Yes. Humans are fundamentally greedy, lazy and selfish as a species and I do not have much hope for the continuation of our species. The pursuit of money and power has a lot to answer for. I came to this realisation a while ago, and I was devastated and highly anxious about it for some time.
Eventually I realised I have no control over any of it, and that living in a state of permanent anxiety is terrible for my health, so I thought about what I could do to reduce the fear, and these have become my strategies:
Keep in touch with the news but only once or twice a week, and a quick review of headlines, maybe read a few stories but avoid the temptation to go down rabbit holes or join in SM discussion of news stories.
Minimise my own capitalistic behaviours as much as possible (because so many of the world’s problems are caused by greed, overconsumption and inequality). Obviously it is impossible to opt out of capitalism entirely unless one goes completely off grid but I try to minimise it by only buying what I need- keeping my life as simple as possible in terms of belongings. Not coveting things. Not looking at pretty things on Instagram or in magazines (clothes etc) because none of that ‘stuff’ means anything or really makes people happy, and much of it involves unethical and unsustainable behaviour in producing and transporting goods around the world.
Spend as much time outside as possible. Be in nature and be in the moment- be thankful for whatever I can be thankful for in a given moment.
Exercise a lot. Lift weights. Do yoga. I can find headspace when I’m moving my body.
Watch ‘The Money Game Trilogy’ and ‘Dominoes’ by Ren (YouTube). Depressingly accurate about the human condition, but such extraordinary pieces of art that I can get lost in them and at least feel some relief in knowing that other people feel the same as I do.
Talk to people I meet when walking the dog, or at my local shops or bus stop. Not because I like small talk (I don’t), but because I recognise that these tiny little moments in day to day life are really enriching for communities, and the little idealist inside me hopes that one day, happy and productive communities will spread into bigger communities. Feeling connected in our local community is proven to be good for our mental health.
I work a few hours a week with the elderly which gives me an enormous sense of peace and contentment, and helps me get some perspective.
I spend a lot of time with my dog. spending time with an animal who loves you is wonderfully therapeutic (if you like animals).
I spend time with my lovely husband and kids. We are ok. I don’t know and can’t control who might declare war on whom next week or next year. But I felt contentment having dinner with my family this evening- being in that moment and appreciating how lucky we are.
These are all the things that keep me sane(ish).
Sorry for such a giant post.
Take care of yourselves all 💐