Motivation sickness?

Question:We live in a world that has shifted far from the "hunters and gatherers" of our ancestors. It obviously has a profound effect on the world we live in today too. Our hunter and gatherer instincts are being honed for only one thing, money. So what happens to an individual torn between the natural instinct and the conditioned instinct of modern day? How does one survive in a "Brave new World" type society that baby-steps, leaps, and jumps every single day away from what essentially makes us all (just) human beings.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: We live in a world that has shifted far from the "hunters and gatherers" of our ancestors. It obviously has a profound effect on the world we live in today too. Our hunter and gatherer instincts are being honed for only one thing, money. So what happens to an individual torn between the natural instinct and the conditioned instinct of modern day? How does one survive in a "Brave new World" type society that baby-steps, leaps, and jumps every single day away from what essentially makes us all (just) human beings.

I'm seeing the signs of burnout all around me. At work, on the internet, in the media and in the entertainment industry.

Regarding naturalism, that was the relapse that happened with the youth movement of the 1960's. People thought that if we take down industrialism and the rat race we can live off the land and live in a more harmonious way. Sad part about that, it didn't work. Most of the hippies came from priviledged backgrounds and really couldn't handle too much time from the suburbs and the metropolis. The "money" conditioning had set in and commerical capitalism that was the only jungle they knew how to survive in.

But the "Brave new world" is collapsing for all but the dwindling priviledged classes. people are working 70 hour consecutive weeks while their bosses make more and more money, take up to 1/2 the year off at times to --ironically, go hiking, mountain climbing, touring Mexico and other indigenous places, and experience "naturalism". That money that we are taught to worship is becomming less and less valuable, and in order to keep the population in line, the media and police are becoming more and more militaristic towards their own people. With the economy continuing on it's path, we will eventually be living in industrial cities where small cramped dormatories without electricity will be where we sleep when we're not working. Our offices or factories will be the only place where there is power, and we'll be expected to work for salary, not wages...meaning 80 hours a week and no holidays. Most of us won't be able to afford a car becuase the gas will be so high, supplying alternative power will be illegal in the cities, and if we are caught walking alone before or after "designated commute hours" we may get arrested.

That's the reality of the metropolitan life in the next 50 years. And the beneficiaries of this system don't seem to realise that the human psyche will only tolerate so much of that type of system. And despite their high education, they can't seem to take a look at the past and learn from it. The Soviet union collapsed, as did Nazi Germany, and the voilent manner in which Nicolae Ceacesceau was overthrown should be a disturbing reminder of just how much the mob will come down on you when you suck all their lifeblood and still demand more.

But in consideration to "being torn", I've been researching natural building lately, and I've found tens of thousands of people in every country are now part of a growing "ecovilliage" movement that has gained a lot of momentum. Some of them are hard-core new-agers who come from the same priviledged background as most of the hippies did, but others are hard-core bikers. Still, others are people who've broken away from Amish and Menonite communities (they're the only ones who can farm and build worth a damn). Others are angry vets who been cast out of the system now that they're no longer useful cannon fodder. Many are people like me, who simply don't fit in with the collectivist demands of modern culture. I consider this phenomenon to be a symtom of what you're talking about. It's not about shunning all technology, just putting work, liesure, and living off of your own means in balance. This sort of commune lifestyle is all the more plausible now that the economy is taking away the dreams and aspirations of a "Brave New World" from the masses.

If would be a direct threat to society if we were to return to the "hunter and gatherer days". Also, in many ways we have not drifted too far from our instinctual patterns. For instance, one could make the argument that we still have the "survival of the fittest" mindset in todays society. The only difference is that money has become more of a physiological need to human beings because without it we feel as though we can't survive because everything has become a commodity. Also the advancement of technology will bring forth new innovations that will continue to move us farther away from what essentially makes us human beings. We live by adapting to our enviornment as a means to survive.

"Man" does all things to satisfy his appetite. We all have different needs - wants, but no matter, we are driven to fill a need in whatever way we can. Right now I'm satisfying my need for intellectual stimulation - I sought out conversation that would fill that void. No matter what evolves we will still be seeking ways to curb our hunger.

Probably the cause of many modern day 'disorders'. I suggest reading the unabomber's manifesto ( available free online, search for it), many interesting insights regardless of his criminal history.

Ted Kaczynski asked the same question. His violent acts notwithstanding, Kaczynski was able to live in a remote cabin with no electricity or running water and secure his own sustenance. So in a sense he was being true to himself, in compliance with his beliefs re. primitivism.

The world and all its demands and modern conveniences make it a huge challenge to maintain a fundamental approach to human existence. Realistically, I suppose that incorporating fragments of this approach in everyday life is the most one can hope for in this day and age.

I disagree with your premise.

We were not first "hunters and gatherers" but priests and prophetesses and it is because we have moved so far away from being spiritually and consciously aware that we are in despair and sickness.