Our society's descent into disregard and ignorance is strikingly encapsulated in the 2021 movie 'Don't Look Up'. In the film, despite an imminent and visible existential threat, a comet hurtling towards earth, society collectively chooses to ignore it. The main error in the film's depiction is its portrayal of pockets of people who think differently. In reality, such rational groups seem all but non-existent.

The onset of this societal affliction of ignorance isn't recent, rather it's been progressing for a significant period. One of the most stark and uncontested examples of our collective folly is our response to global warming. This indisputable fact, unanimously accepted by credible scientists, is still a subject of derision for politicians, business leaders, and even laypersons. We are on a steady course towards irreversible climate change, yet we collectively choose to turn a blind eye.

Our world seems to have made a determined decision to head unflinchingly towards its own ruin. We've chosen to disregard the glaring threats, be it psychopathic leaders in positions of power or existential threats, focusing instead on immediate dangers, such as pandemics. Take the example of Putin's reaction to the sinking of the Kursk submarine. When asked about the incident, which resulted in the death of all sailors on board, Putin merely smiled and dismissively stated, "It sank." His aggression in Chechnya, Georgia, Syria, and Crimea, along with his callous reaction to such a tragedy, are clear indications of his threat to humanity, yet we collectively failed to recognize this.

Our reluctance to act decisively is evident in our reckless debates about supplying Ukraine with airplanes and the permissible range of shells, or the feasibility of bombing Russian territories. Even when the world is threatened with nuclear weapons, we restrict our response to expressing concern or, at best, severe concern. The absurdity of our situation is apparent if only we'd 'look up' and take notice.

In our current societal state, decision-making has become abhorrent. This indifference pervades all facets of society, from politicians, business leaders, intellectuals, artists, to everyday individuals. We've abandoned critical thinking, the ability to question the popular narrative, and foresight. We are so engrossed in the immediate 'here and now' that we've lost sight of our future. We merely followed instructions during the pandemic, without questioning the long-term consequences of halting the world or whether self-isolation posed a greater threat than the virus itself. Even after its end, there hasn't been a comprehensive discussion about the economic, social, and psychological repercussions of our reaction to this great challenge. Why have we swiftly moved on as if nothing happened? Perhaps because we don't care, because we've become accustomed to not 'looking up'.

I could delve into numerous instances showcasing our society's tendency to adapt unquestioningly to varying circumstances. I could detail how all major corporations made a collective decision to penetrate Communist China, inadvertently empowering the regime and consequently creating a looming threat to the global community. I could illuminate the cautious evasion that colors all discussions surrounding China-Taiwan relations. I could recount the universal reticence when it comes to even mentioning meetings with the Dalai Lama.

Furthermore, I could shed light on how the global left-wing society embraced the return to power of the controversial Lula de Silva, despite his judicial rejection, simply because he identifies as a leftist. These are just a few examples of how we, driven by our political, economic, religious, national, racial, sexual, or other preferences, undertake catastrophically ill-advised steps. We betray our own principles and ideals, justifying this betrayal with the prospect of a better, safer, richer, or 'greater' future. We seldom pause to consider the destructive consequences of such actions.

Our expectations concerning Ukraine's counterattack are a case in point. Russia was granted nine months to establish a defensive zone. All the while, Ukrainian supporters were reassured that the impending assault would be potent, swift, and irreversible. But we didn't ask the difficult questions nor did we demand assertive actions from our governments. We didn't hold them accountable. Eagerly, we waited for favorable weather to celebrate yet another victory of democracy and freedom. Now, we can only express concern about the stagnant - or rather, non-existent - result.

A case in point is the Iraq war of 2003, where the US and its allies invaded with a force of 160,000 troops, backed by the navy, air force, and US might. In contrast, as per leaked Pentagon documents, Ukraine's allies trained and equipped only 90,000 troops, with Ukrainians contributing 20,000. This force, without any navy or air force, is pitched against Russia. Reflect on the absurdity: a 90,000-strong force against Russia!

The question of when the Ukraine war will end is clear: it will cease when leaders who engage in unhinged and destructive behavior realize that aggressive warfare carries real consequences. Aggression must be punished, no matter the location, the aggressor's power, or the race of those involved. This requires public commitment and will to hold aggressors accountable. It's insufficient to express indignation or moral support. Justifications for aggression under the guises of historical justice, democracy, or defense of traditional values are as condemnable as the aggression itself. Unless we instigate global change, wars will persist. The conflict will not abate until we 'look up' and acknowledge our impending dangers. Until we realize that peaceful coexistence in our interconnected world is far more critical and advantageous than making a single country great again.