In our relentless pursuit of scientific and technological progress, are we quietly sacrificing the moral and emotional frameworks that make us human?
Virtue vs. Advancement
Traditionally, societies grounded in humility, moral restraint and deep community values often chose not to compete for dominance. But in the current world order, one where power is closely tied to innovation, influence and technological supremacy, that moral restraint can start to feel like a weakness.
A striking historical example is post-WWII Japan. In the wake of devastation, Japan embraced rapid industrialisation and adopted many Western technological values to survive and rebuild. The result was a remarkable economic transformation but also a cultural one. A society once deeply rooted in communal values, ritual and restraint had to adapt or be left behind.
This brings up a deeper question:
Has the pursuit of knowledge shifted from a search for wisdom to a pursuit of control?
We no longer ask, What makes a good or meaningful life?
Instead, we ask how can we optimise it?
How can we move faster, scale bigger and remove friction?
This is hugely influencial of many aspects of our own personal and professional life.
“Technological society has succeeded in multiplying the opportunities for pleasure, but it has great difficulty in generating joy.” — Pope Paul VI
Virtue isn’t gone but it may no longer be rewarded.
Science: Our Tool or Our Master?
From AI to gene editing to automation, we’re living in an age of unprecedented scientific discovery and yet, our ability to make breakthroughs is rapidly outpacing our ability to pause, reflect or regulate.
Are we in control of science or is science now in control of us?
This isn’t a technophobic question. Technology is neutral but its applications are not. What we prioritise, scale and deploy reflects the values of those in control and without collective ethical reflection, we risk developing tools we don’t fully understand and cannot reverse.
Take AI. We celebrate its ability to write, think and even feel but we rarely ask how it will affect mental health, employment or identity.
“The unleashed power of the atom has changed everything” — Albert Einstein
The Deception Economy
One of the most observable shifts in our cultural psyche has been shaped by social media. While it once promised connection, it now often encourages performance to garner attention and consequently likes, comments and follows. Authenticity has in some spaces become secondary to visibility.
We’re now in what could be called a "deception economy", not in the sense of malicious lies, but subtle distortions. Highlight reels. Curated identities. Clickbait vulnerability. It’s a world where being seen is more important than being understood.
What happens when attention becomes the most valuable currency?
For younger generations especially, the aspiration has changed. Where once there was a desire to become a teacher, builder, firefighter or an artist, now many want to become an influencer and not just to express themselves, but to be validated, endorsed and monetised.
This shift isn’t inherently bad. It reflects new tools and new possibilities but it does invite questions:
How does this shape self-worth?
How does it impact mental health?
What is lost when we treat human beings as brands?
From a psychological lens, we know that long-term wellbeing is built on meaningful connection, inner coherence and emotional safety and not visibility.
It’s very difficult to objectively measure these things so what happens when those are replaced by metrics?
Contrarian Thinking: A Quiet Resistance
In response to all of this, some intellectuals and cultural commentators are stepping away from the mainstream narrative.
They’re asking:
What if progress meant knowing when not to build?
What if wisdom meant choosing less, not more?
We're seeing a quiet return to ideas once considered “old-fashioned” whether it be ritual, contemplation, tradition and slowness.
For example, here is an article by The Guardian about Gen Z men in the UK flocking back to church.
“The modern world demands that we rush. But wisdom comes slowly.”
But even if we want to slow down, can we?
When technological advancement is tied to national security, global dominance or even economic survival, is it realistic to expect any one nation or person to stop?
Are we trapped in a system where progress is pursued not because it’s good, but because we fear falling behind?
It’s worth asking: Are we hurtling toward mutual burnout simply because we don’t trust each other to pause?
Are We Losing Our Humanity?
This is the heart of the reflection.
We are not just using technology. We are being shaped by it.
It affects how we communicate, what we value, how we feel about ourselves and even how we relate to pain and uncertainty.
Convenience replaces community.
Algorithms replace intuition.
Metrics replace meaning.
“We are becoming the tools of our tools.”
— Henry David Thoreau
In therapy, we often explore disconnection from the self, others or purpose but disconnection isn’t just only psychological but may also be cultural.
Are we on the edge of a more connected, inclusive era or are we quietly drifting from what gives life its richness. It’s depth, presence, care, slowness and soul?
This newsletter is not a critique of technology or culture. It’s a commitment to asking better questions and staying human in a world that often rewards the opposite.
That’s it from me this week.
Fahim
Disclaimer
These reflections are my own and written from the perspective of a trainee therapist. They are not intended as professional or therapeutic advice, nor do they represent any organisation or professional body. The views expressed here reflect my current stage of development and understanding and may evolve as I continue to learn.
If you are struggling with your mental health or emotional wellbeing, please seek support from a qualified professional.