On one side, there’s close combat in Ukraine between two of the most civilized nations; on the other, Chinese\u2013U.S. tension over Taiwan. Add to this global warming, environmental destruction, moral decadence, food crises, nuclear threats, and the arms race\u2014the problems keep piling up. Ironically, the proposed solution\u2014”printing money”\u2014is yet another problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Death may be inevitable, but it needn\u2019t come in the most senseless way. Many of us wish to die one day, but with dignity. Suicide, though sometimes contemplated, is often a symptom of deeper misalignment\u2014either a misreading of events by the individual or external pressures pushing them toward such an end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Humans need a purpose. Without it, society\u2014like individuals\u2014risks metaphorical or even literal suicide. In today\u2019s world of abundance and automation, we face an unexpected enemy: comfort. In the past, survival was the goal. Then came religion, nationalism, human rights, and class struggle to offer new meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, free from many old problems, we face a new one\u2014leisure without direction. Without a \u201cwhy\u201d to live, existence loses its weight. Enlightenment\u2014awakening\u2014could be the ultimate goal to pursue in this modern vacuum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life is neither wholly necessary nor unnecessary\u2014it is shaped by context. In the Middle Ages, we lived for the lord; during industrialization, for the nation. Serious causes structured our identities. Now, we live for nothing but ourselves\u2014and that void is overwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the call to enlightenment remains. It is our responsibility to rise above ignorance and cruelty. Just as a bird uses its wings to fly, humans must use their intellect to thrive. If we don\u2019t rediscover purpose, we risk self-destruction\u2014simply because life without cause becomes unsustainable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Turkey, a developing nation, still finds meaning in its immediate struggles: survival, development, and catching up with historic rivals. But global collapse looms, and Turkey, like any country, cannot remain unaffected. \u201cWhen elephants fight, it\u2019s the grass that suffers.\u201d Giants clash over ideologies, and smaller states get trampled in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a moderate economy and geopolitical role, Turkey is average in many ways. Yet it lags behind in enlightenment. Social values are unstable, knowledge is devalued, and conventions often override facts\u2014especially under the influence of social media. Developing countries like Turkey bear heavier cultural damage than developed ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Still, this disadvantage could be flipped into a strength. Turkey is behind the West but ahead of many neighbors. By helping enlighten others, Turkey can reflect that progress onto itself. The best way to learn is to teach. As Heidegger noted, in teaching, the teacher learns first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If Turkey struggles with education, how can it lead? Here lies the paradox: \u201cThe wound is the place where the light enters you,\u201d says Rumi. Helping others is a healing process\u2014for both parties. Crises hold potential. Everyone starts ignorant; growth demands effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Turkey is a natural candidate for leading a new enlightenment\u2014not only to improve herself but to lift the region around her. By embracing this mission, the country would find a lasting purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ignorance can become momentum. While Europe redirected its purpose toward economics, Turkey can embrace enlightenment as the true goal. Economic tools must serve that higher calling\u2014not replace it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Death of Humanity On one side, there’s close combat in Ukraine between two of the most civilized nations; on the other, Chinese\u2013U.S. tension over Taiwan. Add to this global warming, environmental destruction, moral decadence, food crises, nuclear threats, and the arms race\u2014the problems keep piling up. Ironically, the proposed solution\u2014”printing money”\u2014is yet another problem. Death may be inevitable, but it needn\u2019t come in the most senseless way. Many of us wish to die one day, but with dignity. Suicide, though sometimes contemplated, is often a symptom of deeper misalignment\u2014either a misreading of events by the individual or external pressures <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1148,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[258],"tags":[260,101,261,259],"class_list":["post-1147","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-turkology","tag-middle-east","tag-politics","tag-post-truth","tag-turkiye","has_thumb"],"yoast_head":"\n