a More Natural High – Sunday, August 30, 1981
Future historians might well call our time the age of the unnatural high. At least it seems that the primary motivation of many individuals is to get high, to remain in a constant condition of mental euphoria, a state induced by continuous dependence on mind-altering substances.
The effects of this behavior are devastating there are now more than ten million alcoholics in the United States; 1.5 million Americans of high school age have tried heroin; our jails and rehabilitation programs are being taxed to the limit with drug related cases; and society itself is reeling from the cancerous symptoms of drug abuse and addiction.
Suffering and social decay are the only results which occur from the illegitimate use of mind-altering drugs; the premise is false: happiness cannot be purchased across the medicine counter; it cannot be injected with a hypodermic needle or drunk from a bottle.
Feelings induced by counterfeit means are themselves counterfeit.
There is, however, a more natural high, a more legitimate, beneficial and longer lasting good feeling. Our bodies and minds are equipped with the sensory and emotional mechanisms to produce happy feelings naturally. The infant responds instinctively to its environment—it neither needs nor accepts false impressions. Love, sustenance, and sensory stimuli are sufficient for happiness. And these same natural means will continue to satisfy the healthy individual.
To circumvent the natural response to our surroundings through the use of mind-altering drugs is to rob ourselves of genuine feelings—feelings which give us a true indication of our emotional and mental status.
In truth, true feelings can only be achieved through authentic means. Perhaps the time will come when that won’t be sufficient—but it’s doubtful.
Perhaps when the contents of a bottle can furnish the security provided by harmonious family relationships—
When the visions produced by the mixture from a hypodermic needle compare in grandeur to the inquiries and musings of a healthy mind—
Or when prescription pills soothe the nerves like the sight of geese against an autumn sky or the sound of the wind through northern pines—Perhaps then we will turn or need to turn to artificial means for our happiness.
But for now, what we have will suffice.
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August 30, 1981
Broadcast Number 2,715