In this age of high technology and wealth, it is no surprise that the objects of our addictions are more readily at hand. If we can't buy it in a store, we can order it online. If we hanker to taste it, we merely shell out some money, and eat away. Many visual addictions are only a mouse click away. Consider for a moment the results if we did not have the money and convenience to pursue our addictions.
Living in China, I see people every day who struggle just to survive. They don't have hand held electronic devices. They can't afford chocolate or Coca Cola. It is our wealth that allows us free access to our addictions. But the interesting thing is that all people, no matter their financial standing, still pursue addictive behaviors. Here in China, although people do not have much money, they still smoke cigarrettes. Some without money will borrow from others just to get the chance to gamble. So although money and modern technology make addictions easier to satisfy, reality shows that people will do anything to get their "fix".
The question at the root of addiction is, "Why do we need an addiction?" What is it about human nature that wants to be addicted to something? I think in some ways an addiction is an escape from reality. In some ways addiction is immensely pleasureable. Does it give more meaning to life? Maybe it is just a distraction from the cares of life.
Are any addictions harmless? There are some that are definitely harmful. Others seem benign on the face, but in my opinion are somewhat harmful anyway. Of course drug abuse has no positive benefits. But what about an addiction to cleaning? You end up with a clean house, and don't have to spend a dime. I think the answer is in whether or not the addiction affects your quality of life. Can you function without it? Can you be happy without it? Is your family life impaired by it? I think close study will show that all addictions come at a price, which isn't necessarily monetary.
I don't know that I have an addiction of any kind, but at least if I do, it's not one that affects my health. I don't smoke. I don't drink alchohol, tea, coffee, or caffeinated soda. I choose not to view any pornography, or even R rated movies. But I really do like the internet. How about you? Do you have any addictions?
Check out what kind modern addictions our consortium members might choose as an addiction:
Rummuser, Anu, Ashkok, Gaelikka, Grannymar , Padmum, Magpie11, andAkanksha,Will Knot, Maria the Silver Fox, Anki, Nema Noor Paul Plain Joe, and Rohit, Black watertown, The Old Fossil, our newest member MAXI! and last, but not least SHACKMAN! :)
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5 comments:
Delores, there are plenty of people out there who do not own the items of modern technology they are using. The banks or hire purchase people are the owners.
D I'd say your religion (any treligion actually)is an addiction - obviously not a bad one. But religion in general fits the pattern. Me? Well with the extra xs in front of the L on my frame my primary addiction - food - is obvious. Not so obvious are the reasons but they exist.
Nice to have you back. Hope you enjoyed being back home again ( there's a song title there somewhere) :-)
Delirious (!) - Are you?,
Well put.Your observations chiming with both my reply to Shackman and a brief exchange over at Ramana's.
I note your reply to Shackman that you do not believe religion to be an addiction. I wouldn't know. Nevertheless, the first thing that popped into my mind was that old (60s?) saying: "Religion is opium for the people". Oddly, and you may find this mildly amusing, I never thought of the opium in that sentence as 'addiction', more as a sedative. Keeping people in check as it were. I'd be interested what you think.
Whilst no doubt terrible things are done in the name of religion I tend to think of religion as one of the many philosophies of life. And, of course - call me naive - what religion provides, regardless which one, is a universal moral code by which humans abide whether they worship at a shrine or not.
U
I am addicted to a number of things that you list not being to. I am also addicted to solving crossword puzzles, reading, music and so on. For those who cannot afford it/them and still want to enjoy the addiction, since you are in China, it is their joss.
U, I am reminiscing about the good old times when our Druid ancestors cut humans up in the sacrifices and used the entrails to tell the future. Ah, the "universal moral code"!
My primary addiction is studying. It is very annoying to my wife.
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