from the bee

[altanar]

Weltschmerz (velt'shmerts') n. [[Ger, world pain]] Mental depression or apathy caused by comparison of the actual state of the world with an ideal state; Sentimental pessimism

Feel familiar to anyone else?

Comments

[raininthedesert]

I can relate to a certain extent, although I wouldn't say I've ever felt depression over it, just mild annoyance. But it seems like, when asked my opinion on something, I often begin my answer with the words, "Well, in an ideal world..." I guess I do that because I know that my opinions actually mean very little, since this isn't an ideal world, and things will never be the way I think they should be.

[andreya]

Yes.

Especially when it's raining.

And being a teacher of German (as a second language) that post made me happy too;)

[charmng_nsanity]

On the personal world scale:

I spend practically every day thinking I'd be better off somewhere else, in some different "ideal" situation.

"Things would be better if.....(I had my ideal job, lived in a different city)"

I'm beginning to think maybe that's not as true as I'd like it to be. :-(

[whitewillow]

I can definitely relate. There are times when I wish that somehow television commercials and shows could be used to promote something other than materialism and other undesirable behaviors in children and adults. I also see so much potential in our youth and so little means for them to express it.

But, I also have another ideal. This is not concrete and is dependent on the idea that there is an end that we are all moving towards that is being directed by powers who know more than I do. This faith is what keeps me from being depressed. I really don't have a Bible to back up this notion nor any manuscript that tells me that everything is going to be ok. Perhaps it's just instinct, perhaps it is what is left of my childish optimism, perhaps it is denial. Whatever it is, I always end up coming back to it without trying or sometimes even wanting to.

It's a little voice that says, "It's alright. Everything is going to be OK."

I hope I never loose it.

[palerabbit]

yes.
more yes.
not enough yes to accurately describe it at some points.
the world may be short of dreamers, but what good are dreamers if nothing is ever done about it?

very good post, and if nothing else, you've brought me a bit of cultural diversity today