One of the characteristics that distinguish humans from other animals is our ability to give up something we value in the present in exchange for something more desirable in the future. Our existing monetary system makes every effort to prevent this, as it’s founded on free credit and unlimited spending and punishes savers through inflation. To function, the system requires people to use credit to purchase things they can not afford.
As a result, many people resort to a primal state much like our ancestor's whose improvidence molded their need for instant food consumption. For unconscious people, the monetary system places them on a hamster wheel of spending money faster than they can obtain. In many circumstances, this excessive spending is a manifestation of internal trauma that hasn’t been addressed. Even with the technological advancements of the 21st century many people still crave instant gratification. The physical need may have changed but the emotional grip still has control.
How do you overcome this need?
Self-control is a crucial piece of this puzzle. The first step is to become aware of the source of the problem that has to be addressed. To find this origin one must understand one's self to the highest degree. To achieve this, a person needs to be alone. This was experienced by many in 2020 while suffering from the effects of lockdowns imposed by tyrannical governments. During this period societies and households were segregated creating a sense of hopelessness and uncertainty. This unique time of self-reflection gave way to the opportunity to go within and explore the work required to understand oneself. Jordan Peterson describes this as the shadow self.
This journey must be walked alone, as the external environment can cloud a person's judgment of themself and their purpose. Once alone they must critically analyze every aspect of their existence and the path they are on. Only then will true potential be unlocked, and a complete understanding of self be attained. The awareness of the need being brought into the light will cure the desire for instant gratification as life's purpose has been found. However, the task is by no means easy as failure to overcome the shadow self leads to a life centered on confusion and loneliness. The craving for instant gratification alleviates the ache of unrealized potential, which offers a fleeting sense of purpose. Therefore, to live a sovereign life individuals should strive to find their purpose, even though the process may turn their current worldviews on its head.
That’s powerful. Thank you for this!