It is becoming increasingly apparent that our society, both domestically and globally, finds itself embroiled in a profound struggle – whether this is a state of undeclared conflict or merely an unprecedented level of competition is a question that merits deep reflection.

A concerning trend emerging from this struggle is our increasing reliance on what could be termed a ‘medicalized economy.’ This refers to the pervasive presence of pharmaceutical interventions within our society, where drugs, both illicit and prescribed, are not merely symptoms but often contributors to a wider array of maladies. We observe a distressing prevalence of addiction, rising rates of chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer, and an alarming increase in suicides. This cultural landscape, where individuals are systematically disempowered and marginalized by these very issues, paints a picture of a society losing its collective vitality – a phenomenon one might provocatively describe as a ‘grateful dead’ state, where potential and purpose are prematurely extinguished.

The prevalence of excessive alcohol consumption, for instance, particularly its early onset in adolescence, before or during high school, is equally disturbing. The sheer volume of health crises directly attributable to alcohol suggests a systemic issue, perhaps even an unintended consequence of relentless societal pressures or competitive dynamics. It raises questions about the environments we cultivate for our youth and the coping mechanisms they are implicitly encouraged to adopt.

One cannot help but ponder if this pervasive competition itself is a driving force behind these maladies. When individuals succumb to illness or addiction, they often find themselves sidelined from career progression and integrated into the extensive medical and therapeutic support systems. This raises a challenging query: Are we, inadvertently, creating a cycle where widespread illness and dependence become economically self-perpetuating? Beyond substance abuse, we see the corrosive effects of other societal excesses – from unhealthy consumption patterns to the proliferation of pornography. It is worth contemplating the extent to which these factors contribute to broader social ills, including crime rates and, tragically, even instances of extreme violence.

Reflecting on my own formative years, the presence of various substances – from alcohol and marijuana to more potent illicit drugs – was disturbingly common. This early exposure to intoxicating substances not only fueled rumor and speculation but, more significantly, foreshadowed a loss of societal standing. The adage “dead men tell no tales” takes on a grim metaphorical resonance here: once an individual is deeply entangled in cycles of addiction or destructive behavior, their credibility diminishes, their voice is discounted, and their very participation in civic and professional life is severely compromised. They are, in essence, rendered ‘grateful dead’ – stripped of their prospects, their legal standing, and their ability to contribute meaningfully to society.

This begs profound questions about the nature of our societal framework. Are we confronting a deliberate societal affliction, or are these merely the unintended, complex consequences of systemic pressures and human vulnerabilities? To what extent do intelligence, or perhaps a collective ignorance of these underlying dynamics, play a role in perpetuating these cycles? These are not simple inquiries, but urgent calls for deeper understanding and collective introspection. Are we at war with ourselves, or is it some foreign entity?   I have previously proposed the hypothesis that we are at war.   Either that or it’s extreme competition to keep the economy in the hands of those that “matter more” in a self-defined way.