A Dead End?

Question

Today, many people believe that humanity’s progress is approaching a dead end. Our past hopes for a better, happier life through scientific and social progress have been overshadowed by a growing pessimism over what seems to be an impasse. We see that more and more people in the world are unable to find fulfillment. Once, we thought of ourselves as making great leaps forward, believing we were making substantial progress, but now we appear to be facing some kind of a wall. Humanity seems to be plunging into depression, suicide and drugs abound, and people are trying to disengage themselves from the world, and suppress their feelings. Terrorism and a rapid upsurge in natural disasters are symptoms of a global crisis, and all these states are leading humanity to one fundamental question: “What is the meaning of life?”

Answer 1

I'd say there is no longer a fine line between socio-econ strata therefore, there is no middle class which was necessary for the lower class to try and reach and the upper class to pay attn to from a philanthropic sense. Without a middle class many traditions went out the window and replaced by pessimism as you describe.

Today, people are people, no one cares about class, thus, striving to improve society is anyone's guess, anyone's responsibility, and for many, its certainly not their duty.

What's nice today is there are fewer walls so one can earn their living and become rich from the confines of their home.  They need not be corporate and have independence to be their own boss.

What's hard  for some is growing up with so much security and finding that things aren't the same as they were.  Family units have changed and making ends meet is tough.  

I always say I'm glad I don't have to live my life all over because the younger generation have it hard and competition is stiffer with more people vying for jobs.

Answer 2

I am a cynic and a pessimist like you, but as your only answer so far is embrace religion, I will put my two cents worth in. Some of the world problems you cite have long been around, others, in my opinion, are a result of humanity's overpopulation. Also media saturation of our daily lives makes us more aware of global problems. In the past, most people spent their lives just trying to survive. Fulfillment was not something people expected of life. Each person has to strive toward their own personal "fulfillment" through helping others, exercising their mind and body, and appreciating nature and the arts like music. Having a sense of humor in the face of personal tragedy helps too.

Answer 3

Every generation and age has it's issues. Everyone thinks there situation/age is the worst or hardest...it's human nature. Our generation from the 1960's on have purged God from political and now many social institutions. There has been a trickle down effect. In the past it was said religion is a drug for the masses. Why is it so hard to believe that individuals who feel and think so deeply could have been placed on this spinning rock by a divine God. We have taken God out of our lives more and more and the results have not been good. The meaning/purpose of life to me is to know Jesus as Lord and Savior and to live everyday the very best that you can. Not to avoid h**l fire and Brimstone but to simply be the best you can be to help others. A wife shouldn't do things for her husband or vise-versa because they don't  want to argue, fight, or get beaten by them. They should do it because they love them. I think it is much the same way for people and God. Just my opinion....hope it helps.