Today's culture is inundated with messages coming at us from all directions. In the past we had to make an effort to listen to messages. Nowadays the messages are delivered straight into our ear hole, more or less for free. But why? Every message though appearing to be natural, normal and neutral is tendentious and comes with a profit motive (both pecuniary and impecunious).

If we are lazy we will hear only what those with the power and resources to deliver the message want to tell us. Our reality and our subsequent motivations and actions within this reality will become defined in such a way so as to further advantage them. Corporate sponsorship of the media message and the continuous news feed emanating from biased government information providers are two examples of how the dominators further their domination through providing easy listening.

Other messages exist but they require some effort on the part of the listener. Your own self-advancement can only occur through effort. Make the effort to find different messages. Buy different kinds of magazines. Things that look like they've got something to say. Even if you only buy it once. The internet is full of viewpoints, embrace the diversity, don't just rely on Microsoft News. Even more importantly take the time to think about what message you want to send.

In short use but do not accept the media. Make the effort to define your own reality. Don't relax and let others do it for you.