As G. K. Chesterton famously stated, ‘When you break the big laws, you do not get liberty; you do not even get anarchy. You get the small laws.’
Commentary
With over 30 years of experience in higher education, I have witnessed the changes in student culture in Australia and the United States over time.
Substance use has evolved from primarily alcohol and soft drugs to binge drinking and the utilization of hard drugs like methamphetamines and cocaine.
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The impact of gambling on students may not be as overt, but the rise of online gaming and easily accessible gambling apps poses a significant risk.
However, a crucial question remains: Are these students truly happier with their sexual freedoms and substance use?
The answer is a resounding “no.”
A Miserable Generation
I have seen countless lives destroyed by unhealthy relationships, particularly among young women who engage in casual sex in pursuit of a lasting connection that never materializes.
I have also witnessed numerous young individuals spending extended periods in hospitals due to their substance abuse.
The harsh reality is that promiscuity and substance abuse often lead to sickness and unhappiness.
These issues do not only impact young people. Studies have indicated that women and children experience significantly less domestic violence when living in intact families.
Breaking ‘Free’ Did Not Result in Much Joy
Political correctness and the so-called “woke” ideology are ineffective in addressing these societal issues. The sexual revolution of the 1960s dismantled the longstanding laws that governed society for centuries.
The truth is that the sexual revolution has proven to be a disappointment. It advocated for the rejection of traditional norms and promised freedom.
While some may have briefly experienced a sense of anarchy, true liberty was never achieved. Instead, individuals find themselves discontent and burdened by the multitude of small laws imposed by political correctness.
Everyone Seeks a Higher Purpose
Reflecting on human experiences, it becomes evident that individuals are innately drawn towards transcendence, seeking “something more.”
Humans are wired to reject mediocrity and the mundane. When individuals dedicate themselves to a higher cause, whether spiritual, political, or familial, their desires are channeled positively.
Conversely, when this desire is misdirected towards casual sex, individuals often find themselves frustrated and unfulfilled, seeking validation through multiple partners or risky behaviors.
This may explain why many young women in universities feel pressured to engage in morally degrading and physically harmful sexual activities.
Simultaneously, individuals who remain unfulfilled and unable to pursue a higher purpose turn to alcohol or drugs to numb their pain. As the pain intensifies, so does their reliance on substances.
Paving the Way for More Government Control
Interestingly, promiscuity, excessive gambling, and substance abuse serve the interests of certain individuals in positions of power.
In reality, these vices distract individuals and pave the way for increased government control.
In his novel “1984,” George Orwell prophesied, “films, football, beer and above all, gambling filled up the horizon of their minds. To keep them in control was not difficult.”
While this may seem disheartening, there is hope.
As previously mentioned, individuals are inherently drawn towards the transcendent.
If people recognize the emptiness of promiscuity and other vices, they can liberate themselves and strive for something greater.
In doing so, they can not only achieve true liberty but also discover genuine peace.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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