It's not postmodernism. It's lust.

A tale as old as time

In the span of eight turbulent years, I have delved into countless thought leaders, books and interviews dissecting the rise of so-called 'woke culture', the chasms of polarization, and the decline of venerable institutions such as The New York Times and Harvard University as elites grapple with the rise in popularity of Donald Trump. These pieces all echo the same questions: How did we arrive at this point? What forces are driving this upheaval? Where do we go from here?

My preoccupation with the state of our nation has become a consuming obsession. The extremes of both the far left and the far right seem to pull at the very fabric of our society. The ideological madness that has claimed many of my friends baffles me and I have devoted myself to unraveling this mystery.

Thousands of hours later and surprisingly, the answer came to me on a run this afternoon. It was such a profound ah-ha! moment that I had to break from our usual sci-fi programming to share this wonderful revelation. The predicament is simple and the solution is even simpler. To illustrate this concept, let us consider a metaphor through storytelling. It’s more fun this way.

The Sculptor's Masterpiece

In a quaint village nestled between rolling hills, there lived a renowned sculptor named Gabriel. His works were celebrated far and wide, known for their exquisite detail and the emotion they seemed to capture. Gabriel’s fame grew not just because of his skill, but because of the intense passion he poured into every piece. People said his sculptures were so lifelike, they seemed to breathe.

Despite his success, Gabriel was not content. He was driven by an insatiable desire, a lust not for wealth or fame, but for creating the perfect sculpture, a masterpiece that would immortalize his name for centuries.

One evening, while wandering the marketplace for inspiration, Gabriel's eyes fell upon a young woman named Elara. She was beautiful in a way that seemed almost otherworldly, her features delicate yet striking. She moved with a grace that captivated everyone around her. Gabriel knew instantly that she would be the subject of his masterpiece.

Gabriel approached Elara and explained his vision. Flattered and intrigued, Elara agreed to model for him. She began visiting his studio every day and Gabriel worked tirelessly, his hands moving with an intensity he had never known before. As the days turned into weeks, a bond began to form between them, built on mutual admiration and a shared sense of purpose.

Yet, as Gabriel's sculpture neared completion, his behavior grew more erratic. He became possessive, fearful that Elara would leave before his work was done. His once-passionate gaze turned obsessive and Elara started to feel uneasy. She noticed the way he looked at her, as if she were not a person, but a possession, an object to be molded to his will.

One night, unable to sleep, Gabriel wandered to his studio. The moonlight cast eerie shadows across his nearly finished sculpture, revealing every curve and detail he had painstakingly crafted. He gazed at it, and in that moment, he realized that his lust for perfection had consumed him entirely. The sculpture, though beautiful, felt empty. It lacked the warmth and vitality that had drawn him to Elara in the first place.

Desperate and broken, Gabriel fell to his knees and wept. His tears streamed down his face, dripping onto the marble floor. In his pursuit of a perfect creation, he had lost sight of what truly mattered—the human soul behind the art. He had turned Elara into an idol, a mere representation of his desire, forgetting that true beauty lies not in flawless form, but in the spirit that animates it.

The next day, Elara found Gabriel in his studio, pale and weary. He looked at her with a newfound clarity, his eyes soft and apologetic. "I have wronged you," he confessed. "In my lust for perfection, I have forgotten the heart and soul that makes beauty real."

Elara smiled gently, forgiving him with a kindness that seemed to lift the weight from his shoulders. She suggested they finish the sculpture together, as a collaboration rather than a mere act of creation. Gabriel agreed, and for the first time, he felt a sense of peace.

Together, they worked on the sculpture, infusing it with the warmth and humanity that had been missing. When it was finally completed, it was not just a masterpiece of form, but a testament to their shared journey. The villagers who came to see it marveled at its lifelike presence, feeling as if it spoke to them in a language of its own.

Gabriel learned that true art is born not from lust, but from love—a love that embraces imperfections and cherishes the spirit within. The sculpture, now known as "Elara's Grace," stood as a reminder that the pursuit of perfection should never overshadow the beauty of the human soul.

A Tale As Old As Time

Gabriel embodies those who have been drawn to the far ends of the ideological spectrum, whether to the far left or far right. Elara symbolizes the guiding vision of an ideal utopia. The sculpture represents the way we shape and mold our society.

A vision for a better and more equitable world is a noble cause. However, when coupled with lust, it becomes a deadly sin. The intense desire to eradicate corruption can transform even the smartest person in the room into a zealot, consumed by their purpose and blinded by their passion.

You can turn this bus around right now

I've sensed the pulse of society and it's racing with feverish intensity. But fear not, for we hold the antidote within our grasp. Like a revitalizing juice cleans, we must cool the exasperation that consumes us.

Step #1: Cultivate courage

It begins with introspection, a journey inward to uncover the depths of your own resilience and strength. You must confront your fears head-on, embracing discomfort as a necessary step towards growth. Through self-reflection and self-discovery, you unlock the latent courage that resides within each of us, ready to be unleashed upon the world.

“Surround yourself with courageous people.” —Douglas Murray

Step #2: Refuse to be silenced or canceled by the mob

This requires the courage you cultivated. A willingness to speak truth to power, even in the face of opposition by your friends. By standing firm in your convictions and refusing to be cowed by fear, you empower yourself and others to break free from the chains that hold you down.

"The only way to deal with a bully is to stand up to them. If you back down, they'll keep coming for you." — Unknown

Step #3: Liberate yourself from temptation and desire

Do this and uncover the true purpose that lies at the core of your being. It is a journey of transformation, a path of self-realization that leads us towards fulfillment and meaning. By aligning your actions with your values and passions, we walk with purpose, guided by the inner compass of our souls.

"Freedom from desire leads to inner peace." — Lao Tzu

Step #4: Seek liberty and justice will follow

Dare to ask the difficult questions and seek the answers that lie within. For in doing so, you not only discover your own personal power but also ignite a flame of inspiration, curiosity and wonder that illuminates the path for others to follow.

"Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth." — George Washington