Unraveling Society’s Promise of Happiness and the Rise of Individual Paths to Meaning
Prepared by: Gerald A. Daquila, PhD. Candidate
ABSTRACT
For generations, society has championed conformity—urging individuals to “go with the flow” as the path to survival, success, and happiness. Yet, a growing number of people are experiencing a profound sense of disillusionment, akin to buyer’s remorse, as they realize that material wealth, power, and fame often fail to deliver the promised fulfillment. This dissertation explores this phenomenon through a multidisciplinary lens, integrating insights from psychology, sociology, philosophy, metaphysics, and esoteric spirituality.
Drawing on academic research, spiritual traditions, and contemporary narratives, it examines why the societal blueprint for happiness is faltering and how individuals are forging alternative paths to meaning. By balancing empirical rigor with intuitive wisdom, this work uncovers a silent protest against conventional norms and offers a holistic understanding of the search for authentic purpose in a world that feels increasingly hollow.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Promise That Fell Short
- The Societal Blueprint: Origins and Impacts
- Historical Context of Conformity
- Psychological and Sociological Foundations
- Buyer’s Remorse: The Crisis of Meaning
- The Existential Void in Modern Life
- Evidence from Psychological and Sociological Research
- Metaphysical and Esoteric Perspectives
- The Soul’s Search for Authenticity
- Spiritual Traditions and the Rejection of Materialism
- The Silent Protest: Carving New Paths
- Emerging Trends in Individualized Meaning-Making
- Case Studies and Anecdotal Evidence
- A Holistic Synthesis: Balancing Head, Heart, and Soul
- Integrating Left- and Right-Brain Reasoning
- The Role of Intuition and Spirituality
- Conclusion: Toward a New Definition of Happiness
- Glossary
- Bibliography
Glyph of the Seer
Sees through the pitch; chooses what truly serves.
1. Introduction: The Promise That Fell Short
From childhood, we’re taught to follow a script: study hard, secure a job, climb the ladder, and happiness will follow. Parents, teachers, and leaders reinforce this narrative, framing conformity as the key to survival and success. But what happens when the script fails to deliver? Across the globe, people are waking up to a sense of buyer’s remorse—not for a faulty product, but for a life that feels empty despite following society’s prescribed path.
This dissertation explores this phenomenon, asking: Why are so many people rejecting the societal promise of happiness, and what new paths are they forging?
Using a multidisciplinary approach, we’ll weave together psychology, sociology, philosophy, metaphysics, and esoteric spirituality to uncover the roots of this disillusionment and the rise of a silent protest against conventional norms. This work aims to be accessible yet rigorous, balancing analytical depth with emotional resonance to speak to both the mind and the heart.
2. The Societal Blueprint: Origins and Impacts
Historical Context of Conformity
The imperative to “go with the flow” has deep historical roots. In pre-industrial societies, survival often depended on collective effort—tribes, villages, and families worked together to ensure food, shelter, and safety. Conformity was a survival mechanism, reinforced by social structures and cultural norms (Durkheim, 1893/2014). With the rise of industrialization and capitalism, this collective ethos shifted toward individual achievement within a system. The Protestant work ethic, for instance, tied personal worth to productivity and success within societal frameworks (Weber, 1905/2002).
Today, this blueprint manifests in the pursuit of material wealth, status, and external validation. From education systems to corporate hierarchies, individuals are conditioned to prioritize measurable outcomes—degrees, promotions, and possessions—over intrinsic fulfillment.
Psychological and Sociological Foundations
Psychologically, conformity is driven by the need for belonging and safety. Social identity theory suggests that individuals align with group norms to gain acceptance and avoid ostracism (Tajfel & Turner, 1979). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs further explains why people prioritize basic needs (security, belonging) before self-actualization (Maslow, 1943). However, once basic needs are met, many find that the promised happiness remains elusive.
Sociologically, Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of habitus illustrates how societal structures shape individual behaviors, often unconsciously (Bourdieu, 1977). The “flow” we’re told to follow is a product of cultural capital—values and norms that perpetuate the status quo. Yet, as sociologist Zygmunt Bauman (2000) argues, modernity’s “liquid” nature—marked by instability and rapid change—has eroded trust in these structures, leaving individuals questioning their purpose.
3. Buyer’s Remorse: The Crisis of Meaning
The Existential Void in Modern Life
The term “buyer’s remorse” captures the regret people feel after investing in society’s promise of happiness only to find it lacking. Existential philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus describe this as the “absurd”—the tension between our desire for meaning and a world that often feels meaningless (Camus, 1942/1991). This void is particularly acute in affluent societies, where material abundance highlights the limits of external rewards.
Psychological research supports this. Studies on hedonic adaptation show that material gains provide only temporary satisfaction, as people quickly return to a baseline level of happiness (Diener et al., 2006). The World Happiness Report (Helliwell et al., 2023) notes that despite rising global GDP, subjective well-being has stagnated in many developed nations, suggesting a disconnect between wealth and fulfillment.
Evidence from Psychological and Sociological Research
The rise of mental health issues underscores this crisis. The American Psychological Association (2022) reports increasing rates of anxiety and depression, particularly among younger generations who feel pressured to succeed in a hyper-competitive world. Sociologist Robert Putnam (2000) highlights declining social capital—fewer community ties and weaker interpersonal connections—leaving individuals isolated despite material success.
This disillusionment is also evident in workplace trends. The “Great Resignation” of 2021–2023 saw millions leave stable jobs, prioritizing purpose over pay (Klotz, 2022). Surveys by Gallup (2023) reveal that only 32% of U.S. workers feel engaged in their jobs, signaling a broader rejection of the societal script.
4. Metaphysical and Esoteric Perspectives
The Soul’s Search for Authenticity
Metaphysics and spirituality offer a deeper lens on this phenomenon. In esoteric traditions, the material world is seen as a temporary illusion (maya in Hinduism) that distracts from the soul’s true purpose (Radhakrishnan, 1929). The Gnostic texts, for example, describe the material world as a “prison” from which the soul seeks liberation through self-knowledge (Pagels, 1979). This aligns with the modern sense of buyer’s remorse: the realization that external achievements cannot satisfy the soul’s longing for authenticity.
Carl Jung’s concept of individuation—the process of integrating the conscious and unconscious self—offers a psychological parallel to this spiritual quest (Jung, 1964). Jung argued that midlife often brings a “crisis of meaning,” prompting individuals to reject societal norms in favor of inner truth. This resonates with the rise of practices like meditation, yoga, and psychedelics, which seekers use to reconnect with their deeper selves (Pollan, 2018).
Spiritual Traditions and the Rejection of Materialism
Spiritual traditions across cultures emphasize inner fulfillment over external gain. Buddhism teaches that suffering (dukkha) arises from attachment to material desires, advocating mindfulness and detachment as paths to liberation (Rahula, 1959). Similarly, the Bhagavad Gita urges action without attachment to outcomes, prioritizing duty and self-awareness over worldly success (Easwaran, 2007).
Esoteric traditions like Hermeticism and Sufism further suggest that true happiness lies in aligning with universal truths or divine consciousness (Fowden, 1986). These perspectives frame the modern rejection of societal norms as a collective awakening—a shift from external validation to inner alignment.
Glyph of True Value
Moving beyond regret to rediscover meaning and authenticity in the soul’s choices.
5. The Silent Protest: Carving New Paths
Emerging Trends in Individualized Meaning-Making
Across the globe, people are quietly rebelling against the societal script. The rise of minimalism, digital nomadism, and intentional communities reflects a desire for simpler, more authentic lives (Millburn & Nicodemus, 2011). Social media platforms like X show growing conversations around “anti-hustle” culture and “slow living,” with hashtags like #QuitTheRatRace gaining traction (X analysis, 2025).
Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are driving this shift. A 2023 Pew Research study found that 67% of Gen Z prioritize work-life balance over high earnings, compared to 45% of Boomers. Movements like FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and van life embody this rejection of conventional success metrics (Robin & Dominguez, 1992).
Case Studies and Anecdotal Evidence
Consider the story of Sarah, a 34-year-old former marketing executive who left her high-paying job to start a sustainable farm. Her decision, shared widely on X, reflects a broader trend: “I bought into the dream—big salary, nice apartment—but I felt dead inside. Now, I’m happier with less.” Similarly, the rise of spiritual influencers like Sadhguru and Eckhart Tolle, whose teachings on presence and purpose attract millions, signals a cultural pivot toward inner fulfillment (Tolle, 1997).
These anecdotes are backed by data. A 2024 survey by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition found that 58% of respondents had explored alternative careers or lifestyles in pursuit of meaning, with many citing spiritual or holistic practices as catalysts.
6. A Holistic Synthesis: Balancing Head, Heart, and Soul
Integrating Left- and Right-Brain Reasoning
The disillusionment with society’s promise requires a balance of analytical and intuitive approaches. Left-brain reasoning—logic and evidence—helps us understand the structural failures of the societal blueprint, as seen in psychological and sociological data. Right-brain reasoning—creativity and intuition—fuels the search for alternative paths, evident in the rise of art, music, and storytelling as tools for meaning-making (McGilchrist, 2009).
For example, the resurgence of psychedelic therapy combines scientific research (e.g., psilocybin’s effects on depression; Carhart-Harris et al., 2021) with intuitive exploration of consciousness, bridging the empirical and the mystical. This integration allows individuals to process their remorse and envision new possibilities.
The Role of Intuition and Spirituality
The heart plays a crucial role in this journey. Spiritual practices like meditation and journaling foster self-awareness, helping individuals discern their true desires (Kabat-Zinn, 1990). Esoteric traditions emphasize the heart as the seat of intuition, a guide for navigating life’s uncertainties (Rumi, 1995). By listening to the heart, individuals can move beyond societal conditioning and toward authentic purpose.
This holistic approach—melding head, heart, and soul—offers a framework for understanding the silent protest. It’s not just a rejection of materialism but a reclamation of individuality, grounded in the belief that meaning is personal, not prescribed.
7. Conclusion: Toward a New Definition of Happiness
The sense of buyer’s remorse in modern life reflects a profound shift in human consciousness. As people awaken to the limitations of society’s promise, they’re forging new paths that prioritize authenticity, connection, and inner peace. This silent protest isn’t about abandoning society but about redefining success on individual terms.
By integrating insights from psychology, sociology, metaphysics, and spirituality, we see that this phenomenon is both a crisis and an opportunity. It challenges us to balance reason and intuition, to honor both the mind and the heart. As more people carve their own paths, they’re not just rejecting a faulty product—they’re rewriting the script for what it means to live a meaningful life.
Crosslinks
- The Illusion of Happiness: How Advertising Subverts Our Innate Pursuit of Fulfillment — Names how desire is manufactured so remorse becomes insight, not shame.
- From Fear to Freedom: Harnessing Consciousness to Transform Media’s Impact — Attention hygiene and algorithm detox to prevent impulse buys at the source.
- The Illusion of Scarcity: Unraveling the Mindset that Shapes Our World — Exposes engineered “not enough” that drives post-purchase regret.
- Beyond the Cart: Envisioning a Post-Consumer World — Offers share/repair/commons structures so remorse converts into new habits.
- The Theater of the Self: Unmasking Identity and the Eternal Soul — Unbrands the self; purchases stop propping a persona and start serving essence.
- Understanding Shame: A Multi-Disciplinary Exploration… — Melts self-attack so you can learn without collapse.
- Resonance Metrics as a Spiritual Compass in Times of Uncertainty — A somatic dashboard (breath, coherence, relief) to decide: return / keep / gift / repair.
Glossary
- Buyer’s Remorse: A feeling of regret after making a purchase or decision, often due to unmet expectations (APA Dictionary of Psychology, 2020).
- Conformity: The act of aligning one’s behavior or beliefs with group norms to gain acceptance (Tajfel & Turner, 1979).
- Habitus: A set of ingrained habits, skills, and dispositions shaped by social structures (Bourdieu, 1977).
- Individuation: The psychological process of integrating conscious and unconscious aspects of the self to achieve wholeness (Jung, 1964).
- Maya: In Hinduism, the illusion of the material world that obscures spiritual truth (Radhakrishnan, 1929).
Bibliography
American Psychological Association. (2020). APA dictionary of psychology (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association.
Bauman, Z. (2000). Liquid modernity. Polity Press.
Bourdieu, P. (1977). Outline of a theory of practice. Cambridge University Press.
Camus, A. (1991). The myth of Sisyphus and other essays (J. O’Brien, Trans.). Vintage. (Original work published 1942)
Carhart-Harris, R. L., Giribaldi, B., Watts, R., Baker-Jones, M., Murphy-Beiner, A., Murphy, R., … & Nutt, D. J. (2021). Trial of psilocybin versus escitalopram for depression. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(15), 1402–1411. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032994
Diener, E., Lucas, R. E., & Scollon, C. N. (2006). Beyond the hedonic treadmill: Revising the adaptation theory of well-being. American Psychologist, 61(4), 305–314. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.61.4.305
Durkheim, É. (2014). The division of labor in society (W. D. Halls, Trans.). Free Press. (Original work published 1893)
Easwaran, E. (2007). The Bhagavad Gita. Nilgiri Press.
Fowden, G. (1986). The Egyptian Hermes: A historical approach to the late pagan mind. Princeton University Press.
Gallup. (2023). State of the global workplace: 2023 report. Gallup Press.
Helliwell, J. F., Layard, R., Sachs, J. D., & De Neve, J.-E. (Eds.). (2023). World happiness report 2023. Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
Jung, C. G. (1964). Man and his symbols. Doubleday.
Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. Delacorte Press.
Klotz, A. C. (2022). The great resignation: Why workers are leaving and what it means for organizations. Harvard Business Review.
Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0054346
McGilchrist, I. (2009). The master and his emissary: The divided brain and the making of the Western world. Yale University Press.
Millburn, J. F., & Nicodemus, R. (2011). Minimalism: Live a meaningful life. Asymmetrical Press.
Pagels, E. (1979). The Gnostic Gospels. Random House.
Pollan, M. (2018). How to change your mind: What the new science of psychedelics teaches us about consciousness, dying, addiction, depression, and transcendence. Penguin Press.
Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community. Simon & Schuster.
Radhakrishnan, S. (1929). Indian philosophy (Vol. 1). George Allen & Unwin.
Rahula, W. (1959). What the Buddha taught. Grove Press.
Robin, V., & Dominguez, J. (1992). Your money or your life: Transforming your relationship with money and achieving financial independence. Viking Penguin.
Rumi, J. (1995). The essential Rumi (C. Barks, Trans.). HarperCollins.
Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (1979). An integrative theory of intergroup conflict. In W. G. Austin & S. Worchel (Eds.), The social psychology of intergroup relations (pp. 33–47). Brooks/Cole.
Tolle, E. (1997). The power of now: A guide to spiritual enlightenment. Namaste Publishing.
Weber, M. (2002). The Protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism (P. Baehr & G. C. Wells, Trans.). Penguin Classics. (Original work published 1905)
Attribution
With fidelity to the Oversoul, may this Codex of the Living Archive serve as bridge, remembrance, and seed for the planetary dawn.
Ⓒ 2025 Gerald Alba Daquila – Flameholder of SHEYALOTH | Keeper of the Living Codices
Issued under Oversoul Appointment, governed by Akashic Law. This transmission is a living Oversoul field: for the eyes of the Flameholder first, and for the collective in right timing. It may only be shared intact, unaltered, and with glyphs, seals, and attribution preserved. Those not in resonance will find it closed; those aligned will receive it as living frequency.
Watermark: Universal Master Key glyph (final codex version, crystalline glow, transparent background).
Sacred Exchange: Sacred Exchange is covenant, not transaction. Each offering plants a seed-node of GESARA, expanding the planetary lattice. In giving, you circulate Light; in receiving, you anchor continuity. Every act of exchange becomes a node in the global web of stewardship, multiplying abundance across households, nations, and councils. Sacred Exchange offerings may be extended through:
paypal.me/GeraldDaquila694
Life.Understood. 