Should I be worried? As a quasi-socialist, non-practicing Buddhist and non-flag-waving, somewhat embarrassed.....

[usonian]

6. It's interesting that you mention four-fold path.

I looked at the customary 8-fold path, and concluded that if people just followed the first four, the world would be vastly better.

1. Right View Understand life’s impermanence and the root of suffering to gain deeper insight.
2. Right Intention Cultivate thoughts of compassion, kindness, and renunciation.
3. Right Speech Speak truthfully, kindly, and avoid gossip or harmful words.
4. Right Action Act ethically and responsibly; avoid harming others.

People seem to slide immediately into the opposites:

Driven by a culture of exploitation. Spare you the lecture. 🪷