The Cult Of The Self | Chris Hedges

[@catherinelh1979]

After my awakening about 3 years ago. I stopped watching tv, stopped with all the celebrity gossip stuff, stopped instagram, and most social media. I found it too toxic and didn’t want that energy in my life anymore. Love and light brothers and sisters 💕 ✨ ♾

[@vidiot9006]

Good for you, welcome to the real world!

[@RussCR5187]

Congratulations for stepping back and taking a critical look at what the popular culture is doing to us! If only more people would hit the pause button and do the same. I'm reminded of the lyrics in a song by the Eagles: "So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains And we never even know we have the key".

[@catherinelh1979]

@@RussCR5187 💯 💕

[@chervilant]

After my "awakening," I choose to use social media for activism. It is a toxic environment for many, but I've encountered and networked with many other activists using social media for activism. I have the added bonus of seeing ample proof that our entire electorate has endured decades of propaganda and a co-opted system of public education, designed to spit out factory fodder and service industry drones, with stunted critical thinking skills and a deep aversion to all things academic. One only need read a few of the comments... #OurRevolution #ExtinctionRebellion

[@albertroundtree299]

That was a major achievement. Most people are blinded with patriotism when it is indeed servitude to a system which couldn't give a damn about them or their families.

[@JamicianKid]

"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society. " Jiddu Krishnamurti

[@peterstafford4426]

When was society 'healthy'? When we had slaves? When we would not allow women to have careers? When we had open segregation? Hedges is as self centered and the people he is talking about. His video amounts to propaganda. He is supposedly a journalist. He has decided that he has the best 'morals' and is some wise enough to tell everyone else they don't have them. He is nuts.

[@badgerden7080]

I disagree with you. A society is healthy when we carry out God's purpose for our lives. American society (I can only speak as an American) is sick because we put all of this garbage that celebrities promote before God. Anything that you put before him, becomes your God. A society is not healthy when there are slaves or segregation. Women can have careers without ever listening to a celebrity or watching a celebrity. The problem is that they listen to these parasites instead of doing the right thing. This hurts relationships and breaks up families. Chris is only trying to help us see the truth.

[@peterstafford4426]

@@badgerden7080 If you can rustle up God and get him to show us his purpose. I might take a listen. Chris is self-important grifter.

[@bircruz555]

@@badgerden7080 No one has ever seen God. And no one will ever see God. God is a construct.

[@MVAmick]

@@peterstafford4426 my sentiments exactly.

[@estellee1094]

Chris Hedges is a genius and a beacon of light. Thank you for exposing what we have become...

[@r.bevantrembly3687]

Narcissism is simply the personality of the ruthless entrepreneur: “You are valuable to me only to the degree you help me succeed!”

[@peterstafford4426]

That is exactly how Hedges thinks of you too.

[@leopoldoastudillo7189]

There is narcissism in communist countries too, just look at present communist dictators like Kim Jomg-Un, Putin, Maduro and Daniel Ortega. Narcissism is inherent in human beings, but one thing is narcissism in a capitalist country and another quite different and much more dangerous is narcissism in a communist country. Wake up!

[@LeViIain]

@Black Jock Who are you speaking for? Over 100 milion dead bodies?

[@gelidsoul]

​@@peterstafford4426 That honestly wouldn't surprise me - he is in a comfortable position with some power. Still, he has helped me understand how screwed up society is and where it's likely headed.

[@peterstafford4426]

@@gelidsoul He has no idea where society is headed.

[@theshifthashithefan]

Chris Hedges is such a badass for constantly dropping uncomfortable truth-bombs that even the mainstream media won’t touch him with a 10-foot pole now. His voice is needed now more than ever and like someone else posted earlier, he is probably going to be Noam Chomsky’s intellectual heir.

[@briantyson7744]

I was just going to post that he is the closest person I can think of who , in so far as an american, will provide truth to power, and us, and help provide comfort after Chomsky has checked out of this mysterious motel🤠

[@peterstafford4426]

Do you get that Hedges is just another cult leader?

[@peterstafford4426]

@Mark Taylor He is extremely self absorbed.

[@99monicaaleman]

@@peterstafford4426 shush, you're blinded by what please? Don't you see how much more objective he is compared to those Hollywood shallow sheeple...?

[@99monicaaleman]

@@peterstafford4426 no. He's extremely smart, wise, cultivated. What about you?

[@pattio666]

You are my hero, Chris Hedges. Every day, I appreciate you more.

[@arman8097]

We need more Chris Hedges and less celebrities.

[@guesswhoscomingtoyoutube]

Amen Amen

[@Fatioman333]

Indeed! Chris Hedges always be like, “Ok, now let’s take off your glasses of social/cultural conditioning and I’ll show you what’s REALLY going on..”

[@christinew3549]

#facts

[@retrothingz]

We had one of the Kardashians over here in Australia a few years ago to appear at some "major event". The media was waiting for her to "perform". Needless to say, it soon became obvious that she didn't actually DO anything.....Mean nothing...zero...zilch . ....and had a boring, flat personality to boot. Apparently yet another case of "famous for being famous".

[@davidriad1843]

I'm rereading his book 'Empire of Illusion' right now. Slowly contemplating each paragraph and pondering each chapter. I first read it in 2014 and I'm rereading it now in 2021. Chris is the prophet of our times. Warning us of the bad times we shall be facing. Many shun and disregard his message. Only the few heed it. What a noble soul. An honest person. A humble human being. Thank you Chris Hedges.

[@sanca5982]

My friend, I'm not being "religious" but God's word tells us these things too. Matthew 24: 12, And because lawlessness (sin) will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

[@savvasbambos2669]

@@sanca5982 You're absolutely right. Satanic evil creatures on earth still working to distroy people's life as they did before by crucifying our lord Jesus Christ.😢😢😢🙏🙏🙏

[@ctrldelete1763]

Sadly you call him a prophet while at same time admiring his honesty should you not be careful with your own integrity when using such language? You don't need to be a prophet to see what this man can see (prophets have already delivered the message). However after the message has been delivered you now require people with backbone (most likely what Chris has amongst his intelect and insight) to not just know the truth but to do something the majority will not do and that is to stand up for the truth!

[@knattttt]

One of the best books I've read to date

[@the_earth_mystic]

This actually made me cry...

[@christopherm4158]

"...our country is not being destroyed by bad politics, it is being destroyed by a bad way of life. Bad politics is merely another result." -- Wendell Berry

[@CristianKirk]

CAPITALISM. Never don't say it. Capitalism is what directly influence on people's values and behavior and what causes all of the social sickness of material hoarding and success and competition.

[@tommedlin297]

By design by the oligarchs.

[@danthemansmail]

That bad way of life has a name. Capitalism.

[@aoeu256]

@@CristianKirk No I think capitalism is a symptom, the problem is that many Westerners can't synthesize “minding your own business" and "happiness comes from helping others". Anyway, if you work remotely you can go to poor undeveloped nations and donate money directly to children, the lower living costs will allow you to spend more time reading & learning rather than working, also if you have children there your children might grow up happy and not be spoiled. India and Southeast Asia could also force Australia to open itself up as both Indians and Austronesians historically found Australia first and there is more need for "cool living space" in those nations than in the few who live Australia itself.

[@susanmercurio1060]

The Desiderata: "Do not compare yourself with others, for there will always be those who are greater or lesser than yourself."

[@Scyllax]

Deteriorata: “You are a fluke of the universe, you have no right to be here, and, whether you can hear it or not, the universe is laughing behind your back.”

[@dwaipayanroychowdhury7035]

Max Ehrman was a great albeit underrated poet!

[@Scyllax]

@@dwaipayanroychowdhury7035 That sucked. Tony Hendra’s parody is better (Music by Chris Guest).

[@bobdillaber1195]

Civilization has deafened us to the symphony of nature and the vibrancy of our soul.

[@jaceymartin4739]

After living abroad for two decades, I see how self-absorbed this area of the world really has become. One woman I know, I barely recognized. The works- botox, lip surgery, nose job, hair extensions. When my mother was at the morgue, just hours after her death, this woman says to me "you used to be pretty and how come you don't hang out at the beach. Guys, she used to be so pretty. " (California Valley Girl tone, while she is 55 years old and living with her mother and owes 300K in medical bills)

[@gracewright7938]

The Cult of Self is an excellant name. Thank you for this video. I will spread your message.

[@smuirhead3107]

Hero. Mentor. Intelligent, sentient beings. Godsend.

[@charliekowittmusic]

This is all from Chris’s book “Empire of Illusion,” which I’m re-reading right now. I simply CANNOT recommend it highly enough. It puts our culture into context so effectively.

[@DiceBaseballDigest]

I have 4 copies. I reread it all the time. Love the chapter called "Illusion of Wisdom" but its all good.

[@disappearintothesea]

Adam Curtis recently did a series for the BBC called Can’t Get You Out of My Head. It’s worth a watch.

[@charliekowittmusic]

@@disappearintothesea Just finished it a couple weeks ago! Loved it!

[@rob7940]

One of the best books ever written. Hands down. Reading the book will Very quickly jolt you out of your slumber

[@DaveSolazzo]

@@rob7940 I've been meaning to read it. Love Hedges.

[@smuirhead3107]

Our humblest thank you

[@rustyjeff3007]

Best description of American CULTure i've seen... CH nails it.

[@debralee1401]

Chris Hedges is a voice in the superficial wilderness of our consumer culture. So many great comments from listeners.

[@MsKariSmith]

Yes we do live in a toxic world, and it is sad to open your eyes and watch the slow destruction of this planet.

[@AmericanNope]

It is darkest before the light. The planet will he just fine. This current version of human civilization maybe not so much.

[@MsKariSmith]

@@AmericanNope You are right, this beautiful planet will survive, we as a race, I believe we will just have to wait & see.

[@user-gz4ve8mw9l]

@@MsKariSmith Humanity is doomed harbingers of their own destruction. The masses haven't learned since time immemorial.

[@FloraandYuna]

If you remember what you have always been and always known, then you have nothing to fear. Go with GOD. Good Orderly Direction

[@andy-the-gardener]

@@AmericanNopenot saying its your intention, but generally i think the 'earth will be fine' argument is just another excuse to absolve humans of their crime and continuance of certain activities. although the earth will be 'fine' long term, what about the damage done in the meantime. the damage to the present biosphere. the species killed off by humans that each have a value individually as great of our species, but collectively, infinitely greater. its not fine for them and its not ok for humans to consider it a matter of no importance. for in doing that humans further condemn themselves and justify their fate. it is the victim that matters not the criminal. the humans and their stupid civilization only matter now in the sense they suffer the consequences of their actions.

[@GlobeHackers]

Tragically, so many of us are afraid of the truth. An authentic life, in this mindless haze, is difficult to achieve. How many of us even know it's possible, even if we knew what authenticity is.

[@marcellisrobinson]

Everyone needs to turn off their fuckin TV sets, and learn how to think for themselves. Pick up a book, magazine or newspaper that's well written, and challenge your mind. Celebrity culture is pure mindlessness

[@mjt2231]

@@marcellisrobinson not possible in this mindless culture.

[@cindyweir9645]

The authentic self is within. All of this other crap is a distraction. I think this is what Chris is trying to point out.

[@GlobeHackers]

@@cindyweir9645 Nicely put. Thanks.

[@sanca5982]

How about God's truth? My friend, the fact is we can't do it on our own. This is why Christ sent us the holy Spirit. The Spirit of God changes us. We don't change God...God changes us...if we allow Him to. Probably the only reason why America was uplifted was because of the "social gospel" movement in the early part of the twentieth century. It was most prominent during that time.

[@davehendricks4824]

There are a few people I have profound esteem for. You Chris hedges, are one of those few. Thanks.

[@ramilioverduzco]

Great video for sunday morning

[@cambriawellness3102]

Shared, on FB Public. This is the key to awakening. The Course in Miracles says the same thing, as it takes one step by step, away from the Mind Warp we all have been raised with. Peace brothers and Sisters.

[@francesgrant4919]

'It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society' ~ Jiddu Krishnamurti Thank you Chris. I believe the great Noam Chomsky has handed you the baton.... Made me cry tears of hope, as well as tears of sadness... Thank you for your leadership🕊️ Question is - Will the system collapse, or be overthrown. It's the question all intellectuals are currently asking..... This is the last window of opportunity we will ever have to make the world a better place. 🌎 over Profit❤️ Welfare over Warfare❤️

[@dagnos6914]

Thank you for seeing the value in the work that Chris and I do.

[@livondiramerian6999]

They live a superficial life that will haunt them with depression, & anxiety.

[@markherron6374]

You keep getting it RIGHT....I'm glad I won't die clueless. Thank you.

[@jasminealixandranorth]

Chris Hedges: Pure genius as always.

[@sanca5982]

Mr Chris Hedges, I have made you known to some of my friends and I greatly appreciate the work you do because it's original and genuine. I consider you to be a top-notch, premier US journalist and the fact that you believe in the social gospel make me even happier. Many blessings to you!

[@mianti69]

I'm just now coming across this vid, not even half way and I'm already a fan of yours. Thank you. We need more real people like you.

[@GirlFriday68]

Chris Hedges spot on as usual, this topic is so needed, emulate impossible standards of weight, aging, supposedly happy lives, carefully cultivated on their social media, most of them are miserable, people know all about their lives, romantic partners, break ups, etc., but don't know anything about things that could really improve their lives, it's like in Roman times give the masses a distraction

[@sanca5982]

Yeah! Give them games (We have football)! Remember that from the movie "Gladiator?"

[@maggieadams8600]

Thanks for telling it how it is, bursting the bubble.

[@troutstalker4744]

Yes, a wonderful piece. We must all self reflect and reset our priorities.

[@mcross320]

The western culture wants you, cultivates you, to look outside for your dreams. I was never happier than back in 1967 when I bought a $150 car! I have tried the rest of my life to escape the peer pressure.

[@KA-jk4rs]

I so love Chris Hedges

[@jakethesnakestoner]

Thank you for your work in putting this together. We have a responsibility to spread this video and Chris’s lectures and books to as many as we can.

[@remcogossink6711]

Hail hail Mr Chris Hedges!

[@fraser372]

Thank you Chris Hedges for your clarity!

[@alaurag3143]

Chris Hedges, you are an amazing human being.

[@skeletonrebellion]

"Selfishness and greed, individual or national, cause most of our troubles." ~ Harry S. Truman

[@hadaku]

This podcast is absolutely phenomenal. V and her commentary is awesome. Thanks Chris.

[@hectortabares3746]

Awesome!!!! Spirituality..must need it...

[@minhng7208]

So good, and so true! Thanks Chris.

[@robroy7456]

Most people don’t measure themselves against celebrities,but;media tells us we do and should. It use to be called the cult of personality. The more things change the more they say the same.

[@NelsonStJames]

It's amazing how often media will use celebrities as some kind of standard for what average people are doing, and the amount of people that will buy into that.

[@rubarbcrumble5359]

The UK is profoundly sick with the cosmetic surgery epidemic.

[@dadedowuh]

Well done, nothing wasted.

[@cindyweir9645]

I love that this man has the eloquence of genius. The truth is so refreshing.

[@eyesofpicasso]

wow. the imagery...

[@mollypbfitz]

Thank you for your commitment to all that is worthy in life. Your words remind me that I’m not crazy.

[@FlowwerrMusic]

Thank you always!

[@MrReigato]

Gave me chills

[@thomaswalz3515]

Thank you Chris. Perfect observation of the genius journalist you are. You take no sides, and call out those who are doing the masses wrong. Gratitude.

[@edwardcortes6668]

Chris is one of the best writers of all time. He is right. Illusion is not reality.

[@presidentrepublic2479]

I love the fact that he uses exact video clips matching word to word. Like lying for boris johnson, no guilt for queen elizabeth

[@heathermuir5816]

Again Chris touches on the truth of our prediciment in this human world

[@thomasgibson1028]

Chris hedges has got to be one of the greatest intelligence operatives/journalists ever!

[@StratsRUs]

He knows where the money is too

[@toddmaddaline997]

Chris Hedges.. On point as usual. Every teen should listen to this simple, authentic logic.

[@_BhagavadGita]

"You should never believe that the enemy does not know his business." -- Niccolo Machiavelli

[@4Zeus20]

Thanks I needed that

[@DiceBaseballDigest]

So powerful. Please share!

[@EranHertz]

"We have forgotten the face of our fathers". We must now pay the price.

[@dwightvol473]

Fellow Constant Reader. Hile. 👍🤠👍

[@edgooden1415]

It's sad that Narcissism has led so many people to this.. Ironically at the heart of it all is insecurities, validation seeking, superficial deluded sense of their own existence.. Rebellious against their own success..The broken soul from within is a result of one's need to seek approval from this fading world. A world that only has disappointment to offer... Shallow and desperate, people.. More has been done to ruin individuals, than what has been done to help and build others...We are so caught up in the "me me me," society that we have forgotten about "US."

[@joycesvarvar]

Chris Hedges, the voice of truth in a land of illusion, pierces through. Continue, continue continue, to speak the truth in the land of make believe. Some of us hear your words and know your truth, time will tell, for whom the Bell tolls. God's blessings. The Struggle for truth continues. Amen.

[@michealklee8844]

Solidarity forever ✊🏼

[@toddlincoln4026]

THANK YOU CHRIS KEEP SPEAKING THE TRUTH, MANY OTHERS LIKE ME WILL LEARN FROM YOU AND CONTINUE TO SPEAK THOSE TRUTHS ALSO, GODD HELP US

[@carlo6912]

Just found your channel today. Thank you for doing this. Chris's words are timeless.

[@neilpollicino80]

Mr Hedges you’ve helped shape my thinking

[@youngeagle5953]

" An illusion shared by everyone becomes a reality ." Erich Fromm

[@wtf_usa5597]

Some real truth-bombs here.. Thank you for speaking out Chris Hedges!

[@lauraeden6224]

Humbling....thanks for this.

[@kristinab881]

Hate towards celebrities reveals much about personality, too. Normal people just don’t bother.

[@silkrock7295]

Love Chris Hedges positive and upbeat message.

[@anthony7960]

Lmao

[@DiceBaseballDigest]

Hm.. A little sarcastic?

[@Mark-tb1zq]

Chris Hedges is a truth teller.

[@zoharianovici1983]

Adam Curtis’ “Century of Self” traces back this phenomenon to the early 20th century and demonstrates how psychology science enabled this

[@gregedmonds7152]

Couldn't have said it better myself

[@XxLinguinexXPwnzXx]

Such great editing thank you! Makes it so much more powerful

[@vintagestrings6]

I like the way the people in the video line up with the dialog. 👍✌️

[@faithdebonilla1204]

Thank you

[@mrmody249]

I'm going to post this on LInked-In

[@betkay6684]

So sad but so true !!

[@hgcollective]

Great work thank you

[@michelleburkholder2547]

A voice crying out in the wilderness.

[@RThom1000]

Thank you!

[@williamupdike4863]

Very true, as true as true can be.

[@edwardcortes6668]

We are so infatuated with celebrities and wanting to be like them, instead of people who contributed to society by helping the poor/the working class. Our priorities are screwed up!

[@MS-nm2kt]

This was brilliant great work Chris

[@kathleankeesler1639]

Thank you.

[@virtualtourmaps]

The truth is inside you ♥️

[@MethenySco]

Frankfurt school said most of this about 80 years ago.

[@st.michael9708]

It doesn't seem to have made much Impact at the Time. It looks like we need to be told every Day !

[@jasoncarpp7742]

I agree. I'm not against admiring a celebrity. There are many that I have admired over the years. But to *"worship"* a celeb? What's there to worship?

[@virtuous_pixel]

thank you, Sir

[@zeroxox777]

This is how ugly the truth is today. Only we forgot about the environment, famine and war.

[@nonozebra4196]

An eye opener for the celebrity worshippers/ crazies

[@eddiebills271]

You're right Chris, and it must end.

[@None-no6we]

Love it!

[@trishtonks8238]

Chris Hedges gloomy take on life is spot on this time ( maybe always) . The good news is that we each do have intrinsic value and dont have to buy into the game/illusion . How do we do that ? We love ourselves and others unconditiinally , call out behaviour that is hurting others yes , but live life as though everyone matters equally , because we do . Thanks Chris !

[@NikoHL]

I wish Chris had his own YT channel. I want to see some of his, recent stuff.

[@Bostonceltics1369]

Good video, you are all good enough just how you are.

[@technologic21]

This is my gospel!

[@jstaversky]

for anyone who wants to go deep into the social-psychology that underlies this value structure should check out Erich Fromm: Escape From Freedom and The Sane Society are the two books most germane to this topic.

[@ruspa82]

Gracias maestro ✊🏼