A society defined by anxiety and confusion cannot sustain itself.

Lacking clarity, security, equal access to resources and opportunities, the denial of human rights, and the amplification of alternative “facts” create environments of growing distrust, division, and anger. The American experience, once built on a shared story of hope, promise, and opportunity for all—even in its imperfection—is hurdling toward an existential inflection point. As the ancient wisdom goes, “A house divided against itself will fall.” Even our democratic elections cannot quell the growing anger or deliver unity.

Resentment and gloating are all around us, and those typically apathetic to social issues are showing signs of their weariness. No one is unaffected by a fractured, decaying, or failed economic, political, environmental, or social systems. We exist within these active systems that dictate our everyday lives in often unseen ways. Our unabated feelings of unease and frustration are the anxiety created by a social order under tremendous stress.

The old story of hope and promise is fading. Evolving values and worldviews will always create change. However, we find ourselves in a time where there has yet to emerge a coherent and compelling story for today that bridges the past into the future. While some attempt to keep the conversation around selling better ideas or regressive solutions to our social ills, the real debate is centered on ideals—a set of shared values that can serve as the basis for a better tomorrow.

Perhaps the clearest—and least satisfying—explanation of our current time is found with a little-known philosophical framework known as Integral Theory developed by theorists Ken Wilber and Don Beck.[1] Based on a theory of human consciousness “codes” (or value systems) that emerge over time across cultures and changing life conditions, Wilber points to the tension of a society failing to transition. The introduction and collapse of postmodernism’s ideal of “there are no truths” and unrestrained deconstructionism over the last four decades has created a cataclysmic void now filled by a “postmodern hell: nihilism and narcissism.”[2] 

It’s no wonder the world is regressing to leadership models of the past where power, authority, and dominance dictated life and a sense of security—even if it meant oppressing assumed or stated “enemies.” Thankfully, knowledge is the beginning of understanding, and with understanding, the possibility for change. The pathway toward a hopeful future will never be found with nihilistic worldviews or narcissistic authoritarian leaders—in politics, business, or at home. This is who we become when insecurity, resentment, and despair take root in our souls.

The truth exists. It’s not “out there” because it’s already within us. Every individual has purpose, dignity, and a unique story in the broader context of the ever-evolving human story. The pathway forward is not to destroy, rewrite, or sever our stories, but to compassionately embrace, integrate, and learn from them. Our goal is not total deconstruction or cultural purity. It’s grounded in the quest for personal growth through holism, openness, progressive solutions, and equitable outcomes that seek to benefit and sustain life for everyone, everywhere. 

The old stories of promise are fading, but a new story of hope is emerging. The solution to nihilism and narcissism is what both attempt to destroy: love and compassion. A better tomorrow is coming when we choose the narrow path of resistance grounded in the spirit of truth and love.

Thank you for reading!

What you’re reading is my calling—my gift and contribution to you and others. It’s a message of hope and change for our time that I intend to continue writing about and speaking on. I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve launched a support page this week, where you can learn how to become a supporter of my work. As promised, subscribing to my daily newsletter is free. But now, you can also help ensure its accessibility and sustain this work. Learn how.

Gratefully,
Matt

[1] For advanced readers of interest, see Ken Wilber, A Theory of Everything: An Integral Vision for Business, Politics, Science, and Spirituality (2001).  

[2] Ken Wilber, Trump and a Post-Truth World (2017).