One of the problems of modern society, or the post-Internet age

In the endless swirl of the modern world, where information flows like an unyielding river, there is a growing dissonance that surrounds us. As Mark Manson so rightly observes, "One of the problems of modern society, or the post-Internet age, is that there are so many things bombarding us that we could care about. I think it's more important than ever to really get clear and focus on what's worth caring about and what's just noise or distraction." These words, sharp and urgent, speak to the essence of our struggle in the contemporary age. We are surrounded by an overwhelming cacophony—a constant barrage of news, opinions, advertisements, and incessant updates that pull us in a thousand directions. And in this storm of distractions, it becomes harder than ever to distinguish what truly matters from the endless noise that surrounds us.

The ancients, too, recognized the danger of being overwhelmed by external forces. The Stoics, in particular, taught that true wisdom comes not from frenzied action or external influences, but from inner clarity and purpose. Epictetus famously said, "Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants." In this, the Stoics recognized the need to cut through the distractions of the material world and focus on that which is truly of value. They understood that the more we allow ourselves to be swayed by external noise, the less we can hear the voice of reason within us. Manson’s call is a modern echo of this ancient wisdom—the need to focus on what truly matters, rather than being swept away by the deluge of distractions that now dominate our lives.

Consider the example of the great philosopher Socrates, who lived in an age where the distractions were different but no less pervasive. Socrates, when asked about his thoughts on the state of Athens, responded not by engaging in the noise of politics or public opinion, but by retreating into his inner self and asking the fundamental questions of life: "What is justice? What is virtue?" He did not allow the clamor of the city’s distractions to dictate his life. Instead, he focused on the pursuit of truth. His commitment to seeking the essential questions of life, without being distracted by the ephemeral concerns of society, made him a figure of eternal wisdom. Socrates lived with purpose, tuning out the unnecessary noise that surrounded him. In this, he shows us the path to clarity in a world filled with confusion.

Yet, as we consider the lessons of the ancients, we must also look at the modern age in which we now live, where the distractions are exponentially greater. The Internet—an incredible tool that connects us to the world—also brings with it an overload of information, often irrelevant and distracting. In a world where we are constantly bombarded by alerts, notifications, and headlines, it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Manson’s words are a reminder that we must reclaim our attention, not to be controlled by the external forces that seek to divide our focus, but to regain control of our inner lives and direct our energy towards what aligns with our deepest values.

Take the example of the Dalai Lama, who, despite living in an age of constant communication and distraction, has remained an unwavering figure of inner peace and clarity. Despite the chaos of the modern world, he has continually emphasized the need for mental discipline and self-awareness. In his daily life, he practices meditation and mindfulness, cultivating an inner silence that allows him to filter out the noise of the world and focus on the things that truly matter—compassion, kindness, and the pursuit of wisdom. The Dalai Lama’s life is a modern testament to the ancient wisdom of focusing on the essential and letting go of the superficial distractions that plague our world.

Manson’s insight, then, carries an essential lesson for us in this age: to focus on the things that matter most, to find clarity amidst the overwhelming noise of the world. The key is awareness—being conscious of the forces that seek to steal our attention and energy, and choosing instead to direct our efforts towards that which is truly important. We must ask ourselves: What is worth our attention? What is worth our time? And what is merely noise—a fleeting distraction that leads us away from the path of purpose and fulfillment?

The path forward, then, is clear: we must silence the noise and listen to the quiet voice within that speaks to our true purpose. Whether in the words of the Stoics, the example of Socrates, or the modern wisdom of Manson and the Dalai Lama, the lesson remains constant: to live a life of clarity, we must prioritize what truly matters. Let us cut through the distractions of the world and focus our energy on the deep and meaningful pursuits that bring fulfillment and growth. In this way, we will reclaim our attention and shape a life aligned with our highest aspirations.