There are so many people who are angry right now because instead of being able to live anonymously, most people are having to devolve into monsters just to put food on the table. Despite previous studies that giving makes people feel better, these studies hit differently when more people are struggling. It is also important to remember that a study is only as important as the context under which the conditions were measured. Now, the phrase, “it is better to give than to receive” takes on a more pseudo-spiritual perspective based on circumstances that are no longer relevant. At this moment, it is important to recognize that some of the cliches that we have been tossing out a more harmful than helpful.
“You get out what you put in.” Anyone still saying this in 2026 is refusing to recognize reality. Yes, I mentioned hardships that I had last Friday, but no, I did not spend all of the last two stressful years putting “negative energy” into my efforts. Most people put an incredible amount of energy into the mere practice of existing, and we will throw anything we can into that effort. Entire populations of people struck down by poverty did not wish it on ourselves, and it is incredibly abusive to suggest otherwise. The dominant narrative rewards cruelty, which means that those who cheat others will often move to the front of the line, not those doing our literal best to help ourselves and others.
“If something is meant for you, it will happen.” Does that count all the algorithms designed to weed out Black women over 40? Does that count all the employers actively working to strip the workforce of its ability to consume? See, no one exists in the middle of nowhere affected by no one and nothing, and the hyperindividualism that everyone is attempting to adopt has helped destroy the world. Human beings make choices that affect other human beings, and there is nothing to eliminate 100% of bias in a world designed to empower the worst of the worst. Pretending that “everything will work out” is why so many people have gotten insanely comfortable doing nothing to develop community outside their privileged few.
Most cliches only work if someone is in complete control of their destiny, and that is entirely impossible to predict. The frustration I felt last Friday and the delay in posting this week? All of that comes after months of patiently waiting, going to interviews and making very careful plans within my community just to see what would happen. I had just moved into an apartment, complete with accompanying furniture purchases, and the owner decided to change their mind–after one month. There was no recklessness, we all confirmed many things before any moves were made, and we still are being forced to “figure it out.” Natural disasters, flaky employers, and predatory rental practices are all in play, not to mention the vulnerability that more people have enduring.
Pseudospiritual statements like that were designed to encourage the internalization of inequalities, and people operating under those assumptions are usually people who live a privileged lifestyle. These kinds of individuals never had to struggle, or if they did, never for very long. Just like I have said before, it is time to stop listening to stupid privileged people who never had a problem that they had to consider without money. They have no magical strategy, just privilege. It is time to stop giving credit where none is due.
Chasing A Dying Empire 