Our Uphill Battle

Our Uphill Battle

In recent times, there has been a growing concern that our civilization may face a significant decline if we fail to complete the industrial revolution and apply its core principles—math, large organizations, and capitalism—to more areas of life. This sentiment has been particularly highlighted in the context of our rapidly evolving values, morals, and norms, driven by activism. However, as we delve deeper into this issue, it becomes increasingly apparent just how daunting this task is.

The modern world has come to deeply admire and revere the rapid changing of morals, often spearheaded by youth movements. This fast-paced evolution of values is supported by numerous features of our contemporary society. For instance, youths are generally more inclined to take risks, express emotions openly, and impress potential mates. They are also less invested in existing arrangements, making them more susceptible to the allure of quickly rising in status as leaders of new, tightly-bonded emotional youth movements.

This trend is further exacerbated by the legitimization of fashions, where those who first adopt new popular changes are often perceived as more virtuous. Additionally, the structure of our educational system, with high schools and colleges, provides ample opportunities for activism. Students are taught to view the world more abstractly and universally, fostering a simplistic and moralistic perspective. Furthermore, advancements in communication technology have enabled youths to coordinate more effectively across vast distances, amplifying the impact of these movements.

Moreover, the modern world has widely adopted three key views that contribute to this perfect storm of youth-driven moral crusades. Firstly, it is believed that morality exists in a separate realm where adult knowledge and experience are less relevant. Secondly, moral opinions are seen as originating from within, rather than being shaped by external factors. Lastly, youthful opinions on morals are often regarded as less corrupted by habit and self-interest.

These factors have created an environment in which youth movements can flourish, often with a strong sense of suspicion towards older adults who have ties of interest and habits to the existing order. The question now is: can we apply industrial principles more strongly to manage this process?

One potential solution could involve leveraging large organizations to create, suppress, or influence such movements. By harnessing the power of these organizations, we might be able to better regulate the rapid evolution of morals and values. This could involve implementing structured frameworks that prioritize evidence-based decision-making, long-term consequences, and the potential impact on society as a whole.

However, it is crucial to recognize that any attempt to manage this process must be approached with caution. The very nature of youth movements often stems from a desire for change and a rejection of established norms. Therefore, any intervention must be carefully calibrated to avoid stifling the very creativity and innovation that these movements bring to the table.

Ultimately, the challenge of applying industrial principles to manage the rapid evolution of morals and values is a complex and multifaceted one. It requires a delicate balance between encouraging progress and maintaining stability, while also acknowledging the unique contributions of youth movements. As we navigate this uphill battle, it is essential that we remain vigilant and adaptive, ready to embrace the transformative potential of industry, big organizations, and capitalism, even as we grapple with the challenges they present.