The 9 Controversies

THE

9

CONTROVERSIES

MAROUN GHNATIOS

Copyright

First Published 2023

Copyright © 2023 Maroun Ghnatios

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any person who does any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

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All rights reserved.

DEDICATION

To my cherished family, your love, belief, and guidance have shaped me. You've been my anchor in stormy seas, a light in my darkest hours. This book is a testament to your love, and I am forever grateful.

I also dedicate this work to those marked by the Beirut explosion, and the people of my country who face adversity with bravery. Your resilience is a beacon of hope. This book stands as a tribute to your indomitable spirit.

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1 - The Myth of Luck: Unraveling the Factors that Shape Our Lives

First Card – Outer Beauty

Second Card – The Card of Health

Third Card – Personality

Fourth Card – Intelligence

Fifth Card – Wealth

Sixth Card – Country of Birth

Chapter 2 - Rethinking Success

The Normalcy of Everyday Life

The Importance of Diverse Roles

Beyond Fame and Wealth

Chapter 3 – Deconstructing Celebrity Culture

Unveiling the Veil of Grandeur

Unleashing the Shocking Truth of Wealth Disparity

The Fall of Rome Revisited

Chapter 4 – Unraveling the Concept of Money

The Evolution of Money: From the Gold Standard to the Modern Era

Decoding Currency's Enigma

The Alchemy of Banking

Why the U.S. Economy Reigns

Chapter 5 - Breaking the Silence: Unmasking the Challenges Faced by Men Today

The Nature of Men

Unveiling the Struggles and Pathways to Fulfillment for Men

Uncovering the Unspoken Burdens of Men in Today's World

Standing Alone

Chapter 6 - The Modern Epidemic of Stress

The Anatomy of Stress

The Impact of Stress on Mental Well-being

Triggers of Stress

Whispers of Serenity

I Am Stressed, Therefore I Exist

Chapter 7 - Fractured Foundations: Exploring the Decline of Western Societies

Embracing Diversity and Preserving Identity

Immigration Ethics

The Vanishing Authority

Guiding Dissent

Chapter 8 - The Individualistic Paradox

Individu-Capitalism

Individu-Digitalism

Preserving Earth for Generations to Come

Embracing Parenthood

Chapter 9 – Putting Joy on Hold: The Trap of Delayed Happiness

Beirut-Explosion

Striking a Balance

References

Books

Links

Introduction

In the nascent stages of my existence, I discovered a distinct sensation—a profound resonance between my consciousness and an ethereal realm of wisdom, far surpassing what my tender age could traditionally comprehend. As other children danced in the innocent, carefree waltz of youth, I found myself inexplicably drawn towards a journey of intellectual exploration. This youthful curiosity led me to engage in profound discussions with minds that bore the wisdom of many years, thereby opening up a treasure trove of knowledge that I was eager to explore. As I progressed along this journey, I realized that we are part of an ever-evolving world, relentlessly surging towards advancement under the aegis of technological innovation and enhanced interconnectedness.

The dawn of this digital era has conferred upon us a realm of unprecedented expressive freedom. In this expansive virtual landscape, ideas flow as freely as a river, reaching far and wide, giving voice to the silent whispers that were hitherto lost in the noise. However, the widening horizon of discourse also intensifies the frequency and magnitude of conflicts, sparking vehement debates and impassioned disputes.

This book is a response to this surge of controversy. It is my heartfelt endeavor to take the reader on an enlightening journey through this intricate labyrinth of divergent narratives. Together, we will delve into the roots of societal dilemmas, dissect contentious issues, and, most importantly, navigate our way towards a peaceful oasis of reconciliation, harmony, and balance. My hope is that this expedition will serve as a lantern, illuminating the path towards a future defined by reason, empathy, and moderation—a future that offers refuge amid the tumultuous tempest of extremism.

In our expedition, we will traverse through topics as varied as they are profound—ranging from the nature of 'luck' and 'success', the magnetism of celebrity culture, the inscrutable machinations of capitalism, the trials and tribulations faced by men in our modern society, the pervasive impact of stress, the importance of cultural preservation amidst societal decline, to the paradoxical impacts of unrestrained individualism and the consequential habit of delaying joy and happiness.

We begin our journey with an examination of 'luck'. Stripping away the mystical interpretations that often shroud this elusive term, we dissect it into six integral factors. This analytical perspective offers a fresh lens through which to view 'success', prompting us to acknowledge and appreciate the unique life paths individuals carve out for themselves.

We then shift our focus to defining 'success', a concept that has, in the wake of the digital age, undergone dramatic transformation. The book challenges the monopoly of fame and fortune as the ultimate indicators of success. Instead, it advocates for a more comprehensive definition, one that celebrates diverse societal contributions and is inclusive of differing professional and personal paths.

From success, our exploration leads us into the mesmerizing world of celebrity culture. We critically evaluate the irrational adoration for celebrities, questioning the disproportionate wealth they amass. We also delve into the spheres of capitalism and the banking industry, unravelling the subtleties of financial systems and the opaque practices often concealed behind the imposing facades of banking institutions.

Our exploration takes a shift towards masculinity, breaking the silence surrounding the challenges that men encounter in today's society. Acknowledging their struggles, we highlight their indispensable role in maintaining societal stability and the crucial need for their well-being.

Progressing through these diverse topics, we confront the silent epidemic of stress. Unveiling its triggers and potentially devastating impacts on our well-being, we present strategies for individuals to manage and overcome this pervasive issue. Next, we explore the complexities associated with the perceived decline of Western societies, probing the need for preserving cultural identities and striking a balance between authority and individual freedoms for long-term societal well-being.

As we dissect individualism, we unveil both its virtues and vices—especially in the context of capitalism and the digital age. This discourse illuminates the potential dangers of unchecked individualism, which can lead to societal fragmentation, wealth disparity, privacy violations, emotional harm, and environmental damage.

Finally, guided by personal experiences and lessons gleaned from life-altering events, we focus on the human tendency to postpone joy and happiness. We emphasize the importance of cherishing each moment, living in the present, and cultivating a mindful appreciation of life's transient beauty.

Navigating this broad array of themes, we invite you, the reader, to join us in challenging prevailing narratives, questioning extreme ideologies, and uncovering the elusive joy often overshadowed by societal pressures. This book is an open invitation to expand your mind and heart, to engage with varied perspectives, and to journey with us towards understanding, empathy, and collective progress.

Chapter 1 - The Myth of Luck: Unraveling the Factors that Shape Our Lives

In the depths of my childhood, I was acutely aware of a label that clung to me like a shadow… ‘unlucky’. From the moment I first gazed upon my reflection, marred by a conspicuous birthmark adorning half of my face, I understood that my path in life would diverge from the norm. The reactions of others - a medley of gasps and startled glances - etched themselves into my memory, leaving an indelible mark whispering, 'You are different, and that is your curse.’

As the years wore on, my external appearance became a barrier to connection—a visible barrier that repelled the curious glances of potential suitors. Rejection became a familiar companion, wielding its power to dismantle my confidence one shattered hope at a time. I pondered the haunting question: What if my countenance were unblemished? Could a simple twist of fate have altered the course of my romantic pursuits?

Yet, the specter of misfortune extended far beyond the realm of appearances. Financial constraints became my constant companion, limiting my aspirations to the boundaries of mere sustenance. While others reveled in the opulence of material abundance, I became acquainted with the stark reality of unmet desires. The chasm between privilege and paucity yawned before me, reminding me daily of the cruel injustices perpetuated by a society that rewards wealth and overlooks those who labor in its shadow.

As I navigate the winding path of existence, barely beyond my 29th birthday, I confront a lesson unanticipated: the armor of youth is but a mirage. Health, a gem often neglected during the gleaming days of our early years, has proven to be more elusive than I had ever expected. Even in my relative youth, I'm confronted with trials usually tied to later stages of life. High blood pressure and cholesterol levels, relentless back pain - these are my uninvited guests, silently challenging the energy generally associated with my age.

Unexpectedly, an irregular heartbeat has slipped into the rhythm of my life. This unwelcome visitor defies age boundaries, introducing an unwanted disruption to my daily rhythm, far ahead of schedule. Its erratic pulse serves as an echo of the personal health struggles that I face each day. As I pen these words, standing at the precipice of my 30th year, I'm engaged in a relentless pursuit of both physical and emotional well-being. This is a stark wake-up call, a reminder that health issues don't discriminate by age. We might find ourselves battling these adversities even in the prime of our lives, pushing forward with determination to reclaim the vibrancy and health we once overlooked.

Furthermore, my birthright bestowed upon me a citizenship intertwined with conflict and corruption. Opportunities evaporated before my eyes, as the tendrils of a broken system strangled the aspirations of countless souls. Life, in its monotonous and colorless rhythm, offered little