Hall of Mirrors

[negono]

The culture of every social group – business, politics, religion, what
have you – is a dangerous, empty labyrinth that promises meaning and
fulfilment, but fails to deliver. The path to the heart of the
labyrinth, the centre of power, is marked by false starts, dead ends,
and circular trails that can do your head in, break your heart or kill
whatever faith you had. When you master the culture, and the social
network it floats on, you come to the centre, the heart of it all. And
what do you find? An empty hall of mirrors where there is nothing more
than your own reflection given back to you in many different shapes
and colours. You will find nothing more than this and whatever you
brought with you – your own personal loves and selfishness, virtue and
corruption, truth and lies. At the centre of power, once you have
mastered the culture, is nothing more than your own reflection,
mirrored back in all sorts of corrupt and distorted ways. You can stay
and try to change things, to make the most of your “victory”,
exercising whatever power and influence you believe you have won in
mastering the labyrinth, but, in reality, you’re no more than a
captive if you stay. Or you can take the exit and live a much quieter
and simpler life out there in the real world, where you just may find
some personal satisfaction and meaning in your life.