Economic reality might help to refocus those who have become too self indulgent

Evidence of self-indulgence is becoming more apparent all the time. This is a trait that is detrimental to individuals’ well-being, but also is very harmful to the nation’s economy.

That bad behaviour is now obvious. For instance, the obesity rate is alarmingly high.

In the United States 68 per cent of the population is either obese or over-weight.

Comparable numbers for Canada are not available, but anecdotal reports indicate that the Canadian figures are almost as woeful.

It does not take a rocket scientist to understand the causes of this problem. Of course, desk work does not burn as many calories as spade work, and labour-saving devices do nothing for physical fitness.

Many lead chaotic lives so fast foods, loaded with fattening ingredients, become a crutch.

It is not a lack of nutritional science that is responsible, but rather it is self-indulgence.

Too few want to make the effort to prepare proper meals and too few want to tackle those responsible for the unhealthy ingredients in so many food items.

People are unbelievably lazy about litter.

The rural countryside is a favourite dumping ground for almost anything, because many do not want to exert themselves to dispose of litter correctly.

It is blatant self-indulgence.

Parents and teachers take an easy route.

To assuage parents and avoid the hard work to teach, school marks are inflated; youngsters then can get away with inadequate efforts. Parents are complicit in this.

The self-indulgence of politicians is notorious.

They are reluctant to take on complicated or controversial issues for fear of alienating voters. Also, their expense accounts should make them blush.

The low voter turnout permits that misbehaviour to continue.

What is going on?

There is a widespread failure in our society.

The so-called “powerful” have been primed to believe that they are entitled to act as they please. They engage in moral hypocrisy, condemning others, but not “looking in the mirror.”

Others also act in a most self-indulgent manner, evoking few criticisms.

Transit employees do not even feel guilty when caught repeatedly sleeping on their job.

People everywhere seem to have become progressively more self-indulgent.

Perhaps a dose of economic adversity will tend to refocus them and thereby reduce irresponsible conduct.

For the sake of society we must hope for more ethical conduct.

 

Bruce Whitestone

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