In politics, leaders often portray themselves as builders of a perfect society, promising a utopia where every citizen's needs are met by a compassionate and virtuous government. These visions, echoing the ideals of classical philosophers like Rousseau, Hobbes, and Locke, imagine a world of fairness, security, and fulfilment. However, such promises are rarely rooted in reality. Instead, they serve as catchy campaign slogans, rallying supporters to embrace a fictional “paradise,” with party loyalists acting like devoted followers of this political faith.
In earlier times, political promises were often tied to long-term goals and generational visions. Today, however, the electorate has become impatient, shaped by the fast-paced digital age. Voters demand instant results, abandoning the patience needed for sustainable growth. In response, political campaigns prioritize immediate, superficial solutions over meaningful reform. Handouts like free rice, instant noodles, or cash payments replace investments in long-term development. This "stomach infrastructure" approach reduces governance to mere transactions, where short-term benefits overshadow strategic progress.
This craving for instant gratification extends beyond politics into religion. Traditional teachings that emphasized rewards in the afterlife are increasingly replaced by messages of immediate prosperity. Many modern pastors and preachers promote a gospel of quick wealth and success, appealing to audiences eager for fast results. The internet and social media platforms have amplified this trend, turning religion into a global marketplace of instant miracles. Faith is reduced to financial transactions, where blessings are promised in exchange for donations, and material wealth is seen as evidence of divine favour.
This cultural shift toward immediacy reflects a broader impatience in society. Both politics and religion now prioritize quick fixes over the enduring values of planning, sacrifice, and delayed gratification. In politics, this leads to short-sighted policies that fail to deliver sustainable progress. In religion, it fosters a shallow spirituality, where materialism overshadows true faith and transformation.
The consequences of this trend are significant. Society risks losing the depth and meaning that come from long-term thinking and genuine spiritual connection. Political promises are reduced to empty gestures, while religion becomes transactional, losing its power to inspire and uplift. The pursuit of an "instant paradise" leaves both politics and faith hollow, incapable of addressing humanity’s deeper needs.
To counter this trend, society must embrace patience and long-term vision. A commitment to sustainable growth in governance and a return to authentic spiritual practices are essential. Only through these values can we aspire to a paradise that, while not immediate, is both genuine and lasting.
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