The Myth of the Logos

Summary of the Introduction

The text is a profound reflection on human nature, language, reason, and our relationship with reality. The author begins by critically examining language as humanity’s most powerful tool—both a means of cooperation and a source of deception and lies. The human ability to tell stories (homo narrans) often leads to a detachment from reality, as people immerse themselves in self-created narratives.

Humanity is portrayed as a paradoxical being: striving for reason (logos) while being driven by instinct, power struggles, and self-deception. The text criticises the male-dominated historical narrative, which glorifies violence, the pursuit of growth, and social inequality, while real wisdom and sustainable action take a back seat.

The author describes human beings as cognitive Sisyphuses, constantly trying to uncover the truth but failing due to distraction, convenience, and the overwhelming flood of information. The digital age and algorithm-driven media further blur the line between truth and fiction, making it almost impossible to distinguish between them.

Ultimately, the text asks whether humanity has truly moved from myth to reason, or whether it has simply created a new myth of logos. The belief in human omniscience and control is revealed as an illusion. Despite technological progress, humanity remains, in many existential aspects, at the developmental stage of a child.

In the end, a dark realisation emerges: as humanity hurtles towards the abyss, it remains indifferent. Perhaps, in the future, artificial intelligence will have to bring it to its senses – or it will succumb to its own arrogance.

The text thus sets the stage for a critical journey through the „kingdom of unreason“.

Chapter I

Reason vs. Understanding or Is Knowledge Enough?

This text explores the tension between reason, understanding, and knowledge, especially in the context of the rapid developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and human decision-making processes. The author expresses concern about the progress of AI, which is capable of mastering complex tasks such as chess and Go, writing novels, or even making military decisions. At the same time, it questions the human tendency to accept complex technologies without question, even when there is a lack of understanding.

The text explores the interplay between understanding and reason. Understanding is presented as the ability to analyse and solve problems, but in practice, it is often limited by emotional and instinctive impulses. Reason, on the other hand, is presented as a higher, long-term orientation aimed at the well-being of humanity and the Earth. However, these two intellectual faculties are often at odds with each other, understanding is dominated by unconscious, evolutionary programmes such as survival instincts and quick, short-term action impulses.

The author reflects on humanity’s inability to learn from mistakes and take global responsibility. The concept of cognitive dissonance is introduced, describing the tendency to repeat wrong actions even when we are aware of them. This dissonance results in people failing to act on the knowledge they have about the need for sustainable action.

The issue is extended to the social and political dimension, where the author criticises society’s inability to respond to pressing global challenges such as climate change or social injustice. The text concludes with a discussion of the role of faith and science. The author emphasises that confusing faith with knowledge is a dangerous position to take, especially when it comes to addressing the pressing challenges facing humanity.

In summary, the text questions whether human beings, despite their intellectual capacities, are capable of acting rationally in the face of the enormous complexity of the world, especially in the face of technological advances and global crises.

Chapter II

Science / Medicine or Who Helps?

The text deals with the shortcomings of modern medicine, science and society, particularly in the context of pandemics and ethical and social issues. The author reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of preparedness for such a global crisis, despite previous warnings and reports on the dangers of a pandemic. Despite this knowledge, society was not prepared to take the necessary precautions, leading to repeated failures.

The text criticises the lack of long-term, sustainable strategies for dealing with pandemics, instead opting for short-term solutions that are not only ineffective but also dangerous, such as the „survivorship bias“ strategy, which only recognises successful measures and ignores mistakes.

The commercialisation of medicine and science is highlighted as a key issue. The author points to the influence of financial interests leading to a two-tier healthcare system and compromising the quality of research. The rise of ’substitute medicine‘ is described, which is profit-driven but offers little in the way of long-term health benefits. The lack of prevention and the misguided prioritisation of profit over patient health are also criticised.

With regard to scientific research, the text criticises the shortcomings of scientific practice, such as the publication of inferior studies and the lack of real quality control. The author describes how science is influenced by lobbying and money, leading to questionable results and unethical practices. The text also questions the uncritical use of animal testing, its ethical implications and the often dubious results it produces. Animal testing is used as an example of the deceitfulness of the scientific world and its misuse in the name of progress.

The discussion of ‚homeopathy‘ and its efficacy underlines the central theme of the irrationality that often exists within the medical system. The author condemns the continued promotion of an unsubstantiated method such as homeopathy, despite the lack of scientific proof of its efficacy.

At the end of the text, the author recalls the dark chapters of history, such as the medical experiments carried out during the Second World War under the guise of science. He acknowledges, without denying, his own role in the history of medical research and his responsibility for unethical practices committed in the past.

Chapter III

Evolution of violance or Who has the power?

The text critically reflects on the destructive nature of war and its profound impact on humanity, society and the environment. It begins with Heraclitus‘ statement that war is the “father of all”, interpreting it as a reference to the transformative but also devastating power of conflict. This consideration is underpinned by historical and current examples that show how violence and wars not only cause human suffering but also leave social and ecological damage.

Current conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza are cited as examples of the escalation of modern warfare. These conflicts are characterised by the use of advanced technologies such as drones and cluster bombs, which increasingly put civilians in the line of fire. The text also criticises the male-dominated logic of war and patriarchal structures that systematically disadvantage women and marginalise their role in society. Women often bear the brunt of the consequences of war, while their voices and perspectives are frequently ignored in politics and society.

The role of women is particularly emphasised in the context of pregnancy, childbirth and childrearing. Women bear the brunt of reproduction: from conception, through nine months of pregnancy, to the birth, which is an enormous physical and emotional toll. During pregnancy, hormones such as progesterone and estrogen work to sustain life and prepare the body for birth. Childbirth itself is an enormous feat for both mother and child; it requires immense energy and is supported by hormones such as oxytocin, which not only facilitates the birth process but also promotes the bond between mother and child. After the birth, women often take on the main responsibility for caring for and raising the child, a task that is often taken for granted and given little social recognition.

Furthermore, economic interests and the arms trade are examined as driving forces behind conflicts. The text shows how military spending and the global arms market benefit from crises, while at the same time resources for urgent problems such as climate change are lacking. Propaganda and manipulation through information also play a central role in the escalation of conflicts, fuelling hatred and fear and undermining rational discussion.

In conclusion, the text calls for a shift from aggression and domination to global cooperation and reason in order to make peace possible. The central message is that war has no winners – only losers. The text argues for a world in which cooperation and mutual understanding take precedence over power and force in order to secure the future of humanity. This requires a fundamental change in the way people view conflicts and an acknowledgement of the interdependence of all people on the planet.

Chapter IV

Climate / nature conservation / overpopulation or does the world need homo sapiens?

The lyrics deal with the destruction of the earth and its ecosystems by humans. The author describes the incessant exploitation of natural resources and the misunderstanding of the human role within the ecosystem. Humans, as supposedly superior beings, see themselves as standing above nature and often regard the earth and its resources as something that can be used and exploited for their own benefit. Yet despite knowing the consequences of their actions, humans remain trapped in a destructive cycle.

The author criticises humans for destroying the Earth through their greed and ignorance. They exploit the soil through intensive agriculture, destroy marine life and overuse natural resources such as water and fossil fuels. The growing problem of climate change and the destruction of ecosystems such as forests and oceans are addressed, while humans continue to focus on short-term gains and ignore long-term consequences. The text also notes that the Earth is seen as a ‘garden’ that humans are ravaging without being aware of the limits and fragility of this system.

Another central theme is the neoliberal economic order, which puts profit before the well-being of the earth and its inhabitants. Capitalism is described as a driving force that further fuels the consumption of resources and damages the environment without taking into account the long-term costs to the ecosystem. The human being, living in a consumer paradigm, focuses more on immediate utility and wealth generation than on the preservation of the natural foundations of life. The economic pursuit of profit leads to the destruction of the natural environment and an ever-widening gap between social classes, with the affluent societies of the global North continuing to profit from the resources of the poorer countries of the global South.

The text also emphasises the paradox of human existence: although humans possess incredible intelligence and technological abilities, they are unable to find a sustainable and long-term solution to the problems of climate change and the destruction of biodiversity. There are many scientific approaches and institutions dealing with these problems, but given the urgency of the situation and the ongoing destruction of the environment, these efforts seem to be less and less successful.

Despite knowing about the ecological disaster that is looming over humanity, people are not willing to make fundamental changes. Most people are trapped in their consumption and lifestyle, without really understanding that their actions cause long-term damage to the earth and their own existence. The incessant search for more prosperity, combined with an alienation from nature, leads to a mental and physical disconnection from the actual consequences of their actions.

The text ends with the realisation that humans are trapped in a destructive cycle that is difficult to break. There is no easy solution to the problems that humans have caused themselves. The author acknowledges that capitalism and the greed that drives it cannot provide long-term solutions to global environmental problems. Despite this knowledge, people seem to continue to be focused on short-term benefits and are not willing to face the long-term consequences of their decisions. The responsibility for the protection of the planet and the survival of future generations is ignored, and the myth that everything will always go on as before persists.

Summary of the Epilogue

The text reflects on profound existential and societal issues, particularly in relation to environmental degradation, climate change and human failure. The author describes a sense of powerlessness and resignation in the face of global crises caused by human inadequacy and a growth-driven economic system.

He points out the destructive consequences for the human civilisation, including species extinction, global warming and increasing social inequality. Attempts to distract from these issues through entertainment and consumption are proving futile. Humanity remains trapped in its irrational behaviour, unable to learn from its mistakes or make sustainable changes.

Religions and secular ideologies merely offer alternative narratives that try to explain human existence without really offering a solution to its fundamental problems. The author critically questions the belief in progress and the idea of a positive evolutionary trajectory. Instead, humanity is portrayed as a species that has pushed itself to the brink of extinction without understanding the consequences of its actions.

Ultimately, the text ends on a resigned but challenging note: The only salvation lies in radical honesty and a profound transformation – not only of the external world, but above all of one’s own thinking and actions. This transformation, however, remains out of reach as long as humanity continues its self-deception.

Final Thought:
„You must change your life.“ (Rilke, 1908)

The translation was carried out with the help of DeepL