Christmas 2023

Is anyone else having trouble describing 2023 as a good year? People seem tapped out. When I ask why 2023 was so tough, I get many different reasons. These include a mixture of economic pain, political polarisation and post-pandemic trauma. 2023 was meant to be easier than the previous few years, but it wasn’t. During the pandemic years, the foundation of our society fractured, and it has not healed.

To try and make sense of these times, I followed my curiosity, reading up on western history, and its underpinning values and beliefs. I’m yet to reach too many conclusions though or convert to Christianity either. There’s comfort in being a doubter, accepting your own ignorance, and not preaching who is wrong and what is right. There’s too much of that going on as-is. There is comfort in knowing that humanity has been here before and navigated a path back.

Key Books and Ideas That Helped Navigate 2023

Throughout the year, several books and articles provided valuable perspectives on our current challenges:

George Orwell’s Essays - Particularly relevant insights on patriotism versus nationalism, and understanding social divisions in times of uncertainty.

“Doom” by Niall Ferguson - A comprehensive look at disasters throughout history and the limits of scientific knowledge in predicting and preventing catastrophe.

“The Fourth Turning” by Strauss and Howe - Their theory about historical cycles and the role of different generations in navigating societal challenges.

Jordan Peterson’s Perspective on Faith - Discussions about the necessity of faith as an element for moving forward in times of uncertainty and disconnection.

Paul Kingsnorth’s Essays - Particularly his writings on spirituality and reconnection in an increasingly fractured world.

Moving Forward with Faith and Humility

How can we have conviction and act well in the face of uncertainty and disconnection? It requires humility, acceptance of our own doubts, and faith to act. A vision of the world where our fractured stories become one again. Everyone has their own path to tread as we heal and reclaim what is true and good in our world.

I hope some of these books, articles and ideas are helpful and would welcome any reading suggestions you may have as we navigate these “interesting times”.

This post reflects on the challenges of 2023 and shares some of the books and ideas that provided guidance during a difficult year. The search for meaning and healing continues as we work to rebuild the foundations of our society.