Buzzwords and the impact

We are learning Torah as it gives us a chance to get a clear eye perspective on our lives. We learn about the ups and downs of the lives of our ancestors, which makes us understand things much better. The overall picture is showing us the example of a proper way of life as well as shining the light on the recovery after the situation has become far from ideal.

The problem with buzzwords is the impression they are leaving on us. They do not tell us much; there is no policy of costing or explanations of the ways they plan to implement the
idea. Just that. Buzzwords, slogans, peer pressure, and our past experiences will shape our opinions even before we look deeper into the idea.

Even when we are trying to figure things out, we often see a glossy brochure first. The brochure will be as good as the promotion agency. And do they know how to make us interested in it? They will even make it different according to the target audience.

So let us imagine you are sitting at home, watching your TV or reading things online. We know that people are faster at reading and reacting to the negative headlines. Scientists will tell us that this is due to the survival instinct. Could be. The generation knows about the great catastrophe that ended all life on Earth, except for one family. The elder of the surviving family did say that the Almighty promised not to do it again, but can you really trust the old man who was known to get drunk at least once to a degree that he exposed himself?

Plus, even if it is true and not all the world is coming to an end, how can you be sure that your part of the world is safe? After all, look at all the people around – they are all sinners… Something definitely needs to be done to protect ourselves. There is a lot of research done by many international firms on how to fix things and save lives, and all humanity is waiting for the result.

Now, one day, the news arrives that a scientific breakthrough has been achieved. Everyone is talking about it. There are no problems with communications – everyone is speaking the same language. And the answer is rather obvious – if we all unite in building the tower high enough, we will be able to support the heavens. Yes, it is a big and very ambitious building project; however, luckily for us, the new type of bricks was invented and can be produced on a mass scale. These bricks are strong enough and rather affordable.

You wait for another week or so, and then notice the recruitment program just for this project. To become a part of the project, you need to be able to work as a member of the team, use the latest technology, and be willing to grow. In return, the company will offer you all the training necessary, good remuneration, a great opportunity to be among like-minded people, and even a contribution to your pension plan at the completion of the project.

Think about it. Would you not run to apply, especially since you know that this will save the world? Well, you do not really know, but all the scientific data is pointing to it. Who would you trust – an old man or science? What do you have to lose?

By now, you probably realised that the project was the Tower of Babel. This was a huge failure. Why? Let’s just put it as clearly as possible – people who wanted to be good went after buzz words and propaganda thinly veiled as scientific research. Anyone who actually took the time to look into it could have told you that this is not research as such, but rather a hypothetical scenario based on heavily filtered data. But who has time to lose by reading and analysing? We need to save the world… All your friends are already applying to be a part of the project. Will you stop to think, or will you fold under the peer pressure?

I can only hope that this will not get to me. Yet it is much easier on this side when we know the story. Decisions are much harder when you are living through them.

Let’s learn more and challenge our vision soon.