As someone who enjoys the use of psychology in politics this was a great read. I'd often talk about society being in it's teenage years in relation to the crises we face. Aware of things they could change for their benefit, but not fully mature enough yet to do it. That's what it feels like sometimes when we talk about climate or our social issues and you've articulated it so much better than I ever could - great piece.
This is exactly my experience of activism. I have found myself having almost to be kinder to those on my own 'side' as it were and the manner of their engagements, where they happen at all, with those of a different view. The work is long term and gruelling, and there are no 'Damascan revelations' or social media 'moments' where we all become the heroes in our own heads. This is not one off stuff. It needs to be a change in how we play the game.
Love it. Thanks Alex! And yes, I couldn't agree more on the wisdom tradition element of religion, and where it sits on the inner and outer. It's amazing to me that institutional Christianity is being revived right now because of the hunger for this wisdom. Which teaches us that institutions, physical establishments, people (priests, community members) are the places we go to because... they are places we can go to. Is it as simple as build it and they will come? And if no one has built something that fits our modern lives, then many are happy to go back to age-old institutions. Or -- maybe things being age-old is the appeal? That nothing modern can do it, because we don't see the modern as wise. Hmmm... Thank you for writing
This really resonated with me. The idea that we are not simply experiencing isolated crises, but living through overlapping waves of disruption that keep societies suspended in prolonged disillusionment, feels deeply accurate.
I especially appreciated your framing around the “inner and outer” dimensions of recovery. So much current discourse seems to separate psychological wellbeing from collective and political realities, when in practice they are profoundly intertwined.
Your point about the loss of institutions capable of cultivating shared meaning, moral imagination, and collective resilience also stayed with me. The tension you describe between grievance, fragmentation, and the erosion of contemplative wisdom traditions feels incredibly relevant to this moment.
Thank you for such a thoughtful and humane piece. It gave language to dynamics many people are sensing but struggling to articulate.
As someone who enjoys the use of psychology in politics this was a great read. I'd often talk about society being in it's teenage years in relation to the crises we face. Aware of things they could change for their benefit, but not fully mature enough yet to do it. That's what it feels like sometimes when we talk about climate or our social issues and you've articulated it so much better than I ever could - great piece.
Brilliant Alex!
This is exactly my experience of activism. I have found myself having almost to be kinder to those on my own 'side' as it were and the manner of their engagements, where they happen at all, with those of a different view. The work is long term and gruelling, and there are no 'Damascan revelations' or social media 'moments' where we all become the heroes in our own heads. This is not one off stuff. It needs to be a change in how we play the game.
this is great dear alex - powerfully brings it all together - compelling and insightful
Alex: Outstanding Journalism!!
Love it. Thanks Alex! And yes, I couldn't agree more on the wisdom tradition element of religion, and where it sits on the inner and outer. It's amazing to me that institutional Christianity is being revived right now because of the hunger for this wisdom. Which teaches us that institutions, physical establishments, people (priests, community members) are the places we go to because... they are places we can go to. Is it as simple as build it and they will come? And if no one has built something that fits our modern lives, then many are happy to go back to age-old institutions. Or -- maybe things being age-old is the appeal? That nothing modern can do it, because we don't see the modern as wise. Hmmm... Thank you for writing
This really resonated with me. The idea that we are not simply experiencing isolated crises, but living through overlapping waves of disruption that keep societies suspended in prolonged disillusionment, feels deeply accurate.
I especially appreciated your framing around the “inner and outer” dimensions of recovery. So much current discourse seems to separate psychological wellbeing from collective and political realities, when in practice they are profoundly intertwined.
Your point about the loss of institutions capable of cultivating shared meaning, moral imagination, and collective resilience also stayed with me. The tension you describe between grievance, fragmentation, and the erosion of contemplative wisdom traditions feels incredibly relevant to this moment.
Thank you for such a thoughtful and humane piece. It gave language to dynamics many people are sensing but struggling to articulate.