Sometimes, thinking ahead can be counterproductive, as one is trying to create a rather fixed mental framework for a future that's not necessarily within one's control.
I'm learning to understand that the future may not be as uncertain as we anticipate it to be. Obviously, there will be surprises, life is an adventure with an unpredictable outcome.
Maybe we will be ushered into a utopian society that only looks so on the cover while the dystopian aspect is hidden beneath a glamorous veil of what is perceived to be the pinnacle of human evolution.
Maybe it will be the reverse or both simultaneously existing each trying to overpower the other.
Words can really be misleading.
If it didn't come from the powers that be, actually owning nothing and being happy is to a large extent a freeing state to be in. Arguably a natural state too, as in reality we really do not own anything even the body that we wear.
While down here on Earth, there's somehow an incredible satisfaction that comes from ownership, the individuality thrives and shines through having his/her own property that they build and grow, gaining XP and myriads of lessons along the way.
I guess it's part of the evolution of having to learn to stand on our own two feet, be our own person, so to speak, without the overexerting influence of the other forces that be.
The issue comes about when you realize there's no line to dictate when this has been pushed too far, only observing consequences will one arrive at that realization.
Oftentimes, we end up becoming owned by our possessions in our attempt to gain control through ownership, now we have been trapped by the very things we thought would free us. What an irony.
In some sense, owning nothing and being happy can be interpreted as instead of you individually owning "things", it's the tribe that owns them but you're part of the tribe, so you indirectly own such "things" too but not attached to them as would be the case from a direct ownership.
When the community collectively holds assets, individuals can access what they need without bearing the full weight of acquisition, maintenance, and protection that comes with private ownership.
Think of how indigenous societies functioned, in terms of hunting grounds, water sources, and tools were shared resources that everyone could utilize according to need and contribution.
Also, the emotional burden of loss is distributed across many shoulders rather than concentrated in one person's anxiety. And there's a built-in resilience here, as in if one person's contribution falters, others can compensate, and if resources are damaged or depleted, the community can adapt together.
Being happy here usually comes from a sense of belonging and trust in the collective's ability to provide and protect.
The other sense of this interpretation of owning nothing and being happy is we're strictly pinned down as individuals or rather mere units in a soulless system that's designed to separate us from our agency and by extension our humanity.
In this dystopian interpretation, the "happiness" is manufactured and we don't own anything because we've been systematically dispossessed.
The system promises convenience and security in exchange for agency. You don't need to worry about maintenance, insurance, or storage because everything is provided as a service.
Arguably a prelude to that is present now on how subscription models now dominate everything from software to cars to housing.
You pay monthly fees for access, but you never build equity or develop the skills that come with true ownership. If you fall behind on payments or violate terms of service, you can lose access to fundamental needs overnight.
The system creates a learned helplessness, people become "afraid" to own anything because ownership seems too complicated, risky and expensive.
There's a probability that both interpretations could co-exist in some shape or form than how it's presented above.
Given that we're heading more towards a generally multipolar world, I can't see absolutes gaining ground on either side.
Maybe it's left with the individual to opt in which system to play, provided that mechanism isn't hijacked already.
Some will probably try out both(unintentionally), or jump from one to the other. All part of grand plan of evolution.
Thanks for reading!! Share your thoughts below on the comments.
