A lot of spiritual writings and philosophy of living writings have in common this earnest need to share advice on how to live in a given age or time. It is one thing to struggle through trial and error all your life, but it helps to have someone place their hand on your shoulder and point out to the horizon and give you the long view, so that you can situate your practical efforts within that framework. It cuts down on a lot of frustration and desperation.
What exactly is happening today? I suppose plenty has already been said about this subject. Collectively we're like that 6 foot tall dude in that old action movie trope, standing erect atop a moving train, with someone suddenly yelling "duck" because there was a tunnel, or low bridge, or a similar overhanging obstruction rapidly approaching in the distance.
I'm sure there are plenty of other better metaphors. That one just comes to mind at the moment.
