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Refusing Both Optimism & the Need To Maintain A Rep
Greer's essay this week was a masterpiece yet again:
thearchdruidreport.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-beginning-of-world.html
He brings up why there is such an appeal for both apocalypse/doom-gloomerism (we'll all die in a big boom!) as well as unjustifiable optimism (technology will save us!)– both basically serve as excuses for NOT changing your own lifestyle. It seems that even appearing to be poor is just anathema to social mores in our day- voluntary poverty is not what most are willing to embrace just yet. But it seems more about reputation and ego than about ideals or anything else. I don't think money makes the man myself, so this particular attitude is lost on me, but go figure.
What I found rather amusing, though, was that one blogger (John Wheeler) I commented upon not too long ago who tried to turn it around and say that we're actually going to go through an ascent as opposed to a decent commented in Greer's blog– and Greer's trite response was: “I see hope springs infernal!” Which was a reference to damning yourself through unjustifiable optimism. Pretty much my own observation on Wheeler's actual site itself. I said he was at the bargaining stage of the grief process and yet using the words of acceptance.
I'm really beginning to understand how spending at least half my life poor or even working class is actually a big plus in this equation. I had to learn to deal with being “less than” not just having “less than.” While I certainly don't relish being 'looked down upon' by others who have and can do more, I have certainly learned to bear it and go on anyway! The whole “keeping up with the Jones'” THING has never made much sense to me, probably because I've mostly been on the losing end of the “look at me and all that I have” comparison game. You stop playing when you're always the loser, am I right? Now I look down on over-consumption as childish and primitive and even, at extremes, rather disgusting. I can't fail but notice the emptiness beneath and so fail to be impressed by impressive displays.
A person's genetic worth or spiritual worth is unchanged regardless of how much stuff they have! Seeking a mate, you look for health, fitness, and physical attractiveness (an indicator of health and immune system strength) for possible progeny. Seeking others to emulate and admire, you look for compassion, altruism, and trustworthiness. How does that equate with acquiring CRAP?
So during the process of down-sizing and re-skilling, at least I am spared the concern of a lost reputation. I'm already the freak of my family. I'm already living modestly. There really isn't anything left to be lost– and in this I am granted a great freedom to do as I choose. A odd sort of a gift, but I'll accept it happily.
2012-12-28 15:04:59
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