The magic pill

The first review of my latest book was a racist one. The type of, 'I'm not a racist, but...'. But what? One Earth, one humankind – no space for buts.

There were also plenty of other reviews which actually had more to do with the main content of the book: gardening, sustainability and serenity. Some comments were positive, others not so positive. I always find it really interesting to read the different perspectives, to see how each reader reads the same words but sees something different. True objectivity – does it exist?

A couple of reviewers criticized the book because, while it points out important ethical, social and environmental problems, it doesn't say what to do about it all. Just more of what we already know, they said. No solutions. I really struggle with this one, not because I don't like the criticism but because I don't understand it. The whole book is an ode to local and organic food, encouraging to consume as ethically and wisely as possible – what other solution do you expect when the topic is sustainable living? A machine that makes blue planets?

It reminded me of a phenomenon that I've seen many times in many different life areas, occurring in others and in myself. A human phenomenon, so it seems. It's called THE QUEST FOR THE MAGIC PILL.

• Martin is ill, goes to the doctor and hopes to get one little pill which will eradicate all his suffering. 30 years of poisoned food and toxic habits taken away with one stroke of magic! If they existed, I guess I'd be tempted to take one of those pills too.

• Angela feels sad and lonely and is looking for the perfect match in the world wide labyrinth of love. She too wants a soulmate, someone by her side, to cuddle and kiss and finally be happy. Because real happiness depends on THE ONE, doesn't it? Can't be happy by yourself. Look at Buddha, that miserable old git, he wasn't happy.

• Dave blames the elite for all the misery in the world. No elite = happy planet. 

• Natasha is dreaming of the perfect job. You know, where you get up with a bright smile every morning, spend 5 hours working in pure bliss and when you finish in the afternoon and check your bank account you're overwhelmed with a ten minute long orgasm. Nice dream Natasha. And good luck!

• Edward is playing the lottery. Every Wednesday. He's got already a list with all the stuff he's gonna buy once he's rich. Surely won't be long now.

• Suzy is reading the books by all the saints and philosophers and can't believe that noone is saying anything new. Only old wisdoms, repeated endless times. Where is that holy new scripture that will answer all her questions at once?

• Steven is waiting for Jesus to come back and save his soul. And when he comes back he will nail him at a cross in his bedroom so that his soul will always remain protected. Then, and only then, everything will be alright.

In summary: The magic pill doesn't exist. Not very romantic, I know, but honest and real. And the beauty of this reality is that it carries already all the answers. Not one single special key to the door of happiness but instead a box full of tools to create our own little paradise. We just have to use these tools and start building – health, peace and happiness, brick by brick. And yes, it sucks at times, all this tedious work and constant change and struggle, but perhaps we should remember that for creators like us the joyful part is building, not moving in. Hence a magic pill would take away all the fun. It would make life easy – and terribly boring.

YES to learning. To discovering. To changing. YES to the journey of life. YES to Now!