People have evolved into something selfish, greedy and

"People have evolved into something selfish, greedy and intolerant. People are unaccepting, because of religion, race, gender, sexual orientation... I've seen it in punk clubs, and I've seen it in the world." These words from Gerard Way, frontman of the band My Chemical Romance, cut through the veneer of societal norms and reveal a deep and painful truth about the state of the world. In his statement, Way expresses a sorrowful reflection on how humanity, despite its advancements and progress, has become more divided, selfish, and intolerant. The forces of religion, race, gender, and sexual orientation have often become sources of division and discrimination, rather than pathways to unity and understanding.

The origin of this observation can be found in the ancient wisdom of philosophers like Plato and Socrates, who often warned about the dangers of ignorance and intolerance in society. Socrates, in particular, believed that the soul was corrupted by ignorance and that true wisdom came from questioning assumptions and broadening our understanding of one another. He understood that division in society was not caused by differences themselves, but by the inability to acknowledge the value of those differences. Plato, in his dialogues, expressed the idea that the ideal society would be one where individuals saw beyond their personal biases and embraced the greater unity of the collective whole. Way’s words echo these ancient reflections, highlighting how we, despite being part of a larger human family, continue to separate ourselves based on arbitrary distinctions.

Consider the tragic history of racism and slavery, which have caused untold suffering throughout the centuries. Frederick Douglass, a former slave and abolitionist, spent much of his life fighting against the intolerance and hatred rooted in racial inequality. Douglass understood that this division of people based on race was not inherent to humanity, but a product of societal constructs. His life was dedicated to breaking down these false divides and challenging the intolerance that permeated society. In a way, Douglass’s struggle for racial equality reflects Way's critique of a world that has become increasingly selfish and divided due to superficial differences. Both men see the selfishness and greed that fuels this division as a major obstacle to human flourishing.

Religion, too, has often been a source of conflict and intolerance throughout history. The Crusades, for example, were fought in the name of religion, yet they led to the suffering and death of countless innocent people, with religious identity used as a weapon of division rather than a tool for compassion. Voltaire, the great Enlightenment thinker, was outspoken in his critique of religious dogma and intolerance. He argued that faith should inspire love and tolerance, not violence and division. Way, in his quote, speaks to the same issue — how religion, instead of uniting people under common ideals, is often used to justify discrimination and intolerance, further deepening the divisions between us. This is not the legacy that faith was meant to have; it was meant to serve as a guiding principle toward peace and unity.

The punk movement, which Way refers to, is itself a reflection of youthful rebellion against societal norms and established institutions. Punk rock, at its core, is about rejecting conformity, embracing individuality, and challenging societal injustices. Yet, even within the punk community, as Way observes, there are barriers and prejudices — divisions based on class, race, and identity that run counter to the very principles the movement was founded on. The irony, as Way points out, is that even within these alternative spaces, intolerance persists, showing how deeply ingrained these societal issues are. The movement, though born out of a desire for freedom and expression, still reflects the complexity of human nature and the difficulty of overcoming deeply rooted biases.

The lesson we must draw from Way’s words is a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done. We must confront the selfishness, greed, and intolerance that still plague our societies, and work toward a more inclusive and understanding world. These divisions — based on race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation — are not inherent to human nature; they are learned behaviors, shaped by societal forces that seek to divide us. It is our responsibility to challenge these forces, to see past the labels and divisions, and to build a world rooted in compassion, acceptance, and shared humanity.

In practical terms, we must actively challenge intolerance in all its forms, beginning with ourselves. This begins with self-reflection, where we examine our own biases and prejudices, and take responsibility for the ways in which we may contribute to division. We must engage with people whose experiences differ from our own, and seek to understand their stories and perspectives. Compassionate listening, empathy, and respect for diversity are essential tools in building a more inclusive society. By fostering a culture of acceptance, understanding, and unity, we can begin to break down the barriers that divide us and build a future where selfishness and greed no longer rule.