Public discourse on politically contested matters—like climate change, refugees, distribution of resources, etc.—seems to be at a low ebb. We need to find ways to address these issues constructively if we are to have any hope of meeting the challenges of the coming years. But how can we be a part of the solution and not just a part of the problem?

I guess I find it a fascinating question because, if the answer is ‘yes’ (and I think it probably is), that runs quite contrary to the current obsession with science and truth and makes story-telling and art-play far more important.

It matters to me because the current system of 4 year ‘political power’ doesn’t allow for LONG TERM planning for the community.

Are people-pleasers restricting public discourse and making it tricky to challenge? Asking because difficult conversations can solve big problems

The underpinnings of our civilisation are based on an untenable premise.

It is about the future of ours and generations after.

Some countries use a year of compulsory military service as a rite of passage for young adults. Looking at our 18 year olds today, some might say we need to bring in this kind of enforced ‘gap year’ for the good of the individual and of our whole society. And of course, it would strengthen the country militarily to have a national service corps. But at what cost? Would this be worth it?

Think about the various ways seeing and how expertise is allotted in our society and which point of view is given privilege of expression, employment, publicity and notoriety…

I have a mental illness in a regional city. I had an episode of anger which I understand is due to acute anxiety, at my daughter’s school. Three years on, people still cower, there is gossip about me, that is of the effect that I am going to coffee shops to ‘meet’ and ‘pickup’ men, and that I am most interested in meeting married men. I am told I have to just move around and amongst the society, (by my psychologist) but I find it safer and apparently I am becoming more reclusive, to remain at home. I don’t condone aggressive behaviour. The school and my workplace, were trying to ‘support’ me, by having psychologists at the school, monitor my behaviour and have people behave ‘accordingly’. I began to feel I was living ‘The Truman Show’, and realise none of my interactions were authentic. Initially those people were being ‘kind’ but misguided, in supporting me, and I guess, my daughter. I have 3 years until she leaves school. I will go ‘somewhere else’. Michael Kirby has spoken of the chaplaincy program being a ‘front’ to filter through students of need/risk. I plod on. This stigma came into my new workplace. I plod on. Btw: this is not my paranoia. Underneath, I find it deeply alienating and distressing.

I wonder how much the western world’s pursuit for economic growth, personal wealth and status ultimately has an impact on our levels of happiness, mental illness and capacity to generally have little empathy for others, even just on a day-to-day level between mates. Or is this just human nature? Are we fundamentally greedy bastards?

Is it pace of movement? Does it depend on the way others around you move? Should sprinters be required to wear a helmet if speed and congestion are criteria?

We often have a choice between doing what we know is right, and doing what will gratify or benefit ourselves (even at the expense of others). So, why be good?