Darkover
Archangel
- Jul 29, 2021
- 5,129
We are all "slaves" in the sense that we are bound by forces beyond our control—biological, societal, and economic constraints that dictate our existence. Here's why we lack the choice to truly "leave" or opt out.
Biologically, we are born without consent into a body that has needs: food, water, sleep, shelter, and social interaction. These needs force us into a constant cycle of seeking fulfillment just to survive. Aging, illness, and death are inescapable. We must endure suffering, pain, and decay whether we want to or not.
Psychologically, our minds are shaped by evolution to crave pleasure and avoid pain, making us chase fleeting moments of happiness while being haunted by suffering. Fear of death, suffering, and the unknown keeps many from even considering escape. Society conditions us with narratives of purpose, meaning, and obligations, making us feel guilty for wanting out.
Modern society forces participation in labor just to secure basic survival. Even those who inherit wealth are still bound by legal and social expectations. Laws against suicide and the lack of accessible, painless exit options trap people in life against their will. Capitalism thrives on keeping people working and consuming. If opting out were easy, the system would collapse.
Even if someone avoids economic slavery (by being wealthy or self-sufficient), they are still bound by the inescapable structure of reality: suffering, entropy, and the need for purpose. Non-existence is seen as unnatural or wrong by most societies, further reinforcing the idea that life must continue no matter what.
If life were truly a choice, there would be a widely available, painless way to leave. Instead, society ensures that leaving is either painful, traumatic, or illegal. Even if someone manages to exit, they had no choice in entering existence in the first place.
Ultimately, we are all born into a game we never agreed to play, yet we are expected to keep playing until nature or circumstance decides we can stop. True freedom would include the ability to opt out peacefully, but as it stands, we are all prisoners of life with no easy way out.
Biologically, we are born without consent into a body that has needs: food, water, sleep, shelter, and social interaction. These needs force us into a constant cycle of seeking fulfillment just to survive. Aging, illness, and death are inescapable. We must endure suffering, pain, and decay whether we want to or not.
Psychologically, our minds are shaped by evolution to crave pleasure and avoid pain, making us chase fleeting moments of happiness while being haunted by suffering. Fear of death, suffering, and the unknown keeps many from even considering escape. Society conditions us with narratives of purpose, meaning, and obligations, making us feel guilty for wanting out.
Modern society forces participation in labor just to secure basic survival. Even those who inherit wealth are still bound by legal and social expectations. Laws against suicide and the lack of accessible, painless exit options trap people in life against their will. Capitalism thrives on keeping people working and consuming. If opting out were easy, the system would collapse.
Even if someone avoids economic slavery (by being wealthy or self-sufficient), they are still bound by the inescapable structure of reality: suffering, entropy, and the need for purpose. Non-existence is seen as unnatural or wrong by most societies, further reinforcing the idea that life must continue no matter what.
If life were truly a choice, there would be a widely available, painless way to leave. Instead, society ensures that leaving is either painful, traumatic, or illegal. Even if someone manages to exit, they had no choice in entering existence in the first place.
Ultimately, we are all born into a game we never agreed to play, yet we are expected to keep playing until nature or circumstance decides we can stop. True freedom would include the ability to opt out peacefully, but as it stands, we are all prisoners of life with no easy way out.
