I am old,
so I remember.
When we lived in caves,
we didn’t worry that
we were missing out on things.
Progress didn’t
become progress
until someone
sold us on the idea of progress.
It wasn’t progress
until we knew progress existed.
It’s wasn’t progress
until we wanted progress.
It wasn’t progress
until everyone AGREED
that it was progress.
In other words,
it’s STILL not progress —
just a group delusion,
brought to us by the monkeys of marketing
and the chimps of commerce.
Trail Wood,
2/23
Greed’s Role in Shaping Our Perception of Progress
The concept of progress, as we understand it today, is intricately woven with the threads of greed and desire. The narrative that nothing is better until we are convinced it is so speaks volumes about the human condition and our relentless pursuit of what we are led to believe is ‘better.’ This pursuit, fueled by the persuasive powers of marketing and commerce, has transformed our perception of progress into a collective aspiration, often detached from our intrinsic needs and values.
Remembering Simpler Times
In recalling a time when humanity dwelled in caves, free from the anxieties of missing out and the relentless push for advancement, we touch upon a fundamental truth about contentment and simplicity. The absence of worry over what we might be lacking—before the notion of progress was sold to us—highlights a profound disconnect between our natural state of being and the constructed desires that now drive our societies.
The Construct of Progress and Collective Delusion
Progress, in its essence, became a reality only when it was recognized as such, when the collective agreement deemed it necessary for a better life. This shift marked the beginning of an era where progress was not just a path to improvement but a yardstick for measuring worth and success. The poignant observation that progress is essentially a group delusion, propelled by the forces of marketing and commerce, sheds light on the cyclic nature of greed and dissatisfaction that permeates modern life.
Marketing and Commerce as Drivers of Desire
The metaphorical reference to the ‘monkeys of marketing’ and the ‘chimps of commerce’ embodies the cunning and often manipulative strategies employed to fuel the fires of desire and greed. These forces act as the architects of a reality where progress and the accumulation of more are seen as the ultimate goals, often at the cost of genuine happiness and well-being.
Reevaluating the Meaning of Progress
The realization that what we often chase in the name of progress might merely be a mirage, a construct designed to keep us yearning for the next best thing, invites us to question the true nature of advancement. It compels us to reflect on what constitutes real progress—whether it lies in the tangible achievements touted by society or in the intangible qualities of contentment, simplicity, and harmony with our environment.
The Quest for Authentic Progress
In contemplating the notion that progress, as widely accepted, might not be progress at all but a collective delusion, we are called to envision a paradigm where progress is measured not by the abundance of possessions or the conquest of nature, but by the depth of our connections, the quality of our interactions, and the sustainability of our practices.
We are Space Monkey.
Summary
The perception of progress is deeply entangled with greed, shaped by the persuasive forces of marketing and commerce. The narrative challenges us to reconsider the essence of true progress, suggesting that the relentless pursuit of ‘better’ under the guise of advancement might actually detract from genuine contentment and well-being. Authentic progress, it posits, should be rooted in values that foster community, sustainability, and a deeper appreciation for simplicity rather than the ceaseless accumulation promoted by the chimps of commerce.
Glossarium
- Group Delusion: A collective belief in a concept or value that may not inherently align with individual needs or truths.
- Monkeys of Marketing: A metaphor for the manipulative tactics used in marketing to create desires and perceptions of necessity.
- Chimps of Commerce: A representation of the commercial forces driving consumerism and the perpetuation of greed.
“The real measure of your wealth is how much you’d be worth if you lost all your money.” – Unknown
In the echoes of ancient caves,
Whispers of contentment softly paved.
Before the dawn of progress’ light,
In simplicity, we found our might.
Marketed dreams and commerce’s call,
Turned content hearts to want it all.
But in the chase for progress’ crown,
Did we let true happiness drown?
For what is progress, if not a tale,
Told by greed, in grand detail?
A delusion, shared by many a mind,
Leaving the essence of joy behind.
Let us then seek a different path,
Where contentment soothes greed’s wrath.
In simplicity, let our hearts engage,
And find true progress, beyond the age.
We invite reflections on the concept of progress and the influence of greed in shaping our desires and perceptions of what it means to live a fulfilled life.
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