Part 5/7:
In this philosophy, the first perspective is rooted in materialism and hedonism—placing bodily pleasure and desire at the center of human experience. Conversely, the higher path involves recognizing these desires as part of a journey toward spiritual or moral transcendence. The proponents who critique the modern cultural trends suggest that the symbols and themes so prevalent today—often associated with darkness—are manifestations of a worldview that dismisses the higher purpose altogether.