"We are so obsessed with doing that we have no time and no imagination left for being. As a result, men are valued not for what they are but for what they do or what they have - for their usefulness"

Modern society is frequently energized by a relentless drive for action and productivity. The compulsion to constantly do, achieve, perform, produce, leaves little space for contemplation or the simple act of existing. Imagination and introspection are casualties in a world that prizes endless activity. People are measured by their achievements and possessions, rather than intrinsic qualities such as kindness, wisdom, or simply their presence as a human being.

As this obsession with doing overtakes other aspects of life, the collective imagination shrinks. With time and energy funneled into ceaseless productivity, fewer opportunities remain to dream, create, or reflect. Without reflection, the possibility of understanding oneself or others on a deeper level diminishes. Society becomes fixated on efficiency, outcome, and material acquisition. Human worth is calculated based on usefulness and output, echoing the values of machines rather than people.

This prioritization of utility overshadows the inner life. Qualities that do not result in visible, measurable accomplishments are overlooked or undervalued. Yet, many of the most profound aspects of humanity, compassion, wonder, presence, the capacity for love, are not easily classified as productive or useful in conventional terms. In disconnecting the value of being from the value of doing, society risks neglecting the essential parts of existence that give life meaning and depth.

Reclaiming a balance between being and doing would require reimagining what is praised and encouraged. It might involve honoring quietude, appreciating presence, and fostering spaces for creativity unbound by utility. Achievements matter, but not at the expense of individuality or inner richness. Recognizing people for who they are, rather than solely for what they produce or possess, cultivates a healthier, more imaginative, and compassionate culture.