to suffer. I doubt you do either.
However, through suffering, we stretch ourselves and often come to find pleasant surprises in our ability to adapt, discover solutions, and grow.
In a way, problems are what make us better.
Facing difficulties head-on can transform each of us in profound ways. We develop the ability to bounce back from setbacks and persevere. We learn to handle future difficulties and become more self-sufficient.
Problems and adversity bring about a response from all of us. How we respond says a great deal about our current character.
Most Fear Change
While it's often said that we don’t want any problems, in reality, it's the potential disruption of our current way of life that is truly terrifying.
We are creatures of habit, finding comfort and security in the familiar routines and structures of our lives. Change, however, represents a departure from this comfort zone, and brings us into the unknown.
At the heart of this fear lies the uncertainty of what the future may hold, including the fear of loss.
Whether it's financial security, social connections, or relationships, the prospect of losing these aspects of life can be paralyzing.
This can also be applied to those who may not like their current situation, but at least they know it. The difficulties and unhappiness are familiar, thus mentally predictable. Uncertainty is what causes anxiety and apprehension, leading many to cling to the familiar, even if it means enduring discomfort or hardship.
Consider This When Facing Problems Of Today
I'm no guru and don't want to be.
However, I would rather reduce suffering as much as I can.
While I admit that I enjoy my life, I try to remind myself that eventually, it will transform into something else.
Change is inevitable.
I also remind myself that what life turns into will be better than what it is now, so long as I try not to control where it goes. Of course, I try to predict where things might, and plan as much as I can. Yes, I know. I'm contradicting myself.
In truth, the planning is really just to feel better about not knowing. Very rarely does anything go according to plan.
If you accept the public record, the problems of today have been with us in one form or another since the beginning. More than likely, it still will always.
Maybe that's the point.
Perhaps this has to do with why each of us exists.
Countless people are trying to fix the world's problems. Granted, some exploit those problems, but that is for another article. Regardless, many are working to make the world better.
In many ways, it is. This survey conducted by Pew Research found that most people would say the world is better in some ways. This study measured it by financial success, and there is no doubt more have the opportunity to make a better, lucrative living now than just 20 years ago.
Problems are never going to end. Maybe that's good. Each of us contributes something to make life worth living, often without realizing it. This world operates based on all of us being a part of it.
If you feel compelled to try to solve a social issue, or health crisis, or fuel problem, or…whatever, by all means, go for it. Dive into it and create a resolution so that one more thing can be scratched off a perpetually growing list.
Just try not to worry about it.
In a previous post, I wrote about Wu Wei. Consider being in the now and accept the possibility that life needs problems.
It makes us better over a long enough timeline.