Modern life creates spiritual sickness through three main factors: achievement culture, digitalization, and secularism. This is the core argument of philosopher Byung-Chul Han, whose work reveals how contemporary society exhausts our souls.

Achievement culture transforms us into "achievement-subjects" who constantly pursue self-optimization. Rather than following moral imperatives, we chase endless self-improvement. This creates an illusion of freedom while actually enslaving us to performance metrics and career advancement.

Digitalization amplifies these pressures through social media and constant connectivity. We feel compelled to maintain online profiles and seek validation, surrendering privacy in exchange for visibility. As Han notes, "People expose themselves out of an inner need." Digital interaction lacks true human connection, creating "gathering without assembly."

The secular worldview removes transcendent meaning from life, leaving only material pursuits. Religious rituals and festivals lose their significance because they don't produce measurable outcomes. Time itself becomes meaningless without divine context, leading to endless scrolling through disposable content.

These factors manifested clearly during COVID-19, which Han called "the tiredness virus." The pandemic highlighted existing social maladies - our isolation, exhaustion, and spiritual emptiness. While Han focuses more on diagnosis than cure, his work points to the need for rest, meaningful connection, and transcendent purpose.

For Christians, this analysis suggests we must:

• Resist defining worth through achievement
• Seek genuine community beyond digital spaces
• Root our lives in eternal rather than material values
• Embrace true rest in Christ rather than constant productivity

Han's insights reveal how modern life weakens our souls, but also illuminate the path toward spiritual renewal through faith, rest, and authentic human connection.

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