Piercing through what we call meaninglessness, we often fall prey to critique or negativity when observing the world as it unfolds before our eyes. At times, we might even exclaim that everything is meaningless—that nothing matters. This sentiment can worsen when we not only say that nothing matters but begin to truly believe it, leading to inaction. In that moment, everything does indeed become meaningless because we cease to give it meaning.
Through Meaninglessness
Year
2024
Material
Diasec
Dimensions
250 x 400 cm
And of course, this same feeling arises in a digital context. It is precisely this sense of meaninglessness that makes us anxious when confronting something as infinite and potent as the digital realm. This anxiety can lead us to communicate dystopian worldviews: "The digital will ruin everything," "It will make everyone unhappy," "Oh no, the glory days are over, and things will never improve again." However, these dystopian perspectives fail to solve anything.
Great, you've identified the threats—now think your way through them! With the dangers you’ve uncovered, how could a positive future still be possible? Not an unrealistic utopia, but something pragmatic. If you can find that balance, you’ve reached what we call a protopia. A protopia envisions the future with a positive attitude while still acknowledging its challenges and negative aspects.
A protopia reminds us that progress is not about perfection but about striving for betterment amidst imperfection. It challenges us to see potential in the cracks of chaos, to confront fears not with resignation but with creativity. The digital realm, vast and overwhelming as it may be, is not an adversary but a mirror—a reflection of both our anxieties and aspirations. It calls on us to shape its future with intention, embracing its complexities while daring to envision a world where meaning is not given but created, one thoughtful step at a time.
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