Against fatalism
Fatalism: “a doctrine that events are fixed in advance so that human beings are powerless to change them.”
I had considered titling this column “against catastrophizing” but, while that second word is indeed a word, it’s not often used. A friend suggested “against fatalism” as that second word is more widely understood, and so it is the title. My point remains: I am taking a stand, here, against this idea that nothing but catastrophe awaits and there is nothing we can do about it.
Too many Macedonians, it seems to me, have fixated on this idea that, because of past wrongs imposed on Macedonians by both domestic and foreign actors, future wrongs will definitely be imposed on Macedonians by both domestic and foreign actors, and, critically, nothing can be done about it. To be sure, future wrongs will be imposed on Macedonians by both domestic and foreign actors: that is called life. But one does not have to go through life thinking that there is nothing more than this and that all hope is lost. To the contrary, you have agency, and you can control some things. And even before that, you have much to be grateful for, and being grateful is a key to happiness, even contentment.
But back to catastrophe for a moment.
Many (most?) Macedonians are justifiably angry at elected politicians in Washington, DC and unelected bureaucrats in the US State Department, elected politicians and unelected bureaucrats in the EU and its vast and various agencies, and bureaucrats in NATO for the wrongs they have perpetrated on Macedonia and the Macedonians. The events surrounding 2001, the name and identity change, the pushing of alternative family lifestyles, the denigration of faith and tradition, the brushing aside of legitimate concerns of Macedonians in all of this, the condescending attitude of these tin-pot people towards Macedonia and the Macedonians, and more. I’m sure you can add your wrongs to this list.
And, not to leave guilty Macedonians out of this, I know for a fact that many (most?) Macedonians are justifiably angry at the elected politicians and unelected bureaucrats in Macedonia’s various institutions, including the government, but also certain media outlets, much of the NGO sector, and more, for their willing participation as quislings in these same wrongs.
Again, that anger is justified and don’t think for one minute of your valuable time that these men and women of middling intelligence and talent (but too much power) will ever acknowledge that justifiable anger, nor will they admit to doing anything wrong. One of the perks of being one of these quotidian individuals is never having to admit to wrongdoing and never having to say, “I am so sorry.” It just doesn’t enter into the equation with these folks.
They are guilty, they know they are guilty, and they’ll never apologize. And most of them are paid and will continue to be paid handsomely for their many sins. To use a technical word, sometimes life just sucks. These people have existed throughout all of time and in every country and civilization and will continue to exist.
The question for you, my Macedonian friends, is how to respond? How do you respond to these little narcissistic men and women I have just mentioned and then how do you respond going forward in life?
To my first question, the answer, I believe, is to ignore these reprobates, to the extent that you can. If you can’t ignore them, then laugh at them and the fact that they place so much of their own self-worth in the fact that they have titles and positions which is the only thing that gives them meaning in life. And then ridicule them as often as you can, for they are worth of ridicule.
To my second question, which is more important, the answer, I believe, is to first, stop focusing on the so-called “catastrophes!” These are not “catastrophes,” in that your life will likely end, or the lives of those you love will likely end or even that Macedonia as an independent nation-state will likely end. It is simply not true. A true catastrophe, for you as an individual, for your family, and for Macedonia as a nation-state, is a shooting war, a major earthquake, or some other, well, catastrophe. Stop fetishizing “catastrophes.”
Second, start focusing on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and good – things that are virtuous and praiseworthy. These things are all around you – if you look for them. Focus on these things and you will start creating in your soul and in your mind a wellspring of hope.
Third, be grateful for what you have in life, starting with family and true friends, and then expanding that gratefulness out to your health, the fact that you have a home, a home filled with many good things, probably a vehicle (and often more than one), a job (yes, most reading this have a job), and everything else. Be grateful for those who came before you, while building a future for those who will come after you. Be intentional about being grateful and, ideally, begin each day, and then end each day, by thanking God. Doing all of this will bring you happiness and maybe even contentment (which is far greater, more meaningful and lasts much longer than mere happiness). Incidentally, it is medically proven that happiness is good for your physical health. More to the point, you’ll probably live longer.
And finally, whatever you have in your power to do to change things for the better, then do these things. Remember, men and women came before you, endured hardship, sacrificed much (including, for some, their very lives), and worked to build this country, this idea, this identity called Macedonia, and Macedonian. If your gift is in education, then sign up and teach youth what is right and true. If your gift is in culture and art, then use it in pursuit of what is lovely and good. If your gift is in business, then go out and create jobs and wealth for you and others. If your gift is in the political arena (and if you are a good and honest individual), then get involved. And so much more because everyone has gifts. Discern your gift – and then use it to better yourself, your family, your friends and neighbors and your country.
In summary, don’t like the wrongs inflicted on Macedonia? Then tell me what your vision of Macedonia and its culture is and then pursue it. And stop “catastrophizing.”