Present Day: An Examination by Dr. Mohamed Bahaidar

2.1 Introduction

The Modern Dilemma of Pleasure and Contentment

What I see in this contemporary generation is an irony of existence. Jumbled with nature, we still have to make our choices. However, we seem stranded with our substantial contentment. Through a variety of choices on how to satisfy the pleasure principle, it is not always a guarantee to leading a blissful life. In reality, the opposite might happen, that is, after the pleasure then comes the headache.

2.2 Paradox of Choices

Choosing Amidst Pleasure and Uncertainty

If we were to focus on the numerous options we have when it comes to leisure activities one fundamental question arises: Why are we still less happy? As human beings, the world offers us a variety of exotic cuisines which occupy our space and time as we quench our overwhelming appetites. Yet most of the time we are not even sure whether to eat more or less. Making a choice becomes a dilemma.

2.3 Information Overload and Shallow Mindedness

Navigating the Impact of Excessive Information on Decision-Making

Information overload is the difficulty in understanding an issue and effectively making decisions when one has too much information. This brings us to our second point. Does information overload cause the dilemma of shallow mindedness? This is because it appears as if, the more we know, the more we are incapable of making rational choices. In spite of many years spent in school we lack the ingenuity to come up with a strategic plan on how to let money work for us instead of the contrary.

2.4 Technology and Its Side Effects

Balancing Excitement and the Unexplained Void

We live in a world full of sophisticated gadgets that more often than not are meant to increase the pleasure principle. However, as much as technology positively impacts our lifestyle, it has also a number of side effects. We can experience lots of excitement ranging from clubbing, drinking, and using substances to amuse ourselves or even become workaholics or shopaholics to ease the tension within us. But despite all this, we still experience an unexplained void deep within us.

2.5 Time Constraints in a Fast-Paced World

Struggling with Time Management and Moral Support

The concept of time is still a far-fetched phenomenon. This is because although technology has made transportation easier and faster, it would appear as if we normally don’t have enough time to accomplish our goals. Caught up with time, we feel helpless and in need of moral support. Woe unto us if we are surrounded by individuals who are out of character and with a stale sense of humour!

2.6 Societal Influence on Personalities

Trends, Brainwashing, and Reduced Meaning in Love

We live in a society characterized by different personality dynamics. Being of different personalities, therefore, implies that we respond differently to various trends. Some of these trends are quite brainwashing to the extent that whatever is not obscene does not appeal to us. This explains the reason as to why no song or movie can ever hit the box office without incorporating obscene scenes.

2.7 Sexuality and Relationships

Succumbing to Basic Instincts and Fear of Commitment

We are often advised not to use our sentiments to avoid being hurt but rather appeal to the mind supposedly the domain of comfort and happiness! But this escapist attitude to the mind renders us incapable of loving. The very mention of the word marriage creates fear in us. Many couples have avoided expressing love to each other. This has seen the word “love” sadly reduced to imply mere “sex”. Reduced to the basic instincts, man has cheapened sex as to be found virtually everywhere.

2.8 The Continuing Struggle to Realize Our Dreams

Persisting Through Life's Challenges in Pursuit of Goals

One’s dreams are personal. In order to realize them you've got to get out there and make them happen for yourself. If you don't pursue your dreams, you'll never reach them. If you don't take the first step forward, you will always stay in the same place. As they say, “It is better to prepare and fail rather than fail to prepare.

By Dr. Mohamed Bahaidar (Sociologist, Recipient of the most distinguished award in the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, Author of The Hidden Self, The Point of Deflection, A Household of Bliss, Sparkling Hope, and Mirror Reflection).