In today’s world, technology has taken our natural tendency toward individualism and blown it out of proportion. Social media, corporate excess, and the pressure to perform for others have made us more disconnected from each other than ever before. This phenomenon, which we can call "cybermyopia," is where people become so focused on their own lives and validation that they start to ignore others and the larger community.
Small business owners, tenants, and working-class individuals bear the brunt of this problem. They’re often left isolated and without the support they need, while big corporations and landlords continue to profit from their struggles. We’ve built a system that rewards the wealthy and leaves little room for those who are trying to create jobs, solve problems, and contribute to society. So, what can we do about it?
The answer lies in two simple concepts: **wisdom** and **empathy**.
**Using Wisdom to See the Bigger Picture**
One way to break out of this cycle is to recognize the false narratives we’ve been fed—whether it's social media telling us we need likes to be worthy, or corporations making it seem like success is all about profit. Wisdom helps us see through these illusions and understand that success isn’t about superficial achievements. It's about creating meaningful value and building relationships with others.
Historically, **cooperatives**—where workers share ownership of a business—have provided an alternative to the corporate model. For example, the **Mondragon Corporation** in Spain is a worker-owned company that thrives because it prioritizes people over profit. This type of model shows that it’s possible to create economic systems that benefit everyone, not just a few.
**The Power of Empathy and Rebuilding Communities**
While wisdom helps us see the problems clearly, **empathy** shows us how to fix them. By putting ourselves in other people’s shoes, we can understand their struggles and find ways to support each other. This is especially important when it comes to small businesses and tenants, who are often left behind by policies that favor big corporations and real estate investors.
One solution could be to create **online platforms** that emphasize genuine community-building instead of promoting the competitive, image-obsessed culture we see today. Platforms like **Nextdoor**, which focus on local neighborhoods, offer an example of how technology can be used to bring people together instead of tearing them apart.
Another idea is to **support cooperatives** and other business models that are based on shared ownership. By fostering businesses that are built on mutual support, we can create economies where entrepreneurs and workers alike are rewarded for their contributions, rather than being squeezed out by larger competitors.
**Fair Policies for Tenants and Small Business Owners**
The economically oppressed need policies that protect them. Right now, landlords and corporations often demand rent or payments without ensuring that people are fairly compensated for their labor. One solution would be to implement rent controls or even restructure housing markets to benefit tenants. For example, **Finland's housing-first approach** provides housing as a basic right, which has drastically reduced homelessness. This type of policy shifts the focus from profit to human well-being.
For small business owners, we could introduce tax breaks or funding programs that help them grow without being crushed by corporate competition. By ensuring that they have the resources they need to succeed, we can foster a fairer economic landscape.
**Rethinking Success and Authenticity**
Lastly, we need to rethink what success looks like. Many small business owners fall into the trap of flashy advertising or trying to compete with large corporations on their terms. But real success comes from **authenticity**—providing genuine value and building trust with customers. Movements like **slow fashion** show that people are willing to support ethical, high-quality products when given the choice. This approach can be applied to other industries, too, shifting the focus from high-volume, low-value sales to meaningful connections with customers.
**Conclusion: A New Deal for Fairness**
It’s time to create a fairer system that prioritizes people over profit. Small business owners and tenants need protections that ensure they aren’t exploited by landlords or corporate giants. By fostering community-based platforms, cooperative business models, and supportive policies, we can create a more balanced society where everyone has a fair shot at success.
This new approach would break the cycle of cybermyopia, allowing us to reconnect with each other and support those who are working hard to make our world a better place. Instead of being trapped in competition and isolation, we can build an economy—and a society—that values wisdom, empathy, and fairness.
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