In today’s world, dominated by massive corporations, the very essence of meaningful work has been stripped away. In the past, individuals found purpose in their crafts, trades, and communities. Artisans, farmers, and creators could see the direct impact of their work on the world around them. They had agency—a sense of control and connection to what they produced and how it contributed to society.

Now, that sense of agency is gone. Instead, most people work for giant corporations where their roles feel disconnected from any real meaning. They are just one small part of an endless, faceless machine. No matter how much effort they put in, they rarely see how their contributions matter. This loss of purpose weighs heavily on the human spirit, fostering feelings of emptiness and depression.

Antidepressants can help manage these emotions, but they don’t fix the underlying issue: a world designed for efficiency, not meaning. When people are reduced to cogs in a system, when work becomes a monotonous grind without agency, depression becomes almost inevitable.

It’s time to rethink the way we work and live. People need more than a paycheck—they need purpose. By creating environments where individuals can connect to their contributions and reclaim their sense of agency, we can begin to heal the collective despair that so many are feeling today.

Jan 28 2025 original draft