Since this is the last editorial of this year, let me go the traditional way and send three wishes first to myself, as well as to all the inhabitants of our planet. Making “political” wishes is pointless: people are sitting in their “echo chambers” and only hear the echo of their voices. Or, if we use Plato’s metaphor, they sit in their caves and see the shadows of actual events.
Let’s connect the “political” with the psychological or, if you like, with the spiritual. If there is progress in that area, then, suddenly, something can also change in the “political” consciousness.
And so, in the New Year, I wish.
1. To study. The Internet allows expressing an opinion every second and, on every issue, and often, that opinion does not stand out for its particular “freshness” – it is a repetition of formulations heard from here and there, copies of prejudices, stereotypes, and conspiracy theories. People write more than they read; they invent more than they perceive.
Read also
For this not to happen, one should constantly study and enjoy learning. The wish is addressed to all age groups.
2. Not paying any attention to what impression you make on people. Don’t be afraid to be funny, awkward, weird, unlucky, incomprehensible. You do it because you enjoy it, not to compete with someone, to win, to “be right,” or to prove something to the world. King Croesus of Lydia (6th century BC) shows his riches to the Athenian philosopher Solon, and every minute exclaims: “Isn’t this beauty?” To which Solon replies, “And who said that a cock’s tail is not more beautiful?”
3. Do not waste time on empty activities and stupidities. Partly stems from a previous wish. The most stupid thing, of course, is to “scroll” the feed of social networks and, even more so, to enter into debates on the Internet. It is just as “toxic” an activity as drug use or alcoholism. It is no exaggeration to say that it is equally harmful to health. In short, be healthy.
Happy New Year and Merry Christmas!
The following editorial is on January 4.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
