The second essay in the series. A clear-eyed look at the invisible consequences we keep pretending aren’t there, from fractured families to fragmented communities.
Wow, Simon, this is very good. Sadly, this is so prevalent in today's society. One wonders what the intergenerational breakdown will be across the West compared to the remainder of the world as society continues to decline and collapse through this process. Have we adopted as a culture philosophies that drive the demise of the family unit, too?
Thank you, I really appreciate you taking the time to read and reflect. I share your concern. It’s striking how something as personal as divorce can become so widespread that it reshapes entire cultures, not just individuals.
I do think we’ve absorbed philosophies, often unconsciously, that elevate the individual above all else, including family, responsibility, and even legacy. The message is not so subtle anymore and seemingly constant: if it no longer feels good, leave. If it costs you too much emotionally, walk away. And while of course no one should stay in harmful or abusive situations, I think the pendulum has swung so far toward personal fulfilment that we’ve lost our cultural language for perseverance, for duty, and for shared struggle.
The damage isn’t always explosive, but it’s persistent. It shows up in children who don’t believe in lasting love. In adults who quietly carry regret and pain. In communities that no longer feel cohesive or rooted. And as you say, across generations, the fracture deepens.
The challenge now is to name it honestly, so we can begin to shift the conversation. Thank you again for contributing to that.
Wow, Simon, this is very good. Sadly, this is so prevalent in today's society. One wonders what the intergenerational breakdown will be across the West compared to the remainder of the world as society continues to decline and collapse through this process. Have we adopted as a culture philosophies that drive the demise of the family unit, too?
Thank you, I really appreciate you taking the time to read and reflect. I share your concern. It’s striking how something as personal as divorce can become so widespread that it reshapes entire cultures, not just individuals.
I do think we’ve absorbed philosophies, often unconsciously, that elevate the individual above all else, including family, responsibility, and even legacy. The message is not so subtle anymore and seemingly constant: if it no longer feels good, leave. If it costs you too much emotionally, walk away. And while of course no one should stay in harmful or abusive situations, I think the pendulum has swung so far toward personal fulfilment that we’ve lost our cultural language for perseverance, for duty, and for shared struggle.
The damage isn’t always explosive, but it’s persistent. It shows up in children who don’t believe in lasting love. In adults who quietly carry regret and pain. In communities that no longer feel cohesive or rooted. And as you say, across generations, the fracture deepens.
The challenge now is to name it honestly, so we can begin to shift the conversation. Thank you again for contributing to that.