I was looking at a couple of posts that express feelings of exhaustion and isolation that are extremely prevalent in modern life. And in the comments are people talking about how they’re able to deal with those pressures. I don’t think that’s a real solution to the stated problems. The real solution is replacing the system that demands an exhausting and isolating existence for so many in order to maintain itself.
When someone says he feels alone, it’s not helpful to recommend social clubs because the real problem is all the ways modern society inhibits community building and a lot of minor social interaction. When someone says he doesn’t feel like he has time to take care of her physical health, it’s not helpful to show your schedule to fit it into the busy day because the real solution is having more time available which is only possible if we change modern work culture.
Yes, it’s possible for individuals within almost any system to find a stasis where you’re able to fulfill your basic mental, social, and physical needs. It’s even possible for individuals to thrive. But your solutions only work for you and maybe those with similar material conditions AND cognitive predispositions. Otherwise you’re just making excuses for the level of harm modern capitalism places on people everyday.
Take care of yourself and resist where you can.
Putting out the fire doesn’t help those who didn’t survive. That’s largely why firefighters will attempt rescues before extinguishing a blaze.
I don’t really disagree with your opinion other than a minor quibble - trying to reach out to people who are struggling is helpful. Your stance seems to be that it isn’t a solution and where I disagree is that just because you can’t solve people’s problems doesn’t mean you can’t help them.
It’s tough trying to help people because everyone wants different things. A lot of the time people clash about this. For instance, when somebody’s making a post expressing their exhaustion and isolation, a lot of the time what they really want is to vent their feelings and maybe be heard. Sometimes offering any solution completely misses the point of the post.
On the flip side if I’m making a post like that and I’m in a place where I want a solution, it has to be something I can achieve. If my problem is isolation, then hearing that somebody else has gone through something similar and found something that eases their pain helps me. Their solution might not fit my needs, but now I know another human being is out there, going through similar stuff, and wants to help. It makes me feel less isolated in a way that “you need to rebuild society” simply can’t compete with.
I feel like this comment most understands what I’m saying. I like that addition to the metaphor with the rescue from the burning building being escape from the capitalist economy.
I should add that the posts I was referencing were meme posts talking about less specific problems that relate to a great many people. Problems with not having enough time aren’t helped by someone else showing off how he follows a rigid schedule.
I fully agree that if someone is truly reaching out for help then you should offer whatever you can, even if it’s just what worked for you. Just don’t prescriptive about it.