Many Americans appear robotic and disconnected, especially in social settings like restaurants. Families often sit together without talking or using phones, staring blankly at walls. This behavior seems absurd and suggests a lack of genuine human connection.
Psychological Perspective
The author, who studies psychology frequently, believes this phenomenon is due to a lack of self-identity. Americans are often raised to fit into a narrow, predefined mold. Their self-identity is typically based on a set of core values chosen from a list, around which they build their lives.
Misalignment of Values and Lifestyle
A significant issue in America is people living lifestyles that don’t align with their chosen values. This misalignment often occurs in work environments where individuals are forced to act against their beliefs. Such conflict can lead to:
• 😞 Depression (living too much in the past)
• 😰 Anxiety (living too much in the future)
The Result
Consequently, many Americans:
• 🤖 Appear robotic or zombie-like
• 🧠 Don’t know who they truly are
• 🚶♂️ Walk around without living by their own values
Religious Connection
The author claims to have found a correlation between this psychological phenomenon and religious texts. Specifically, they reference the Quran, Chapter 59, Verse 19:
“And do not be like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves.”
The author interprets this verse as explaining the robotic behavior observed in many Americans. They suggest that forgetting God leads to forgetting oneself, which they see as a punishment or symptom of following evil or being part of a corrupt system.
Additional Insights
• Self-identity crisis is a growing concern in modern societies, not just in America.
• Research shows that aligning one’s actions with personal values can lead to increased well-being and life satisfaction.
• The concept of “forgetting oneself” exists in various philosophical and spiritual traditions, not just in Islam.
• Social media and technology may contribute to the disconnection observed in social settings.
• Cultural shifts towards individualism might paradoxically lead to a loss of individual identity in some cases.
