A good example of a contemporary malaise would be the widespread over-stimulation of nervous systems. Certainly, in the old days folks had every reason to be nervous. Their survival was constantly at threat whether from starvation, illness or war. They suffered at the hand of the primitive society they lived in. Now, many of the age-old struggles have been overcome. There is food, shelter, good health, education, security and luxury for most.

And yet people don’t seem to feel better for it. Many are inordinately stressed, feeling that their lives are running away from them, out of control, too fast for them to sit back and take stock. There never seems to be enough time, or enough money. There is surely not enough of the stuff that brings real quality of life.

Historically, expectation was lower so people were more resigned to their fate. I also imagine that following any given survival crisis they would revert to resignation quite quickly. The adrenaline rush of the moment would subside allowing the nervous system to settle.

By contrast our nerves are so constantly up, so over-stimulated by the sheer relentless pace of things, that we never return to calm. We are always in an exaggerated state of excitement. This puts too much stress on the psyche. It makes people feel like they are never at peace and therefore never really in a position to enjoy the fruits of their labour. It should be said that also includes the labour of previous generations whose toil and strife helped create the well augmented life the current generation has inherited. There’s a curious irony there. There are benefits previously undreamt of but not the mindset to take full advantage of them.

Maybe that is the future: to transcend the gorging on material things and instead address the spirituality that is the jewel in mankind’s crown. It is unlikely this will be found in any old-school religion but rather a new and revolutionary place. Wherever that is, its initiation is already overdue.