A World In Search For Its Why

According to the data, people are experiencing higher levels of anxiety than ever before. This feeling of angst is universal. The phenomenon is visible all over the world, affecting individuals of all ages and socioeconomic classes. 

Technological changes and their disruptive impact on the way we live and work seem to be in a continuing state of acceleration.

History seems to have entered uncharted territory. Conventional wisdom is no longer relevant.

The fact that there is such profound discontent in an age of unprecedented affluence is quite perplexing. 

Ironically, the challenge we are facing may be where the opportunity lies. Perhaps it is precisely because of the abundance of materialism that we are becoming desensitized to it. 

We’ve “been there, done that”. The world is looking for something completely different. 

Observe the eyes of young people today and you will discover emptiness. They are desperately seeking meaning and purpose in their lives. Their cry for help cannot be heard by anyone. 

The consequences are dangerous. For it is in a vacuum that people resort to crazy things. More crazy than any adult could begin to fathom. 

Graphic violence is played out using the most cutting-edge video technology. Substance abuse and dependency are becoming more common and are gaining momentum.

Even the most fundamental and timeless values of identity are being dissolved. 

What is our course of action? 

Perhaps the greatest visionary of our time saw this coming. In his inaugural speech, the Lubavitcher Rebbe issued the call for the time. He said “Transform your selfish crazy into a selfless one”. 

Human beings are not completely rational. We are anchored in something beyond. We are confronted with a choice to make. We can choose to act in either a sub-rational or supranational manner. 

We have the ability to indulge ourselves in a multitude of ways. But selfish indulgence is quickly losing its appeal because the problem is much more complex. 

Or we can do crazy things in a good way. Like, living a life that is dedicated to going out of our way, even making sacrifices, to add value to others' lives.

Young people today are not only asking what to do and where to do it, but they are also asking why they do it. 

The world is searching for its 'why'. They are looking for spiritual nutrition. 

Spiritual awareness is becoming more common in the world. We should respond accordingly.