From Spiritual Gurus to Billionaire Buffoons

[A post for Easter]

The Counterculture of Yesteryear

Fifty years ago, the world was gripped by a counterculture movement that rejected traditional societal norms and values. Disillusioned with the rampant materialism and consumerism of the time, many turned to spiritual gurus for guidance and enlightenment. These charismatic figures, often hailing from the East, preached messages of inner peace, mindfulness, and living a simple, fulfilling life.

The likes of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Baba Ram Dass, and Osho captivated the minds of millions, their teachings resonating with a generation seeking deeper meaning beyond the pursuit of wealth and status. Their ashrams and communes became havens for those yearning for a spiritual awakening, a respite from the rat race of modern life. Baba Ram Dass’ wisdom remains a constant guide for me, personally.

The Cult of Wealth and Celebrity

Fast forward to the present day, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. The once-revered spiritual gurus have been supplanted by a new breed of idols: billionaires and celebrities, whose every utterance is treated as gospel by the masses. From Elon Musk’s musings on colonising Mars to Mark Zuckerberg’s visions of a metaverse-dominated future, these modern-day titans wield an influence that transcends their respective industries.

What was once dismissed as the incoherent ramblings of the rich and famous is now hailed as visionary wisdom, with legions of devoted followers hanging on their every word. Wealth and fame have become the new markers of enlightenment, as the world seems to have traded its quest for inner peace for an insatiable appetite for material success and digital fame.

The Cult of Personality

This shift in cultural zeitgeist begs the question: what happened to us? How did we go from seeking solace in the teachings of spiritual leaders to worshipping at the altar of billionaire buffoons? Perhaps the answer lies in the allure of the cult of personality, a phenomenon that has long captivated the human psyche.

Just as the spiritual gurus of old commanded unwavering devotion from their followers, today’s billionaires have cultivated a cult-like following by presenting themselves as visionaries and disruptors, promising to reshape the world in their image. Their wealth and influence lend an air of credibility to their grandiose claims, no matter how outlandish or improbable they may seem.

The Illusion of Enlightenment

Yet, beneath the veneer of enlightenment, there often lies a hollow core of self-interest and hubris. While the spiritual gurus of yesteryear sought to uplift humanity and promote inner growth, many of today’s billionaires seem primarily driven by a desire for power, fame, and ever-increasing wealth.

Their “teachings” often amount to little more than thinly veiled self-promotion, couched in the language of disruption and innovation. And yet, we continue to lap it up, desperate for a sense of meaning and purpose in a world that seems increasingly complex and uncertain.

Reclaiming Our Collective Sanity

Perhaps it is time for us to take a step back and re-evaluate our priorities. While the pursuit of wealth and success is undoubtedly alluring to many, we do have the choise as to whether it comes at the expense of our personal and collective well-being and spiritual growth. Would we do well to remember the wisdom of those spiritual gurus who urged us to seek inner peace and contentment, rather than chase after fleeting material gains?

Only by reclaiming our collective sanity – or at least some small portion thereof – and rejecting the cult of billionaire buffoons can we hope to rediscover our path to enlightenment – a path that leads not to the accumulation of wealth and fame, but to a deeper understanding of ourselves, each other, and our place in the world.