I do think that as a consequence of improved economic security religion is made irrelevant. Hence (largely) why religion plays has a much smaller role in more left leaning countries of Europe-- the outlier of developed countries being the US, which is far more conservative than even European conservatives. This is not a coincidence. Religious fervor thrives on fear and insecurity. When life is not so bad, religion becomes irrelevant for most people.
The way to reduce the presence of religion in the world is then done indirectly, by improving people's lives here and now. Karl Marx was correct when he said religion was the opiate of the masses, however he was incorrect insofar as thinking that eliminating religion would lead to better economic conditions. He put the cart before the horse I think.
But-- and this is a big "but": What are we going to do about it?
Me: Nothing. I used to not be so pessimistic, and in the past I've been a big supporter of Amnesty International and other left leaning orgs. Perhaps I am merely burnt out by what I see in the news, and living in the US only despairs me more every day. Idiots out there think global warming is a hoax, and why should we trust scientists? I say let it rot. We have brought ourselves to a point of dependence on things, knowing full and well what the consequences are, but we can't be bothered to change our lifestyle (and yes, I have made some significant changes myself). And that's just the tip of the iceberg (no pun intended).
The vast majority of human beings are stupid. Yes, that's an elitist thing to say, big deal. Historically, human beings have never been convinced through reasoning (good or bad) to any position. Oftentimes they don't even learn from their own mistakes. And when they do learn, it is only because they then realize the ultimate consequences of it. Like an alcoholic, they must hit rock bottom before they think there is a problem to be addressed. And then humans have short attention spans and in no time they find some new idiocy to believe in or support.
Humans are not rational animals. They are animals capable of USING reason, but reason is not inherent in human nature-- it is merely a tool we are capable of putting to use (or abuse). Even when we try our best to be reasonable about things, ultimately in our emotions that our decisions in life are rooted (for good or ill). Our capacity for stupidity is limitless and should never be underestimated. Add to that media, corporate and political organizations spewing out BS to further their own interests at the expense of everyone else.
"Hell is a special favor reserved for those who have asked for it insistently." (Albert Camus)
The only problem is that eventually we will suffer consequences from which humans-- and all other life as well-- may not survive (its amazing we have even made it this far). Whereas I used to think this was something worth fighting, I've simply taken to misanthropy now.
I don't expect anyone else to agree with me (truly, I wouldn't want them to!) and as I said, perhaps this is merely a malaise of my own making. I have inadvertently found myself becoming passive nihilist, sardonically cheering our self-destruction on the sidelines. I'm suffering from the secular equivalent of acedia.
Sorry.
The way to reduce the presence of religion in the world is then done indirectly, by improving people's lives here and now. Karl Marx was correct when he said religion was the opiate of the masses, however he was incorrect insofar as thinking that eliminating religion would lead to better economic conditions. He put the cart before the horse I think.
But-- and this is a big "but": What are we going to do about it?
Me: Nothing. I used to not be so pessimistic, and in the past I've been a big supporter of Amnesty International and other left leaning orgs. Perhaps I am merely burnt out by what I see in the news, and living in the US only despairs me more every day. Idiots out there think global warming is a hoax, and why should we trust scientists? I say let it rot. We have brought ourselves to a point of dependence on things, knowing full and well what the consequences are, but we can't be bothered to change our lifestyle (and yes, I have made some significant changes myself). And that's just the tip of the iceberg (no pun intended).
The vast majority of human beings are stupid. Yes, that's an elitist thing to say, big deal. Historically, human beings have never been convinced through reasoning (good or bad) to any position. Oftentimes they don't even learn from their own mistakes. And when they do learn, it is only because they then realize the ultimate consequences of it. Like an alcoholic, they must hit rock bottom before they think there is a problem to be addressed. And then humans have short attention spans and in no time they find some new idiocy to believe in or support.
Humans are not rational animals. They are animals capable of USING reason, but reason is not inherent in human nature-- it is merely a tool we are capable of putting to use (or abuse). Even when we try our best to be reasonable about things, ultimately in our emotions that our decisions in life are rooted (for good or ill). Our capacity for stupidity is limitless and should never be underestimated. Add to that media, corporate and political organizations spewing out BS to further their own interests at the expense of everyone else.
"Hell is a special favor reserved for those who have asked for it insistently." (Albert Camus)
The only problem is that eventually we will suffer consequences from which humans-- and all other life as well-- may not survive (its amazing we have even made it this far). Whereas I used to think this was something worth fighting, I've simply taken to misanthropy now.
I don't expect anyone else to agree with me (truly, I wouldn't want them to!) and as I said, perhaps this is merely a malaise of my own making. I have inadvertently found myself becoming passive nihilist, sardonically cheering our self-destruction on the sidelines. I'm suffering from the secular equivalent of acedia.
Sorry.
“Society is not a disease, it is a disaster. What a stupid miracle that one can live in it.” ~ E.M. Cioran
