In the book "A Brief History of Mankind", the evolution and development of human civilization are revealed. However, in the book, a thought-provoking question also emerges: despite the tremendous progress of human civilization, happiness is ...... drifting away from us
1. The Trap of Materialism
With the progress of civilization, our material life has been greatly enriched. However, this abundance of material life did not bring us the happiness we expected. Instead, we seem to be caught in a materialistic trap. We seek more material wealth, higher social status, and greater power. However, this quest often leads us to lose sight of our inner feelings and true happiness.
Driven by materialism, we tend to equate happiness with material abundance and material comparisons. We are constantly in pursuit of more material things, but this pursuit often leaves us feeling tired and empty. We are constantly comparing ourselves to others' material differences, and this comparison makes us feel anxious and dissatisfied.
Second, the double-edged sword of science and technology
The advancement of technology has brought unprecedented convenience to our lives. However, the double-edged sword effect of technology also confuses us. On the one hand, the development of technology has enabled us to complete work and life tasks more efficiently, improving our quality of life. On the other hand, the development of technology has also made us more dependent on technology and lost face-to-face communication with others.
Under the influence of technology, we seem to have become more lonely and helpless. We keep in touch with others through our phones, social networks, and other tools, but this virtual way of socializing often makes us feel fake and superficial. We lose the opportunity to meet others face-to-face, which is essential for building genuine emotional connections and relationships.
3. Social pressure and competition
The progress of civilization has brought about the complication of social structures and rules, as well as more social pressure and competition. We have to face not only the pressure of work, but also the pressure of family, social and other aspects. This stress makes us feel tired and restless, which affects our well-being.
In a competitive social environment, we are constantly striving for higher achievements and status. However, this pursuit often leaves us feeling anxious and lost. We constantly compare our own achievements with those of others, and this comparison makes us feel inferior and frustrated. At the same time, social pressures can make us feel like we are not in control of our lives and destinies. This sense of helplessness and uncertainty makes us feel anxious and uneasy.
4. Seek true happiness
Faced with the paradox of declining happiness brought about by the progress of civilization, we need to re-examine our lifestyle and values. First, we need to break free from the trap of materialism and redefine the concept of happiness. Happiness is not only about material abundance and material comparison, but also about inner feelings and satisfaction. We should pay attention to our inner needs and the development of the spiritual world in pursuit of true happiness.
Secondly, we need to make rational use of the development of technology and maintain authentic communication and communication with others. The development of technology has allowed us to complete work and life tasks more efficiently, but it has also deprived us of the opportunity to communicate face-to-face with others. We should balance the relationship between technology and human relationships, and maintain authentic communication and communication with others.
Finally, we need to deal with the impact of social pressures and competition. We should learn how to deal with stress and challenges, and maintain a positive mindset and actions. At the same time, we should also pay attention to the issue of social fairness and justice, and work to create a more just and equal social environment.
In conclusion, A Brief History of Mankind reveals the paradox of civilizational progress and declining happiness. We should re-examine our way of life and values in search of true happiness. Only in this way can we truly enjoy the benefits of the progress of civilization and not be bothered by its negative effects.