On Saturday, there was a demonstration in Amsterdam against racism and fascism. Thousands of people marched from Dam Square to Museum Square to express their concerns about the (geo-)political situation, where “the democratic rule of law, fundamental freedoms, and human rights are being threatened (by the government)”. The atmosphere was filled with anxiety about the future of our society and the values that hold us together.

In a world that seems increasingly uncertain, election results in many European countries and the United States show that many are looking for security. This often happens in the form of a double movement: on one hand, a withdrawal into one’s own box (self-interest first, borders closed), and on the other, rallying behind a leader who makes “strong” statements and promises to solve the problems.

Indeed, we all need security. We find security in what is true and right for us. Historically, this was often determined by the communities we grew up in, whether through family, religion, or culture. Within these communities, we internalized values and traditions that gave us direction, a framework for shaping our lives within certain boundaries.

The early modern period, with the Reformation, Enlightenment, and scientific revolution, brought the individual to the forefront. These changes, and the ideas of thinkers like Nietzsche, Marx, and Freud, led to a greater emphasis on rationality and individual freedom. However, Nietzsche was one of the first to warn about the consequences of diminishing common, spiritual orientation. His famous statement “God is dead” was not a triumph, but a warning: we could not yet foresee the consequences of this “declaration of death”.

Now, in the present world, it has become clear that when you lose your anchor, you lose your orientation. This is true not only for the individual but also for society as a whole. In our individualized society, where everyone is responsible for their own happiness, we often lose our way. This is reflected not only in long waiting times for mental health care but also in the increasing polarization of society and the shift to the political right.

The medicine that is increasingly being proposed is to increase the resilience of the individual. Greater resilience should protect us from the temptation of self-interest and ‘strong’ leaders who present themselves as saviors. But isn’t that putting the cart before the horse? Don’t we remain stuck in treating symptoms rather than addressing the cause?

As an existential coach and logotherapist, I focus on becoming aware of one’s own values. Discovering your own compass and anchor, so that my clients can not only weather the storms of time but also act from their own authentic truth. This equips them to face the challenges of our modern society, including the temptations it brings. Rather than continuing to struggle with superficial solutions, we can rediscover the foundations of our own existence and find security again in our deep, personal beliefs.