The Ambiguity of Life - Article Example

The Ambiguity of Life The Ambiguity of Life Introduction The human mind perceives the present and the future differently fromthe past. The fact that the past is defined by certain successes and experiences of having overcome difficulties, the mind is easily convinced that the past had better tidings. In any case, the past belongs to the history and there are no uncertainties defining it. However, the resent and the future is defined by numerous uncertainties that the human mind worries about. Many people would like to know how the projects they are carrying out currently would turn out in the future. Life for the modern generation appears to be entirely different from that of the past generations. Everything has changed tremendously compared to the way things were done in the past. Many people worry about the direction things will take in the future. This had led to the conclusion that life is volatile, uncertain, and presents numerous complexities and ambiguities compared to the past. Different people have varying opinions concerning these adjectives used to define life. This paper will discuss whether life is really volatile, uncertain, and ambiguous as compared to the past. The reason why many people believe that life is volatile is due to its unpredictability and the potential for numerous changes. Many people fear that such rapid changes will only transform life from better to worse. It is true that life has become very dynamic in the recent past. Such dynamism has made many aspects of life very unpredictable. They only think that people seem to be sure of is that life will register numerous changes. However, it is difficult to define what types of changes will occur. This is the reason why there is an increasing uncertainty concerning life in general. This is especially the case when it concerns the future. There is a common perception that increased civilization has contributed to numerous complexities that define life today. In the past, human beings led a simple life and had limited ambitions. In the modern day, things are very different. There is evidence that materialism has become a central part of life compelling people to constantly define higher goals, and search for more (Busseri, Choma, & Sadava, 2009). Despite all these uncertainties and complexities, people are still searching for meaningful explanation of different experiences in life. However, there is evident ambiguity surrounding life itself. Despite the views described above, and the adjectives that have been used to define the realities of life, it is critical to analyse how such perceptions emerged. In addition, it is important to present a critical analysis of the existing differences between life now and in the past. Understanding such aspects can help in the assessment of whether life is really volatile, uncertain, and ambiguous. Without doubt, civilization and increasing globalization have served to alter the modern experience of life. There are salient differences between the modern life and that lived by previous generations. For example, the emergence of technology has introduced a new realm of human experiences. In the past, communication relied on traditional methods. Many of the people focused on working in the farms and other related activities. There was a need for human labour even when the industries emerged. This kept many people occupied as they toiled to earn a living. However, technology served to introduce new networks of communication and machineries that replaced human labour. These changes compelled many people to get an education so that they could occupy the managerial positions remaining in industries (Hagerty, 2003). There was an evident emphasis on the need for obtaining higher education, in the hope that those with education stood better chances in life. However, nothing of the sort seemed to materialize. With everyone getting an education, unemployment rates only went higher. Moreover, technology I the information sector served to marked the globe an interconnected village. As more and more people embraced technology and different forms of civilization, life presented new demands. As capitalism took over in different regions of the world, there was an unending push for people to produce more and more. Capitalism introduced an unending desire for accumulating material wealth. It introduced class systems that are always in a struggle. This struggle is evident in the modern day. Whereas the lower class struggles to earn a living, and still has the hope of gaining a better social status, the upper class focuses on increased productivity. As has been observed lately, trends brought about by capitalism are unpredictable. For example, there have been financial recessions because of the prevailing economic systems. For those in businesses, a financial recession may contribute to the closure of the business. The United States has experienced financial recessions with far reaching efforts that have left many people jobless (Meurer, 2006). This one factor has contributed to the ensuing fear of the future. It is obvious that the future will bring changes. People are constantly afraid that these changes may serve to worsen the current situation. Notably, religion was one factor that defined the certainty and meaning attached to life in the past. For many years, people who followed religion closely found meaning in life because clergymen and theologians explained to people the meanings of their current life and what the future held. Religion gave people a hope for the future and all those who had faith did not find life ambiguous. In any case, they were aware that life on earth was only one phase and a better phase would come after that. Things have changed immensely in the modern day. Although there are more religious groups than those existing in the past, few people are attached to religion. Many people have recognized the hypocrisy associated with religion and are moving away from religious groups. Moreover, religious leaders have been adapting to changes in civilization and globalization. At some point, some religious leaders have lost relevance and become very ambitious. Therefore, the morality levels of human beings have fallen miserably. Worth noting is the fact that many people do not have the hope for the future that was associated with religion in the past. With the increase of pagans across the globe who only seek to live the current life with no hope for the future, life is defined by uncertainties (Penrod, 2007). Notably, human beings have evident spiritual needs, which are not being satisfied in the modern day. This explains why people view life as highly volatile. It is surprising that the evident progress that humans have registered over the years and the high level of civilization that has been achieved, human beings have not experienced happiness. It seems obvious that material wealth and civilization are not factors enough to contribute to the happiness of man. The pace at which civilization occurs only serves to introduce more uncertainties. People do not have time to appreciate the simple things in life. They are busy pursuing the capitalist lifestyle, which involves the endless search for material wealth. The television, mobile phones, and the internet took away all the time people had for themselves. Increased exposure to the media has contributed to a lot of time dedicated to the media instead of families and friends. This has had adverse effects on relationships. Divorce rates have increased immensely in the modern day. People have lost the values they attached to marriages and relationships in the past. With numerous failed relationships across the globe, it is difficult for people to be happy (Penrod, 2007). Life has become too busy with increasing pressures from families and workplaces to a point whereby people register frustrations always. Technology has brought about multiple positive effects on the society. However, it led to the development of nuclear weapons, which are threatening global security in the modern day. Many countries are facing an evident threat of terrorism. The globe lives in constant fear that the nuclear weapons developed so far will soon be released and the world destroyed in a single day. This fear has compelled the nations to indulge in negotiations that could prevent the potential use of nuclear weapons. People are afraid of what tomorrow will bring especially in areas where the threat of terrorism is more evident. It proves impossible to enjoy the peace of mind and satisfaction that once existed in the past. Numerous adverse effects of the current global economic system have contributed to the rising cost of life. This denies people the opportunity to live comfortably and to be certain about the future. Situations only seem to be getting more difficult in the modern day (PR, 2013). Although it is evident that uncertainty depend on the perceptions of an individual, the environment contributes to surging uncertainty levels. Conclusion Without doubt, life today is defined by increasing networks brought about by globalization as well as high levels of civilization. Technology has penetrated to every end of the globe transforming human experiences. Nobody can deny that technology has positive effects on the society. However, the realities of life today have compelled people to live in uncertainty. Nothing seems permanent because the exchange has become the order of the day. With numerous potential challenges for the future, people perceive increasing volatility. Although some people are trying to perceive life more positively, it proves difficult to do so amidst numerous situations that present ambiguity. References Busseri, M. A., Choma, B. L., & Sadava, S. W. (2009). “As good as it gets” or “The best is yet to come”? How optimists and pessimists view their past, present, and anticipated future life satisfaction. Personality And Individual Differences, 47352-356. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2009.04.002. Hagerty, M. R. (2003). Was Life Better in the "Good Old Days"? Intertemporal Judgments of Life Satisfaction. Journal of Happiness Studies, 4 (2), 115-139. Meurer, W. H. (2006). Dark Ages of Capitalism. Business Renaissance Quarterly, 1(2), 45-49. Penrod, J. (2007). Living with uncertainty: concept advancement. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 57(6), 658-667. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2006.04008.x. PR, N. (2013). Carnegie Mellon Research Explores Nostalgic Preferences: Why the Past Seems Better. PR Newswire US. Read More