Derivatives

Derivative Equation

We are living in an age of derivatives. In finance, derivatives, named for a method in calculus, have contributed to the fall of modern capitalism. In literature, fan fiction gathers air-headed enthusiasts who read as if  they are eating potato chips. They just want more of the same, despite the marginal value of the original. The chop-shopping of Jane Austen and other great creative writers by lesser minds is a major trend for a faltering publishing industry, which has decided to go with stupid rather than maintain standards at higher cost in changing times.

We humans, like other great apes, are prone to mimicking. However, in this age of mass access to mass communication, mimickers and their admirers, who have always vastly outnumber the original and creative, rule the mass media culture by sheer numbers. Is there a return from this trend to mediocrity? As long as mass media is offered to the public as the bread and circus of corporate imperialism, mediocrity will be here to stay. 

This leveling is mathematically predictable with overpopulation and diminishing resources. Everyone will have to settle for less, with the notable exceptions of the capitalist puppet masters, who espouse overpopulation as "growth" and diminishing resources as "opportunities for innovation". The narcotized public, dosed with alcohol, prescribed pharmaceuticals and recreational drugs, will read the tripe on their iPads with an illusion of happiness. An itch scratched, an appetite sated.

A humanist can see through this fog. Since humanism is based on education, health and a striving for the best for all through rational inquiry and application, the humanist must look beyond pop culture. This is difficult in a media-bombarded, crowded urban world. This is where practice comes in. Practice at being tuned into what is really happening in your own life, your own mind, starts the process of personal creativity and personal originality. A humanist can be recognized as leading a life which is not derivative, but creative.