Purpose in the Age of Noise
What truly matters in life? It’s a bold question - perhaps the boldest of all - and yet, I feel compelled to share my perspective. This isn’t just another reflection; it’s the beginning of something new, something ambitious. A fresh direction that calls for clarity, conviction, and purpose. It calls for a manifesto. Before I lay out the vision, let me offer a glimpse into its heart.
Why we must rethink how we live
What follows is my plan: to share a form of knowledge that offers orientation in life - not abstract theory, but a wisdom meant to be lived. It’s about cultivating right human relations, about exploring what it really means to lead a good life. That question - what does it mean to live well? - is the one question you must ask yourself. To ignore it is to overlook the very essence of your existence.
You should care - deeply - if you wish to grow into a person of integrity, someone who owns their life with responsibility and grace. What I aim to share with you can’t be taught in schools. It must be experienced. It must be lived. Through trial, through failure, through persistence - until you begin to master the art of living well.
So, here’s what I want to achieve in the near future: I aim to launch a platform across various channels - social media, video, and more - to share essential knowledge and wisdom about our purpose and the meaning of life. This is timeless insight, long present but largely forgotten in modern times. I’ll use formats like articles, posts, and videos to bring these messages to life.
The Crisis of Meaning in the modern World
Why am I doing this? Because I’ve come to see the growing hunger in society for real orientation - for something deeper than the noise. Despite our wealth, technology, and comfort, many in the West feel deeply unfulfilled. Inflation, war, tiresome leadership, and the cultural chaos we witness online - these aren’t acts of fate. They’re the result of our own choices, of our own making. We’re harvesting what we ourselves have sown, and we deserve it.
There’s no grand conspiracy to destroy the world - no one would be capable of executing such a plan single-handedly, and every empire - no matter how good or evil - would collapse after reaching a certain geographical extent (like the Roman empire eventually did, like the British Empire did, like the Soviet Union did, like America will one day if they don’t change their current ways, the list goes on). There is just ignorance, selfishness, and the pursuit of power.
My message is directed primarily to people in the Western cultural sphere. And if that term “Western cultural hemisphere” confuses you, then it's no wonder so many feel lost - disconnected from their roots, from their history and disillusioned with life. Most people don’t truly understand the nature of knowledge and wisdom. And yet, these are the very things that can guide you through life. They’re not optional - they’re vital.
What the Data says about Life Satisfaction today
Now, in case you’ve somehow missed the signs: people are deeply confused - and I can prove it. Let’s turn to the facts. I’ve gathered key insights from recent studies to paint a clearer picture of where we stand as a society today.
Using AI to sift through data from the USA, UK, France, Germany, and Australia (we’re talking about the West here, remember?), I explored how our collective well-being has evolved. While no dataset is perfect, I ensured the information came from credible sources, cross-checked for accuracy, and rooted in the most current statistics available.
The core question I asked was simple: how do we measure life satisfaction today? To approach this, I focused on four revealing indicators - divorce rates, suicide rates, loneliness, and public trust in government. Here’s what the data reveals:
Marriage Trends
Official divorce rates have declined, but the full story is more nuanced. Fewer people are marrying in the first place, and many couples now separate informally without legal divorce. This shift reflects a broader cultural transformation: people are marrying later, less frequently - or not at all.
Suicide Rates
The statistics here are sobering. Over the past 25 years, both the USA and UK have seen rising suicide rates, with the USA showing the steepest increase. In contrast, France, Germany, and Australia show slight improvements, suggesting better mental health policies and prevention programs.
Here’s a breakdown by age:
Young Adults (15–24): The USA leads with the highest rates in this group, significantly higher than in the other countries.
Middle-Aged Adults (35–54): Suicide is more prevalent in Australia and the USA than in Europe.
Older Adults (65+): Alarmingly, the USA also tops this category, with 48.5 suicides per 100,000 - far above the rest.
Increase in Loneliness
The numbers here are devastating. Gen Z consistently reports the highest levels of loneliness across all five countries. This is more than just a generational mood - it’s a social crisis.
Key factors include:
Social Media: Despite appearing connected, Gen Z experiences more isolation due to shallow digital interactions.
Economic Stress: Student debt and job insecurity add pressure and alienation.
Mental Health Access: Many face real barriers to care despite growing need.
Pandemic Fallout: COVID-19 left a deep scar on social confidence and emotional resilience.
Trust in Government
Public trust in governments and institutions has plummeted across most of the West. Over the last 25 years, political turmoil, economic instability, and cultural polarization have eroded confidence - especially in the USA and UK. Australia has remained somewhat more stable, but the general trend is clear: people are disillusioned.
Together, these findings form a troubling mosaic. Beneath the surface of our modern comforts lies a society quietly unraveling - lonelier, more anxious, and increasingly disconnected from meaning and trust. This isn’t alarmism. It’s reality, backed by data.
Data needs a Soul: why Interpretation matters
You might argue that I’m cherry-picking. And yes - of course I am. Because without interpretation, data is meaningless. Raw numbers alone don’t tell a story. People are suffering - so what? People feel lonely - so what? People fear the future - so what? To a computer or survey algorithm, none of that matters. But we are not machines. We are conscious beings with inner lives, and we must relate that objective data to our values, hopes, and intentions - the very content of our consciousness. Only then can we truly understand what the data means. And to me, if our aim is to live in a peaceful, flourishing, and joyful society, then the message is loud and clear: the data is deeply alarming.
What Social Media reveals about the modern Mind
These signs point to a widespread malaise - and you don’t even need research to see it. Just observe life. Listen to what people talk about. Look at what they post. Yes, social media isn’t real life, but it reflects the inner lives of its users. It reveals thoughts, fears, desires - and those, in turn, shape behavior. Social media may be a distorted mirror, but its impact is real. And the direction it reflects is one we should be deeply concerned about.
Web 2.0, social platforms, and modern communication technology have radically disrupted how humans live and relate to one another - overturning patterns that endured for tens of thousands of years. This transformation is still recent, and its darker consequences have only begun to surface over the past decade or two. Of course, not everything is bleak - there have been genuine benefits. But what are those gains worth if they’re overshadowed by the loss of meaning in people’s lives? What’s the point of celebrating progress when every step forward is followed by two steps back?
So yes, I focus on the negative. Not because I want to, but because it demands attention. That’s how human nature works - we tend to speak up only when things go wrong. When life functions well, there’s little to say. But when it begins to fall apart, suddenly everyone takes notice. That’s why this analysis matters. So let’s keep going.
The Real Pandemic: a Loss of Meaning in the modern World
It’s the loss of meaning that, in my view, plagues modern life. And no - this isn’t some overblown reaction from a fringe commentator or edgy YouTuber. It’s a real condition, visible to any thoughtful person who takes the time to look. To me, the crisis of meaning is obvious - because I’ve immersed myself in world history, I love art and culture, I’ve explored mythical and religious traditions, and I’m drawn to certain strands of philosophical thought. I cherish both Eastern and Western perspectives and find joy in weaving them together into a broader cultural understanding.
In short: I have more than enough inspiration to nourish my mind and soul for a lifetime. The loss of meaning has never touched me personally - not even for a second. But that’s not the reality for most people. Most, whether in America or Europe, have only brushed against these ideas without ever grasping their essence. Many know little to nothing about world religions - some not even their own - yet still give themselves various labels… you get the idea.
Most also know almost nothing about art, music, or cultural heritage. They remain unaware of the great works and ideas that shaped civilizations. They’ve never encountered the rich currents of thought that, on their own, could offer a lifetime’s worth of purpose, reflection, and inspiration. And because they’re unaware, they don’t seek them. They don’t care. Then comes the existential crisis: they grow bored with parties and shallow relationships - and wonder why life feels so empty.
But meaning hasn’t vanished. It lives within you. And the signs pointing toward it are everywhere - if you’re willing to look beyond the surface.
This Crisis is self-inflicted: are You ready to take Responsibility?
Let me be clear: the cultural and economic decline of the West is not some external curse - it’s self-inflicted. We engineered this crisis, or rather let it happen through utter apathy, and now we must ask: what are we going to do about it? Continue to ignore it? Pretend things are fine? Or finally take responsibility and begin searching for a richer perspective on life?
I invite you to choose the latter. Which brings me back to the heart of this manifesto: I want you to thrive. I want the West to thrive. I want the East to thrive. I want the world to thrive. That’s why I’ll be sharing articles and content - insights born from truth and wisdom - designed to give you the spark you need to begin again, with a life full of meaning, energy, and joy.
My vision is of a global culture - rooted in depth, connection, and shared purpose. Forget today’s world leadership. Most of them are rooted in the private sector, entangled with it, or beholden to the forces of the economy. They serve the lords of greed and self-interest, devoid of real values. To them, everything boils down to corporate agendas and negotiations - they don’t grasp principles and ideals, nor do they understand personal virtue. Speaking to them about integrity or independent thought is like trying to communicate in a language they’ve never heard. A typical politician simply cannot comprehend decision-making rooted in deep, well-formed personal principles. They are sheep, dependent on other people and corporate interests. Idealistic politicians who base their choices in genuine conviction such as Winston Churchill or Franklin D. Roosevelt are utterly rare.
Perhaps more such leaders will emerge in the future - but for now, your energy is better spent elsewhere. Focus on what you can change: becoming a better human being, capable of shaping the world around you through presence, action, and influence.
Reclaiming Meaning through Culture, Wisdom, and Self-Discovery
This is what I hope to achieve: to help restore meaning to the readers’ life by offering guidance and direction. I want you to start seeing history clearly. To discover the richness of world religions, with all the good and bad stuff that comes with them. To understand culture, to engage with the great works of art - so you realize just how much beauty and depth this life has to offer. No one is condemned to a meaningless existence.
Follow me on Instagram. Read the articles here. Let yourself be inspired. Take notes, even if some ideas don’t click right away. They will, in time - trust me. If at any point you find my work inspiring, uplifting, or genuinely useful, you can always support me by purchasing merchandise, wall art, design pieces or whatever I offer through my side online shop.
Where to begin: a few timeless Paths to Meaning
Before I close my little manifesto, let me offer you a few thoughts - something to spark your own journey toward meaning in the days ahead:
Meaning arises when you connect with the deeper layers of your being - the parts of you that transcend ego and point toward your selfless nature. Real meaning begins the moment you turn away from your selfish self and toward the quiet truth at your core - what some Buddhists might call the “non-being” of your true self. In a sense, you must forget yourself to truly find yourself. You won’t find meaning in parties, casual sex, drugs, or ambition driven by hollow desire - these are fleeting and self-centered distractions. True, lasting meaning comes from experiences that reveal something real and selfless about human existence - about the beauty of connection, compassion, and inner truth.
To be more specific: what are some of the things that can help you rediscover meaning? The most immediate and accessible path is also the most timeless - building a genuine romantic relationship or starting a family. Truly! Sharing love with someone you deeply care about - not a casual fling, but real, enduring connection - or becoming a parent and taking responsibility for another life: these are profound, selfless acts. They root you in something greater than yourself. They draw you into the deeper current of human existence through simple, everyday tasks that radiate purpose. For many adults, this is the clearest and most natural doorway to meaning.
Rediscover the inner World of Art and Culture
Another way is to turn your attention inward - away from the fleeting distractions of pleasure - and begin to explore the vast inner world of art, literature, and culture. These realms are deeply intertwined with human truth. Immersing yourself in them, especially when they grapple with reality and the human condition, can stir profound emotional meaning. This path may not resonate with everyone immediately, but it remains open to any curious soul willing to listen.
Explore the Power of Ideas
And finally, if you seek a higher, braver form of meaning, turn your mind toward the world of ideas. As Plato once implied - ideas truly rule and underlie the world. Kings, politicians, and generals come and go - but ideas, once born, reshape civilizations. They refine what’s outdated. They guide the course of progress. History is filled with these transformations, and I will share examples in future posts and articles. Exploring these cultural ideas - both from the East and the West - will offer more inspiration and reflection than you might imagine. You’ll begin to wonder how you ever believed life was meaningless.
It never was. You’ve simply drifted away from life’s essence, trapped in a bubble of your own making - amplified by soulless technology that distorts your perception. That’s all.
The Journey has just begun
So now, dear reader and fellow traveler on this journey of life, I leave you with your own thoughts to reflect on. I look forward to welcoming you in the next piece of content, where we’ll dive deeper into the possibilities ahead and explore even more of the beauty and insight we've only just begun to uncover.
