Hi, I would like to know why it is that when people need help, it’s easier for them to pray and expect God to help them, as if by magic, instead of doing something to change themselves. Thank you.
Dear reader,
On one hand, we live in a time where technology keeps the population more passive. Human beings spend more time sitting down watching television or on their computer, which means people are observing, but not creating anything. They just click on the remote control or their mouse, and consume. There are also more vehicles of public and private transport, so there isn’t a lot of walking to do; people just stay seated and reach any destination. Many goods and services are easily obtained by telephone. Food is ready instantly and in schools, physical education is not taught in a disciplined way. The body gets used to being passive, which also slows the mind. Life appears to be easier, with everything already made and at hand. But the secondary effect of this modern life is that human beings become more passive, lazier and less capable. This is why when a difficult situation presents itself, they don’t know how to solve it because they have not the devoted time to develop physical, social or cultural skills, and so, they do what’s easiest: ask or pray when a problem presents itself.
On the other hand, there is fear—fear of changing and being criticized for it; fear of exploring and making mistakes; fear of accepting that we have to change and fear of not being recognized if we change, or punished if we propose something different from what the majority is doing.
Another factor is exhaustion. A great portion of the population works very hard for long hours. Then, when it is suggested they “work” on solving a problem, they no longer have energy or desire to pursue change, which is understandable.
Finally, due to the fact that it is so difficult to change the world, people suffer from hopelessness (or depression) fed by one thought: “why change if you can’t change the world?”
In conclusion, the overuse of technology keeps people from developing social, physical and cultural skills. Fear, exhaustion, and hopelessness, are the factors which are most present in people who have difficulty working out the solutions to their own problems.
Fortunately, there are many examples of people who have been able to walk away from lethargy, face fear and become more active beings. The most important thing is to want to do it, and then, to know that the process of changing and doing something for ourselves can be conducted with motivation and positive re-enforcement, and that it does give results that make your own world better–and eventually, everyone else’s too. Remember: “God helps those who help themselves.”
Have a question about an issue or situation– personal, emotional, familial or psychological–that you need to know about to solve a problem, live better or pursue happiness? You can send questions by email at alafelicidad@eltecolote.org and we will not use your real name unless that is what you want. And even if we cannot publish your question because we receive too many, I will send you back a response via email. If you do not have access to a computer, you can write your question on a piece of paper and leave it in the newspaper office where it will be delivered to me directly.