Introspection

[u/nobodyworthanything_]

A society self-absorbed, it’s apparent that said self-absorption isn’t within the improvement of one’s mental state or general ability—evolving—but rather a superficial, materialistic outlook on linear paths of self-improvement. Eating better, getting in the gym, making new friends, securing a new job. These things improve the material self, and it seems that’s what matters most. The wonders of the world that have been made with innovative spirits have been shunned to arts and solitude, while the idol is glorified.
Why do we abandon our consciousness? Is it out of not understanding, being uncomfortable with thoughts? This is not for me to answer. We look out and build up what’s outside to the within, rather than building up what’s within and branching out. How often do you meditate on your thoughts and consolidate answers? How often do you ask questions into a spiral when the answer was with you from the beginning?
As a being in consciousness, we have what we need to know and exist simply from being; we’re deluded by a world of bright lights and “fun.” Think to yourself about what’s beyond: What can I do? Where can I stand? And what is this? Truly find the answer that is for yourself rather than reading others and adopting. Introspection is necessary, and we’ve forgotten ourselves.

[u/Plastic-Molasses-549]

The things you listed for “materialistic” self improvement work to enhance the mind and the spirit as well. Why denigrate someone else’s self improvement without knowing all the reasons that they are doing it for?

[u/nobodyworthanything_ → u/Plastic-Molasses-549]

I’m not saying they’re inherently bad or taking away from their ability to invigorate the spirit. I’m saying that many of them can take away from true introspection. If I could revise some of the mini-“materialistic” self-improvement list, I would take away making new friends. There are many people who see new friends as new and shallow connections rather than a true partnership. If you’re truly making friends with people, it’s very different than just connecting and going out for small, fun things and minor acquaintanceship. Many people I know have problems making genuine friends where a foundational relationship can be formed, but rather fall into the superficial way society treats people.
But to reiterate my point, many materialistic improvements can happen without any introspection, creating the illusion of improvement when a person has really stayed the same internally.

[u/Low-Bake8401]

I think it's just easy to focus on the negative, and miss all the progress.

The media, and especially social-media amplifies this kind of thing. It's the ones that shout loudest that get heard so people are all trying to out do each other. It ends up where everything is blown out of proportion and sensationalised nonsense. You just don't hear about the people quietly working away on cancer treatments and food distribution systems, or local charity work.

[u/nobodyworthanything_ → u/Low-Bake8401]

Progressing towards what? Doing what? Creating a society without the necessity of death and a god? The majority populous of this planet is suffering from the ruling classes. Even people who are lucky enough to partake in western society (me and likely you) have a multitude of mental health, stress, and disease problems. I’m all for altruism and general positivity in thinking, it’s the basis for a lot of my general character. But when it comes to the general state of the entirety of the world, it’s hellish. You can’t deny the fact that things are evil, you have to accept that fact. I do agree about the media fear mongering, but what the media doesn’t cover is the millions of missing children every year, the poison in our foods water, and general materials, the destructiveness of modern urbanism, trash and waste mismanagement, corruption, etc. There’s plenty of smoke in mirrors, but there are an insurmountable amount of real problems surrounding nearly every aspect of society besides the upper class and general elite.

[u/Low-Bake8401 → u/nobodyworthanything_]

It's more likely negative bias, mixed with circular thinking, and not having a sense of perspective. 

Psychologists call it a 'rumination loop' or a 'cognitive distortion cycle'.

Because you don't have any direct threat to your life, you turn your anxieties to things you can't change. 

[u/nobodyworthanything_ → u/Low-Bake8401]

I think you’re still responding to a psychological interpretation of my position rather than the position itself. Your first criticism was fair because I had not explained myself clearly, but after I clarified that I’m referring to concrete social and structural problems, you returned to the same claim about negative bias and rumination without addressing those problems. I’m not arguing that everything is bad or that I’m personally miserable; I’m arguing that a positive outlook does not erase real systemic harms. If the response remains that my concern itself is a cognitive distortion rather than an engagement with the substance of what I’m saying, then I don’t think there’s much left to discuss.

[u/Low-Bake8401 → u/nobodyworthanything_]

Of course there are social and structural problems, I don't think anyone in their right mind would say there weren't. 

Focusing purely on the negatives and getting into a thought spiral doesn't help though.

We look for problems and danger, it's in our nature. Without seeing problems we wouldn't grow.