Living in a Passive World

It's no wonder many of us find ourselves spending time on unfulfilling pastimes. We inhabit a society that promotes consumption as a primary means of engagement, often leading to a cycle where we work long hours at jobs that lack deeper satisfaction. Coming home drained, we typically resort to collapsing in front of the TV, seeking a brief escape before the cycle resumes.

When we are physically and mentally exhausted, we become more susceptible to further consumption, often spending money on conveniences that promise to enhance our lives. Unfortunately, this only leads to justifying expenses with the very grind that put us in this situation, creating a vicious cycle.

As we navigate this cycle of passivity, it’s easy to feel as though life is slipping away. We may wake up in our later years wondering where the time went, feeling we have little to show for it—not in terms of wealth or status, but in the joy of having pursued our passions.

The Decline of Hobbies

Our culture has a troubling perspective on hobbies. In American society, the notion of enjoying a pastime for its own sake seems to have diminished. The rise of the "side hustle" has led to a mindset where enjoyment must be monetized; every passion must be turned into a marketable skill.

While there’s merit in earning from one’s passions, this notion often morphs into an expectation that everything enjoyable must be commercialized. This attitude strips away the simple pleasure of engaging in activities just for fun, reducing them to potential income streams.

The Soft Underbelly of Achievement

This mentality often begins at a young age. Reflecting on my own experiences, I realized I couldn't recall a time when I pursued a hobby purely for enjoyment. From middle school onward, every activity was strategically chosen to prepare me for the next step in life, leading to a constant focus on achievement rather than fulfillment.

This relentless pursuit of purpose left me feeling adrift in adulthood. The chase for wealth and status quickly lost its appeal, leaving me unsure of how to spend my free time meaningfully.

What happens when there are no more goals to pursue? How do you cultivate a fulfilling life when you’ve never had the chance to discover what truly brings you joy?

A World of Passive Vice

During a recent period of unemployment, I experienced an overwhelming sense of time stretching infinitely before me. In my adult life, I had never faced such an abundance of unstructured time.

Ironically, this surplus of time felt burdensome. Burnt out and anxious, I found myself spending months engaging in mindless consumption—binging TV shows and scrolling through social media, all while feeling increasingly lost.

The paradox of excessive consumption is that it can be draining. Instead of feeling rejuvenated, it often leads to deep reflection on unfulfilled desires while simultaneously sapping the energy needed to effect change.

The Beauty of Creation

One of my favorite films, "Dead Poets Society," beautifully encapsulates the joy found in creation. The character Professor Keating, portrayed by the incredible Robin Williams, expresses it poignantly:

"We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for."

This sentiment resonates deeply—true meaning in life emerges from creation, conversation, and artistry. It’s about transforming nothing into something meaningful, enjoying the process without the pressure of expectations.

So, if you find yourself feeling unfulfilled, consider this: Have you made time for creation? Or have you succumbed to the cycle of passive consumption?

For those who have lost touch with what fun means, it may take time to rediscover it. But with each attempt—be it a poorly cooked meal or a rough draft—you move closer to a life rooted in joy. As you create, you will feel a renewed sense of vitality, allowing room for what genuinely matters.

And that… is what we stay alive for.

This video, titled "I Feel Like I'm WASTING MY LIFE! (You're Probably NOT, chill)," discusses common feelings of unfulfillment and encourages viewers to reflect on their lives without judgment.

The second video, "How to Tell If You're Wasting Your Life | 5 Habits That Will Turn Your Life Around," provides practical tips to help individuals identify unproductive habits and suggests strategies for embracing a more fulfilling lifestyle.