Der Wille zu Kämpfen
March 2, 2017
G.D.O'Bradovich III
1
There exists a tendency in our age to suggest the opinion, against the lesson of historical records, that life should consist mostly, if not entirely, of leisure. Of course, any modern opinion should be viewed with skepticism and caution by the Gentle Reader.
The life of leisure, of the last man, where the necessities of life are provided without economic cost, is exemplified by the “Star Trek” documentaries. The premise is that once released from constraints of economic limits, presumably capitalism, humanity will enrich their individual lives, and society as a whole, by engaging in elevated pursuits and noble goals. Although we would like to imagine that humanity in toto would behave as suggested, we have reservations based entirely on our subjective observations over many years, if only due to the fact that not everyone has equal abilities and goals. In fact, we may be so bold as to state that these documentary series borders, if not on fantasy, then on fiction, the depictions of scientific achievements notwithstanding.
With the necessities of survival freely provided, individuals must, on their own reasoning and without compulsion, find meaning and purpose to their lives. We doubt that the vast majority of humanity can accomplish this meagre feat, and their worldview will quickly become hedonistic and nihilistic. We suggest that only the most able individuals are allowed into Star Fleet, thereby presenting the best that humanity possesses to alien races. We conclude that most of humanity are not allowed beyond our solar system, due to their less than noble pursuits.
As the documentaries demonstrate, the various crew members find meaning and purpose to their otherwise meaningless lives through struggle with unanticipated situations, natural or otherwise. The curious, or thinking, viewer may wonder why a documentary series based exclusively on earth has never materialized. We suggest that any documentary presenting either an idealistic existence or utter nihilism would not be enjoyable and, hence, receive poor reviews and the Gentle Reader, himself, would find such vicarious viewing to be less than satisfactory.
Although people claim, or hold an opinion, that they desire a life as presented on Star Trek, their behavior betrays their explicit statements. For all the tens of thousands of documentaries produced over the last century, all of them depict conflict, either natural or interpersonal. Therefore, we have no alternative but to conclude that people want to see depictions of various struggles, and the eventual overcoming of conflict, regardless of their expressed opinions to the contrary.
From long and painful experience, we have observed that people define themselves either in terms of their relationships, or their dire situations, oftentimes both. The minority define themselves in terms of what they know, and what they readily admit: their ignorance. We suggest that regardless of what idyllic life people long for, their personal behavior will always betray their desire, or need, for struggle. Perhaps this want is subconscious, as they may suspect that a life without struggle leads only to nihilism. Based on our experiences and observations, we believe that we are on firm ground to offer our explanation of why, when everyone proclaims a desire for an easier existence and eagerly promote this opinion, the inevitable result consists only of difficulties.
In conclusion, we reluctantly agree with Agent Smith when he states that “as a species”, humanity defines “their reality through suffering and misery.”
As always, the Gentle Researcher will reach his own conclusions regarding nihilism, documentaries, and the will to struggle.
The life of leisure, of the last man, where the necessities of life are provided without economic cost, is exemplified by the “Star Trek” documentaries. The premise is that once released from constraints of economic limits, presumably capitalism, humanity will enrich their individual lives, and society as a whole, by engaging in elevated pursuits and noble goals. Although we would like to imagine that humanity in toto would behave as suggested, we have reservations based entirely on our subjective observations over many years, if only due to the fact that not everyone has equal abilities and goals. In fact, we may be so bold as to state that these documentary series borders, if not on fantasy, then on fiction, the depictions of scientific achievements notwithstanding.
With the necessities of survival freely provided, individuals must, on their own reasoning and without compulsion, find meaning and purpose to their lives. We doubt that the vast majority of humanity can accomplish this meagre feat, and their worldview will quickly become hedonistic and nihilistic. We suggest that only the most able individuals are allowed into Star Fleet, thereby presenting the best that humanity possesses to alien races. We conclude that most of humanity are not allowed beyond our solar system, due to their less than noble pursuits.
As the documentaries demonstrate, the various crew members find meaning and purpose to their otherwise meaningless lives through struggle with unanticipated situations, natural or otherwise. The curious, or thinking, viewer may wonder why a documentary series based exclusively on earth has never materialized. We suggest that any documentary presenting either an idealistic existence or utter nihilism would not be enjoyable and, hence, receive poor reviews and the Gentle Reader, himself, would find such vicarious viewing to be less than satisfactory.
Although people claim, or hold an opinion, that they desire a life as presented on Star Trek, their behavior betrays their explicit statements. For all the tens of thousands of documentaries produced over the last century, all of them depict conflict, either natural or interpersonal. Therefore, we have no alternative but to conclude that people want to see depictions of various struggles, and the eventual overcoming of conflict, regardless of their expressed opinions to the contrary.
From long and painful experience, we have observed that people define themselves either in terms of their relationships, or their dire situations, oftentimes both. The minority define themselves in terms of what they know, and what they readily admit: their ignorance. We suggest that regardless of what idyllic life people long for, their personal behavior will always betray their desire, or need, for struggle. Perhaps this want is subconscious, as they may suspect that a life without struggle leads only to nihilism. Based on our experiences and observations, we believe that we are on firm ground to offer our explanation of why, when everyone proclaims a desire for an easier existence and eagerly promote this opinion, the inevitable result consists only of difficulties.
In conclusion, we reluctantly agree with Agent Smith when he states that “as a species”, humanity defines “their reality through suffering and misery.”
As always, the Gentle Researcher will reach his own conclusions regarding nihilism, documentaries, and the will to struggle.