The Apple

Let’s abandon the idea that the common person is of below average intelligence. If perception is everything, that frightening idea only becomes true if we believe in it. Then it takes on a life of its own like a faithful shadow. Otherwise, it is illusory and self-defeating.

If we believe our fellow citizen is not smart, we’re merely replacing what we don’t know about them with what is easier to guess about them which is that they sometimes play the fool as do we. So, in assuming that they give their shortcomings more oxygen than their strengths, we consider them demonstrably incapable of effective reasoning. But in doing so, are we not signaling that we ourselves are unreasonable. Isn’t it likely that the next stranger we see is reaching a similar conclusion about us? Yet these calculative errors occur in most minds, day in and day out, year after year, one generation after the next. This crabs in a barrel thinking has become an involuntary reflex that needs to be neutralized. But how did it start in the first place?

Since the earliest times it was necessary for nobles, tyrants, governments, merchants, and brotherhoods to see the everyday people in a comparatively dim light. All this to justify inoculating them, taxing them, sending them to war, and exploiting the majority for the benefit of the few. In this climate, man was pitted against his brother in a thoughtless competition for favorable appraisal from his masters. With that the crabs in the barrel began crawling all over each other.

Fast forward to the twenty first century. With the competition for knowledge followed by the commodification of information, wholesale ignorance as a working hypothesis has become obsolete. The difference between the erroneous appraisal of the people and their actual value has left a discernible residue. For the stubborn and arrogant that residue functions as a cataract in their field of vision so that they can no longer see the reality for how it has so dramatically changed.

But for you and I what remains from this alchemical process are the proponents of a new dialogue. A product of ages of having observed our leaders very closely. We are now familiar with their impurities. We see an obvious imbalance between ambitious rhetoric and cowardly activity. We glimpse irregularities, inconsistencies, and stark contrasts with rapacious actions shadowed by humble presentations, sleight of hand, juggling and fumbling. So, we know what we don’t like, and from the rigors of history our hearts have been purified and emboldened.

Today anyone of us can establish a platform, expand our sphere of influence, and establish our own rules within these parameters. We are accountable to none but fellow commoners of good conscience. Those who have become our audience, further empowering both sides through a fluid exchange of ideas. In this way, it seems private actors have done more for reform, equilibrium, and progress than political powers have. With that it appears that I’m leading into an optimistic appraisal of advancing technologies. But an analysis of machines is outside the aim and scope of this post.

Still, the firm grip of our “leaders” has been pried open lately. Treasures once concealed in their hands have been handed over to us: increased know-how, means, luxuries, conveniences, and so on. From those with any or all of these means at hand, the revolutionary banner of attitude synchronization is waving enthusiastically.

Examples of their people-friendly products include self-help publications and videos, seminars, peer groups, blogs, podcasts and the like. All augmented by technology but deeply rooted in affirmative instincts and human virtue. This grants their message a life that transcends the platform of choice. And these efforts have been successful in establishing an affinity for awareness and underutilized truths. So, it is clear that today’s typical adult places a high priority on self-empowerment and self-improvement. Results achieved only by seeking out information and taking an active and even aggressive attitude toward learning. Such facts undermine that outdated theory that today’s social animal is devoid or knowledge, understanding or ability.

Again, that attitude had served the interests of history’s powers since the earliest of times. It was indeed the original offense against humanity. The speculation that human culture should not be spontaneous but rather engineered. It was built on a biased observation and hasty assumption that ‘the masses’ were not quick. With that the private took it upon themselves to manipulate the public. This culminated in the earliest crime among human beings, a spurious concoction to be labeled ‘civilization.’ All the elements were there: means, motive, and opportunity.

The means were mental artifice and the supposed superior intelligence of the conspirators. The motive was competition for resources and influence. Lastly, the opportunity presented itself in the guise of trust and sentimentality in the bulk of the people. Exploiting taboos a self-conscience organization arose. The rest was history.

But strong mind has a mind of its own. So, the roots of power produced a huge tree that made a shaded space under which the outsider found an opportunity to reach for its low hanging fruit. And this was food for thought itself. With that we found our power.

Today we have eaten our way to the core of the sweet apple that bestowed knowledge on us. The scraps are for the animals. Men and women of the twenty first century are wide awake indeed. They expect the best from one another. They know that empathy, compassion, and sacrifice are desired mediums of exchange today. Every responsible creature is increasing their value through investments in those currencies. None among us is poor if he or she has friends and knowledge. Just try wrapping your mind around how rich and healthy your life is going to be in this new climate. Trust in each other is the key. It takes understanding. But harvesting the fruit is worth planting the seed.

However. If you don’t feel too great about what lies ahead, you can always talk to someone by calling the Mental Health hotline at 866-903-3787. Or if you feel like you don’t want to live anymore call 988 anytime.