>>808560I’m well aware of King Solomon having a “Lost Weekend” phase. (Just like his old man, King David)
But all in all, existential angst to me is shallow and overrated regardless of era.
I do believe it’s important for humans to recognize that there’s more to life than seeking selfish gratification but pondering the meaning of life often leads back to “what about ME?”
These people who spend their time pondering the meaning of life look down on others, especially those in awkward predicaments.
IMO, existential angst is the the epitome of narcissism or egocentrism. It demands that the cosmos recognize an itty-bitty cog as “unique/special”.
People say that materialism the ultimate sin, but I think that it’s idealism
Idealism when left unchecked often leads to unrealistic expectations, which leads to big egos, attachment, and entitlement, which leads to indignation which leads to crashing out in the most epic ways.
Look at conspiracy theorists. They all regard everyone else except themselves as “normies, cattle, goy” etc
They think too highly of themselves, or rather, they are emotionally dependent on an alter ego
Look at our mass shooters. They all were idealists who weren’t tempered or refused to be tempered.
Or lovestruck people. Romantic love is far more destructive than lust. Unlike lust, romance is about recreating your favorite scenes from storybooks and movies. Forcing you and the person of interest to be trapped in a painting for your own amusement.
Romance is highly idealistic compared to lust which is more earthy. People say love is blind, but I don’t think so.
People in the quest for love are more cruelly picky than people cruising over booty calls.
In romance, people are always demanding every moment of your time. It’s not enough to be merely kind to them. It’s not enough to cook them good food or wash their clothes for them.
The people who say “chivalry/romance is dead” are the people whom are the most oblivious of good will that’s done for them platonically.
People like to accuse the youth of being dumbed down for having fun or enjoying art for the sake of it being enjoyed. Kids are morally harrassed to “go the extra mile” or “not be like their peers”. Adults often rate childrens virtue by how excessively formal/abstract they can be.
Ironically, adults never apply these metrics on themselves. Adult conversation on average seems to be about political drama, sports, sex, or reminiscing about their youth.
Unchecked idealism can also lead to hedonism. A lot of our ancient intellectuals/polymaths were horndogs, drunks, overeaters, gamblers, etc in addition to being chauvinistic.
People dont love money, sex, or drugs for itself but rather based on the emotional impression of said pleasures
That’s why so many hedonists are unhappy. They’re not chasing the sensory effects but the emotional effects that will match what was in their imagination.
See Kanye West or John Lennon for example.