From Cheapness to Truth: The Path to Social Renewal

Modern man finds himself facing a profound existential crisis, one that has arisen due to a gradual departure from the values that have been the foundation of human life and society. In the pursuit of material goods and domination over the natural world, man has lost his inner identity, sinking into a world where virtues such as humility, truth, and inner cultivation have been replaced by superficial success and commercialization. This degradation of fundamental values leads to a broader social crisis, where human relationships, institutions, and social interactions are progressively eroded by consumerism and the worship of material progress.

This crisis is not limited to the loss of individual morality but extends to entire societies suffering from inequality, alienation, and a lack of mutual trust. Man has turned away from the search for the deeper meaning of life, focusing instead on external pleasures and social recognition, often at the expense of his own essence. This loss of meaning lies at the heart of the value crisis, and its restoration is the only way to achieve any meaningful change.

To fully understand the significance of this existential crisis, it is worth reflecting on the thoughts of ancient philosophers. Socrates taught that true wisdom lies in recognizing one's ignorance and introspection, which is the foundation for seeking truth. His famous saying, “I know that I know nothing,” captures the need for constant internal inquiry and self-awareness. This idea, that truth resides within us and requires continual exploration, remains as relevant today as ever.

Plato, on the other hand, developed the theory of Ideas, arguing that the meaning of life and existence is not found in the material world, but in the world of Ideas, where eternal truths dwell. For Plato, the pursuit of truth is a spiritual journey that leads to the understanding of the Good, which is the highest good that defines justice, virtue, and happiness in human life. Aristotle, following a more practical path, emphasized the importance of "the mean," the balance between extremes, as the key to virtue and a meaningful life.

These philosophical insights reveal that the existential crisis is not a new phenomenon, but a constant challenge for man as he seeks to understand his true nature and place in the world. This search for meaning has always been the path to spiritual and moral elevation, which in turn leads to a more just and prosperous society.

The concept of spiritual salvation, as expressed by the saints of Christian tradition, complements this philosophical understanding. Saint John Chrysostom highlighted the value of love and humility as the foundations of spiritual life. True human worth, according to Chrysostom, is not found in external success, but in the ability to love and serve others. This teaching stands in stark contrast to the modern obsession with profit and individual supremacy.

Saint Augustine, with his famous saying "Our heart is restless until it rests in You," expressed the idea that the human soul is destined for something greater than the transient goods of this world. Spiritual union with God is the ultimate answer to the existential search, and only through this relationship can man find true peace and happiness.

Similarly, Saint Seraphim of Sarov taught that the purpose of Christian life is the acquisition of the Holy Spirit, a process that requires spiritual cultivation and inner transformation. The inner transformation that comes from spiritual union with the Divine is the only true salvation that can free man from material chains and superficial living.

In modern philosophical thought, thinkers such as Viktor Frankl and Martin Heidegger have also highlighted the importance of authenticity and the search for meaning in human life. Frankl, a survivor of concentration camps, believed that even in the most tragic circumstances, man can find meaning, and it is this meaning that guides him toward spiritual salvation. For Frankl, life gains value when one seeks to serve something higher than oneself and contribute to the common good.

Heidegger, on the other hand, emphasized that man must return to his authentic nature, recognizing his mortality and accepting responsibility for his existence. Only through this authenticity can man free himself from the social and material chains that imprison him in a world of cheap values and empty promises.

All these thinkers, from the ancient Socrates to modern philosophers and saints, remind us that true salvation does not come from external success or the pursuit of material wealth. It is an internal process of transformation, beginning with the search for meaning and culminating in union with something greater than ourselves. Spiritual salvation is the foundation for any social renewal because only through the recognition of this inner truth can man build societies based on virtue, love, and truth.

Social renewal will not come from external revolutions or technological innovations. It will emerge from the internal revolution of the spirit, the return to the virtues that define human nature, and the search for meaning. The salvation of man is the first step toward the salvation of society, and only through this inner transformation can we hope for a world that truly responds to the needs of the human soul.

References:

1. Saint John Chrysostom, "On Love and Humility," Commentary on Apostle Paul's Letters.
2. Saint Augustine of Hippo, "Confessions," Book I.
3. Saint Seraphim of Sarov, "Teachings on the Holy Spirit."
4. Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning, Beacon Press, 2006.
5. Martin Heidegger, Being and Time, Harper Perennial, 2008.

The Cheapened Man

The modern era is characterized by profound changes in how people perceive themselves, their relationships, and their roles in society. In a world dominated by speed and superficial convenience, there is a noticeable decline in the quality of human behaviour and character. The deterioration of authentic relationships, the loss of moral commitment, and the absence of deep thought create a culture of cheapness, where human values and humanity itself are devalued. In this context, the term “cheapness” does not refer to material goods or the market, but to the depth and quality of human relationships and behaviours, phenomena directly linked to the structure of modern society and the formation of individual character.

One of the most prominent aspects of this cheapness is the loss of authenticity. People today spend an excessive amount of time and energy trying to construct a false image of themselves, something particularly evident in the way they present themselves on social media. This constant effort to "appear" as something they are not alienates them from their true selves, undermining personal growth and sincerity in their relationships with others. Authentic relationships, those based on real communication and understanding, are increasingly replaced by superficial interactions. The result is that people become hypocritical, lose a sense of who they truly are, and marginalize the elements that create meaningful, genuine human connections.

This cheapening of character is not only the result of technology and social media but is also closely tied to a broader social culture that promotes easy and instant gratification. People increasingly avoid commitment and responsibility for their actions, as this requires time, effort, and emotional investment. Instead of engaging in deep relationships, they opt for the easier, more superficial choices that demand little effort. This phenomenon can be seen in all aspects of life, from personal relationships to the professional sphere, where integrity and consistency are downgraded and replaced by a mentality of opportunistic self-interest.

The lack of moral commitment is another factor that defines this cheapness of human character. The principles and values that once guided human behaviour within society seem to be receding in favour of individual gain. Moral principles are easily set aside in the pursuit of immediate, short-term benefits. This trend is evident not only in everyday relationships but also in professional environments, where many people act based on calculation rather than moral grounding. The consequence of this trend is the disintegration of social cohesion, as people find it increasingly difficult to trust one another and create deep, meaningful bonds.

The absence of moral commitment is closely tied to the lack of deep thought, another phenomenon observed in modern society. The ability of individuals to reflect on their actions and consider the consequences of those actions has been diminished in the face of a culture that worships speed and ease. The modern person seeks quick and immediate satisfaction without dedicating the time and energy required to understand the deeper implications of their choices. Thought becomes shallow, fragmented, and underdeveloped, resulting in a society that prefers the quick consumption of information over a meaningful understanding and analysis of facts.

Scientific studies have shown that the impact of digital technology and social media on human psychology and behaviour is significant. Continuous exposure to endless streams of information, images, and news has been linked to a deterioration in the ability to concentrate, think critically, and maintain emotional stability. Research in social psychology, such as that by Bauman and Sennett, has highlighted the connection between the superficiality prevalent in our time and the erosion of traditional moral and social values. This cheapness of thought and character creates a society unable to recognize the complexity of social phenomena, choosing the path of oversimplification and superficial reactions.

The restoration of values within the human personality is imperative if we wish to resist the ongoing degradation of human character. Authenticity, moral integrity, and deep thought must return to the forefront as fundamental attributes of a society that seeks to recognize true human worth. Without these essential principles, human relationships and societies as a whole risk sinking into an era where cheapness of character prevails and the authentic human experience is irrevocably lost.

This change will not be easy, and it certainly cannot be achieved immediately. It requires conscious effort and collective commitment to cultivating a new way of thinking and behaving. Each of us must take responsibility for how we live and the values we promote through our actions and choices. The restoration of human dignity and ethical standards in everyday life can be the first step toward a more meaningful and morally sound society.

Bibliography

1. Bauman, Z. (2003). Liquid Love: On the Frailty of Human Bonds. Polity Press.
2. Sennett, R. (2012). Together: The Rituals, Pleasures and Politics of Cooperation. Yale University Press.
3. Turkle, S. (2011). Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other. Basic Books.