The Spirit of the Time
The term ‘Zeitgeist’ ..
German refers to the social, cultural, intellectual, and emotional climate of a period, representing the dominant ideas and values of that time. It is a concept that defines how society thinks, feels, and lives during a particular era.
For example, a period may be marked by optimism and trust in technology, while another might be defined by environmental concerns or the pursuit of social justice. Art, literature, music, fashion, and popular culture often reflect the spirit of the time, and this spirit evolves over time.
The spirit of today seems to be one of ‘salt’ — or perhaps more fittingly, a ‘ghost’..
Let me explain …
The concept of ‘ghosting’ and ‘gaslighting’ has emerged. It signifies disappearance, erasure, or denial — the act of making something vanish in a puff of smoke. These terms have become prevalent in both personal relationships and international affairs. Indifference and detachment seem to be the new norms, where people who embody these qualities are often adored and appreciated, finding space and recognition in society.
Nations confirm each other’s existence while remaining passive, forming a cluster of indifferent states.
Our choices appear driven by a thirst for destruction, rather than creation. We favor what takes rather than what gives.
Let’s be honest here!
We’re drawn to the dollar-sign-wearing, big-curl girls!
Those with money, we love to watch the shows on ‘Filthy Riches’ ..
We watch endless, pointless TikTok videos.
Perhaps it all began with social media. But no, this began in the 18th century.
In 18th-century Germany, it was the era of the Enlightenment.
The world awoke to inception :))
Philosophically, it was Johann Gottfried Herder and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel who first recognized the spirit of the time. They argued that history and social change are shaped by the spirit of the period — the prevailing ideas and values of that moment. What we were, is what we were as a collective.
So… here we are!
Everything has a spirit.
Even time itself :)
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But this last quarter…
Lacks spirit.
It only has a ghost.
A ghost in everything.
In everything.
In every value…
In everyone.
The ghost of love, honesty, and virtue lingers.
The trace of respect remains.
But when it comes to the essence of these virtues…
Where are they?
They are dead.
Over time…
Slowly fading away.
As a ‘ghost’!
In conclusion…
We have lost the spirit of the time.
We continue to live with its ghosts.
No stopping.
TikTok…
