Roots of Generational Depression

Another way of looking at not having a goal

Peter Thiel’s Zero to One¹ has become an unexpected philosophical eye-opener for me. There’s that section on different future outlooks, drawing the line between definite vs indefinite expectations, as well as optimistic vs pessimistic attitudes.

Image borrowed from this summary of the chapter

Aside from the core point made in the book — which is, briefly, that the indefinite optimistic outlook is unsustainable economically as everybody believes in a better future but no one commits to any specific vision — I find the indefinite optimism even more ruinous culturally and personally.

Within that indefinite framework, the philosophy, politics, and social life in general are very much shaped by the uncertainty. When you’re uncertain, you don’t really get to be optimistic. You start oscillating between expecting good things and fearing bad ones. You start being cautious about everything. You become excessively inclusive. You lean into nonviolent communication practice. You’re meta-hedging.

Or on the opposite, you realize the shortcomings of your present situation and crave the firm ground under your feet. Then, you clutch at the most prominent flagpole promising you a certain future, but that promise too is flawed and not definite. You cheer for the championship of loudness. You root for the non-substance.

You often cannot see the indefiniteness forest for those trees. Whatever ideology is emerging on top of the uncertainty, the substrate remains, and you cannot lie to your soul about it. That substrate is more dangerous than any specific set of beliefs on top of it. Beliefs are concrete, so they can be noticed and changed. The uncertainty is inherent to the world and can only be navigated with a strong vision that you continuously channel forth, shaping the world to your will.

The gap between the permeating uncertainty and our delusional hope for the abstract good is not just a gap but a chasm, sucking our lifeforce and casting abysmal shadows into our hearts. Don’t give in to it. Find your vision, make a glowing Silmaril out of it, and defy the encroaching darkness with its light.

1. As brother Vanja put it, “man even as overhyped as that book is, it's still underrated.” And it couldn’t be more true. Don’t think it’s a business book. Even if you will never found a company, just go and read it. It’s short and well-written too, you won’t be bored.