The Cold Pursuit of Power and Wealth: A Human Flaw as Destructive as Any Disease
How Near-Death Experiences Could Heal Humanity's Obsession with Greed and Power
It is difficult to fathom how individuals can be so cold-hearted as to ruin the lives of millions of good people in their ruthless pursuit of power and money. History is filled with examples of despots, corrupt leaders, and greedy corporations whose actions have inflicted untold suffering upon society, driven by an insatiable hunger for control and material gain. This phenomenon speaks to a deep and tragic flaw within the human condition, one that mirrors the destructiveness of a disease. As society grapples with these behaviors, it becomes clearer that those consumed by unchecked ambition should be held accountable and removed from positions of influence before their malice festers into widespread destruction.
At the core of this issue is the corrupting nature of power. When individuals become obsessed with accumulating more power, their sense of empathy and moral judgment diminishes. This erosion of human decency transforms once-compassionate people into calculating entities, willing to sacrifice others to climb further up the social or economic ladder. The allure of control becomes a blinding force, clouding their ability to see the suffering they cause. As they amass wealth and authority, they become insulated from the consequences of their actions, detached from the reality of the lives they destroy. The higher they rise, the further they fall from the basic humanity that ties people together.
Money, too, serves as a powerful motivator, capable of warping values and blurring the line between right and wrong. While wealth in and of itself is not inherently evil, the relentless craving for more often drives individuals to act in ways that disregard the well-being of others. When wealth becomes the ultimate goal, it often replaces moral integrity. Greed manifests as a hunger that is never satisfied, no matter how much is accumulated. Those obsessed with financial gain begin to view others not as people, but as tools to be manipulated or obstacles to be eliminated. This dehumanization fuels an unending cycle of exploitation and suffering.
One of the most profound antidotes to this destructive pattern lies in the study of near-death experiences (NDEs). Those who study NDEs reveal the fleeting nature of the human experience and the truth that life is not about power or wealth, but about love, connection, and the eternal essence of the soul. NDEs often transform individuals by showing them the fragility of life and the overwhelming importance of compassion, unity, and spiritual purpose. If only more people—especially those in positions of power—were to undergo NDEs, the world would be a better place. These experiences have the potential to shatter the illusions of control and materialism, revealing the inherent interconnectedness of all people.
Near-death experiences could fundamentally disrupt the toxic cycle of greed and power. Those who have had an NDE often come back with a completely altered perspective, abandoning previous pursuits of self-interest in favor of a life filled with empathy and a desire to help others. They describe feelings of universal love and understanding, where the superficial aspects of life—wealth, power, status—hold no significance in the grand scheme of existence. This new awareness could serve as a cure for the destructive nature of those consumed by greed, allowing them to reconnect with their humanity.
Many who experience an NDE report a deep realization that their life choices matter far beyond material success. The awareness that life is short and that, in the end, what remains are the relationships and kindnesses shared with others, profoundly shifts one’s values. They often speak of encountering a "life review," where they relive their actions and their impact on others. In this reflective state, the power-hungry individual would be forced to confront the pain they caused in their pursuit of selfish goals. Such an awakening could drive people away from harmful ambitions and toward a more meaningful existence rooted in compassion.
NDEs, in essence, serve as a direct reminder of our mortality and the ultimate insignificance of worldly pursuits in the face of the eternal. They offer the kind of clarity that often only death can provide, without the permanence of death itself. For those who are driven by money and power, this realization could serve as a powerful deterrent to their destructive behavior. Once a person realizes that their time on Earth is fleeting, and that no amount of power or wealth can accompany them in death, their motivations shift toward making a positive impact.
If leaders, politicians, and corporate titans were to have such experiences, the world could be dramatically transformed. Imagine a world where those in power are guided not by greed or ambition, but by a deep understanding of life's transience and the eternal importance of love and community. Near-death experiences have the potential to soften hearts hardened by the pursuit of wealth and power, awakening within them the empathy they have long ignored. This awakening could inspire them to use their influence not to destroy but to build, not to exploit but to uplift.
Ultimately, the cold-heartedness of those who ruin lives for power and wealth is not an inexplicable phenomenon. It is a flaw inherent to the human condition, one that thrives in environments where accountability is lacking and personal ambition is prioritized over the common good. This flaw is as dangerous as any disease, spreading destruction wherever it takes root. Just as we strive to eliminate physical diseases, we must work to remove those who exhibit this flaw from positions where they can cause harm. Near-death experiences offer a path toward this healing, awakening the soul to the fleeting nature of life and the eternal value of love. By fostering greater awareness of these transformative experiences, society can begin to shift away from greed and toward a world driven by empathy and human connection.
Interesting angle Bill.
First, as you posed the problems with greed and power, I couldn’t help think we could shift the balance if we changed the incentives. What if investment in public good provided a better ROI than shares in a less necessary corporation, and the tax on this income was applied differently?
Second - Rather than exploring the benefits and justifying the risks of an almost-lethal experience, I think everyone (myself included) will allocate our resources to building the list of pioneers for this treatment while conveniently leaving ourselves in the late-adopter category.
I’m going to take the bait and suggest the headline - mandatory psychedelics to as a safe means to experience near death and cure asshole tendencies.
Any sociopaths remaining can get in the queue as we experiment with the recipes for almost dead.