Existentialism in society
today
This
piece is one of an occasional series of articles produced
under
the banner of “social philosophy”
It seems to me that in
the wake of the two World Wars there was a general upsurge in the principles of
equality, justice, democracy and fraternity. Naturally, changes were far from
instantaneous, but the old order (based primarily on class distinction, assumed
authority and positions held by members of the upper classes) was challenged
and largely overhauled due principally to the fact that members from across the
spectrum of society had defended its fundamental values and then participated
in its post-war reconstruction.
This may be viewed as a
practical embodiment of the philosophy and values upheld by the Enlightenment
Movement wherein the principles of equality, reason and accountability are held
paramount.
However, as time passed
and the direct threat of injustice and subjugation for all mostly subsided, the
intense flames of the fight for freedom and notably integrity calmed to mere
embers and a large swathe of people have come to adopt an almost existential
acceptance of political, social and commercial chicanery, provided the quality
of their own lives remains intact or is even improved.
Schemes and conspiracies are
frequently conducted behind the scenes, often involving hardship and injustice
for many who oil the machinery of commercial enterprises and political
machinations, while maintaining a façade of political and commercial
correctness and legitimacy which most are more than willing to accept, provided
their lives remain unaffected.
As one-time military and
political conquests and subjugations have been insidiously replaced by
commercial acquisition and financial control, values and principles once
considered worth defending are in danger of being invisibly but steadily
eradicated, swallowed by an existential fog of self-satisfied apathy and
abandonment. Careerism and egotism in the upper echelons of society appear to
be steadily replacing professionalism and purpose, yet apparent impassivity,
lack of direction and positive action in the realms of government and
administration are being recognised and rejected by vociferous minorities and
this is evidenced by a trend toward independence, self-determination and civil
unrest. This is born of frustration and discontent in the face of apparent
inability or unwillingness on the part of governing bodies to tackle ongoing
urgent social, political and economic issues, exacerbated by the perception
that an influential and often very wealthy minority seems to actually gain
through their protraction.
In the past, when people
faced common external issues and threats (crushing social injustice leading to
the French Revolution, industrialisation and its attendant social pressures and
reforms, and attempted subjugation leading to two World Wars), they united to
fight for a cause, for values and for a common purpose, reflecting the spirit
of the Enlightenment Movement.
However, after the
immediate post-war era, there followed a turbulent period in the sixties and
seventies, characterised by confrontation over workers’ rights, conditions and
wages, social and political upheaval, huge economic pressures and rising
unemployment. As a result, there was a return to more conservative and “reassuring”
policies in the eighties, involving the re-establishment of traditional working
practices and an emphasis on market freedom, and the suggestion that the
individual should act in his/her own best interests, with the view that this
would strengthen society overall. This philosophy was reflected in the famous
line “Greed is good” in the film Wall Street (1987).
Today, it might be said
the problems we face are increasingly internal as we encounter political,
administrative, financial and socially divisive issues. In general, society
appears to have lost the perspective of “the bigger picture” and we focus
instead on individual satisfaction, maintaining our own standard of living or
making our own way in the society we have built. We appear to be losing sight
of values, purpose and the common good, opting instead for a self-centred path
toward “success”. This may be said to reflect a somewhat blinkered interpretation
of the spirit of existentialism wherein the existence of God, morality and
principles are refuted and we are invited to think only of ourselves and the
place we can make for ourselves in society.
This attitude has led to
inward-looking and defensive governance, administration and law-making which
conceal inaction, indifference and lack of comprehension and empathy and this
has, in turn, led to frustration and discontent, causing some to want to break
away from traditional and accepted styles of government.
However, as I have suggested
in other articles, existentialism is not the same as nihilism. If we accept our
impact on one another and responsibility for one another, we can achieve far
more together than if we limit ourselves to what is best for individuals or
small groups with shared interests.
Careerism,
self-gratification and a blinkered outlook have insidiously crept in to our
political and administrative systems and this has led to many sections of
society feeling disenfranchised and willing to pursue change, any change, as an
alternative to a system they feel has failed them. That is not, however, a
reason to reject the structure itself. Structures and systems can be
re-invigorated and re-imagined with fresh, practical and positive ideas put
into practice by constructive and conscientious personnel resulting in tangible
change and improvement for all instead of apparently incessant discussion and
pompous focus on procedure and position resulting in inaction and indolence.
Threat and danger have
previously united people in a common cause. Today need be no different, but now
the threat lies within our society and the loss of perspective we have
developed by encouraging members of society to focus on individual success. We
need to develop an awareness of and a sense of responsibility toward others if
we are to evolve as a society.
Even if, from an existential
perspective, principle, morality and values have no tangible authority, these
concepts exist and therefore we can create and adopt worthwhile values when
dealing with fellow human beings. Success does not necessarily mean
self-serving. While a degree of vanity and pride may be required to inspire or
stimulate action, that action should ultimately serve others if it is to have
any lasting value, and that precept may be seen as one of the corner-stones of
a healthy and enduring society.
My thanks for taking the
time to read this page. I hope you found it of some value.
Stuart Fernie (stuartfernie@yahoo.co.uk)
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