We've almost made it, one more 1️⃣ sleep and then it's finally time. It's time to ask ourselves the all-important question, the one that simply makes up everything and has preoccupied mankind since time immemorial: the question of meaning. Today:
In search of the meaning of life, the little things that make us happy and ourselves
Okay, the unwieldy title (it could also be a Sufjan Stevens song title) suggests bad things about the length of this article. Let's keep it short.
We live in an age of enlightenment, constant networking, unlimited access to information and the most advanced technologies. At the same time, social isolation, loneliness and depression are on the rise in many parts of the world. Minorities continue to be oppressed, but even "majorities" no longer feel valued. Alienation, extremism, prejudice, insecurity, fake news (yes, I'm getting really far afield now), social problems are so complex that they seem almost unsolvable.
What is the point of living in this world? What can we contribute ourselves? What are you responsible for and where do the boundaries end? What should we not simply accept? How can you become happy? What do you need for this?
Our trip gives us the unique opportunity to find answers to these questions in so many different cultures, to compare them and to shape our way of life. It is characterised by an interest in the foreign, in other customs and views. We want to learn how to come into contact with strangers, what their views are and how to deal with different opinions.
We have to admit to ourselves that we do belong to the elite class with our nationality, our educational background and the potential that we have simply been given by origin, name and class. Yet we are poor in many respects. Morals, foresight, customs, cohesion, awareness, dealing with resources and people, values, there are so many things that could be improved as an "educated" Westerner.
This blog will also help us to process our experiences with regard to these questions. And at the same time, perhaps it can inspire one or two others in these matters.
Recommendation: „Surviving on the Kindness of Strangers for 30 Days“ by Discover Connection. Yay, finally not a book but a YouTube series recommendation in the last post! In 10 episodes, Brad and Liam try to travel across the US with $0, only with the help of the kindness of strangers. How do they do it? By asking people on the street if they can hitch a lift, eat or sleep with them. They are just as embarrassed as we would be. Nevertheless, they get over themselves and the heartbreaking and funny stories that emerge are Youtube gold and a true inspiration for our journey (at least for my part, not sure about Leah :D).