Adriftness

Adriftness refers to a state of being without direction, purpose, or control. It can manifest in various aspects of life, from personal feelings to societal trends. In a personal context, someone experiencing adriftness might feel lost, uncertain about their future, or disconnected from their goals and values. This sensation can arise from significant life changes, such as job loss, the end of a relationship, or a general questioning of one's path. It is often characterized by a lack of clear objectives and a feeling of being passively carried along by external circumstances rather than actively steering one's own course.

Societally, adriftness can describe a collective sense of uncertainty or a lack of cohesive direction within a community or nation. This might be observed in periods of rapid change, political instability, or cultural shifts where established norms and values are challenged. When a society is adrift, there can be a widespread feeling of disorientation and a struggle to establish common ground or a shared vision for the future. This can lead to increased social fragmentation and a decreased sense of collective identity. Understanding adriftness involves recognizing the subjective experience of being unmoored and the objective conditions that can contribute to such a state.