The Fear of Uselessness

Living in the present moment, free from the need to control, is the essence of Taoist philosophy. Meditation has become popular as a means to reduce anxiety and increase productivity, but Greg argues that true contemplation involves embracing the fleeting nature of each moment. Rather than seeking personal improvement, silence and nature should remind us of the impermanence of life. However, instead of embracing this perspective, we often turn to distractions out of fear of our own uselessness. Industrial societies have transitioned to a future where humans are entertained by machines, but this does not necessarily lead to mass employment. Instead, many occupations now focus on satisfying repressed needs or desires. This entertainment-based economy serves to distract a population that secretly feels useless, leading individuals to turn to drugs, video games, and other forms of escapism. In a society that values productivity, idleness is seen as a sin and guilt-inducing. This problem is exacerbated in the modern era where many people have the luxury of not having to work.