In 1962, French philosopher René Guénon suggested that we live in "degenerate times", at the end of a long age during which important spiritual truths have been forgotten, ancient centers of wisdom have been destroyed and the guardians of that wisdom dispersed.
In my opinion, many modern people are hurting from a lack of beauty, meaning and wisdom in their lives. I myself sometimes get stuck in the cultural doldrums and begin to forget what is important. Beautiful things lift the spirit. Meaning gives our lives true purpose. Wisdom helps us to live well.
Our current situation is not always helped by popular culture, which with some exceptions, isn't particularly beautiful, meaningful or wise. If we want independence from the toxic values of popular culture, there are things we can do to counterbalance those toxic values. Here are 5 suggestions for counterbalancing today's barren cultural landscape:
In my opinion, many modern people are hurting from a lack of beauty, meaning and wisdom in their lives. I myself sometimes get stuck in the cultural doldrums and begin to forget what is important. Beautiful things lift the spirit. Meaning gives our lives true purpose. Wisdom helps us to live well.
Our current situation is not always helped by popular culture, which with some exceptions, isn't particularly beautiful, meaningful or wise. If we want independence from the toxic values of popular culture, there are things we can do to counterbalance those toxic values. Here are 5 suggestions for counterbalancing today's barren cultural landscape:
And as and aside before I begin, if you have children, it's also great to expose them to these things, especially when they are young. Children love exploring new places and have a natural sense of awe and wonder.
1. Nature
Being in the natural world has many benefits. It's good for us to be exposed to sunlight, enjoy green spaces, and to exercise outdoors. Being in nature can also give us a feeling of connection with the larger world and a feeling of enchantment.
Sharon Blackie talks about this type of enchantment grounded in the natural world in her book The Enchanted Life: Unlocking the Magic of the Everyday, in which we take time to explore and revel in nature:
Because enchantment, by my definition, has nothing to do with fantasy, or escapism, or magical thinking: it is founded on a vivid sense of belongingness to a rich and many-layered world; a profound and whole-hearted participation in the adventure of life...It respects wild things, recognizes the wisdom of the crow, seeks out the medicine of plants. It rummages and roots on the wild edges, but comes home to an enchanted home and garden. It is engaged with the small, the local, the ethical; enchanted living is slow living.
Sharon Blackie talks about this type of enchantment grounded in the natural world in her book The Enchanted Life: Unlocking the Magic of the Everyday, in which we take time to explore and revel in nature:
Because enchantment, by my definition, has nothing to do with fantasy, or escapism, or magical thinking: it is founded on a vivid sense of belongingness to a rich and many-layered world; a profound and whole-hearted participation in the adventure of life...It respects wild things, recognizes the wisdom of the crow, seeks out the medicine of plants. It rummages and roots on the wild edges, but comes home to an enchanted home and garden. It is engaged with the small, the local, the ethical; enchanted living is slow living.
2. History
A sense of history allows us to experience the connection between us, our ancestors, what came before, and the entirety of human experience which is bigger than any one person's life.
We can immerse ourselves in history by reading about it, talking to older people about their experiences, learning about our genealogy, taking part in history related events, and visiting historic sites.
An added bonus to visiting historic sites is that many have beautiful architecture and manicured gardens. We also get to experience going somewhere new and exploring, even if that place is relatively close to our home. Going new places expands our horizons.
We can immerse ourselves in history by reading about it, talking to older people about their experiences, learning about our genealogy, taking part in history related events, and visiting historic sites.
An added bonus to visiting historic sites is that many have beautiful architecture and manicured gardens. We also get to experience going somewhere new and exploring, even if that place is relatively close to our home. Going new places expands our horizons.
3. The Sacred and Spiritual
Religion and spirituality can be a counterbalance to popular culture, since today's culture is so secular. Religious faith can be a personal commitment to virtue and way of life.
Even if we are not religious, we can get a sense of the sacred and deeper meaning to life by immersing ourselves in nature or having some similar transcendent experience.
Even if we are not religious, we can get a sense of the sacred and deeper meaning to life by immersing ourselves in nature or having some similar transcendent experience.
4. Reading
Books, at least some of them, help us to discover meaning to life and to grow in wisdom. By this, I mean literature, philosophy, psychology, and so forth; subjects that are likely to help us in our evolution as people of character and virtue, and not just entertain us.
Reading about topics that are meaningful and important to is one way to counteract the flow of non-meaningful information that comes via mass culture.
As a librarian, I would be remiss not to point out that you can get many books through your local public library where you don't have to pay for them.
Reading about topics that are meaningful and important to is one way to counteract the flow of non-meaningful information that comes via mass culture.
As a librarian, I would be remiss not to point out that you can get many books through your local public library where you don't have to pay for them.
5. Classical Music
This is not to say that other genres of music aren't good, but Classical music contains complex tonal qualities not found in other music which are calming and uplifting. If you don't like classical, you may try listening to it and see if you can expand your tastes. My favorite is Baroque music and many of the composers from that era: Vivaldi, Boccherini, Bach, Corelli and many others.
Something about Classical music for me brings together all of the other things on the list above: beauty, history, the sacred, and a sense of wonder.
~
*Post contains Amazon associate links. I may earn a small commission for any books purchased.
Read Next:
Why You Should Create Your Own Culture to be Happier
5 Things You Need to be Happy According to Cicero
Pin this:
Something about Classical music for me brings together all of the other things on the list above: beauty, history, the sacred, and a sense of wonder.
~
*Post contains Amazon associate links. I may earn a small commission for any books purchased.
Read Next:
Why You Should Create Your Own Culture to be Happier
5 Things You Need to be Happy According to Cicero
Pin this:
