How should we live?

Humans instinctively crave a sense of meaning and belonging. As well as a sense of mystery and connection. A link to the sacred, unconscious and unknowable dimensions of life. Which is probably why we created gods, religion and mythology in the first place. They gave us word and worlds to describe the great unknown, as well as security and stories we could share across generations. Acting as a guide with fables and cautionary tales on how to live.

In the west we seem to have successfully reduced and replaced these ideas with materialism, technology, mass marketing and conspiracy theories. While none of these factors are necessarily negative in their own right, the current situation leaves much to be desired socially. We have managed to take the mystery out of life, even reducing meditation to Mindfulness (TM). While this may be comforting for some, it is depressing for others. 

Then there is the polarisation of identity politics and the isolation that comes from online social connectivity. It is no wonder there is a rise of new identities to give rules and guidance on how to live. The visionary entrepreneur, the healthy lifestyle blogger, the political extremist. All these 21st century remodelled archetypes provide the identity and security that humans crave.

If we don't believe in gods, or religion, what do we use to guide us ethically and morally? There are many schools of thought or philosophies we can turn to, but I wonder how many actually do? Socrates said 'The unexamined life is not worth living', but how many people are living it? Religion in many ways made it easy, a set of rules to guide us into the socially agreed 'good life', as well as a sense of belonging. This sense of community and belonging is partially why it was so successful for so long. To belong to a community and to be valued are innate human motivations.

Life is complex and difficult, without a set of rules laid out for you, it requires a great deal of nuance to examine what matters and what doesn't. And as social creatures, it is easy to get carried away with the speed of change and the constant intrusion of advertising on social media and screens.

So many of us now shape our identities to fit the mould that will get the most Instagram or TikTok likes. Children, teenagers and adults alike conforming to the 21st century version of fitting in. This is also why the self-help genre is so lucrative. Lifestyle coaches write bestsellers, Instagram curators and style guides have millions of followers. All of us consciously or unconsciously seeking guidance on how to live, as well as the modern social rules for belonging.

After observing all this, what direction do we steer ourselves in? How will we decide matters? Or choose how we fill the daily void of meaninglessness and lack of connection to make living in the 21st century a rich and fulfilling experience?