I view the modern phenomena like this; society focuses mostly on achieving external attributes -wealth, reputation, body, looks, feelings, power- while neglecting internal attributes and how to think; then when a midlife crises occurs or some other tragic event, society seeks out psychology to retrain the mind on how to think and what really matters which is philosophy. Unfortunate for those who never get a course correction through tragedy or midlife crises, they don't ever perceive the need for 'wisdom'. They continue along the hedonic treadmill. I did find a thought interesting, either from the Stoics Epictetus or Seneca or in one of the Socratic dialogues, I can't remember which, that the path towards Wisdom can't be achieved until someone has experienced both the good and the bad, in order to then be capable of reflecting on the difference. The path is never a straight line. If someone has solely experienced a bad means of decision making, judgement or actions, they will view that as a good and that which is truly good as bad. Likewise, if someone only views a 'good' life, they will assume that everyone can only achieve that way of living by solely following that path and attempt to force others to follow that path. However, character cannot be achieved by force. It's only achieved through self effort, choice and decisions.
I view the modern phenomena like this; society focuses mostly on achieving external attributes -wealth, reputation, body, looks, feelings, power- while neglecting internal attributes and how to think; then when a midlife crises occurs or some other tragic event, society seeks out psychology to retrain the mind on how to think and what really matters which is philosophy. Unfortunate for those who never get a course correction through tragedy or midlife crises, they don't ever perceive the need for 'wisdom'. They continue along the hedonic treadmill. I did find a thought interesting, either from the Stoics Epictetus or Seneca or in one of the Socratic dialogues, I can't remember which, that the path towards Wisdom can't be achieved until someone has experienced both the good and the bad, in order to then be capable of reflecting on the difference. The path is never a straight line. If someone has solely experienced a bad means of decision making, judgement or actions, they will view that as a good and that which is truly good as bad. Likewise, if someone only views a 'good' life, they will assume that everyone can only achieve that way of living by solely following that path and attempt to force others to follow that path. However, character cannot be achieved by force. It's only achieved through self effort, choice and decisions.