Mature Cultural Desire
A common immature attitude to desire is to assume that you are entitled to what you passionately desire, and to then cry if you don’t get it, to pressure others to give it to you.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of maturity in our approach to desire and culture. Often, people exhibit an immature attitude towards their desires, assuming they are entitled to what they passionately crave. When their desires are not fulfilled, they may resort to crying, pressuring others, or even declaring that they have given up on the entire category. For instance, someone might fall in love with someone who rejects them, leading to a proclamation that they are done with love and will live alone. Similarly, an individual might pursue a career as an actor but fail, resulting in a dismissal of the importance of jobs, viewing them merely as a means to an end.
This immature mindset is not limited to personal desires but extends to broader cultural contexts. Many individuals fully embrace the aesthetic and moral views they encountered during their childhood, schools, and social circles, viewing them as absolute truths. They often dismiss the perspectives of other times and places as incorrect, expecting history to validate their judgments. However, as time passes, subsequent generations frequently reject many of these cultural truths, leading to disappointment among those who held onto them.
Another common immature response is indifference. When faced with evidence that their culture is likely to decay and be replaced by different ones, some people become disinterested in the outcome. They do not care which cultures prevail in the long run, adopting a passive stance towards cultural evolution.
In contrast, a more mature approach acknowledges that the future may not preserve one's cultural values. Instead of clinging to a static view of culture, a mature perspective recognizes the dynamic nature of cultural change. It involves admitting that one cares deeply about cultural preservation but also understands the inevitability of transformation. This maturity allows for a more thoughtful engagement with the cultural landscape, focusing on identifying the best feasible options that align with one's values while also being open to change.
Ultimately, a mature attitude towards desire and culture fosters resilience and adaptability. It encourages individuals to seek fulfillment through realistic expectations and to engage with the world in a nuanced and understanding manner. By embracing this perspective, we can better navigate the complexities of life and contribute to a more harmonious cultural ecosystem.
