The Most Dangerous Modern Trap

50 pointssubmitted by AFriendlyTitan to r/FriendlyTitan

Ordering takeout, binging shows, playing video games, and ordering $400 Yeezys online, what do these all have in common? They all are about admiring the last step of what someone else has created. The effort of consuming is much less compared to the effort it took to create them.

Now does this mean that consumption should be a shameful activity? I don’t think so. Money itself was a fantastic invention that allows our human needs to be met that doesn’t involve clunky trade and bartering. But our method of acquiring money has become a somewhat soulless process. Wages from working a predetermined job in a designated career using the same skillset or knowledge taught to millions of others doesn’t really inspire creativity either.

It feels as if our entire lives are only about consumption, and 0% creation. Which to me is a pity. Being a little idealistic, creation is often seen as a godlike activity. Being practical, creation taps into our biological state of focus and fulfillment.

And contrary to what seems to be often spewed in the media, I daresay that creativity is not a personality, ability, or talent. It is about being passionate about a certain thing and finding a sufficiently challenging activity that you can really dedicate your efforts to. This not only naturally gives you an advantage over someone else who is not intrinsically motivated, but naturally leads you to producing exceptional products. It’s as universal as Descartes presented philosophy as universal.

I do agree there is a minimum level of consumption we need to survive. What I would like you to think about is the excess. How much of your time and energy watching TikTok, discussing football, or browsing reddit?

I think this excess is the most dangerous trap: because it has no way to be satiated. Unlike hunger, lust, or drowsiness, modern entertainment and self-validation is a bottomless pit of desire. One could spend an entire lifetime, like Tantalus, reaching out and never “eating.”

That is why I am a proponent of creating, even if it is only “one” activity. All the greats are remembered for their creation: Edison/Tesla, Alexander, Goya, and countless recognizable names.

You are remembered for what you’ve made. Not what you’ve consumed.

-Friendly Titan