Stories

 

Chapter 1 in 21 Lessons for the 21st Century written by Yuval Noah Harari is titled Disillusionment. This chapter begins with three stories.  The first is the fascist story . This story represents the world dominated by one  Aryan human group that violently subdues all others and refers to the enemy or opposition as vermin. The story reached its peak in the second world war and was based on nationalism, racism, hatred,  sadomasochism ,destruction ,control and power. The enemy is all others that do not submit or obey the rule of white supremacy ..

The second story depicted a struggle among different socio-economic classes with the idea that the world  becomes united only within a centralized social system. This system is  based on equality but not  freedom. Then ,the communist story changed  in the late 1980s. However, with Putin  the story that's taking hold again is nationalistic  fascism.  There's major resistance to immigration ;trade agreements ; undermining the independence of the judiciary system;eliminating the freedom of the press; respecting  boundaries; against LGTBQ, and  political  opposition is treason without due process 

There are different , new types of illiberal democracies and outright dictatorships.  For example, Russia is represented by a political practice in which a number of oligarchs monopolize most of the wealth and power. They  then use the control of the media to hide their activities and establish the rules . And,with government control of the media , it prevents citizens from realizing the truth.  Under Putin there is  endemic corruption, malfunctioning services, no rule of law and staggering inequality. Russia is the most unequal country in the world . 87% of wealth is  concentrated in the hands of the richest 10% of people

Then, there is the liberal story.  This story represents a struggle between a world of liberty , a world in which all humans cooperate freely ,peacefully with minimum central control but, saly with  inequality.  In this story, freedom,democracy,  educational opportunity, political rights, economic mobility, personal liberties and unrestricted movement of individuals' is permitted although freedom has taken hold, by a slow  step-by-step. Further, liberty has gained ground for  some individuals to overcome economic restrictions.  People learn to think for themselves ,being able to vote , not blindly obeying bigoted clergy ,, social media, political propaganda and lies . Moreover, establishing free markets is necessary to overcome poverty, violence and oppression. In other words, globalization  produces peace and prosperity for all.

Turning to Nationalism which is as old as the history of man. For instance, Islam attracts many that are born under that orientation and follow the one  religion  as in other regimes like India, Poland and Turkey . For instance,the Islamist’s want to recreate the system established by Mohamed in the city of Mecca 1,400 years ago. 

Fundamentalist Jews ,in Israel , think about returning 2,500 years to biblical times.  Members of the ruling coalition of government talk openly about the hope of expanding modern Israeli borders to match closely those of biblical Israel. This would reinstate biblical law and even rebuild the temple of Yahweh in Jerusalem in place of the Al aqsa mosque . 

The  novel Chosen by Chaim Potok provides one example of Orthodox thinking and behavior . In the story, Reuven is supposed to follow  in the footsteps of his  Hasidic rabbi father. His father believed that the creation of Israel will and should come  only with the arrival of a  prophet . He was  against the 1948 Israelis fighting for their independence. Reuven has a friend whose father is fighting in support of the fight for Israeli independence.  At one point, Reuven's father prohibits his son from speaking to his friend because of the views of Danny's father.

Turning to “today,” Harari recognizes the disillusionment and the irrelevance facing many .  He pointed to the global financial crisis of 2008 that turned everything upside down ; the 2016 Brexit vote in Britain and the rise of Donald Trump in the United States.  He said many saw the liberal vision as either undesirable and/or unattainable.  There were others that didn’t want to give up the racial, national, and gendered privileges . They were also against  liberalization and globalization . They believed that they were huge rackets empowering only a tiny elite .In other words, the system is rigged. 

 Harari  wrote that Trump falsely warned voters in 2016 that the Mexicans and Chinese would take their jobs and they should build a wall on the Mexican border.  He stated that Trump and Brexit were supported by many people who still enjoyed political power but who feared they were losing their  socio-economic worth.  He added that Trump's main message was that it is not America's job to formulate and promote any global vision whatsoever. And,conveyed  that immigration is a no, no with a fear based threat. He added that Trump  said it was only him that could promote free markets in the US while he would undermine free trade on the global level  Also  ,Trump bragged and sounded the alarm for American isolationism with the promise to make America great again .That message goes back to 1987 when Trump spent almost $100,000 in Newspaper ads promoting how our country was being duped by other countries and we should make them pay for our protecting them which would  then reduce our deficits and result in lower taxes.  

Another theme in this chapter was the rise of artificial intelligence and biotechnology, and that this technological disruption was not even a leading item in the political arena.  He also mentioned that Trump never warned voters that algorithms would take their jobs.  Harari  added that  politicians do not fully understand what's coming and that it will disrupt things in so many ways with unintended consequences . He also said that liberalism has no obvious  answers to the biggest problems which are the  ecological collapse and technological disruption . And, that economic growth will not save the global ecosystem because economic growth is the cause of the ecological crisis . In essence, economic growth will not solve technological disruption because it’s predicated on the invention of more and more disruptive technologies.

In 1995 Ted Kkaczynski, the Unabomber, wrote a  provocative treatise titled "Industrial Society and Its Future"  found in The New York Times 3/30/ 2025 . A few related quotes : 1.  Paragraph 173.  If the machines are permitted to make all their own decisions, we can't make any conjectures as to the results, because it is impossible to guess how such machines might behave.  2.  Paragraph 92.  Thus, science marches on blindly without regard to the real welfare of the human race, or to any other standard, obedient only to the psychological needs of the scientist and of the government officials and corporation executives who provide the funds for research.  3. Paragraph 1. Technological advancement since the Industrial Revolution has made life unsettling, led to widespread psychological suffering and inflicted severe damage on the natural world, and think.  4.  Paragraph 156 New technology tends to change society in such a way that it becomes difficult or impossible for any individual to function without using that technology.  5.  Paragraph 174.  Human work will no longer be necessary and the masses will be superfluous.  In essence, society was wrong; you can't get rid of the bad parts of technology, and retain only the good parts and  human existence will be ruled by a system that humans do not control

Is fundamental religion, nationalism  and facism the answer for the future ; a nihilist movement of disillusionment with anger about the future or a humanistic , democratic optimistic  one ?  Add, the reality of AI,big data algorithms and bioengineering  which will affect jobs as the tech evolution might soon push billions of humans out of the job market and create a new “useless" class.”Also, there is another important existential crisis facing the world today.,and perhaps a fourth and  related story .According to  paleontologist  Henry Gee ,we are  approaching  and headed  in the direction of the extinction of our species. Remember,  history  is repetitive ..

Economics

 

Again, my portfolio took a loss.  Perhaps an April 27, 2025 article titled Bracing for a Self Inflicted Economic Storm found  in the New York Times provides an explanation for my economic loss.  The article in question had to do with the economy , tariffs and stock markets facing disruptions from the White House with the  potentially dire consequences.

In the article, the writer wrote that a president's interest is to ensure that the economy and the stock market are strong.  Generally speaking, that has been the case.  Is this president interested in a strong economy for all or for himself , family and the billionaires ?  Since he's a narcissist and motivated for accruing power and money,  his primary tendency is  not  for the welfare of all. In fact, he despises and hates the poor .They are unworthy, lazy  and need to be exploited.

Tariffs, especially the trade war with China, attacking the Fed chair Jerome H.  Paul,  weakening important governmental agencies , defunding and attacking universities , disregarding judicial rulings all affect the US dollar and Treasury  bonds.  It's statistically clear that damage is being done to the United States as well as countries around the world because  these policies and actions are self-inflicted by Trump and his cronies.

The  negative economic  effects pertaining to tariffs are related and affect  the price of oil.  According to the Peterson Institute for International Economics “ When we have oil price disruption negatively that leads to recessions,.”Former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers stated that with recessions and inflation, a shock of this magnitude is something every government, especially the United States, is trying to resist.  it's hard to imagine being something that anyone would willingly embrace."  I agree, especially when we have a rational and humanistic leader in the White House.

Stagflation, a combination of high inflation and slow growth, are related to  Trump’s inept tariff policy.  The International Monetary Fund “Trumps initiated tariffs would slow economic growth around the world as well as the United States. Tariffs are really attacks on consumers. “ In fact, these tariffs are going to increase the price for the average household and  there would be around  770,000 fewer jobs.  With fewer jobs and fewer massive container ships plummeted to about a third this past month coming into the United States ports like the Port of Los Angeles..This becomes supply chain disruptions

For example, it takes 20 to 40 days for container ships to travel across the Pacific Ocean and then another one to 10 days for Chinese goods to make their way by train or truck to various cities around the country.  Already, the purchase of heavy trucks have fallen sharply, suggesting the companies in the logistics industry expect to be moving fewer goods.  On top of that, Trump said,”Well maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30,you know?” Words from an evil felon . ...

The quid pro quo president claims that the countries around the world are engaging in negotiations and that trade talks have been satisfactory.  Initially, China reported that there had been no talks between the two countries.  However, recently the 90 day pause related to China has resulted in positive increases in the Dow Jones.

US bonds had  been steady yet the markets are in a quandary because the president is breaking with decisions and decades of tradition, economic teaching  with his uncertainty and flip-flopping.  However, tariffs with specificity to protect national security make sense.  However, imposing high tariffs indiscriminately all over the world is unwise and stupid  Furthermore, CEOs and others have warned the president that the tariff policies hurt them significantly.  They can't plan and they're worried about receiving shipments of goods and supplies .

It was pointed out that within a presidential election  cycle  and  victory, it's better to have that recession early in that first year because then there's time for recovery.  However, even if Trump were to abandon all tariffs, which  at the moment there is no sign of that happening, the economic and social problems he has already introduced will not vanish . Unfortunately, the terrible US policies and trade diplomacy add to the uncertainty and planning of businesses, investors , workers and everyday people all over the world.

Factually, Trump ,his family and a select few have benefited greatly economically during these hundred plus days of his presidency because of his self interest ,control and power motives    To illustrate, Trump has created a mechanism for Americans and foreigners to send him financial tributes.  Before his inauguration, Trump announced two new crypto coins which effectively allow investors to funnel money anonymously to Trump and his family. This has been paired with  the scheme for a pullback of crypto regulation . He also  rescinded a Biden administration policy that barred executive branch employees from accepting major gifts from lobbyists and has purged officials across the government's job  to uncover malfeasance.  Everyone knows the story of the $400 million gift from an Arab dictator. . .

  According to the Constitution, this is his last presidency, however, who knows.  He's near 80 years of age, poor health and obvious cognitive slippage , easily distracted , not coherent and has difficulty making complete sentences with any depth.  With that being said, questions regarding motivation pertaining to his economic policies are as follows:: 1.  Is this narcissistic out of control authoritarian motivated by profit, cruelty and/or stupidity ?  During  his life span he  has pursued power, money and with greed has gone  bankrupt six times, received financial  bailouts from his father for his  inept casino dealings and has exploited others in the process. 2..  Because of his character, his self interest is not going to change . We can expect more financial chaos from him with his deplorable policies ..

Realistically, his neurotic pursuit of power, possession, status has been on display for much of his adult life.  His current power of the presidency is obviously more dangerou this time  as he's insulated himself with loyal, obedient subjects and with help from the Supreme Court.,provides him being  well insulated from any terrible political or economic consequences for now.

Decisions

 

This essay incorporates three articles from the April 20, 2025 edition of the New York Times.  The articles are titled: 1.  Religion's Role , Revisited, 2.  The Lesson from a Noble Laureate's Chosen Death. 3.Cross Roads . The themes of morality, religion and decision making are paramount.

Noble Laureate Daniel Kahneman decided ,despite being relatively healthy, at age 90 ,planned his assisted suicide on March 27, 2024 in Switzerland.The Dr. stated that as a teenager he believed that the miseries and indignities of the last years of life are superfluous.  He also said that he's active, enjoying many things in life and will die a happy man .And , his kidneys are on their last legs.and the frequency of mental lapses is increasing so it's time to go.

Dr.Kahneman an Israeli-American psychologist experienced in his early life being in Nazi occupied France around  the age of seven..His father was picked up but was later released.  Daniel's family was on the run for the remainder of the war, but survived, except for his father who died of diabetes in 1944 when he was 10 years of age. He received a BA from the Hebrew University an MA and PhD from the University of California, Berkeley.  His research in cognitive psychology,  prospect theory ,loss aversion , and hedonistic  psychology resulted in  receiving many awards in the fields of psychology and economics. His second wife died in 2018. 

One aspect of this research led to happiness and life satisfaction, and he believed that happiness of the experiencing self was a true measure of well-being.  He also said that in reality, humans pursue life satisfaction, which is connected to a large degree to social yardsticks-as in achieving goals and meeting expectations .Daniel addesds” Nothing in life is as important as what you think it is when you are thinking about it “.

Many countries and some US states allow voluntary assisted dying for those who are terminally ill ;assisted suicide in some jurisdictions are permitted for those who have an uncurable condition that causes them incurable suffering.  Switzerland allows competent adults with the firm wish to die legally and  receive assistance in dying regardless of whether they are residents or not ..

 Daniel downplayed his significance and said that he acknowledges other people's respect for his work, which is for the benefit of humanity.  He also stated I just like to get up in the morning because I like to work.  He believed that he's reasonably happy with what he's accomplished.  But, he said, from an objective point of view,  what I do with my day cannot be relevant in terms of the complexity of the universe. “ If I did not end my life when I was clearly mentally competent, I could lose control over the remainder of it, live and die with needless miseries and indignities.

Whether or not Daniel should have committed assisted suicide can be debated philosophically and religiously.  However, a few relevant questions remain: 1.  Was this brilliant 90-year-old the best judge of ending his life?  2.  What was the status of his  kidney disease?  3.  What was the degree of his cognitive change?  4.  How anxious was  he regarding his decision? 

From a psychosocial  point of view, Erik H.  Erikson In Childhood and Society  described eight ages of man.  In the final stage ,Erikson writes about developing a sense of ego integrity versus despair.  Briefly, according to Erikson, life has triumphs,and  disappointments. If  the individual has  accepted his lifecycle , a sense of integrity is related to when the individual is ready to face death. Daniel  meets Erikson’s characterization of integrity. .

 Erikson wrote about despair as a feeling that life was too short to start another life. Erikson ends with "healthy children will not fear life if their elders have integrity enough not to fear death. Switzerland has a humanistic approach to assisted suicide. I agree that a mature cognitively intact  individual has a right to decide when to end it all

In another article, numerous scholars have written about Jesus Christ .About a 100 years ago, a  German scholar offered a mythological  reading of the Gospels, discounting the hysterical veracity of the miracles attributed to Jesus ; but affirming their status as expressions of moral truth.

Elaine Pagels wrote about the circumstances of  the Jesus ' birth and  the doctrine that says that Jesus was born of a virgin . She stated it was seeking to overcome the inconvenient fact of his presumed illegitimacy.  Some believe that Mary was promiscuous and perhaps this young mother was one of the many victims of Roman soldiers who were ravaging the area in which she was living. Factually, the  Hebrew word in Isaiah 7 :14 :in  the original text was that she was not a  virgin but  literally a young woman(almah).  In other words, later there was an incorrect translation of the Hebrew word almah.

 In essence, there are different translations and different interpretations surrounding Christ.  Pagels suggests that the gospel story in Christian doctrine is contrived, if not , it’s conspiratorial and that Christian orthodoxy is unsupportable.  God has become human from a historical as well as a theological perspective and one tries to understand each in light of the other.

A significant error in  translation regarding Mary, the virgin or Mary the young woman  changes the narrative in this supernatural  story of Jesus Christ. The biblical miracles seem far-fetched.  On the other hand, Jesus teaching and treating others with the Golden Rule is humanistic.  However, loving your enemy is unrealistic.  And ,how does Donald treat his enemies?  What  Christian rationalization is Donald following regarding his treatment of his so-called enemies?

In the third article, Lauren ,reared as a Mormon , wrote about returning to her religion.  According to her, in the  mid 1990s , the country began a mass exodus from Christianity, and now about 30% of the population identifies as having no religion.  Lauren  claimed she left  her religion and attempted to replace it by volunteering, caring for nieces and nephews ,pursuing wellness workout classes, practicing mindfulness ,therapy ,visiting saunas, subscribing to meditation apps, joining book clubs, running clubs and reading  books on moral instruction and so forth.  And she added, it was nothing quite like her early religious experience in Arkansas.Of course not will be addressed later.

Laren criticized securitization as people are not necessarily better off , an epidemic of loneliness;and those without religious affiliation rank lower on metrics of well-being  and feel less connected to others. 

 The spirituality experience is gaining and the country seems to be revisiting the role of religion as people are no longer leaving Christianity and other major religions are growing. 92% of adults believe in some form of spirituality, belief in God ,human souls or spirits  ,an afterlife or something beyond natural means.

Lauren reported that Trump claimed God saved him from bullets so he could make America great again.  The Supreme Court has the most religious justices since the 1950s; nearly half of Americans believe the United States should be a Christian nation. According to the president of Harvard chaplains “ openness to religion and spirituality has never been higher on campus."

Lauren  interviewed hundreds of people , visited dozens of houses of worship, spiritual retreats, wellness centers, as well as hearing from more than 4000 Times readers responding to a survey.  She said that Americans simply haven't found a satisfying alternative to religion

Lauren : 1., Even though people have left religion ,more people still identify with spirituality. 2. According to  sociologists, religion provides beliefs, belonging  behaviors. 3. Religious Americans are healthier ,significantly less likely to be depressed , die by suicide or have  cancer, cardiovascular illness 4. According to a Harvard study, religious individuals have  higher levels of social support, better health behaviors and greater optimism about the future.5.  Political Scientists say that religion flourishes in times of existential insecurity and withers in times of peace and bounty. 6. In a country where most people are pessimistic about the future , people have to belong and believe in something.  7.Religion offers beliefs, belonging and behaviors all in one place. 8. Lauren ends with , I want  a God.  

According to Erich Fromm in The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness, man has existential needs such as an orientation , devotion and rootedness.  An orientation is a reference point ,a picture , a philosophy so to speak within one's psychological world. It’s thinking about and  making sense of who one is within the culture and society. It encompassesones thinking, feeling and behaviors that tells the story.about one’s existence. Within orientation ,there are  aims, goals ,and barriers to overcome . In essence, one's needs could be expressed in a multitude of motivational  behavioral tendencies as in seeking success, prestige, power , status, monotheism , authoritarianism ,domination, exploitation , love , achievement, knowledge  etc..

For Lauren ,it was magical thinking to explain  her world , in order to be  protected, loved, cared for  by  God  who can reward and/or punish . This dynamic gave her answers or a frame of reference and orientation to her psychological world. This religious world  made  sense  despite  all its contradictions, absurdities, supernaturalness and irrationalities. In other words, it became a philosophy, a drive , a devotion and became just one  example of the ease of, the suggestibility  in which people like Lauren fall under the “spell “of  an irrational doctrine,like a religion . 

Lauren’s  ego's need  for fulfillment  and safety results from having to be related  and emotionally connected to others as she was escaping  self-centeredness and isolation through separation .. And ,because of that  isolation anxiety of separation, her devotion became centered in that religious world. She left ,according to her, because of inappropriate actions of church leaders not because of a loss of  faith  or belief in God.,and its teachings  .Her  existential need of devotion required fulfilment irrespective of how it was procured.  

Rootedness is another existential need.  This occurs as a result of the first trauma with the separation from the womb. Psychologically, with affiliation, it’s defined  as  a fulfillment, and escape from the  separation anxiety .In other words, it. lessened her  suffering from isolation in which church membership fulfilled that ego  need of affiliation and connection 

 In summation, Lauren reared in a Mormon family ,with its ties, never separated psychologically -orientation , devotion and rootedness from her religious indoctrination and socialization experience..  She left in protest against sexual inappropriateness and involved herself frantically ( anxiety)in  many activities.  Lauren’s return allowed her to return to security, belongingness,  being taken care of ,  loved ,  fellowship ,connected  and again  with a “father.”.Once more, her beliefs about the  complex world were  again simplified  .Pursuant to Daniel”\’s  judgment about his future - not worth living - was both  logical, rational and emotionally based .It's certainly a relationship between his thinking and the idea that suffering is uselessness .And, as Socrates said, "know thyself .”

PS.”

Mere anxiety according to Heiidegger  is the source of everything. Chestoy "The only true solution is precisely when human judgment sees no solution.  We turned toward God only to obtain the impossible.  Camus "there have always been men to defend the rights of the irrational. And being absurd means it's impossible.  It also means it's contradictory."

Reference 

Camus, Albert.  The Myth of Sisyphus

Trouble Ahead

 

A recent poll had the Democratic Party's favorable ratings below 30%.  I'm wondering what this select group of other respondents disliked ?  Yet, there was a significant Democratic victory in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. Two Democrats did well in Florida by cutting into Trump's favorable showing in 2024.  The dems  also did well in limited elections in New York and Pennsylvania this year .Further, AOC and Bernie are drawing huge crowds in Republican districts . What gives ?

Do the Democratic unfavorable ratings pertain to an elite old power  structure in Washington,  does it pertain to a black Kamala, a Jewish senate minority leader Chuck , a black congressional minority  leader Hakim,  to Nancy , to Joe  or to  ?   Were these ratings indicative and  pertain to  Cory Booker,Josh Shapiro , Gavin Newsom and Wes Moore ?  Polls can be misleading especially with its wording.                                           This essay pertains to voters that did not vote for Kamala ,Tim and other  Democratic congressmen and senators last November . 

Personally, not being happy with the Democratic Party leadership was conveyed to me by a friend , years ago,regarding the 2016 presidential election.  This individual was extremely unhappy with the Democratic power structure when they  disqualified Bernie Sanders in favor of Hillary Clinton with the Super Ballots . He used that excuse for not voting for Hillary.

It's clear that the working and middle class has turned angrily , with revenge , away from the Democratic Party .This socio economic group can be generally characterized as follows: 1.  Limited level of educational  attainment  2. Stagnant economic growth.  3. Poor mental and physical health.  4. Enormous amount of debt. 5. Difficulty making ends meet with poor future outlook 6. What about the cultural issues like abortion, lgbtq,book banning etc.?

Factually, Democratic presidents have statistically created more jobs with a stronger economy than the Republicans. Since 2000, the Republicans have been victorious in four out of seven presidential races.  

These angry, resentful individuals did not trust the messaging with their own  reality.  They claimed  the  democratic elite perceives them as despicable while they project their hate on the  symbolically educationally and economically more  powerful elite.  They know, at some level ,they cannot compete intellectually. In fact, they hate the Democratic machine and blame them for the immigration crisis at the border. Forget the reality that both parties are responsible for the immigration mess. 

Trump’s administration spent  wasteful dollars for a  couple of miles of a  “border “wall that was not paid for by Mexico.  He said he was going to deport the criminals and other immigrants. He never claimed that abduction would be legal .  How about his attacks on social security, rule of law , medicare, medicaid etc. ? Trump's strong use of  meandering words were believable despite the fact that he’s a pathological liar . He’s perceived as being authentic.and in control even though he flip flops and is narcissistic  He's actually  an authentic sociopath ,narcissist authoritarian.  He's also perceived as being a successful businessman . He went  bankrupt 6 times  and we now ,thanks to him, are headed for a recession  . He’s a successful revengeful fraud, cheat  and felon ..And ,vote for him?..

This socioeconomic group of individuals believed Trump when he said he will go after vigilante violence and crime; will use ideological tests to decide which public schools get federal money;  will punish blue states by withholding disaster relief;  will abandon US allies; will dismantle the federal government's workforce; will order the military to strike foreign civilian targets, will end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine on day one   These troubled individuals view themselves as victims, they seek a generalized revenge irrespective of the  moral and/ or ethical consequences. Trump's rhetoric and actions and blaming others  correlate with their own victim stance ..

These individuals claimed the system was rigged.  What do they call this current display by Trump's actions and Musk’s buying of elections ?  They believe the country was headed in the wrong direction.  The country is now headed toward fascism.and recession. Do they really dislike foreign aid , veterans, DEI,NATO ,CDC ,, fluoride ,Food and Drug Administration,scientific , medical environmental research,children, seniors, national security,  universities,inspector generals, Social Security , Medicaid,free elections, rule of law , postal service, NPR, and tax cuts for the wealthy and like hate, stress,fear, tariffs,inflation Kennedy jr. Putin , El Salvador prisons, 2 dolls for  Christmas and  weaponization of the federal government   ?  Does the renaming - Gulf of America  and Musk now contribute to happiness and well being ?  With Trump we have absurd -contradictions and irrationality. And they mistrust the Democrats? Do not forget to go to Fox news to hear about how great things are-Double Think.  

I agree that the Democrats have not created paradise  nor exuberant chaos here on earth. There are significant differences between this group of Republicans  compared to the Democrats.  Bite into the apple carefully. Sometimes wishes come true ..

PS

According to a business  article in the April 20, 2025 New York Times, “ Disruption Is Here to Stay, So Prepare For It ”In the April 13, 2025, the New York Times, other articles "Stressed out? "" How To Ease Your Money Anxiety"  and "This Trade War Is Different From All Others.” "A Lot about Trump Doesn't Add Up. ""A very petty man in a very powerful job."  “Are  Embryos Property?  People?"

Special Stories

 

Yuval Noah Harari ‘s read 21 Lessons  for the 21st Century, published in 2019 was pertinent and  thought-provoking.  This essay refers to  Chapter 18, titled "Science Fiction."  In this provocative chapter, Harari details the irrationality of Homo sapiens displayed during their history and begins the first segment titled Meaning.  He provides an historical review of nationalistic ideas that are equated with suffering ,malignant aggression and wars.  He maintains that suffering has nothing to do with the righteousness of these fictional plights.  A brief review follows.

Harari begins with a Hindu  story about life's meaning in which the God Krishna told Bhagavad Gita "Each being possesses a unique Dharma, which is the path you must follow and duties you must fulfill.  If you realize your Dharma, no matter how hard the path may be, you'll enjoy peace of mind and liberation from doubt, this occurs within the great cosmic circle. “ According to this story., each individual has a fixed identity that determines his duties. During his existence, his life's duties will be displayed eventually by insight  which will then reveal his true identity.

A Muslim  story follows . It’s a linear drama that has a beginning, a middle and an  ending . Allah created the entire universe and layed down its laws . And it's up to virtuous loyal Muslims to uphold the laws and spread the knowledge to others.  When Judgment day occurs, Allah will reward the righteous with everlasting bliss in paradise while rest goes to  hell.To find favor,  Muslims can pray five times a day , donate money to build a new mosque and struggle against the many apostates and infidels.

A Zionist story relates biblical adventures ,achievements ,2000 years of exile , persecution and climaxes with the Holocaust ,  peace, prosperity to the establishment  of the state of Israel. Also, Israel becomes the moral and spiritual beacon in the world.  The mission for the Israelites  is to fight and retake Jewish territory. And, on Independence Day ,school children sing various songs together, praising actions that's done for the sake of Israel like singing a song about building  a house, planting a tree  or writing a poem about being in the land of Israel.

The communist story focuses on socioeconomic class with two diametrically opposing forces.  There is a battle between the Bourgeois  and the Proletariat. It's a battle for supremacy and eventually a victory for the proletariat. It begins with the establishment of the Communist Party in which no one will own anything but everyone will be free and happy.  The task is to speed up and resolve the global revolution by writing pamphlets, organizing strikes, assassinating greedy capitalists,  boycotting, invading Ukraine and so forth .

These  stories portray others as foes or an enemy..  Within the movements are leaders that  easily  influence their followers . The followers display fanaticism and loyalty for the sake of their nation .  It's no wonder that when there's a consensus, leaders employ armies,  and so forth with ease by saying we are attacked by evil, and we have to defend ourselves.  Listen to the phony stories of  Putin and his rationale for invading Ukraine .

According to Harari, these  stories, myths and rituals provide humans with memory and identity, even though they are fictional .However, people believe  them, make them real, even kill others and themselves with their beliefs.  These stories help individuals create meaning and an identity . Belief and faith are necessary  For example, Christ is made real in the ceremony of the mass.  The priest takes a piece of bread, a glass of wine and proclaims that the bread is Christ's flesh and the wine is Christ's blood .And by eating and drinking them, the faithful attain communion with Christ..

Also, rituals increase the religious meaning. Food is an example that has spiritual significance . Easter eggs  symbolize new life and  Christ's resurrection . On Passover,bitter herbs and unleavened bread symbolize the bitterness ,the hardship in Exodus ,the escape from the pharaoh's slavery  and wandering in the desert for 40 years. Also, rituals have been used for political purposes.  Crowns, thrones, and staff represented kingdoms and the empire  in which millions of people died in brutal wars waged over the possession and honor  of the crown.

Self-sacrifice is another example  that  takes place in these various stories as we have martyrs that kill others or kill in the name of God.  Religious practices can also be harmful .For instance , on the Sabbath  In Israel ,there is no public transportation between sundown Friday and sundown Saturday.  However, no public transportation affects  many  poor who are unable to visit friends, loved ones on their  work day off..

Another point made by Harari relates to nationalism as in fascism. The story portrays my nation is unique and special..  It's the greatest and I have obligations to live or die for it as represented in songs, poems, movies,novels,  flags, and so forth.  I have to submit and be a loyal patriot and do what my leader, or nation demands.  Some of those January 6, 2020  stated and/ or believed they were patriots and attacked the capital. The truth was irrelevant and they were doing and justified for their actions.  In fact, they knew they were going to be pardoned or protected If held accountable.  One could say that this evil looked beautiful as they were doing what their leader wanted. It didn't matter that they were attacking police officers.  Once again, it's about the story, their gullibility, their actions, irrespective of truth and morality.

 A recent Trump story was  found in the March 16, 2025 edition of the New York Times titled "Trump Tries to Use White South Africans as a Cautionary Tale."  This article was about him saying South Africa is a terrible place for white people.  They face discrimination, are sidelined from jobs ,and live under constant threat of violence of having the land stolen by a corrupt black led government that has left the country in disarray.  Factually, white people make up 7% of the country's population.  They own at least half of South Africa's land.  Police records did not show that they are any more vulnerable to violent crime than others. The White South Africans are far better off than black people on virtually every marker of the economic scale..  Harari began the chapter. “ Life Is Not  A Story.” 

According to Buddah, there is no  life story, "Life has no meaning, and people don't need to create any meaning, they just need to realize that there is no meaning and therefore be liberated from the suffering caused by our attachments and our identification with empty phenomena. “ "What should I do? The Buddha advisest do nothing, absolutely nothing."

Reality, the human rights record of Buddhist Miramar is among the worst in the world.  During a 2007 interview the Buddhist monk Ashin Wirathu, when confronted with allegations that Muslim women have been raped by Miramar military., he laughed and said, "impossible.  Their bodies are too disgusting."

In the final section of  Chapter 18,Harari states that there is no reason for despair, even though these stories are fiction, generated by our own minds.  He said that we humans have conquered the world thanks to our ability to create and believe in fictional stories. However, we are particularly bad at knowing the difference between fiction and reality.  He also said be careful when you hear these words  sacrifice, eternity, purity, and redemption as they foreshadow  some fiction .  He concludes that knowing about truth, the universe, meaning of life and about  identity is necessary. And, the best place to start is by observing  suffering, and exploring what it is and the answer isn't the story.

In conclusion, a brilliant chapter with thought-provoking ideas from a historical perspective. Harari understands and concurs with the writings of Spinoza, Marx, Existentialists, Freud and others about man's motivations , irrationality of thinking and the power of emotions.  Also,  Ruth Ben Ghiat and Timothy Snyder  have written about the dangers of fascism.  Harari’s  reading is powerful from an historical point of view.  However, from a human nature  point of view, man’s behavior has additional motivational components  such as the unconscious, ego needs ,narcissism, incestous ties and character . These components are required for  an  in depth understanding of  Homo sapiens frailty and motivations..With that being said, when it comes to self and  inflicting harm on others , our species is supreme ..