The Tragedy of Indifference

What's Indifference? 
We See It All Around Us
But What Can We Do?

Indifference is defined as such: 'lack of interest, concern, or sympathy.' One of the ways Doctors determine whether someone is depressed or not is with indifference. Are there things we used to enjoy doing but now don't bring us pleasure? Has sadness become such a common emotion that it feels natural? Are we numb? Do we feel anything at all? 

In many ways does this apply to those who struggle with depression. However, I feel the topic of indifference applies to everyone, not just those who struggle with depression. 

In my personal opinion, the range of human emotion and our ability to empathize are tools that guide us in our true purpose in life: Relationships.

There are 7.5 billion people in the world, and we interact with each other on a daily basis. One could avoid human contact and immerse oneself in nature... But there will always be something missing. For example...

Christopher McCandless was a man who left civilization to be in 'the most ancient of human conditions', hitchhiking his way across the United States and ending up in Alaska. He refers to this as his 'spiritual pilgrimage', and experiences tremendous joy upon self-reflecting throughout, even stating that relationships aren't necessary for happiness. What I find interesting is what he wrote in his final moments before dying: 

'Happiness is only real when shared'.

He recognized the power of relationships in that moment, and I interpret that as pure empathy. Empathy being 'the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.' To share the feelings of another. 

Whether it be in politics, religion, education, or work... We are constantly interacting with people, and we develop micro-relationships with each other. How we treat those relationships is everything. How we feel and share feelings is everything. 

Elie Wiesel has said,

 'The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference.'

The structure of human existence is built on these relationships, and for every moment of indifference where we don't care, the structure is weakened. 

I have recognized in myself a level of indifference in regards to certain topics. It truly is a tragedy as all that could've been experienced is put aside with indifference. As trials are experienced by others and we are indifferent. Indifference towards the upcoming presidential election doesn't create blissful ignorance, but affects you, me, and the relationships of every individual in the country, as well as the world. 

My hope is that we will strive to have interest, concern, and sympathy in this life.

'Life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured.'
- Anthony J. D'Angelo