So far, the articles I’ve read refuting Haidt’s research and claims have been empty of substance and logic. Haidt has presented such a clear and rational argument that I don't see how anybody could deny the role smartphones and social media have played in adolescents’ mental illness. I’ve shown my daughter many illustrations from his recent book to start conversations with her, which inevitably leads to discussing addiction, something she knows I have experience with, though not to what extent or its severity.
This is such an important topic, and I’m glad you’re writing about it. More people need to acknowledge the depth and hold of addiction and its many forms in today’s society.
With you entirely. The review in Nature and other takes from dissenting moral psychologists seem to be rooted in politics more than reality. I also love his "four rules"—especially no phones at school and more independence, play, and responsibility. It's just common sense at this point. It's beautiful that you are reading it with your daughter. Respect.
From my anthropological angle, addiction is due to a hollowed-out worldview (not just at an individual level but also at a communal level). People try to expand tools into a worldview but fail, and continue to cycle through them, leading to anxiety, addiction etc. When people are estranged from mysticism, how can they reignite that fire? Your 'awakened recovery' seems like a return to mysticism (which means being comfortable with uncertainty).
In my view, the modern challenge is rationalism. Rationalism (not rationality) looks for complete certainty. It leaves no space for the ineffable, for the mystical, for humility. When trying to fix things, we can also fall into that trap of being overly prescriptive (rationalist handholding).
Interesting reframe Alex, and I appreciate your thoughful continued focus on addiction and related topics.
I agree with (and Holly) that in the ways you've laid out, "addiction touches all of us," and that we all "deserve" something... but I can't get behind calling it "recovery."
I'm all for "a mindset that emphasizes conscious, intentional, ethical, and communal living as the path to a more meaningful and connected existence," I just don't see any reason to continue to call that Recovery and therefore saddle what's really just how _life_ can be better lived with the hundred-odd years of addiction and recovery dogma / baggage.
Personally, I want nothing to do with "recovery" and it's not a "recovery mindset" but a positive-living mindset. As it happens I published a piece Against "Recovery" just the other day. I'd be interested to hear how this lands with you:
So far, the articles I’ve read refuting Haidt’s research and claims have been empty of substance and logic. Haidt has presented such a clear and rational argument that I don't see how anybody could deny the role smartphones and social media have played in adolescents’ mental illness. I’ve shown my daughter many illustrations from his recent book to start conversations with her, which inevitably leads to discussing addiction, something she knows I have experience with, though not to what extent or its severity.
This is such an important topic, and I’m glad you’re writing about it. More people need to acknowledge the depth and hold of addiction and its many forms in today’s society.
Thank you, Alex.
With you entirely. The review in Nature and other takes from dissenting moral psychologists seem to be rooted in politics more than reality. I also love his "four rules"—especially no phones at school and more independence, play, and responsibility. It's just common sense at this point. It's beautiful that you are reading it with your daughter. Respect.
Love the piece and the way you pair Awakened with Recovery. That’s how I have defined my recovery. Awakening to self-knowledge.
Good one Alex. Important for everyone to read and absorb.
Love that the term works for you, and that you use it - awakening to self-knowledge. Thanks, D
Important and will share widely
Bless you
Great article Alex. I also very much enjoyed your recent podcast with Manuela.
I'm so glad to hear this, Jasen, fires me up to keep the pod going - thank you
From my anthropological angle, addiction is due to a hollowed-out worldview (not just at an individual level but also at a communal level). People try to expand tools into a worldview but fail, and continue to cycle through them, leading to anxiety, addiction etc. When people are estranged from mysticism, how can they reignite that fire? Your 'awakened recovery' seems like a return to mysticism (which means being comfortable with uncertainty).
https://wanderingprimitive.substack.com/p/tools-and-worldviews
In my view, the modern challenge is rationalism. Rationalism (not rationality) looks for complete certainty. It leaves no space for the ineffable, for the mystical, for humility. When trying to fix things, we can also fall into that trap of being overly prescriptive (rationalist handholding).
https://wanderingprimitive.substack.com/p/worldviews-rationalism-and-mysticism
Pretty cool, reminds me of when Burroughs said you understand "junk" you understand society.
The graphs and the statistics are a welcome inclusion! They give some real weight to your words. Thanks for the work Alex!
Thanks, Brady, it was fun to switch things up a bit. I attempted to make this one be an easy read, so appreciate you letting me know it worked :)
My pleasure :)
Interesting reframe Alex, and I appreciate your thoughful continued focus on addiction and related topics.
I agree with (and Holly) that in the ways you've laid out, "addiction touches all of us," and that we all "deserve" something... but I can't get behind calling it "recovery."
I'm all for "a mindset that emphasizes conscious, intentional, ethical, and communal living as the path to a more meaningful and connected existence," I just don't see any reason to continue to call that Recovery and therefore saddle what's really just how _life_ can be better lived with the hundred-odd years of addiction and recovery dogma / baggage.
Personally, I want nothing to do with "recovery" and it's not a "recovery mindset" but a positive-living mindset. As it happens I published a piece Against "Recovery" just the other day. I'd be interested to hear how this lands with you:
https://bowendwelle.substack.com/p/against-recovery