Since my journey began over a decade ago in the vibrant realm of metamodern hackers, hipsters, and hippies, I’ve encountered an array of incredibly talented individuals. These kind-hearted souls are driven by a fierce resolve to enhance the world, yet their personal lives often reflect a tumultuous chaos.

Throughout the years, I have witnessed many individuals who, despite once thriving, have faced significant breakdowns. The observations I have gathered are both alarming and heartbreaking. I have seen people succumb to burnout and chronic illnesses, others left destitute and jobless after dedicating themselves to unfruitful projects. The struggles with addiction and substance use are prevalent among those grappling with the disappointments that often accompany such chaotic lifestyles. Misguided by misinformation and conspiracy theories, some have distanced themselves from their families in pursuit of harmful cults. I've encountered individuals spiraling into destructive behaviors, and tragically, some have chosen to end their lives.

My book Nordic Ideology was dedicated to two friends who lost their lives during its writing, and I fear my next work may bear similar sorrowful dedications.

So, what is happening? Why do so many in our community feel so despondent? And what actions can we take to address this?

Examining the reasons behind this malaise, I propose three primary factors contributing to the suffering within our community:

1. Metamodernists Are Highly Sensitive Individuals

One key factor is that metamodernists often possess a heightened sensitivity and have endured emotional and spiritual trauma, not just from life itself but from the dynamics of modern society. It stands to reason that many who commit their time to fostering a more empathetic society do so out of personal pain caused by societal structures. If life in the contemporary world were fulfilling and consistently rewarding, why would anyone seek change?

Moreover, this community is notably neurodiverse. Conditions such as ADHD, autism, OCD, and dyslexia are significantly more common among metamodernists, suggesting that these non-traditional neurological profiles align with metamodern viewpoints. Additionally, there is a higher prevalence of individuals identifying as gay, non-binary, transgender, or possessing other diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Consequently, such differences often lead to increased life challenges. Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and even psychoses are more frequently observed among metamodernists compared to the general population.

However, it’s not merely the sensitivity and uniqueness that complicate life for many metamodernists; the stark contrast in values also plays a crucial role in their mental distress.

2. Divergent Values Create Isolation

In many respects, holding values and perspectives that are far removed from mainstream thought can be deeply isolating. Metamodernists often find themselves misunderstood and alienated, not just in typical social environments but also among those who consider themselves alternative or counter-cultural. It can be disheartening to be the sole metamodernist, whether in a small village or a bustling city.

The rarity of metamodernists can make this journey one of solitude. The isolation stems from the lack of shared values and perspectives, compounded by the stifling feeling of living amidst what they perceive as crude and misguided societal values.

This sense of isolation and suffocation can lead to mental health challenges. Furthermore, it can result in economic hardships, as the unique perspectives of metamodernists often clash with conventional employment opportunities.

3. Metamodernism Can Hinder Employment Opportunities

Consider the reality: modernists may not grasp your ideas, while postmodernists might oppose them vehemently. Together, they represent a significant majority of the population, making job prospects quite challenging, especially when attempting to showcase distinctive skills that may go unrecognized or undervalued.

Value systems can create barriers in friendships and professional relationships. I know individuals who have lost valuable friendships after embracing metamodern views, or who have found themselves in conflict with loved ones over previously benign discussions. While disagreements within similar value systems can be amicable, challenging the foundational beliefs of others can escalate tensions.

Bringing metamodern ideas to unfamiliar social settings often leads to misunderstanding and, in some cases, hostility. Marginalization can occur both socially and economically for those who do not temper their views.

A piece of advice: avoid informing potential employers that a new way of thinking surpasses the one they’ve dedicated their lives to. Such honesty could cost you the job (a true scenario).

While one might believe that metamodern theory would empower them to better analyze arguments and propose novel ideas, the reality is that few appreciate someone who consistently wins debates. This dynamic can be detrimental, especially when those in positions of power hold the keys to employment or funding opportunities.

These observations may seem bleak, but there is hope.

If metamodernists face a challenging existence, they often possess the resources necessary to confront these challenges and transform them into wisdom, personal growth, and meaningful change. Metamodern mindsets and values emerge not solely from adversity but also from supportive backgrounds that foster resilience. The most profound growth often occurs when difficult circumstances meet robust support systems.

This narrative illustrates that metamodernists are significant contributors to societal change not in spite of their vulnerabilities, but because of them. They often embody a unique blend of complexity and resilience. While not everyone may contribute to substantial change, a metamodernist’s response to their circumstances frequently leads to broader solutions for the pressing challenges of our time.

Assess your intellectual, social, and spiritual resources, and embark on the educational journey that life has set before you. You are not only working to transform your own life but also to inscribe new values onto a fresh canvas.

For further insights on navigating a metamodern life, consider these resources:

Neuroatypicality Is the Shamanism of Late Modernity: Neurodivergent individuals often possess a mix of strengths and weaknesses, placing them in a unique position within societal hierarchies.

Don’t Minimize Conflict. Minimize Resentment: A guide on conflict resolution strategies.

Acceptance, not Tolerance, Is the Elixir of a Good Society: Cultivating acceptance may be one of the most valuable contributions to society.

Real Rebels Risk Disapproval: True rebels embrace risks rather than merely critiquing from a safe distance.

Why Quitting Is for Winners: The issue may not be the act of quitting, but rather remaining in situations that do not serve you.

Your Social Status: A Reflection from the Stance of Sincere Irony: Exploring how to embody confidence and authenticity.

Additionally, here are articles highlighting common pitfalls to avoid:

3 BS Traps when Working with Hipsters, Hippies, and Hackers: A guide to navigating common challenges in creative endeavors.

How a Psychedelic Sex Cult Infiltrated a German Ecovillage: A cautionary tale of vulnerability and manipulation in communal living.

Hanzi Freinacht is a political philosopher, historian, and sociologist, author of The Listening Society, Nordic Ideology, and 12 Commandments. He spends much of his time in solitude in the Swiss Alps. Follow Hanzi on social media or support his work by visiting www.metamoderna.org.