Khushal das Parmar

The Problem of Plenty and Search for Mental Peace We live in an age where everything feels abundant, with endless information, choices, opportunities, gadgets, entertainment, and possessions. From the outside, it looks like the perfect recipe for happiness. Our ancestors struggled for survival, while we can have groceries delivered, access libraries from a phone, and connect instantly with people across the world. Yet, amid all this abundance, a strange restlessness grips modern life. The problem of plenty is not about scarcity of resources but it is about an overload of them. When everything is available, the mind becomes overwhelmed. Psychologists call this decision fatigue. The more choices we face, the more anxious and dissatisfied we become. Think about it. How many times have you scrolled endlessly through Netflix and then turned it off, unable to decide what to watch? Or spent hours comparing products online, only to end up unsure about what you really need? Abundance, ironically, breeds confusion. The same applies to success and wealth. The more we earn, the higher our expectations climb. Comfort quickly turns into necessity. Instead of satisfaction, we begin to feel pressure to maintain, to upgrade, to outdo. We chase the next milestone, hoping peace will arrive with it, but it rarely does. Peace of mind is no longer a natural state; it has become something we pursue through yoga classes, meditation apps, or digital detox weekends. Yet peace was once the default condition of a simple life. In the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai, the people of Okinawa are known to live long and content lives not because they have much, but because they find joy in having enough. As Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles write in Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, “The happiest people are not the ones who achieve the most. They are the ones who spend more time than others in a state of flow.” True peace does not come from reducing our possessions alone, but from reducing our attachment to them. It begins when we stop measuring our worth by what we own or achieve and start valuing what we feel and experience. A cluttered home can be cleared in a weekend, but a cluttered mind takes patience, discipline, and self-awareness. Peace begins when we make space not just in our schedules, but in our hearts and thoughts. As the Dalai Lama reminds us, “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” When abundance aligns with awareness, plenty can transform from a problem into a blessing. Henry David Thoreau wrote in Walden, “A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone.” Nowdays, everyone seems to be chasing something fame, trends, or the lifestyle of those already in the spotlight. Social media has turned comparison into a daily habit, and many people try to copy what celebrities do, believing that success or recognition will bring peace. Yet, those who seem to “have it all” often speak about the emptiness behind excess. Actor Jim Carrey once said, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.” His words echo a deep truth that the material success can fill our homes but not our hearts. Similarly, Keanu Reeves, known for his humility despite fame, shared, “Money doesn’t mean anything to me. I’ve made a lot of money, but I want to enjoy life and not stress about building my bank account.” Even spiritual voices remind us of the same wisdom. Oprah Winfrey, reflecting on her journey, said, “The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re willing to work.” Yet, she also emphasizes that real joy comes from gratitude and balance, not from constant striving. Their words remind us that peace is not found in being seen, followed, admired or having plenty but it is found in being content with who we are when the noise fades and the lights dim. When I reflect on my own journey, this truth feels deeply personal. I was born in the desert Tharparkar in southern Pakistan, one of the most remote and economically challenged areas of the country. My father was a labourer who worked tirelessly so that we could dream bigger than our surroundings allowed. I grew up without resources, without connections, and often without certainty about the future. Getting admission to a university for my bachelor’s degree was itself a battle; financially, socially, and emotionally. Yet every step forward became a new beginning like earning scholarships, completing my higher education, traveling across countries, and now pursuing a PhD in Italy. Each milestone felt like a mountain climbed against all odds. And yet, when I look back today, I realize that the path though filled with success stories is not the same as peace of mind. Achievement brought satisfaction, yes, but not always serenity. I learned that peace isn’t found in the applause of others or in the degrees and scholarships we collect. It lives quietly in moments of gratitude. When I remember my father’s tired hands, the sand dunes of my childhood, and the small library I once dreamed of building for other kids like me. Though I have come a long way from Tharparkar, my deepest journey continues inward, in search of peace, modesty, and meaning. Like Ikigai teaches, purpose is not something we chase. It is something we live every day, through our work, our compassion, and our balance. Peace of mind isn’t something far away; it lives quietly within us, waiting for care. In a world of endless choices and possessions, the goal isn’t to have more but to wisely and prioritize what truly matters. That’s the true lesson behind The Problem of Plenty and the Search for Peace of Mind. Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as admin. Edit your

Youth, AI, and Social Media: Shaping Mental Health for the Next Generation In today’s world, our youth are growing up in a digital ecosystem shaped not just by smartphones and social media, but also by artificial intelligence (AI) working silently in the background. Every video recommendation, every trending hashtag, and even the posts that appear on a feed are influenced by sophisticated AI algorithms. While these tools make platforms more engaging, personalized, and entertaining, they also carry hidden costs for the mental health of young people. The very systems designed to connect us can sometimes leave youth feeling more disconnected, anxious, and pressured than ever before.Most teenagers and young adults scroll through their feeds without realizing that AI is carefully deciding what they see next. These systems are designed to maximize attention, often by amplifying emotionally charged, sensational, or addictive content. While this strategy keeps users online longer, it also increases exposure to toxic comparisons, cyberbullying, and unrealistic lifestyle portrayals. Over time, this constant overload can fuel feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. As Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella wisely notes: “Technology is not good or bad in itself. It’s all about how we use it.” His words remind us that AI itself is not the enemy, its impact depends on the intention, awareness, and balance of its users. Echoing this, Tristan Harris, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology, has warned: “Never before in history have 50 designers, 20-to-35-year-old white guys in California, made decisions that would have an impact on two billion people.” This sobering truth highlights just how much influence a handful of AI-driven design choices can have on shaping the mental well-being of entire generations.With the rise of AI-powered filters, editing tools, and image enhancers, young people now have the ability to create perfected versions of themselves online. This digital freedom can be creative and fun, but it also brings an enormous pressure to look flawless or live an idealized life. The constant pursuit of “likes” for a polished self-image can distort one’s perception of reality. The line between authenticity and curated identity blurs, leaving many youths struggling with self-worth, confidence, and acceptance of their true selves. The words of former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama speak powerfully here: “Don’t let anyone tell you that you are not enough, not pretty enough, not thin enough, or not smart enough. You are more than enough.” These words resonate deeply for a generation that battles comparison every time they unlock their phones. The danger is that these digital masks can make young people forget the beauty of imperfection, the fact that flaws are part of being human. When identity becomes filtered and curated, authenticity suffers, and mental health is compromised. To resist this, youth must learn that their real selves hold far greater value than any AI-crafted illusion.Research studies are increasingly highlighting the link between excessive social media use and poor sleep patterns, feelings of loneliness, heightened anxiety, and reduced attention spans. For young minds that are still developing emotional resilience, these impacts are especially concerning. The dopamine rush triggered by likes, shares, and notifications can quickly become addictive, turning online validation into a necessity rather than a choice. And when that validation doesn’t come, frustration and stress set in. Author and researcher Brené Brown captures this tension perfectly: “Social media has given us this idea that we should all have a posse of friends when in reality, if we have one or two really good friends, we are lucky.” Her words highlight the importance of prioritizing deep, authentic relationships over the illusion of endless online connections.Interestingly, the same technology that contributes to these challenges also carries the potential to support mental well-being. AI-driven apps, digital mental health assistants, and therapy chatbots can provide early intervention, track mood changes, and even detect signs of depression or anxiety from online behavior. Major platforms are also investing in AI-powered moderation to filter harmful content and curb online harassment. Yet, these developments raise important ethical concerns about privacy, data protection, and the limits of machine-driven care. As entrepreneur Elon Musk famously warned: “Artificial intelligence is likely to be the best or worst thing ever to happen to humanity. We must make it the best.” Applied thoughtfully, AI can indeed become an ally in creating safer, healthier digital spaces for the next generation. But its success depends on transparency, accountability, and human oversight, without these safeguards, even well-intended innovations risk causing more harm than healing.Parents, educators, and communities all have a crucial role to play in guiding youth through this digital maze. Awareness of how algorithms shape online behavior, encouragement of mindful digital habits, and the normalization of open conversations around mental health can collectively reduce negative impacts. Youth themselves can also adopt small but powerful practices such as:Setting clear boundaries for screen time.Following accounts that inspire positivity rather than toxic comparison.Taking breaks with intentional “digital detox” days.Nurturing real-world friendships and seeking validation beyond social media metrics.As Prince William rightly emphasizes: “Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Take care of it.” His advocacy is a timely reminder that care for the mind is as vital as care for the body, especially in a world where the digital realm often consumes so much of our attention. In fact, just as exercise and nutrition are essential for physical well-being, daily habits of mindfulness, rest, and balanced digital use are critical for mental strength. Ignoring mental health in the age of constant connectivity is like neglecting your heart while overworking your body, the long-term consequences can be devastating. Prince William’s call should not only inspire individuals but also push societies, schools, and tech companies to prioritize mental health as a collective responsibility.The relationship between youth, AI, and social media is undeniably complex. The challenges are real, but so is the potential for positive transformation. With awareness, education, and responsible innovation, society can create a future where technology empowers rather than diminishes mental well-being. For the next generation, the task is

In a world where AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Deep Seek can summarize a 600-page novel in seconds, we may find ourselves wondering: why bother reading deeply anymore? Let’s understand Deep reading first. It is the slow, immersive, thoughtful engagement with text, it is not just about absorbing content. It’s about shaping our minds. It’s what teaches us to pause, to think critically, to empathize, and to make meaning from complexity. Unlike casual reading, where we skim headlines or scroll through quick content, deep reading requires focus, patience, and emotional engagement. It means staying with a complex idea, absorbing the nuances of a sentence, and reflecting on the inner conflict of writers or their subtle arguments. As artificial intelligence reshapes how we consume knowledge, it tempts us with speed and convenience but it may quietly erase the very capacities that make us human. Through this blog I will make you understand that why deep reading still matters; perhaps now more than ever. Neurologically, deep reading activates multiple regions of the brain: those responsible for language, memory, empathy, and sensory experience. The cognitive neuroscientist Maryanne Wolf in her talk (available on YouTube at The University of Chicago Graham School YouTube channel) says, “deep reading builds a quality of attention that enables us to analyse, infer, and reflect which is the essential components of critical thinking.” In the act of reading we build emotional intelligence, broaden our perspective, and practice empathy. Research in psychology and education has shown that people who read literary fiction regularly score higher in tests of social cognition and empathy. Why? Because deep reading puts us into someone else’s shoes and keeps us there. In contrast to the quick dopamine hits of digital consumption (The quick dopamine hits and the increasing use of social media is another troubling issue, I suggest you to explore it on your own), deep reading cultivates sustained attention and cognitive endurance. The American entrepreneur and author Jim Rohn says, “Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.” Jim Rohn’s quote reminds us that deep reading doesn’t just make us informed but it helps elevate our thinking beyond average, beyond superficial. It sharpens our ability to question, reflect, and grow. Psychologically, deep reading fosters not only intellectual maturity but also emotional resilience. When we engage deeply with complex characters, conflicting viewpoints, or unresolved endings, our minds learn to hold ambiguity, develop patience, and regulate emotions. The Psychologist Raymond Mar says, “Engaging with stories helps us understand other people and our social world.” Deep reading allows us to simulate emotional experiences, understand diverse perspectives, and process the complexities of human relationships. We confront dilemmas, grieve with characters, and rejoice in their growth. Over time, this strengthens our empathy and self-awareness. In the words of Carl Jung, “Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” Deep reading becomes a mirror to our inner selves, helping us identify feelings and beliefs that we may not have consciously acknowledged. Unlike quick content, which often numbs us with overstimulation, deep reading offers a kind of therapeutic introspection i.e a mental space where transformation quietly takes root. We live in an age of shortcuts, our generation wants everything as fast as possible and expects instant results. Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Gemini, or DeepSeek can now process and summarize entire books, articles, or academic papers within seconds. Need a quick overview of Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov? AI’s got you. Want a synopsis of a research paper for tomorrow’s meeting? Done in one prompt. But with this growing dependence on machine-generated summaries comes a subtle shift: we’re learning to favour speed over depth, answers over questions, and efficiency over experience. This culture of speed has deeply affected students, researchers, and professionals. Many now skip entire readings in favour of AI-generated abstracts or YouTube explainers. While this might help meet deadlines, it also risks flattening our intellectual engagement. The nuances, contradictions, and discomforts that make reading meaningful are often left behind. In this race toward faster knowledge, we risk creating a generation of thinkers who know what something means but not why it matters. No matter how advanced machines become, they cannot replicate the inner transformation that deep reading brings. It can generate meaning, but it cannot derive meaning from lived experience. Reading deeply allows us to wrestle with ambiguity, sit with discomfort, and engage with ideas that challenge us. By deep reading we, develop empathetic imagination by inhabiting perspectives unlike our own. hone complex reasoning by following intricate narratives or arguments. cultivate a sense of self, one shaped not just by information, but by interpretation. George Saunders once said, “Fiction is a kind of empathy machine.” It makes us more human, something no algorithm, however brilliant, can simulate. AI may be able to mimic thought, but it cannot feel heartbreak in a poem, or wrestle with moral dilemmas in a novel, or grow wiser after reading a memoir. That’s the irreplaceable gift of deep reading. I am not saying to stop using AI tools, but suggest you to use it wisely. AI can be a powerful companion in our reading journey. It can suggest books based on interests, or provide background context for complex topics. But it should serve as a starting point, not the endpoint. Rather than replacing deep reading, we can use AI tools to enhance it: Use ChatGPT or any other LLMs’ tool to generate discussion questions after reading a novel.Ask AI to compare philosophical arguments across authors after you’ve read them.Use tools like Goodreads or AI-powered recommendation engines to find your next deep read. In the fast-moving age of algorithms and instant answers, the quiet discipline of deep reading is more essential than ever. It anchors us. It nourishes our inner world. It slows us down and in doing so, makes us more thoughtful, empathetic, and fully human. The famous quote by George R.R. Martin, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only