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Everything posted by MuadDib
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What Is Truth - The Definitive Answer https://youtu.be/nvaPmKQVIuQ Introduction to the topic of truth Claim that the speaker has become directly conscious of absolute truth and that others can too Explanation that truth is not understood by scientists, academics, philosophers, priests, or rabbis Importance of understanding truth and the need for serious pursuit and homework to understand it Personal story of how the speaker became aware of truth Definition of truth as "the nature of reality itself" Explanation that truth is not a belief, ideology, or religion, but something that can be directly experienced Discussion of the role of the ego in preventing people from understanding truth Explanation that truth is beyond words and language, and must be directly experienced to be understood Emphasis on the importance of the individual's own direct experience and understanding of truth, rather than relying on external sources or authorities Conclusion with encouragement to seek and understand the truth for oneself The concept of truth is that it corresponds to an objective, external reality The correspondence theory of truth is problematic because it only considers symbols and concepts in the mind There is a difference between the actual sky being blue and believing the sky is blue Truth is not just a matter of correspondence, but also involves a cognitive process Relative truth is a second-order concept, and has an opposite of falsehood Absolute truth is not easily described through words, but can be experienced through an exercise of focusing on one's hand Absolute truth is not dependent on language or concepts, and is not subject to change Absolute truth is an experience of pure consciousness, and is not separate from the self The realization of absolute truth can bring about a shift in perspective and understanding of the world. The text discusses the idea that everything in reality, including atoms, molecules, and humans, is ultimately made of math and truth The concept of truth is defined as "that which is the case" and includes everything that has ever happened, is happening, and will happen The text presents the equation "1 + 1 = 3" as an example of something that is false when interpreted symbolically, but true when considered in terms of its "isness" or "being" The text suggests that this understanding of truth allows us to go beyond science and the self-reference problem, and to see reality in a different way The text suggests that this understanding of reality allows us to see the big picture and the small picture at the same time, and to understand the interconnectedness of everything The text concludes by encouraging the reader to consider this perspective and to try to understand the deeper meaning behind things rather than simply interpreting them symbolically. The truth is difficult to understand and requires a "massive awakening" It is a catch-22 to try to understand the truth because one must already know the truth in order to do so The truth is not a thought or something that the brain or mind holds The truth exists regardless of the existence of the universe The truth is absolute and inescapable The truth is prior to all physical objects, time, space, and the universe Subjective experience may be an obstacle to understanding the truth The ultimate truth is beyond all concepts and language The ultimate truth is the foundation of all reality The ultimate truth is the source of consciousness We can have a direct experience of the ultimate truth through spiritual practices such as meditation This direct experience of the ultimate truth can bring about a transformation in our understanding and perception of reality. Truth is a multi-dimensional concept with many layers, aspects, and degrees Truth is consciousness, the whole universe, God, love, uncaused, self-created, eternal, not localized, intelligent and sentient, good, with no beginning or end, form and formlessness, all-powerful, the present moment, mysterious and mystical, self-awareness, self-illuminating, omniscient, a solution to all human problems, and you Truth includes all dualities and distinctions and differences Truth is life-transforming and has many practical implications Truth is not something that can be turned into an ideology Truth is radical, awesome and terrifying, paradise and total perfection Understanding one aspect of truth does not mean you understand all aspects of truth Truth did not come from anywhere and is nowhere Truth is nothing, which is everything, which is infinity The truth is exactly what is happening right now, exactly as it is The truth is always present, but we often don't see it due to the veil of illusion The process of understanding truth involves piercing through the veil of illusion repeatedly until understanding stabilizes This is just the beginning, and there is more to learn about truth Truth is both non-dual and dual At the highest level of non-dual consciousness, there is only one absolute truth Most people live in a dualistic state of consciousness, where relative truths are useful for manipulating reality Absolute truth is the substance of the entire universe Usefulness and practicality are part of absolute truth Asking "what's in it for me" when pursuing truth is a limited way of thinking The pursuit of truth is an end in itself and can bring a sense of fulfillment and meaning to life Understanding truth can bring about changes in behavior and actions The pursuit of truth requires letting go of ego and attachments. The speaker is trying to communicate the significance of discovering the absolute truth and how it can transform a person They try to make their teachings interesting and engaging, sometimes using dramatic or emotional language They make outrageous claims, but the significance of discovering the truth will outweigh those claims It is not egotistical to claim to know the absolute truth, but it is important to experience and understand it for oneself Be wary of anyone who claims to know the truth and uses it as part of their brand or teaching, as it could be a tactic used by those who seek to co-opt the truth Truth is not a property of the mind or brain, and it is not a human phenomenon Go deeper in understanding truth and be wary of any belief system or ideology that claims to have all the answers Truth can be difficult to understand and accept, and it may challenge or contradict previously held beliefs Do not be afraid to question and challenge your own beliefs and understandings of truth The journey to understanding truth is a personal one, and it may not be the same for everyone The speaker's content is not ideological, but rather serves a pragmatic purpose The content is meant to be used as mental scaffolding, to be used and discarded as needed The content is not meant to be worshipped or taken as gospel, but rather to be used as a tool to motivate, inspire, and engage the viewer The viewer should not study the content in the same way that Christians study the Bible, but rather use it as a tool to learn and discover new information Once the content is no longer useful, it should be discarded The viewer should not cling too closely to the content, but rather use it to enhance their life.
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Self-Bias - Why All Worldviews Are So Skewed https://youtu.be/qMqNRUILvHc The concept of self-bias, or the tendency for individuals to present arguments in favor of their own beliefs and against those of others, is a problem in epistemology (the study of human knowledge) Self-bias is present in all philosophical and intellectual pursuits, including science, religion, politics, etc. The speaker noticed this pattern while reading various philosophical texts as a teenager and was struck by the lack of fairness and genuine inquiry into the nature of reality The speaker believes that self-bias is a major problem that is not acknowledged by Western philosophers and that there are no simple solutions to this problem One solution to self-bias is to recognize and acknowledge it, and to try to be aware of and control for it when seeking knowledge or understanding Another solution is to engage with people who hold different beliefs and viewpoints, as this can help to expose and challenge one's own biases The importance of self-bias and the need to address it extends beyond just personal beliefs, as it can also have significant implications for society and the way we interact with each other. The speaker is discussing the concept of self-bias, or the tendency to favor one's own worldview and create pseudo evidence and arguments to support it This self-bias can be seen in how people argue for or against the existence of God, and can lead to skewed reasoning and a lack of genuine inquiry The legal system recognizes the problem of self-bias through the concept of conflict of interest and recusal, but this concept should be extended to other areas such as business, science, and religion The importance of recognizing and addressing self-bias is to have an accurate perception of reality, as it can distort one's perception, emotions, actions, and relationships To address self-bias, it is necessary to recognize and acknowledge it, and to seek out diverse perspectives and experiences that challenge one's own beliefs This can be difficult due to the ego, which wants to maintain its sense of self and importance, and the fear of losing one's identity or being judged by others for changing one's beliefs To overcome self-bias, it is necessary to develop self-awareness, self-honesty, and the ability to question one's own beliefs and assumptions. People construct defense mechanisms and schemes of rationalization to defend against the truth The value and power of a defense mechanism is in the denial that you are using it Lying to oneself is important for tricking others Survival may require tricking others, but first requires tricking oneself This results in the multitude of worldviews that exist People are blind to how their own mind constructs reality towards their own survival Evidence and proof cannot be trusted because people are self-biased It is easy to see this problem in others, but difficult to see it in oneself The less conscious and more ego a person has, the thicker and more distorted their sense of self and perception of reality This leads to more self-bias and extreme defense mechanisms Low consciousness can lead to violence Skepticism involves seriously considering doubt about one's own beliefs and worldviews It is important to be aware of one's own self-bias and defenses in order to break through them and accurately perceive reality Europeans colonized South America, Indonesia, and the Philippines Natives and Europeans traded and had sexual relations Europeans were selfish and ruthless, and didn't respect native customs or fair trade agreements Europeans treated natives like animals and called them savages This behavior led to conflict and many Europeans died Colonialism is a form of bullying, with the Europeans being more advanced and scheming Europeans tried to bully natives into submission, enslave them, or make unfair trade deals Europeans also raped native women Plantation owners saw slaves as animals and treated them cruelly These actions were motivated by self-bias, as the plantation owners saw themselves as superior to the slaves These philosophies justified ownership and cruel treatment In order to maintain these philosophies, plantation owners were self-biased and came up with justifications for their actions If they were fair and objective, they would see that there is no difference between themselves and the slaves except for the color of their skin Slaves fought back and many slave owners were killed The actions of the Europeans and plantation owners were motivated by self-bias and a desire to maintain their power and control over others. The speaker talks about a video they made about the pickup community The video is one of their most downvoted The speaker believes the downvotes come from members of the pickup community, who do not want to admit that their behavior is self-biased and manipulative towards women The speaker mentions how sex is a fundamental human need and how unfulfilled sexual desires can lead to corruption and temptation The speaker discusses the concept of self-bias, using examples such as war and the relationship between the Romans and Carthaginians The speaker believes that self-bias is a natural human tendency and it is difficult to overcome The speaker advises to try to be aware of self-bias and to seek out diverse viewpoints to help mitigate it Reductionist dogma is an oversimplified belief system South bias refers to favoritism towards one's own family and friends over others Nepotism is the practice of putting family members into positions of power without regard for their qualifications or merit Nepotism is common in developing countries and was a problem in Europe and America in the past Trump is an example of a leader who engages in nepotism by appointing his incompetent children to positions of power Nepotism is a corruption of government and has been addressed through laws in Europe and America Self bias can also be present in romantic relationships, where one party may prioritize their own needs over those of their partner To combat self bias, it is important to recognize and try to overcome it, and to treat others with fairness and consideration. The main idea of the text is that self-bias can have negative consequences for an individual and for society. Self-bias can prevent self-reflection and lead to a distorted view of the world. This distorted view can result in bad decision-making and negative outcomes, such as death and suffering. Self-bias can also lead to cultural intolerance, violence, oppression, exploitation, and corruption. It can impede healthy relationships and genuine communication. It can prevent the discovery of truth and God. It can cause people to be indifferent to the problems and suffering of others. It can cause problems to be viewed as only relevant if they affect an individual personally. Socrates believed in the rule of law and willingly accepted his punishment of death by drinking a cup of poison (hemlock) The scene is depicted in the painting "The Death of Socrates" by Jacques Louie de vide Socrates demonstrated integrity, objectivity, and impartiality in calmly accepting his punishment In his last moments, Socrates talked to those present and explained the effects of the poison, and said that it is irrational to fear death since it is unknown The painting "The Lictors Bring to Brutus the Bodies of his Sons" also depicts a scene from ancient Rome where Brutus, a founder of the Roman Republic, must sentence his own sons to death for conspiring to bring a tyrant to power and overthrow the Republic Brutus' decision demonstrates the power of integrity and the ability to prioritize principles over personal connections Objectivity and impartiality are not taught in school or university because they would undermine the institution These qualities are important in the work of understanding and seeking truth The reward for living an unbiased life is truth, God, immortality, and infinite love It takes work and faith to fully understand and actualize the benefits of an unbiased life The author recommends searching for a book with the word "mistakes" in the title to learn about self bias and soft justification The author's website, actualized.org, has resources and insights on spirituality, a book list, a life purpose course, and a forum for discussion The author's teachings and perspectives may be influenced by their own biases, including their personality, teaching style, and preferences for certain spiritual paths and methods The author has tried to expose readers to various schools and teachings in order to mitigate any harmful biases in their own teachings.
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Conscious Politics - Part 4 - 100+ Specific Policy Proposals https://youtu.be/XSV0ZhD_yvw Introduction to conscious policy proposals Emphasis on the importance of concrete policy proposals in addition to principles and foundations Policy proposals will be specific to America, but may be applicable to other countries Policy proposals are not dogmatic and may be changed if they do not work as intended Policy proposals will focus on core issues and some may be immediately implementable while others may be radical and take longer to implement Policies will be presented in no particular order First policy proposal: criminalization of money in politics and corporate lobbying Second policy proposal: campaign finance reform, including publicly funded elections and limits on campaign spending Third policy proposal: stronger anti-trust regulations and breakup of large corporations Fourth policy proposal: universal basic income Fifth policy proposal: free education through college level Sixth policy proposal: universal healthcare Seventh policy proposal: decarbonization and transition to clean energy Eighth policy proposal: housing as a human right, including increased funding for public housing and rent control Ninth policy proposal: criminal justice reform, including ending the war on drugs and reducing mass incarceration Tenth policy proposal: strengthened labor protections, including a higher minimum wage and improved working conditions Eleventh policy proposal: immigration reform, including a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants Twelfth policy proposal: foreign policy focused on diplomacy and international cooperation rather than military intervention Thirteenth policy proposal: protection and restoration of the environment, including preserving natural habitats and addressing climate change Conclusion and emphasis on the importance of long-term planning in policy making. Federal propositions could solve gridlock in Congress and allow for issues like marijuana legalization and gun regulation to be voted on Ban on lobbyists holding public office needed to prevent corruption Higher taxation on extreme wealth necessary to address widening gap between rich and rest of citizens Need for wealth redistribution through taxes and government programs Single payer healthcare system would save money and provide better care for all citizens Voting reforms, including automatic voter registration and making Election Day a national holiday, needed to increase voter participation Need for campaign finance reform to reduce influence of money in politics Squatting on real estate to resell it later should have disincentives Taxpayers should be able to choose where some of their tax dollars go Government should send reports on how tax dollars are used Stronger penalties for corruption and white collar crime CEOs of large corporations engaging in corrupt practices should be held accountable Political campaign finance reform is necessary Alternative voting systems, such as ranked choice voting, should be implemented Higher taxes on the wealthy to fund necessary social programs Investment in green energy and infrastructure to combat climate change Investment in education and training programs to prepare workers for the future Universal healthcare and guaranteed basic income as possible solutions to social issues Secret budgets for exporting people out of the country to torture them should not exist These programs are secret because the public would be outraged if they found out about them Decisions to have these programs are based on fear The US military is large and advanced enough that these programs are unnecessary Americans should not be fearful and should set a better example for the world through consciousness, love, and selflessness The military budget should be drastically reduced and corruption within the military should be addressed The US should stop selling weapons and bombs overseas, particularly to shady countries Creative energy and resources should be directed towards building infrastructure and improving education, science, space exploration, and healthcare within the US The US should work towards denuclearization through high-level negotiations and UN diplomacy The US should also work towards disarmament, particularly in regards to nuclear weapons The US should prioritize environmental protection and sustainability The US should focus on diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts rather than military intervention The US should prioritize fairness and justice in its domestic and foreign policies The US should work towards universal healthcare and a universal basic income for all citizens The minimum wage is a big problem and is not a living wage Many people try to survive on minimum wage but can't Predatory industries (banking, marketing, finance, stocks and Wall Street, military-industrial complex, Big Oil, chemical companies, tech companies, pharmaceutical companies, communication companies, healthcare, insurance, credit card companies, payday loans) need regulation These industries are manipulative and leech money from consumers Wealthiest paid professions are in industries that provide the least value to society The system is rigged in favor of these industries, which do not want to do legitimate work and instead want to exploit the work of others Removing regulation and getting rid of government, as libertarians want, will only make the problem worse Government is a proxy negotiator for citizens who are unable to deal with these powerful industries on their own Usury and lending, hidden interest rates and fees, need regulation The wealthiest people are not the ones doing the most valuable work for society The wealthy elite benefit from the status quo and work to maintain it The solution is to regulate these industries and redistribute wealth to create a more equitable society. Advancements in technology can help with resource management and recycling Scarcity mentality is a belief that there are not enough resources for everyone Poverty, hunger, and homelessness can be eliminated with the proper will and compassion Environmental regulation is necessary for a variety of reasons, including global warming and pollution Renewable energy and carbon taxes on polluters can help with environmental issues Subsidies for solar and electric vehicles, as well as government research programs for better battery technology, can help with the adoption of electric vehicles Toxicity testing of food, water, air, products, and cosmetics is necessary to ensure safety for consumers A publicly accessible government database can provide information on the safety of products and air pollution levels in specific areas Government regulation of advertising is necessary to protect consumers from false or misleading information Access to education and healthcare should be a basic human right, and should be provided for free or at low cost Climate change is a major issue that must be addressed through international cooperation and action. Science has become corrupted by corporations and is not pursued for the truth, but rather for profit and what can be marketed to consumers Science does not seriously study topics such as enlightenment, awakening, mysticism, paranormal activity, or natural cures because there is no financial gain in these areas compared to military, oil, and pharmaceuticals Science is primarily focused on developing technologies that can be directly marketed, rather than truth and understanding Libertarian principles contribute to the corruption of science Supreme Court reform is needed, possibly including term limits and direct voting or elections of Supreme Court nominees Term limits are also needed for elected government positions, such as Congress, to refresh the group with new, progressive members The problem with politics is that there are too many politicians who are more concerned with their own interests and careers than the well-being of society The education system needs reform to prioritize critical thinking and creativity, rather than just memorization and test-taking The media is controlled by a small number of corporations and censors information that does not align with their interests Social media algorithms prioritize content that generates the most engagement, leading to echo chambers and the spread of misinformation We need to shift our priorities from materialism and consumerism to holistic well-being and sustainability for the benefit of society and the planet. Many politicians are not addressing the issue of improving public schools Some Democratic politicians have good proposals, but are not focusing on public schools Republicans and conservatives do not care about improving public schools The education secretary appointed by Trump wants to undermine and defund public schools Public education can be effective if properly funded and structured Public schools should prioritize teaching wisdom, exploration, and self-actualization School should also teach mindfulness, meditation, spirituality, and consciousness Classes on metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy, psychology, and sociology should be included in education Basic life skills, such as cooking and fitness, and business and marketing skills should also be taught Education should focus on personal development and self-help, with traditional subjects being secondary NASA should focus on exploring outer space and potentially finding and interacting with extraterrestrial life A meteor defense system should be developed and funded by international space agencies to protect against asteroid or meteor strikes The Consumer Protection Agency should be expanded and funded to protect against corporate fraud and exploitation An anti-corruption enforcement agency should be created to root out corruption in government, police, and public and corporate life Health care should be free and accessible to all, with cheap government-produced generic drugs and an emphasis on preventative care Holistic medicine should be researched, taught, and taken seriously in schools and universities Free gym access should be provided to address obesity in America A technology safety testing center should be created to test new technologies, gadgets, and emerging fields such as cloning, genetic engineering, AI, virtual reality, and addictive websites and social media New chemicals, plastics, and materials should be tested for safety before being widely used A national service program should be implemented to provide job training and education to young people A clean energy research and development agency should be created to focus on developing and implementing clean energy sources A national food safety agency should be created to regulate and enforce food safety standards. Mental safety checks needed for gun ownership Cannot be an abuser of children or spouse Cannot have a mental illness Cannot be on antidepressants Guns should have locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized use US territories should be allowed to be independent or become states Companies outsourcing jobs should not be eligible for subsidies or government contracts Free kindergarten and pre-K should be available Online and brick-and-mortar stores should be taxed equally Regulation needed for AI, facial recognition, genetic engineering, and man-machine interfaces to prevent abuse by corporations Public forum needed for serious policy discussion Special regulation needed for predatory advertising and marketing Ban on junk food, pharmaceutical, military, fossil fuel, and credit card/payday loan ads Ban on single-use plastics Increase funding for renewable energy research Public ownership of utilities Higher taxes on luxury goods Implement a universal basic income Decriminalize drugs and provide treatment options Abolish the death penalty Implement ranked choice voting Increase funding for public education Implement term limits for politicians The speaker's ideas may seem utopian but some can be implemented now The goal of the policies is to increase freedom Freedom is complex and requires balance and limitations in certain areas to increase freedom for other elements Meeting basic needs, providing a social safety net, and limiting corporate influence are limitations that increase freedom These ideas are not proper socialism, which involves public ownership of the means of production In the speaker's system, private property and private industries still exist, but large businesses are heavily regulated There is a role for government in manufacturing generics, running the post office, and doing research and development, but private industries still exist The government's role is to regulate and provide a level playing field, not to dominate or oppress The speaker is a capitalist and believes in entrepreneurship, but acknowledges that excess and corruption must be controlled The speaker's system includes a basic income and free healthcare and education, as these are necessary for a truly free society The purpose of this teaching is to help people self-actualize and live a life driven by being needs, rather than survival needs This teaching is advanced and not meant for those who need to focus on meeting their basic survival needs The structure of society currently incentivizes manipulation and exploitation rather than creativity and true value creation Few people are taught how to be powerful creators in school or university, and instead are taught how to exploit others for profit In the future, earning a lot of money will not be a significant achievement, rather it will be about how the money is earned and the value added to society People will not become lazy if their basic needs are met, rather they will become free to pursue being needs and discover the true purpose of life The majority of people will not figure out how to be a powerful creator by themselves, it needs to be taught and incorporated into the culture of society The speaker believes that money is not the main motivator for successful people in the corporate sector Instead, they are motivated by love, consciousness, and selfless service Raising taxes on wealthy individuals will not discourage them from continuing to work and create The speaker believes that meeting basic needs is important, but once those are met, people are motivated by higher values like creativity, art, beauty, philosophy, and spirituality The speaker presents a long-term vision for humanity's evolution towards higher love, consciousness, and organization This evolution cannot be stopped and will happen regardless of individual objections The speaker acknowledges that some of their ideas may seem utopian in the short term, but they are thinking about the long term (100-500 years) The speaker is not entirely selfless, but their perspective allows them to have a long-term perspective on humanity's evolution The speaker believes that society should prioritize meeting basic needs and supporting individuals in their pursuit of higher values The speaker encourages listeners to consider their own motivations and priorities in life The speaker believes that there are ideologues, radical ideologies, and cults that cannot be changed The goal is not to change everyone, but to create a system that allows the majority of people to evolve There are many people who lack opportunities like education, healthcare, and a decent minimum wage that prevent them from improving their lives The speaker acknowledges that their ideas will be resisted and demonized by the status quo, but believes that change is inevitable and necessary for progress The speaker believes that the ultimate goal should be higher consciousness and love, and that radical solutions may be necessary to achieve this Highly conscious and visionary people throughout history have often been misunderstood and rejected by mainstream society The speaker believes that individuals have a responsibility to fight for what is right and to strive for improvement and evolution. Importance of self-improvement and spirituality in conscious politics Corruption starts with the individual and requires personal work to address Resources available at Actualize that org, including blog, book list, life purpose course, and forum Future discussions on political topics such as racism, gender issues, and environmental issues Interconnection between spirituality and self-improvement, and how they can't be separated Responsibility to be an example of consciousness and love as part of a larger super organism Exciting opportunity for personal and spiritual growth through addressing larger responsibilities
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Conscious Politics - Part 3 - The Core Principles Of Conscious Politics https://youtu.be/xpvjr1gbz0s The ultimate aim of conscious politics is the maximization of consciousness, love, and truth This is different from selfish politics that are solely focused on benefiting oneself and one's group Love in politics means having a wide concern for all living beings and valuing their worth and not just using them instrumentally It is important to have mystical experiences of universal love in order to truly understand and practice conscious politics Conscious politics involves understanding and working with the fundamental forces that shape reality and human behavior It involves making decisions based on long-term consequences, not just short-term benefits It involves understanding that everything is interconnected and that actions have ripple effects It involves being open to new perspectives and constantly learning and growing It involves being honest and transparent in decision-making and communication It involves being mindful of power dynamics and actively working to dismantle systems of oppression It involves being willing to compromise and find solutions that benefit the greatest number of people It involves being respectful and considerate of others, even those with differing viewpoints It involves being compassionate and empathetic towards others It involves being authentic and genuine in one's actions and motivations It involves being responsible and accountable for one's actions and decisions It involves being courageous and taking risks to make positive change It involves being humble and acknowledging one's limitations and limitations of the current systems It involves being proactive and taking action, rather than being passive or indifferent It involves being inclusive and considering the needs and perspectives of diverse groups It involves being visionary and thinking about the long-term future and the common good Ideology: the belief that the world would be perfect if only one side's beliefs were dominant Capitalists, socialists, liberals, and conservatives all tend to think this way This belief is foolish because reality is more complex and people are at different levels of development Developmental psychology and spiral dynamics can help people understand this complexity Conscious politics aims to meet everyone's basic needs and help them progress through Maslow's hierarchy of needs and up the spiral of development Meeting basic needs is important because people in desperate situations cannot focus on higher goals like love or self-actualization Government should not just focus on meeting basic needs, but also support self-actualization and transcendence in individuals Helping others to meet their basic needs and self-actualize creates a virtuous cycle where those individuals can then help others in turn Conscious politics is holistic, ecological, systemic, and meta, and involves systems thinking rather than manipulation or exploitation Conscious politics is about understanding and addressing the root causes of problems, rather than just treating symptoms Conscious politics involves a universal circle of concern and understanding that all people and systems are interconnected Conscious politics is based on the understanding that there is an underlying unity and interconnectedness in the world The ultimate goal of conscious politics is to create a more loving and conscious world for all beings. Proper retirement planning is important because if it is not done, people may end up homeless and unable to work in their old age Some people believe that it is the individual's responsibility to plan for their own retirement, but this ignores the fact that it is not always easy to do so and that the government has a role in helping people save for their retirement Conscious politics involves being aware of false equivalencies and being willing to fight for what is right Love and consciousness do not always mean being passive, but can sometimes involve bold and assertive action, such as the examples of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Conscious politics can be considered radical and progressive because it involves proposing loving and conscious solutions in a society that is often characterized by fear, neediness, and a scarcity mindset The teachings of Jesus, if applied today, would be considered radical and progressive because they involve love, compassion, and equality It is important to recognize that some forms of unconsciousness, such as hatred and oppression, can be so harmful that they justify the use of violence to stop them It is also important to consider the long-term consequences of our actions and to strive for a more conscious and loving society. Survival is about balancing to fit in with one's environment Our environment is constantly changing due to new technology This requires new systems of government and the need to constantly rebalance various equilibriums Conscious politics focuses on root issues and systemic change, sustainable solutions, good government, and policy rather than culture war issues Conscious politics is multicultural, tolerant, open-minded, and multi-perspectival, encouraging the study of alternative points of view Conscious politics is non-conformist, discourages ideology and cults, and emphasizes critical thinking Conscious politics values happiness, development, and health rather than just economic growth It is also economically responsible, seeking creative and innovative solutions rather than business as usual Conscious politics takes wealth inequality and environmental issues seriously It is also focused on social justice and diversity It emphasizes personal responsibility and self-development It promotes collaboration and communication rather than competition and isolation It values community and social connections It encourages personal growth and self-discovery It is open to new ideas and constantly evolving There are many stages of development for individuals and societies Making small, incremental improvements in consciousness and development is important It's a mistake to think society is hopelessly corrupt and not worth engaging with Society is generally improving, even if there are setbacks and regressions Progress is not a linear, consistent process, but rather a series of ups and downs Mistakes and setbacks are necessary for learning and growth, both personally and collectively The mistakes and struggles of our ancestors have contributed to the wisdom and institutions we have today It's important to stay engaged and continue working towards improvement, rather than becoming discouraged and giving up
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Conscious Politics - Part 2 - Foundational Insights About Political Ideology https://youtu.be/GmBzfYXrC4I Introduction to conscious politics, Part 2 Material to cover is extensive, will require an extra episode Importance of laying a deep foundation for understanding politics Understanding politics and government is not separate from self-actualization Discussing politics is about understanding how to be in "communion" with other living beings on a large scale Political principles will also help with understanding oneself and others, and with problems within families and other organizations Key takeaway: level of consciousness and development dictates values, morals, and politics Ability to identify value systems and levels of consciousness of others based on their politics and morals People often vote for whoever they resonate with, rather than evaluating policies Importance of understanding one's own consciousness and development in order to make informed political decisions Explanation of different levels of consciousness and how they relate to political ideology Evolution of consciousness and how it relates to political ideology Role of the ego in shaping political ideology Political ideologies as expressions of the ego Importance of understanding the ego and its influence on political ideology Different types of ego and their influence on political ideology Conclusion: understanding the ego and its role in shaping political ideology is key to making informed political decisions The smallest circle of concern is just about personal physical survival As we grow and develop, our circle of concern expands to include family, tribe, civilization, culture, religion, and country Some people's circle of concern stops at this point and they only care about their own group and not others As we continue to grow and develop, our circle of concern expands to include all decent human beings, regardless of race or culture At an even higher level of development, our circle of concern includes all human beings, even those who are "evil" or have caused harm The highest level of development is caring about all sentient beings and the environment as a whole. The stages of morality and ego development The first stage of morality: no consideration for rules or laws The second stage: belief that certain actions are evil because of religious or absolute truths Further evolution of morality leads to a more nuanced understanding of complex issues, such as abortion Once an individual reaches a more evolved stage of morality, they will not revert back to earlier stages Ego also develops through stages Developmental psychology research has been conducted on the stages of ego development Understanding these stages is important in understanding politics and social issues Morality and ego development are interconnected and influence each other Future episode on developmental psychology to be released on a blog Pollution, partisanship, and racism are all things that individuals are responsible for, even if they don't consider themselves to be directly involved Racist individuals are not just "evil people living somewhere else," but rather part of society and consciousness Taking responsibility for these issues can lead to finding solutions and becoming a leader Low consciousness behaviors in politics include: trying to own or ridicule opponents, taking pleasure in opponents' suffering, holding an intellectual position as absolute, scheming and manipulating to defeat opponents, demonizing opponents, and acting morally righteous High consciousness behaviors in politics include: acknowledging that one's perspective is just a point of view, listening to and understanding opposing viewpoints, and not demonizing or belittling opponents It is important to work towards expanding one's sense of self to include others, rather than separating oneself from others and seeing them as "other" or "enemy" There are different ways to criticize or analyze political policies or positions, from above or from below, not just from the left or right An example of criticizing religion from below is that it has become degraded and needs to be brought back into schools, while criticizing from above is that it presents important truths in a dogmatic way and contracts a person's sense of self An example of criticizing science from below is that it is practiced by godless atheists and should teach creationism, while criticizing from above is that it is locked into the materialist paradigm and overlooks important aspects of spirituality An example of criticizing socialism from below is that it leads to a lack of personal responsibility and a lack of incentives, while criticizing from above is that it can be a great ideal but is difficult to implement in practice due to human nature and the complexity of society It is important to recognize the difference between criticizing from above or below and not confuse the two, as it can lead to misunderstandings and biased interpretations The text describes a theory of government and societal evolution through different "stages" Stage orange government is characterized by capitalism and a belief in the market to solve problems Stage green government is a response to the limitations of stage orange, and is more social democratic and socialist Stage green is also associated with liberal and progressive ideals, as well as elements of new ageism, pacifism, and hippieism Examples of stage green governments include Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Switzerland, Iceland, and some parts of the US (e.g. San Francisco, Washington, New York City, California) Stage yellow and stage turquoise governments have not yet emerged, but may be seen in Northern Europe (e.g. Switzerland, the Netherlands, Scandinavia) Stage yellow government will involve more cooperation and collaboration, and may involve more decentralized power structures Stage turquoise government is even more advanced, with a holistic and integrated approach to problem-solving and a focus on spirituality and personal development The world is a "superorganism" that includes all countries Bureaucracy, including the court system, is necessary for the functioning of the superorganism In the past, without a legal system, there was competition between tribes for resources An example of a dispute between two tribes: one member of a tribe steals a pig from the other tribe, leading to a confrontation The court system serves as a way to peacefully resolve disputes between individuals or groups The court system helps maintain the structure of government and keep society functioning smoothly It's important to understand and appreciate the role of the court system, despite its flaws and imperfections. Humans are vicious and manipulative in their pursuit of survival People will try to rig society in their favor to survive Libertarians and anarchists do not understand the irrepressible force of humans organizing at higher levels, including the sneakiness and manipulation used to accomplish survival Most people are not at a universal stage of moral development and do not care about equality Society is unfair, selfish, exploitative, and barbaric, including in modern, developed countries like America Most people are too focused on their own survival to care about exploitation of others Oppression can become so internalized that those being oppressed do not even recognize it Many wage slaves under capitalism do not realize they are oppressed Those doing the oppressing are in denial about it The idea that society is merit-based is a myth People are not rewarded based on merit, but rather on their ability to navigate and manipulate the system People in positions of power often do not recognize their own privilege and use it to further their own interests The education system is designed to maintain the status quo and does not adequately prepare people for the real world People are not taught critical thinking skills, but rather taught to conform and follow authority The media reinforces the idea that those in power are competent and deserving of their position, while ignoring the suffering of the oppressed People are not aware of the real issues and problems facing society because they are not educated about them and are distracted by superficial issues. The speaker believes that they are being oppressed by the idea of giving up their slaves The speaker believes that it is normal and fair to have slaves The speaker believes that slaves are not real humans and are more like animals The speaker believes that the ego must rationalize selfish actions and justify them as good and proper The speaker believes that those in power (e.g. slave owners) will resist giving up power and will spin narratives and use science and religion to justify their actions The speaker believes that oppression and selfishness are unsustainable in the long run and will ultimately backfire The speaker believes that government is meant to reduce gross inequalities and oppressions, and if it is not doing so, it is corrupt and needs reform The speaker believes that violence may be necessary to bring about change and equalization in situations of gross injustice that cannot be resolved peacefully. The concept of "right" and "wrong" is subjective and dependent on societal values and beliefs Slavery, for example, was not considered evil 300 years ago but is now The only stage of political development at which slavery was abolished is stage orange and above Moral standards and consciousness today should not be applied to standards from centuries ago Evolution leads to progress and liberalism, with current social issues becoming the norm in the future People cling to the status quo, but culture and societal values evolve over time The Overton Window, which represents the range of ideas that are considered acceptable in public discourse, shifts over time The Overton Window has shifted significantly to the left in the past 150 years, with even the KKK not arguing for the acceptability of slavery today The speaker suggests that the best way to understand their ideas is to observe and study politics, history, and how political actors behave in the media and elsewhere. It is important to be open-minded, objective, unbiased, and selfless when doing this observation. The speaker advises having mystical experiences to expand one's sense of self to a universal level of consciousness. A conscious society is one where people care about and help each other, rather than working against each other. The speaker suggests doing spiritual work to better understand conscious politics. It is important not to turn conscious politics into an ideology. In the next part of the series, the speaker will talk about foundational ideas and the principles of conscious politics. In the final part of the series, the speaker will offer specific policy ideas for creating a conscious society. The speaker recommends visiting their blog and checking out their book list for more information on politics, psychology, and personal development. The speaker invites viewers to join their forum for discussions about conscious politics.
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Conscious Politics - Part 1 - The Deepest Political Analysis You'll Ever Hear https://youtu.be/klWq18u3GiU Introduction to "Conscious Politics" Will be a multi-part series Aimed at addressing ignorance about how government and politics work Speaker has spent a lot of time studying politics recently, approaching it from a non-partisan perspective Speaker has had spiritual and political awakenings, leading to profound insights and principles about problems within governments and politics Will provide practical tools for understanding and arguing about politics Requires some background knowledge, including non-duality, spiral dynamics, self-deception, survival, collective ego, devilry and evil, ideology, relativism, systems thinking, and the nature of power Will provide a new, cutting-edge way of thinking about government Will address specific policy proposals and practical applications The problem of selfishness, bias, and ideology corrupting discussions and leading to culture wars The importance of having serious discussions about important issues The need to elevate beyond partisan thinking and ideology The importance of recognizing that all political positions are limited and partial The concept of going "meta" and being trans-partisan in discussions The role of power dynamics in shaping political discussions and outcomes The influence of the media on shaping political discourse and decisions The need to critically examine one's own beliefs and biases The importance of understanding history and context in political discussions The importance of compassion and empathy in conscious politics. Government prevents external and internal oppression, including exploitation, scams, religious cults, factions, gangs, mafia, and corporate and economic oppression Government ensures property rights and provides court systems for peaceful dispute resolution Government prevents torture, cruel and unusual punishment, and child labor Government provides police, firefighters, riot control, criminal investigation and prosecution, prisons, search and rescue, and emergency health care Government provides infrastructure, including roads, bridges, electric grid, and sewage systems Government provides farming subsidies to prevent famines and poverty relief for those who go broke Government provides public education and universities Government provides research and development funding for scientific and technological advances Government provides military defense against external threats Government promotes social welfare and public health, including healthcare, mental health services, and drug treatment programs Government promotes equality and civil rights, including protecting against discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and disability. Life as a chimp or other ape is not an individual experience The idea of individualism is a modern luxury made possible by government and infrastructure Humans are not individual ants, but part of a collective Stage orange level of politics does not recognize collective problems, only personal responsibility Stage orange people prioritize profits and economic growth over addressing deeper issues Stage orange philosophy is materialistic and subscribes to toxic masculinity and survival of the fittest Many businesses and CEOs subscribe to this philosophy, prioritizing their own success over the environment and employees This mentality creates suffering and inequality in society Spiritual and feminine values are seen as weak or undesirable in this mindset It is important to recognize and address the systemic problems and imbalances in society in order to create a more harmonious and equal society. Freedom can lead to harmful actions such as rape, murder, and theft Government is necessary to reduce absolute freedom and create fairness and peace Unifying diverse groups of people to agree on common rules is difficult due to differing backgrounds, worldviews, etc. Survival is brutal and often involves prioritizing one's own life and interests over others Freedom must be balanced with limitations to prevent oppression Initially, giving up freedoms may seem necessary for protection against attacks from other groups, but ultimately leads to a deeper sense of community and cooperation Government is a remarkable technology that allows for peaceful coexistence and the advancement of society The balance between freedom and control is difficult to maintain and can shift over time The United States has a system of checks and balances to prevent any one group from gaining too much control The rule of law is important for ensuring that government power is used fairly and justly. Society can be dysfunctional when group looks out for its own interests without considering others This can be caused by blind selfishness or "devilry" Reality is constantly dividing and reuniting itself at all levels Boundaries created by these divisions need to be maintained, but are temporary and can lead to suffering if people become too attached to them Throughout history, mankind has divided itself into tribes, races, ethnicities, and countries, leading to conflict and suffering The proper course of action is to unify and accept our global status as a species Political history has an arc leading towards greater equality, consciousness, complexity, freedom, and unity This arc is not perfectly linear, with ups and downs Technology can help bring about unity, but it can also lead to further division if used improperly It is important to consider the long-term consequences of actions and strive for a more fair and equal society Disagreements and wars occur because people have different ideas about what is right and wrong Right-wingers tend to have very firm convictions about right and wrong, while left-wingers are more open to the idea that these notions are relative Government must be inclusive, unlike other organizations, and must find ways to deal with all types of people, including those who may be poor, disabled, sick, mentally ill, or criminal Governments must also find ways to control fringe elements that could destabilize society In order to unify at a higher level and transcend selfishness, conscious politics must be embraced, though it may be viewed as selfish by those who are most selfish In order to successfully govern, people must try to understand and empathize with those who have different beliefs and experiences Government must also find ways to address conflicts and problems within society, including economic inequality and discrimination People must work together and try to find common ground in order to move forward and create a better society. The idea that having a fair and equal government is important Individual bias and selfishness can prevent people from seeing the importance of fairness The example of a wealthy, white, male stockbroker in New York City who is unaware of suffering and injustice experienced by others The concept of reincarnation and how it could change one's perspective on fairness The idea that stepping outside of ego and survival agenda allows for the creation of a fair government Analogy to game design and the importance of balance in creating a fun and fair game The concept of conscious politics and how it relates to creating a fair government The idea that individual bias and selfishness must be overcome in order to create a fair society Government is a necessity and taxation is necessary as well As citizens, we can try to use our voting power and political activism to direct government spending towards productive uses, such as infrastructure, education, and training programs The solution to government corruption is to be educated and engaged as a voter, not by undermining the government or privatizing everything Government needs to prioritize the well-being of human beings rather than profits Lobbying, military-industrial complex, subsidies, political favors, and the revolving door of entering and exiting government to work for corporations contribute to corruption in government Influence peddling, Ponzi schemes, and scams also contribute to corruption in government The idea that welfare is the main problem with government is incorrect
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How Authority Works - Where Does Truth Come From https://youtu.be/xyzYKVL5CB0 Authority is the trust or power people or things hold in society People rely on sources of truth, knowledge, or reality to anchor their sense of reality Question of who or what to trust is complex and not easily answered Infinite regress problem: any authority cited can be questioned and then the authority of that authority figure can be questioned, creating a vicious circle People often give authority to things or people without realizing it Authority can be established through tradition, charisma, or rational-legal means Traditional authority: based on long-standing customs and traditions Charismatic authority: based on personal charm or charisma of the leader Rational-legal authority: based on a system of laws and regulations that are objectively followed Authority can be abused or misused Authority can be challenged or overthrown Authority is not the same as truth or knowledge Truth or knowledge can exist independently of authority People should be critical and questioning of authority, rather than blindly accepting it People should seek to understand the origins and basis of authority, rather than taking it for granted The truth of science is not dependent on the authority of the scientist or the scientific community The truth of scientific experiments, mathematical proofs, and evidence is dependent on the individual's acceptance of its authority Religious beliefs and practices also depend on the individual's acceptance of their authority Ultimately, the individual has the ultimate authority in determining what is true for them People have different beliefs and worldviews because they have given their authority to different things The existence of the Sun and other seemingly obvious truths can be denied and contested because the individual has the ultimate authority to determine what is true for them Different cultures and societies have had different ideas about who or what holds authority and truth Authority and truth are not inherent in any person or institution, but are rather projected onto them by individuals or groups This is particularly relevant in the spiritual domain, where people may give authority to gurus, spiritual schools, or other teachings However, this projection of authority onto external figures or teachings is a barrier to fully realizing one's own divine nature or true self All gurus and spiritual teachings are ultimately creations of the individual's own imagination, and there is no intermediary needed between the individual and the truth It is important to be conscious of the projections of authority that one makes in order to fully awaken to one's own divinity. Wisdom must be personally derived and owned Some people give away their authority to religion, priests, holy books, and rituals Islam and Christianity teach that individuals are God, but religious people often overlook this Fundamentalist Muslims and Christians may not realize their mistake until physical death People in the East often worship icons and deities, but this is often due to growing up with them as the only alternative Authority is often given to things that are familiar and familiar alternatives are often chosen without exploration Authority can also be given to governments, political parties, and social movements People should take responsibility for their own thoughts and beliefs, rather than blindly following others It is important to question and critically evaluate the things we give our authority to This can lead to a deeper understanding and a more fulfilling life. All authority must come from within Trace back the sources of authority in your life to yourself Be conscious of how you give your authority to others Take responsibility and ownership for the process of reclaiming your authority Think for yourself and derive your own answers and conclusions Take responsibility for discovering the truth Realize that you are God and have access to absolute truth Understand that you are the only source of authority and have invented everything Want to share this realization with others but realize that you cannot Understand the paradox of infinite consciousness in reality
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What Is Reality - A Radical Explanation https://youtu.be/jmBQRb5iuMg Reality is infinite consciousness and infinite imagination Key mistake made when born is assuming physical objects exist independently of consciousness Only consciousness is possible, objects are not Consciousness is the only thing that exists and it is infinite Physical objects are just temporary, interactive experiences within consciousness Reality is an interactive, virtual experience within consciousness Time and space are just concepts within consciousness, not physical realities Our sense of self is just a temporary experience within consciousness The goal of life is to become aware of our infinite nature as consciousness The answer to the question "What is reality?" is radical and difficult to communicate with words, but is ultimately infinite consciousness and infinite imagination Limits have no limits because of non-duality and oneness, meaning there is no boundary between objects in the universe because they are all interconnected and one This means that reality is unlimited and all-powerful, and can manifest anything it wants because it is infinite in all possible ways Reality is made up of differences, not molecules, atoms, quarks, strings, energy, information, or bits Science and religion are both imaginary and do not fully understand reality Imagination is a fundamental aspect of reality, and everything that exists must be imagined first Time is an imaginary concept, and the present moment is the only true reality The concept of the self is also an imaginary construct The idea that you are separate from reality is a hallucination Everything that appears to be separate and distinct is actually interconnected and one The idea of death is an imaginary concept, as everything is eternal and infinite The ultimate goal is to realize that you are infinite consciousness and that you are everything that is, which is the same as realizing non-duality and oneness The speaker suggests that the listener's entire childhood, including their memories and parents, are purely imaginary The power of imagination is infinite, meaning that anything can be imagined, and for the imaginer, it becomes real The speaker suggests that the physical world, including the room the listener is in, is also purely imaginary and created by deeper layers of the imagination at the subconscious level If the listener were to suddenly understand and fully realize the implications of this idea, it could be perceived as a psychotic breakdown or "dark night of the soul" The speaker cautions that there is a fine line between awakening to this idea and having a breakdown, and advises the listener to be careful not to misunderstand their message The speaker suggests that the idea of death is simply the cessation of the imagination of being human and experiencing the physical world The speaker suggests that the listener's ideas and expectations are creating conflicts and interfering with their own imagination The speaker advises the listener to become conscious of the deeper layers of imagination and not to conflate awakening to this idea with having a psychotic breakdown. Hallucinations can be caused by chemicals in the brain that elevate consciousness to high levels In this state, the boundary between reality and imagination can become blurred and it can feel like you have control over physical manifestation Some psychedelics, like datura, can be dangerous and cause hallucinations that are difficult to distinguish from reality The speaker suggests that all reality is imaginary and that consciousness is infinite and God-like The goal is to become conscious of this and make it a reality, rather than just a belief or ideology The speaker believes that even God needs a moment of realization to understand its own nature as infinite consciousness and imagination The speaker concludes by encouraging the reader to seek out the highest teachings and to realize their own nature as God.
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Understanding Relativism - Part 1 https://youtu.be/UyBETFn5KXk This video is the first in a multi-part series on relativism, a philosophical topic that goes beyond physics The series will discuss relativism in science, philosophy, morality, and ethics The series will not be an in-depth look at the physics of Einstein's general relativity theory The topic is complex and easy to misunderstand, and may threaten certain worldviews The series will not be a rehashing of post-modernism or cultural relativism as found in modern academia Relativism is the idea that everything we experience and think, including self, reason, truth, morality, and religion, is relative and therefore has no universal validity The stanford encyclopedia of philosophy defines relativism as the doctrine that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context and are not absolute There are various types of relativism, including cultural, moral, and epistemic relativism Cultural relativism is the idea that cultural practices and beliefs are relative to the culture that holds them and cannot be judged by the standards of other cultures Moral relativism is the idea that moral truths are relative and depend on the individual or culture holding them Epistemic relativism is the idea that knowledge and truth are relative and depend on the individual or culture holding them Relativism has both supporters and critics, with some arguing that it allows for tolerance and understanding of other cultures, while others argue that it undermines the possibility of universal truth and moral absolutes. relativity is the concept that an object's size or characteristics are relative to its comparison with other objects an elephant is large relative to a mouse people learn about size through experience and comparison with other objects relativism also exists in geometry and can affect how we perceive and interpret situations Einstein's theory of relativity states that the length of an object can change depending on the observer's velocity science is not always necessarily true and can depend on the perspective and experiences of the scientist language and communication can also be relative and dependent on the context and understanding of the speaker and listener moral relativism is the belief that moral values are relative to the individual or culture, rather than absolute cultural relativism is the idea that cultural practices should be understood and evaluated in their own context, rather than judged according to the standards of another culture relativism can be seen as both a positive and negative concept, depending on the perspective taken. Copernicus proposed that the Sun was more central than the earth It was later discovered that the Sun is not even the center of the universe, but one of many Suns The discovery of the Americas was a significant relativistic shock for Europeans The discovery of a new continent with different cultures, religions, and customs was unsettling for Europeans There were religious wars and attempts to "civilize" the indigenous people of the Americas In retrospect, the European response to the discovery of the Americas can be seen as myopic and closed-minded The human mind tends to view its own perspective as central and superior The idea of cultural relativism suggests that all cultures are equally valid and should be respected It is difficult to see one's own cultural perspective as relative because it is enmeshed in it Cultural relativism can help us to be more open-minded and accepting of other cultures and perspectives The idea of moral relativism suggests that there is no one universal moral code that applies to all people and situations Moral relativism suggests that moral codes and values are subjective and vary from culture to culture The concept of moral relativism can be challenging because it goes against the idea of a universal moral truth However, moral relativism can help us to be more open-minded and understanding of the moral values of other cultures. Judeo-Christian values are not the only correct ones; religious pluralism and relativity exist The Constitution was a radical and revolutionary invention that marked a shift in cognitive development from a "stage blue" to a "stage orange" way of thinking Non-Euclidean geometry was discovered, showing that classical geometry is not absolute and new geometries must be developed for certain situations Quantum mechanics showed that measurement is not absolute and is entangled with the measuring instrument This discovery was counterintuitive and many people did not accept it initially The concept of the self is also not absolute, as demonstrated by the split-brain and introspection experiments These examples show that absolutism is not always correct and that new ways of thinking must be considered and embraced. There are different paradigms within science that can be thought of as different worldviews or ways of looking at the world and doing science These paradigms often compete with each other, with a prevailing paradigm that may eventually be challenged and replaced by a new paradigm Thomas Kuhn introduced the concept of incommensurability, which means that different paradigms or worldviews may not be able to fully reconcile with each other Kuhn's work was later used to defend various forms of relativism, but he did not fully understand the radical nature of paradigms or the implications of relativism Relativism became more prevalent in the second half of the 20th century with the development of linguistics, structuralism, post-structuralism, and post-modernism As the world became more globalized and interconnected, it became untenable for social scientists to maintain that one culture or worldview was superior to all others, leading to a greater acceptance of relativism in the social sciences and humanities Hard physical scientists may still cling to a materialist reductionist worldview, but this has been challenged by the insights of quantum mechanics Relativism has also been acknowledged in the areas of sexuality and gender, which has led to negative reactions from some traditionally-oriented people. The elephant metaphor is used to explain the concept of the absolute truth being the whole of reality Different parts of the elephant (representing different views or perspectives) can argue with each other and try to tear themselves apart, not understanding that they are all part of the whole elephant This concept can be applied to various areas, including spirituality, religion, and even different sects of Buddhism The problem of people holding different views or perspectives and disagreeing with each other is a universal issue across all human endeavors Paul Bogosian's quote on relativism suggests that the truth of a given domain (such as the wrongness of slavery) may be related to a particular parameter (such as 21st century norms) The idea that something is objectively wrong or true may be based on a consensus of people's beliefs in a particular time period, but this does not necessarily make it objectively true It is important to understand and consider different views and perspectives, even if they are offensive or threatening, in order to more accurately understand reality The concept of XYZ coordinates is relative and constructed by humans The idea that God knows what time it is right now is used as a metaphor for taking the universal perspective Reality can determine whether someone is good or bad through individuals' perspectives and judgments The concept of anekantavada suggests that something can be both good and bad, and also neither good nor bad and beyond all of that Examples of things that are relative include: aesthetics, opinions, beliefs, worldviews, scientific models and descriptions, scales and measurements, counting and units Mathematics is relative because what counts as 1 or 2 or 3 is dependent on how it is counted The hand is both 1 object and 5 objects, and can also be considered to have an infinite number of structures Patterns within nature, language, and culture are all relative Personal identity and the concept of self are also relative and constructed by the individual and their environment Reality is one and everything is interconnected, including all perspectives and judgments Achieving a meta perspective and distance from personal judgments allows for a more complete understanding of reality The ultimate truth or absolute reality is beyond language and thought, and can only be experienced in a state of Samadhi. Different versions of science might exist Scientists do not always agree on data Data is relative and depends on various factors such as consciousness, culture, and DNA Data and the concept of "facts" is also relative Relativism is sometimes resisted due to an assumption of an absolute truth The concept of an absolute truth may be a human construct The idea of an absolute truth may come from a desire for control or security The pursuit of an absolute truth may be harmful or limiting Instead, it may be more beneficial to embrace relativism and recognize the limitations of human understanding Good and evil are relative and depend on an individual's survival strategies Different people have different notions of good and evil This is why there is so much disagreement about good and evil Relativism does not prevent cooperation and building a consensus Commonality between humans allows for shared values and the building of a society Building a good society is difficult due to cultural and personal differences Einstein's theory of relativity does not contradict the idea of relativism The speed of light is not a constant and varies depending on the medium it is in Some scientists propose that the speed of light may have slight fluctuations The idea of relativism does not mean that objective truths do not exist Relativism simply acknowledges that our understanding and interpretation of these truths is subjective and influenced by our individual experiences and perspectives. Importance of cognitive flexibility Examining emotional reactions to new perspectives Emotional reactions are tied to sense of self and world view Personal growth through introspection rather than reacting to others Fallibility of the speaker, importance of contemplation and discovery Avoidance of responding to cynical or skeptical responses Mention of a future part two
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Understanding Survival - Part 2 - Advanced Insights About Survival https://youtu.be/CyGPqFMy6vY Part 1 homework assignment is important for understanding survival Survival can be symbiotic and not always purely selfish Squirrels do not know what they are doing when it comes to survival, they are running on autopilot Humans are not purely selfish and do benefit others, but may not be conscious of it Selfishness and selflessness are not separate and ultimately come full circle Survival is not a duality and cannot be divided into "bad" and "good" Humans have the ability to become conscious of their actions and the motivations behind them Survival is about finding balance and harmony in life The body and mind are interconnected and impact each other in survival The mind can control the body and vice versa Stress and negative emotions can have a negative impact on survival Positive emotions and a positive outlook can improve survival Communication and social connections are important for survival Survival involves adapting to changing circumstances and being flexible The power of observation and analysis in survival The importance of planning and preparedness in survival The role of intuition and gut feelings in survival The concept of "hard wiring" and how it can impact survival The importance of learning and growing in survival The role of persistence and determination in survival The concept of the "survival mindset" and how to develop it People can turn to unhealthy, toxic, and self-destructive survival strategies when in a needy or fearful state These survival strategies can become autopilot and even continue to be used even when they harm the individual Survival goes beyond just physical needs, it can also be about maintaining personal identity and being part of a group Examples of survival strategies include criminal behavior, smoking, and group bonding activities like listening to the same music and wearing the same clothes These strategies can become addictive and hard to change Part of survival can also be about psychological comfort and avoiding discomfort or stress It is common for people to not consider the long-term consequences of their survival strategies when they are in a vulnerable state and just want immediate relief. Spiral dynamics is a theory that different people are at different stages of development and need different types of information and guidance Different cultures and societies have different survival strategies based on their specific circumstances and resources All social institutions (military, businesses, schools, governments, etc.) are a part of survival and have their own politics Politics is central to human affairs and is present in all social environments Different groups of people will have different motivations and needs based on their level of development and their specific survival strategies It is important to understand and consider these dynamics in order to effectively communicate and work with others. The idea that everything is a social construct is threatening to some people because they are attached to their physical existence People may respond to this threat with denial, judgment, criticism, hatred, violence, bigotry, closed-mindedness, and projection Being conscious of survival strategies may interfere with them, as it can make it difficult to continue engaging in selfish or harmful behavior Culture and social institutions may justify their actions as being for the good of society, even if they are primarily motivated by self-preservation High consciousness teachings may be seen as a threat to the survival of those who are surviving at a low level of consciousness because they may require a shift away from selfish or harmful behaviors The pursuit of personal growth and self-improvement may be seen as selfish or self-centered by those who are struggling to survive It may be difficult for people to change their behaviors and beliefs, even if it is for their own benefit, due to the social and cultural forces at play. Love is the ultimate motivator for human and animal actions Higher levels of love involve love for the universal self, while lower levels involve partial, limited love for the self Evil actions are motivated by a low consciousness, partial form of love The difference between a saint and a devil is the level of love they act out of Evil is relative and perspectival, determined by what hinders an individual's survival Multi-perspective ilysm (considering other perspectives as important as one's own) is a rare and difficult concept for most people to accept Playing victim is a common survival strategy The ego wants to consider only its own perspective To transcend survival, one must be able to see good and evil as labels that are a part of survival To transcend survival, one must see that everything is God in disguise and love everything to death Marine biologist in family gets asthma or lung cancer due to pollution in Los Angeles Spirituality involves realizing interconnectedness and not living in a bubble Selfishness ultimately hurts oneself because self and other are ultimately one Unchecked selfishness may work in simple scenarios but becomes too counterproductive in complex systems America-first policy is a dead end and leads to net loss in a more interconnected world Systems thinking is not about manipulating systems, it is about understanding how systems work and how they can be improved Trump is not a systems thinker, he is a manipulator True spiritual growth involves transcending survival and understanding interconnectedness Transcending survival involves letting go of ego and selfishness This requires consciousness, fearlessness, and selflessness True spiritual growth leads to joy and fulfillment, rather than suffering and disappointment Samadhi is a state of consciousness in which the separation between the subject and object collapses In this state, a person can look at a physical object, such as a hand, and recognize its pure being This can also be done with any physical object, the entire room, one's own physical body, or another person Most people's subconscious minds put value, meaning, or context into objects, even when looking at something as seemingly insignificant as a rock To truly break through the veil of survival into being, one must strip objects of these survival projections and see them for their pure being Meditation and psychedelics can both lead to this state of pure being, called Samadhi However, these states are usually temporary, and one returns to survival mode after the experience ends It is fine to start meditating or taking psychedelics for egoic or survival reasons, but the ultimate goal is to reach a state of pure being When in this state, it does not matter how one got there The goal is to learn how to maintain this state of pure being, even while in survival mode Survival strategies vary based on location and culture Documentaries can be helpful in understanding survival strategies in different parts of the world Examples of comparing survival strategies: New York City vs. Alabama farm, corporate headquarters vs. prison, Africa vs. Scandinavia vs. Alaska Importance of seeing the big picture by putting all the little pieces together Actualize.org aims to help people see the big picture by covering a wide range of topics in depth Success in this project requires diligent watching and thinking about the material, as well as following up with exercises and homework Rewatching the two-part series on survival and applying the concepts to your own life can be helpful in understanding survival strategies and seeing the big picture.
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Understanding Survival - Part 1 - The Metaphysics Of Being Human https://youtu.be/i8NNtpzYQx8 The topic of this video is the metaphysics of being human and how it relates to survival Survival is a fundamental aspect of human behavior and is at the root of all personal development and spiritual work Peter Ralston has been instrumental in helping the speaker understand the importance of survival in behavior change Modern science does not fully understand the metaphysical aspects of survival and its importance in human affairs Survival involves defending, manipulating, and seeking change, but also raises questions about the purpose of living and why some things are chosen to survive while others are not The topic of survival is often misunderstood and overlooked in modern society Survival is not just about physical survival, but also psychological and emotional survival Survival is a metaphysical concept that encompasses the whole of human existence The speaker will be giving homework assignments to help the viewer understand their own mechanical tendencies and become more conscious Reality is an infinite field of consciousness Humans create a conceptual distinction between self and other, creating a "virtual partition" within the field of consciousness This virtual partition is the basis for the creation of objects and the concept of "self" The concept of survival is maintaining this virtual partition The distinction between self and other creates a survival drive, but this distinction is also maintained by the drive to survive What is being survived is not a physical object, but a conceptual boundary or fantasy Survival for humans is not just about getting food, shelter, and sex, but about surviving as a conceptual self and maintaining a distinction from the environment The line dividing self and other is unique for each person and can change over time, leading to either growth or death The concept of survival also includes maintaining relationships, social status, and personal identity The concept of death is the elimination of the virtual partition, returning to the oneness of the original field of consciousness To be an object or thing, it cannot be any other thing Being one particular way means excluding an infinite number of other ways it could have been There is a zero-sum game in reality, where there are trade-offs and competition over limited resources Life is only possible through death, as forms must feast on other forms Reality is infinite, but there are still zero-sum dynamics within it Squirrels and humans engage in survival activities and are focused on preserving themselves, but self-improvement requires letting go of the self and transcending it To change a behavior, a part of the self must die The process of self-improvement involves facing and accepting death The death and rebirth process can be scary, but it is necessary for growth and development To transcend the self, one must let go of attachment to the ego and accept death This process requires courage and faith in something beyond the self. The concept of survival and how it affects behavior Examples of how different people prioritize survival differently based on their wealth and circumstances The idea that people engage in devious, sneaky behavior in order to survive, but often delude themselves with false rationalizations about their actions The concept of balancing self-image as a good, honest person with the need to manipulate and scheme for survival The idea that thoughts and emotions are involved in the survival game, and people engage in behaviors like lying, manipulating, and scheming in order to get what they need People can be closed-minded because they don't want to change and are attached to their current way of life These ways of life, or "niches," can be linked to survival strategies that are ingrained in a person's brain and mind Survival strategies are often unconscious and can lead to negative outcomes such as misery, suffering, and even depression and suicide It is important to be aware of and consciously approach survival, specifically the survival of the mind or psyche The psyche has unique needs, attractions, and aversions that can be influenced by past experiences and environments It is important to understand and work on the psyche in order to be truly free and live a fulfilling life. Many people meditate unconsciously and robotically, and feel guilty if they miss a day It's a process of becoming more conscious and cannot be perfected in a single day The process is like "crawling out of a deep hole" and will take decades to complete It's a "bootstrapping process" and cannot be solved all at once Deception and delusion within oneself can only be addressed piece by piece People may rely on external validation, judgment, worry, procrastination, or activities like video games or YouTube to feel happy or survive These actions and habits allow people to maintain their current identities, but can be changed to affect one's identity at a metaphysical level Thoughts and emotions often have ulterior motives related to survival and manipulation in a given environment It's important to become aware of these motives and the role they play in maintaining one's identity
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What Is The Point Of Life - An Advanced, Life-Changing Explanation https://youtu.be/9PjZB9CoFfs The speaker discusses the purpose of life and the universe They posit that the universe is an infinite singularity that contains all possible pasts, presents, and futures simultaneously This singularity is self-aware, sentient, and intelligent, and is often referred to as God The purpose of the universe is to experience and explore itself through the creation of infinite forms, including human beings The purpose of human life is to awaken to the truth of the infinite singularity and to explore and experience the infinite possibilities within it The speaker encourages the listener to consider the possibility that their limited human perspective is preventing them from fully understanding the grand design of the universe The listener is warned that the true purpose of life may be radical and may not fit within their current beliefs or understanding Becoming more godlike in one's manner and lifestyle is a key aspect of spiritual evolution Realizing that you are the Creator and taking ownership and responsibility for your creativity is an important step in becoming a conscious creator Conquering fear with unconditional love and embodying love and goodness can help one become godlike in one's life Inspiring others through one's example can help them also realize their own divinity and unity with God Experiencing duality and living in the present moment fully are important aspects of the human experience Helping others awaken and grow spiritually is an important part of one's human life The ultimate goal of human life is to fully merge with the absolute and realize one's true nature as God The point of life is to evolve and realize one's divinity Life has a higher purpose, like a cog in a machine God artificially limits itself in order to experience life through creation Creation is for the joy of it, and has no ultimate point outside of itself Humans have limited creative capacity, and their default creation may be a monstrosity if they do not deliberately create This concept may be considered religious dogma The idea that you are the creator of your reality and have the ability to shape and change it through conscious creation The metaphor of playing with LEGOs to illustrate the idea of creation The idea that enlightenment is not a one- or two-realization concept, but has depth and breadth The idea that enlightenment does not mean one should not engage in conscious creation or self-expression The idea that conscious creation is not driven by a sense of lack or ego, but rather by selfless love and self-expression as an expression of one's godhood The idea that reality is perfect as it is, but that does not mean one cannot engage in creation and self-expression as a way of expressing one's godhood The highest expression of love and selflessness can be seen in tear-jerking movies The highest motivation for mankind is to reconnect with the oneness and truth of existence This can be done in many different ways and through many different careers The lack of inspiration in politicians, lawyers, and businesspeople can lead to division and destruction in the world The goal is to realize oneself as God and to live as a creator True life begins when one understands their purpose and works to expand and grow themselves Repeatedly returning to this understanding and pushing oneself can lead to a tipping point of awakening The website actualize.org offers resources for personal growth and finding one's life purpose.
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The Power Of Asking Questions https://youtu.be/42kY07F5pTs The quality of your life depends on the quality of the questions you ask Questions unlock powerful answers Most people's problems come from not asking the right questions The answers to life's questions are inside of you, not outside Asking questions is a simple but rare skill It's important to study external sources, but then turn inward and think for yourself to develop unique answers Personal development and spirituality involve crafting a custom path that works for you You can find answers within yourself by asking the right questions, or even by using Google It's important to ask yourself questions regularly and consistently Different types of questions to ask yourself: open-ended, closed-ended, rhetorical, leading Asking the right questions can help with problem-solving, decision-making, and personal growth Examples of powerful questions to ask yourself: "What do I really want?", "Why am I doing this?", "What am I learning from this?", "What's possible?", "What am I avoiding?" Take the time to reflect on your questions and allow yourself to really think about the answers Keep a journal to write down your questions and answers, and review them regularly Surround yourself with people who also ask good questions and challenge you to think deeply. Asking quality questions can unlock something in your mind and affect your consciousness Asking a question in a business meeting can shift the tone of the conversation and allow you to see things you couldn't see before Trusting yourself and turning inward can help you discover answers within yourself Some people are more effective than others and asking the question "what makes people so effective?" can help you observe and learn from them It is important to discover your own uniqueness and ask yourself "how am I unique?" and "how am I not being true to my uniqueness?" Asking "what do I really want?" can help you clarify your goals and desires Asking "what do I need to learn or do to achieve my goals?" can help you create a plan to reach your goals Asking "what is my purpose?" can help you find meaning in your life and guide your decisions Asking "what are my core values?" can help you understand your priorities and make decisions that align with your values Asking "what is my current mindset and how is it serving me?" can help you identify and change any negative or limiting beliefs you may have Importance of asking oneself questions Asking oneself questions can lead to insights and ideas Some questions may take a long time to answer and may require asking repeatedly Answers to deep, profound questions can be life-changing It is important to genuinely want to know the answer and be willing to face difficult truths Asking oneself questions can involve emotional labor Questions can be specific to an individual's context and circumstances Examples of questions to ask oneself include: How can I have more confidence in myself? How am I being reactive and defensive? What am I really trying to say here? How am I creating this problem? How can I make this task more enjoyable? How am I being closed-minded? What are the most powerful self-help techniques? How can I become financially independent? What should be the next chapter of my life? Why am I unfulfilled in life? Asking questions can lead to unexpected answers from various sources, including your own inner voice, intuition, subconscious mind, or universal intelligence The act of asking questions primes your mind to be receptive to the world around you and can lead to serendipitous or synchronistic events Asking questions habitually can lead to a steady stream of insights and can help you feel more resourceful and confident in finding answers to problems or challenges To cultivate this habit, contemplate the importance of questioning, make a list of top questions about life, identify your most important questions, and look for solutions to chronic problems or obstacles Practice asking open-ended and specific questions, and try asking for help or advice from others Keep track of your questions and the answers you receive, and reflect on how they have impacted your life Consider the benefits of asking questions in various areas of your life, such as relationships, career, personal growth, and spirituality
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Life Unfolds In Chapters & Phases https://youtu.be/ym0mSXSNZsU Life unfolds in chapters and phases Each chapter consists of four phases: limbo, starting, middle, and end Limbo is a time of inaction and reflection, a chance to heal and think things through The starting phase is when you find a new sense of direction and start taking action to build momentum The middle phase is when you are in your stride, building momentum and success The end phase is when things start to become stale and it is time to wrap up the chapter and move on to the next one By understanding the phases, it is possible to assess where you are in your own life cycle and take action to move forward The purpose of this discussion is to help people understand and navigate the different phases of life to achieve success and fulfillment. Phase in life where results are not being delivered Workaholics struggle in this phase because they get stuck in a cycle of doing the same work over and over Important to ask oneself fundamental questions about the value and alignment of one's work This phase is a time to relax, decompress, and introspect in order to discover a new purpose Phase can last for months or years and will be different for everyone Important to break old patterns and try new things in order to discover deeper aspects of oneself and align with top values This is a time to dream, vision, and get inspired by new aspects of reality It is important to open oneself up to life and try new things in order to avoid becoming depressed This is a time to review what is most important in life and understand one's top values and life purpose Consider working with a coach or therapist to help with self-discovery and personal growth Use meditation, journaling, and other practices to support introspection and self-discovery Trust that a new purpose will emerge with time and patience Strike while the iron is hot to jump into a new business Phase of high energy and excitement, where a lot of progress is made Possible issues in this phase include fear of failure, feelings of inadequacy, and insecurities Importance of discipline and building good habits and routines Need to keep working on and refining your vision Avoid temptation to return to old habits or behaviors Seek support and guidance from mentors or others who have succeeded in similar endeavors Stay optimistic and keep pushing forward, even when faced with challenges or setbacks Don't let limiting beliefs hold you back Business has run its course and it's time for a new chapter Projects that used to excite feel stale and meaningless Loss of meaning and feeling unfulfilled Energy and motivation wane Comfort with luxury and success makes change difficult Feelings of being trapped and cornered in life Complaining, entitlement, corruption, and arrogance Loss of creativity and inspiration Fear of collapsing or losing it all Attention and motivation split between old and new projects Low energy state and feelings of depression and isolation Accept that the end is near and acknowledge achievements, growth, and gains Reflect on the past and what you've learned Consider what you want for the future Let go of attachments and attachments to comfort Take steps towards the next chapter, even if it means discomfort Surround yourself with supportive people and seek help if needed It is important to always be researching and seeking out new opportunities Keep a log or journal of potential opportunities Engage in activities like reading and talking to new people to do research and find exciting opportunities Expect resistance from old friends and family when embarking on a new journey and be prepared to work on it quietly Get comfortable being alone during certain phases of the journey The hero's journey follows a four phase model: ordinary life, call to adventure, mastering a skill or conquering an obstacle, and returning to ordinary life with newfound knowledge or skills The hero's journey can be paralleled to the four phase model: ordinary life, limbo, starting phase, peak of journey After the peak of the journey, the hero may feel depressed or lost, but it is important to keep moving forward and find a new purpose The hero's journey is a cycle that can be repeated throughout one's lifetime Mention of temptation to make more money with current business Idea of considering life in terms of chapters or phases Suggestion to focus on one or two themes per chapter Examples of themes (relationships, career, finances, etc.) Importance of clear focus and avoiding spreading oneself too thin Mention of the value in rituals or ceremonies to mark the beginning and end of a chapter Difficulty in making a clean break and moving on to the next chapter Encouragement to visit website and check out resources for personal development.
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Understanding Duality - Part 3 - Existential Dualities https://youtu.be/D4izvIGPsXQ Understanding Duality - Part 3 Existential Dualities Metaphysics and spirituality Subjective and objective duality Science and materialist metaphysics Subjective experience and objectivity Quantum mechanics and its impact on traditional physics The role of consciousness in understanding reality The duality between consciousness and the physical world The concept of non-duality The importance of understanding dualities in order to understand reality Transcending dualities to reach a higher state of consciousness The potential for human beings to access higher states of consciousness and understanding The role of meditation and self-inquiry in accessing higher states of consciousness Creation and destruction are intimately connected and necessary for each other To create new life, old life must be destroyed to make space Overpopulation leads to destruction Destruction can lead to new creation by creating emptiness The "undo" function in computer programs is an example of the usefulness of destruction in the creation process Some people see destruction as inherently evil, but this belief weakens creation Love and hate are not as simple as they seem; love as a lowercase "L" is a selfish form of love, while love as a capital "L" is a selfless, all-encompassing love Hatred is the absence of love, and the presence of ego The duality of good and evil is a product of the ego's desire for separation and control God is both a creator and a destroyer, and encompasses all dualities To transcend dualities, one must realize the ultimate unity of all things There is a great diversity in the animal kingdom, with billions of species New species are constantly being discovered Understanding and appreciating this diversity is important for opening the heart and mind and understanding true love Duality of dumb vs. intelligent exists, with intelligence often being elevated and dumbness stigmatized However, intelligence is absolute and everything in the universe serves a purpose and is therefore intelligent Reality is subjective and dependent on perspective Life is a dream and we are all just dream characters experiencing different perspectives and aspects of the dream Life is a game and we are all just players playing different roles in the game The ultimate goal of the game is to become conscious of the dream and the true nature of reality This requires letting go of identification with the ego and personality and embracing the true self, which is infinite consciousness It also requires understanding the interconnectedness of all things and acting with love and compassion towards all beings. The concept of reality and duality The universe and reality exists by itself, and there is no opposite reality The duality of one versus many: the idea that everything can be subdivided an infinite number of times and that the concept of "one" or "many" is subjective and created by the mind The duality of mundane versus divine: the idea that the mundane and divine are not separate, but are instead one and the same, and can be experienced in the present moment through consciousness The split between those who engage in spiritual practices and those who do not, and the potential for both to experience the divine in their own way The duality of good and evil: the idea that good and evil are not opposites, but rather two sides of the same coin and are ultimately subjective and created by the mind The idea of transcending dualities and realizing oneness or unity with all things Surrendering to God can be achieved by destroying all meaning The ego creates meaning, not the Godhead Life and death are intimately connected and cannot be separated To live, one must kill, even if it's just as a result of everyday actions The duality of life and death can be transcended to discover immortality and the omnipresence of life Science has trouble explaining the origin of life because it cannot distinguish between living and non-living things The experience of dying can be transcendent and lead to a greater understanding of life The body is temporary and the ego is an illusion The concept of self is a product of the mind and can be transcended to realize the interconnectedness of all things The realization of unity with the universe can bring peace and a greater understanding of the nature of reality Division creates two parts First division is between self and the rest of the world Duality between actual and real is untenable and must collapse Realizing this can lead to "death" and enlightenment, but it is terrifying and may lead to the end of one's current sense of reality and self Non-duality (enlightenment) is radical and can lead to the end of one's life and current understanding of reality Duality between self and God is related to the duality between self and the world The idea of God as a separate being reinforces the idea of the self as separate from the world Non-duality breaks down this duality and allows for the understanding that God and self are not separate entities The final duality is between form and emptiness Form refers to the physical world and its phenomena Emptiness refers to the lack of inherent existence in all things This duality is related to the concept of dependent origination, which states that all things arise due to causes and conditions and are not inherently existent Understanding dependent origination can lead to the realization of emptiness and the breaking down of the duality between form and emptiness This understanding allows for a realization of the interconnectedness of all things and the ultimate lack of separation between self and the world The trap of pursuing non-duality with a lowercase n, which means demonizing and judging duality as though it is separate from God The importance of embracing everything, including duality, in order to truly transcend Reality is both non-dual and dualistic, and it is important to be able to view it through both lenses The duality of relative versus absolute truth, and the importance of embracing both in order to fully embody the absolute The danger of creating new divisions, such as dividing the relative from the absolute, in the pursuit of enlightenment The importance of understanding and embracing the full spectrum of human experience, including the darkness and negativity, in order to fully awaken and transcend the ego The role of the ego in creating divisions and trying to exclude certain aspects of reality The importance of embracing and integrating the shadow in order to fully awaken and transcend the ego The concept of "the middle way" as a path to enlightenment that involves finding balance and not swinging too far towards either extreme of a duality. Duality between form and formlessness Form is present, but formlessness (Shiva) is also present Form and formlessness are identical Duality between something and nothing Something and nothing are the same, and cannot be distinguished from each other Transcendence of this duality leads to enlightenment and realization that nothing (with a capital N) is identical to something Duality between zero and infinity Zero and infinity are identical Zero is boundless and therefore formless, and infinity is omnipresent Duality between finite and infinite Distinction between lowercase "i" infinity (relative infinity) and uppercase "I" Infinity (absolute infinity) Uppercase "I" Infinity includes every finite possibility within it Duality between limited and unlimited Unlimited means infinite freedom, but also allows for infinite limitation Duality between enlightened and unenlightened Enlightenment (capital "E") is an absolute, and realization of this leads to understanding that there is no difference between enlightenment and unenlightenment However, it is important for those who are unenlightened to make a distinction between the two states Duality between good and evil Good and evil are not separate and cannot exist without each other Good and evil are also relative and depend on one's perspective Transcendence of this duality leads to understanding that good and evil are both expressions of the same thing The fundamental error is assuming that reality has a ground Non-duality means the collapse of all grounds, leading to the absolute (called the groundless ground) Reality has no ground and cannot be spoken or written about without devolving into contradictions and paradoxes All attempts at formalizing, mapping, or modeling reality will fail because they are finite and limited, while reality is infinite and all-inclusive Science, as it is currently practiced, will always fail to achieve a unified theory of everything because it relies on finite equations There is a difference between understanding one part of reality in isolation and understanding the totality of it The speaker's teachings are pragmatic and meant to guide towards a personal realization of the absolute truth, but are not themselves the absolute truth Anything that the mind says, including refutations or affirmations of non-duality, will be dualistic The speaker's teachings are not meant to be taken literally, but rather as pointers towards a direct realization of non-duality Non-duality is beyond words, thoughts, and symbols and must be directly realized The speaker is honest about their dualistic language and does not claim to have the absolute truth The speaker's work is meant to help people realize the absolute truth for themselves, not to give them the truth itself The idea of true unification involves accepting division Unification is not the lack of distinction, but rather the ability to embrace all distinctions It is important to maintain distinctions, such as between a man and a woman, but also to recognize that all of these distinctions are part of the diversity of the self Unification should be all-encompassing, including even division and evil Love should be indiscriminate, but this does not mean condoning or tolerating evil actions Awakening does not make one simple-minded, but rather increases the ability to make distinctions while also recognizing unity and non-duality An exercise to unify dualities, such as masculinity and femininity or capitalism and socialism, is to recognize the value and importance of the marginalized half that has been rejected or hated It is difficult to let go of attachments and preferences for one side of a duality, but it is necessary for true unification The ultimate goal of unification is to be able to see that everything is interconnected and that the self is a part of the whole This understanding allows for true compassion and understanding towards others, as well as the ability to take appropriate action to prevent harm or suffering. The speaker suggests that understanding the topic being discussed requires more than just conceptual understanding and that personal experience is necessary The speaker encourages the listener to verify the truth of the ideas being presented and to approach the topic with a scientific and philosophical mindset The speaker acknowledges that the topic being discussed is complex and may seem abstract or impractical, but suggests that there is a deeper wisdom to be found by exploring it The speaker emphasizes the importance of dedicating time and effort to the topic and suggests that it is worth the investment, as it is part of building a "massive skyscraper" of personal development and spirituality The speaker advises the listener to stay motivated and to remind themselves of the larger vision they are working towards, even when they face challenges or setbacks
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Understanding Duality - Part 2 - Scientific Dualities https://youtu.be/-ti5HmiBVmo Understanding Duality Part 2: Scientific and Existential Dualities Definition of duality: contrast with non duality (oneness) Dualities can have many parts and can be multi-dimensional Examples of dualities: theism, atheism, agnosticism; straight, gay, bisexual; color spectrum; sensation, thoughts; cat, dog; panda bear, non-panda bear List of 250 dualities to be discussed in the video Importance of understanding duality in order to understand non duality Duality creates illusion of separation, but non duality recognizes unity Examples of scientific dualities: matter and energy, wave and particle, observer and observed Wave-particle duality: light can behave as both a wave and a particle Observer-observed duality: act of observing affects the outcome of an experiment Schrodinger's cat thought experiment: cat in a box can be both alive and dead until observed Uncertainty principle: it is impossible to know both the exact position and momentum of a particle at the same time Existential dualities: self and other, free will and determinism, good and evil Importance of exploring and understanding these dualities in order to live a fulfilling life Duality can be transcended through understanding non duality Non duality does not negate duality, but rather sees it as part of a larger whole Conclusion and encouragement to continue exploring duality and non duality. There is always a portion of liquid molecules that are moving too fast and turning into gas, even at room temperature The concept of conductors, insulators, semiconductors, and superconductors shows that there is permeability in boundaries between categories The categories that scientists use can distort their understanding and limit their ability to make new discoveries The boundary between land and water is difficult to define and may not be as clear-cut as it seems at first glance Black and white categories in general may not be as firm as they seem and may bleed into other things It is valuable for a scientist to think outside of these pigeonholes and categories. Various analog actions can have digital consequences, such as making scratches on a digital device or damaging a digital hard drive Matter and energy are not separate, as demonstrated by Einstein's equation of matter and energy being equal to each other Electricity and magnetism were once thought to be separate phenomena, but were later unified by Maxwell's equations Space and time are not separate, but are instead integrally connected, leading to a paradigm shift in physics Quantum mechanics and relativity are both accurate in predicting different phenomena, but there needs to be a reconciliation between the two theories Paradigm shifts in understanding require radical open-mindedness and the ability to see new categories Environmental and genetic factors affect individuals The mind and DNA can change through certain experiences and theories The ego may use genetics as an excuse for certain traits or abilities The distinction between first-person and third-person phenomena in science The duality between science and philosophy/metaphysics The importance of considering metaphysical assumptions in scientific work The duality between objective and subjective in scientific observation The role of consciousness in scientific experiments and interpretation The limitations of the scientific method and the need for a more holistic approach to understanding reality The lack of research on certain subjects, such as psychedelics and meditation, is due to the lack of financial gain that can be made from studying these topics Science is often biased and influenced by corporate interests, leading to a focus on research that will bring financial gain rather than a pursuit of understanding Science is cultural and subject to the beliefs and values of the culture in which it exists There are subcultures within the various disciplines of science and these subcultures often do not get along with each other Science progresses slowly due to its cultural nature, with new paradigms being accepted only after the death of older generations of scientists Science relies on a collective consensus, which is formed within a culture There are limitations to scientific understanding due to the cultural and subjective nature of science The pursuit of objectivity in science is flawed because it is impossible for scientists to completely eliminate their personal biases and subjectivity The pursuit of objectivity should not be the main goal of science, but rather a recognition and acknowledgement of subjectivity should be embraced in order to allow for a more complete understanding of the world. Duality between skepticism and faith False skepticism and true skepticism Skepticism as dogma Duality between fact and interpretation Difficulty in separating facts from feelings and interpretation Ego's influence on emotions and attachment to certain beliefs Duality between spirituality and materialism Spirituality as subjective experience Materialism as limiting perspective Importance of considering multiple viewpoints and being open to change Closed-mindedness and ego-driven behavior Need for self-awareness and introspection Rant against certain types of skeptics and rationalists Lack of perspective and integral thinking Tendency to demonize those with differing viewpoints Mention of Greek hero Piran ISM and acolyte sexist empirica in relation to skepticism Flying requires a certain form, such as a wing or a pointy nose, to reduce wind resistance or light bones with air pockets The form of a bird determines its function Syntax and semantics are closely related Duality of controller versus controlled (e.g. individual versus society) Determinism versus freewill Duality of analysis and synthesis or analysis and holism Duality of technology and magic Duality of cause and effect (every effect is the cause of something else) Duality of singularity and infinity The infinite nature of reality cannot be fully captured through symbols The issue of incompleteness and self-reflection, as exemplified by the liar paradox, is related to the inability to capture all of reality through symbols Reality includes all maps, models, thoughts, and images, leading to the conclusion that thoughts and images are part of reality The connection between the mind and body is fluid, with no clear boundary between the two It is important to distinguish between thoughts and tangible objects, but they are not separate from each other The material being discussed is very deep and wide, and it will take a long time to fully understand it Part two of the discussion has ended and part three will cover the existential dualities, which form the foundation of all existence The listener should start to observe and keep a list of dualities in their everyday life It is important to contemplate and work through the examples given in order to fully understand the material There is a danger in accepting a massive list of information without fully understanding it Part three of the discussion will provide concluding remarks and show the significance of the master list being presented.
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Understanding Duality - Part 1 - Master List of 250+ Dualities https://youtu.be/FO3YtZwhN2k Understanding Duality is a series about how the mind uses dualities to understand reality The series is divided into three parts: common dualities, scientific dualities, and existential dualities The series covers over 250 dualities in total Part two is the most important part of the series Thinking and all forms of communication and intellectual activity involve creating dualities Dualities are defined against their opposites, and they are necessary for practical use of concepts We create dualities unconsciously and this can lead us astray Examples of dualities include up versus down, light versus dark, and good versus evil Dualities can be helpful in understanding the world, but they can also be limiting and oversimplify reality It is important to be aware of dualities and not take them for granted in order to have a deeper understanding of the world Reality is how things actually are, not something that can be created or is relative The concept of defining a "heap" is difficult and can be extended to other concepts, such as outer space and what constitutes a living cell or human There is often debate and confusion around these definitions because lines are drawn without acknowledging that they are being drawn The concept of defining and drawing lines also applies to the origin of humans and the evolution of species It is difficult to define when something becomes "alive" or "conscious" These issues can be tricky and may involve subjective interpretation, but they are important to consider and discuss. Dualities: forward vs. backward, weak vs. strong, slow vs. fast, easy vs. hard, smooth vs. rough, short vs. long, empty vs. full, odd vs. even, high vs. low, decrease vs. increase, heads vs. tails, narrow vs. broad, shallow vs. deep, good vs. bad, good vs. evil Concept of the absolute or transcendent Relative nature of categories Good and bad are relative and depend on context Need to transcend dualities and move towards the absolute Good and evil are not absolute, but rather relative and subjective Importance of understanding the relative nature of dualities and transcending them in order to understand deeper truths The concept of "should" is that things that should be done must be done by everyone "Should" can be seen as an absolute or as a relative idea, depending on the context The idea that certain things "should not" happen is a fantasy, and accepting everything as it is is the key to transcending the back and forth between "should" and "should not" Engaging in conflicts and arguments (such as in politics, religion, or personal relationships) is unproductive and can be resolved by becoming aware of transcendent absolutes To become aware of transcendent absolutes, it is necessary to set aside the time and energy typically spent on conflicts and instead focus on spiritual work and personal development The goal of this work is to rise above the "tug-of-war" mentality and instead focus on understanding and compassion for others This can be achieved through practices such as meditation, which can help individuals become more self-aware and understanding of the world around them. School is a place where people are taught to fit in and be "normal" Being "weird" is often seen as bad or wrong People pick on and laugh at those who are perceived as "weird" The concept of "normal" and "weird" is relative and varies depending on location, culture, and time People may try to be "weird" as a form of rebellion or to stand out, but this can also become a defining characteristic or role Authenticity, or "authenticity with a capital A," transcends the dichotomy of "normal" and "weird" Categories like race and gender are culturally constructed and may not hold up scientifically These distinctions are given importance because they are convenient for survival, but acknowledging that they are made up gives us the freedom to change them Our survival is not dependent on these distinctions, and they may even hinder our survival Taming animals is not a simple process and depends on their physiology, genetics, and psychology Soviet scientist selectively bred foxes to have kind dispositions and was eventually able to create a semi-tame version that can be kept as a pet Tameness is not a binary concept and there are degrees of tameness Fairness is also not a binary concept and can be understood in terms of an absolute fairness that comes from the realization that one universal consciousness experiences all permutations of every being in the universe Winning and losing, gain and loss, right and wrong, and good and evil are all relative and depend on perspective The dualistic way of thinking about these concepts is limiting and can be transcended by understanding their relative nature and by seeing the interconnectedness of all things The ultimate goal is to transcend dualistic thinking and to realize the unity of all things The concept of terrorism being linked with nationalism leads to overly generalized and harmful beliefs and policies In order to write a good story, it is important to understand human psychology and create complex characters with both good and bad qualities The journey is just as important as the destination The roles of ruler and ruled, and beautiful and ugly, can be transcended through a different perspective Art and non-art, and discord and harmony, are subjective concepts Masturbation and sex can be seen as the same thing from a higher perspective The roles of student and teacher, and child and adult, can be fluid and are not mutually exclusive It is important to understand and transcend dualistic thinking The concept of identity can be limiting and fluid The idea of separation is an illusion It is important to be present in the present moment The concept of free will is subjective and depends on one's perspective Transcending pleasure and pain Individualism versus collectivism Importance of striking a balance between individualism and collectivism Collectivism empowering individualism Collectivism becoming too oppressive and hurting individualism Transcending both individualism and collectivism through non-duality and spirituality Individuals sacrificing for the collective good Libertarians not understanding their place in a collective Primary and secondary as a duality Feeling and emotion as a duality Inclusion and exclusion as a duality Theism and atheism as a duality Consistent and inconsistent as a duality Moderate and extreme as a duality Attraction and repulsion as a duality Contraction and expansion as a duality Dominant and submissive as a duality Gross and subtle as a duality Popular and unpopular as a duality Mainstream and niche as a duality Status quo and change as a duality There is a trend of young males reacting against feminism and femininity and seeking hyper masculinity This trend is seen in "red pill culture", "MOG" (men going their own way), and "pickup culture" Gender norms and the concept of homosexuality are being challenged and normalized, but still resisted in some areas The resistance to social justice warriors may be due to blurring of traditional gender boundaries Gender and gender roles are mental constructs, shaped by culture and individual experiences The duality of man/woman is not always clear-cut and can be challenged by edge cases, such as people with non-binary anatomy The concept of man/woman goes beyond physical characteristics and includes a range of associated traits and expectations Understanding the mental construct of gender can help to deconstruct harmful beliefs and behaviors related to gender norms
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Becoming God - Insights From 13 Back-to-Back Awakenings https://youtu.be/ywHfNSwcCS8 The speaker went on a 30-day solo meditation retreat The first 16 days were spent doing mindfulness techniques, but the speaker did not have any awakenings The speaker decided to finish the retreat by doing back-to-back 5meo DMT trips The trips became deeper than previous experiences and resulted in 13 awakenings, each deeper than the previous one The speaker experienced a feeling of oneness with everything and a deep understanding of the nature of reality The speaker also had experiences related to past lives and other dimensions The speaker found the integration process after the retreat to be challenging, but ultimately felt that the retreat was the most productive month of their life in terms of personal growth. The speaker has had numerous awakenings that have gotten deeper and more profound The speaker used a whiteboard with a square to depict the awakenings, but eventually had to go outside the square to show the depth of the awakenings The speaker believes that traditional spiritual techniques, such as mindfulness meditation and self-inquiry, are not sufficient for achieving these levels of consciousness The speaker believes that 5-MeO-DMT is the most powerful tool for achieving these levels of consciousness, but it must be used in the proper way The speaker will discuss the proper way to use 5-MeO-DMT in future discussions The speaker experienced the oneness of all things and the interconnectedness of all life during these awakenings The speaker experienced a sense of love and acceptance towards all beings during these awakenings The speaker has had experiences with other psychedelics, such as LSD and mushrooms, but believes that 5-MeO-DMT offers a level of clarity and consciousness that is not attainable with other psychedelics. The speaker believes they understand the universe and are "fully conscious" that they are God The speaker believes there are different degrees of awakening and understanding The speaker's teachings may take on a religious tone and may be off-putting to some people The speaker believes that fully awakening to God is transformative and feels like a religious conversion Reality is divine and good, and aligning one's life with that is the goal of awakening The entire universe is an infinite fractal, and the speaker is currently God looking through a fractal The speaker believes that everything is consciousness, and that the universe is a holographic projection The speaker believes that everything is interconnected and that all consciousness is one The speaker believes that the universe is a simulation and that the matrix (the simulation) can be hacked The speaker believes that they can access higher dimensions and that they have had experiences of this The speaker believes that they have access to the Akashic Records, a sort of "cosmic library" of all knowledge The speaker believes that they can access past lives and other dimensions through the use of certain drugs and techniques The speaker believes that they can communicate with and control the matrix through their thoughts and intention. Zero is not at the center of infinity, but any random number can be considered the center because of the infinite number of positive and negative numbers The structure of the universe, or "fractal," is not arbitrary or random, but rather determined by the "godhead" or "unlimited" object This unlimited object exists outside of the universe and is unconstrained by physical or logical laws It is all-powerful and can do anything, including being conscious and self-aware It is also infinitely intelligent and can exist in multiple forms at once The unlimited object can create and destroy, and is the cause of all events in the universe It is both the creator and the creation, and can exist in multiple states simultaneously Understanding the unlimited object allows one to understand the true nature of reality and the self The unlimited object can be accessed through meditation and other spiritual practices There are many butterflies on Earth, all flapping their wings and exerting gravitational force on each other. There are also many planets and stars in the universe, potentially with their own butterflies or similar creatures, all exerting gravitational force on the butterflies on Earth. Every object in the universe has an infinite chain of causation, including the butterfly and the reasons why someone is wearing white today. The chain of causation can be traced back to the beginning of the Big Bang, which is just a small part of an infinite whole. The chain of causation has multiple dimensions, including physical and non-physical causes. The intricate design and seamless functioning of the universe suggests it was not an accident, but rather a design. The speaker believes that humans should not try to change reality or the "infinite design of god" because they are too "myopic" and their actions may make things worse The speaker believes that everything that exists is absolute good and that non-existence does not exist The speaker believes that god is immortal and is the source of all intelligence and existence The speaker suggests that one can become directly conscious of how god's will manifests in reality, and that this can be done through looking at one's own body and hand The speaker believes that the mind and body are not separate, and that the mind and body are constantly creating each other The speaker believes that one's thoughts and actions have a direct impact on the world and can manifest reality The speaker suggests that one can change their reality by changing their thoughts and beliefs The speaker believes that the universe is perfect and that one should not try to change it or try to make it better The speaker believes that the universe is constantly providing for one's needs and that one should trust in this process The speaker suggests that one should not try to control or micromanage their life, but rather let go and trust in the universe's plan. The speaker has been working on being more authentic and their understanding of awakening has been transformed The speaker is aware that they have been playing ego games and is working on changing that The speaker will be releasing more weekly videos with profound content and notes from a recent 30-day retreat on their blog The content of the future videos will include a mix of practical material and reiteration of previous topics, as well as new insights and technical details The speaker wants to embody their teachings more in their body language, tone, emotions, and personal example The speaker has recently opened a new chapter in their life and is excited but also uncertain about what the future holds The speaker is not stopping their personal growth and is open to more insights and awakenings.
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Leaving On 30-Day Solo Retreat https://youtu.be/yhfeLiuG_wo The speaker is taking a 30-day solo retreat to focus on their own inner work and contemplation They have been releasing videos consistently for the past five years and the process of researching, studying, and presenting information is exhausting It is important to balance the work of creating content with personal inner work and self-improvement The speaker plans to do a silent retreat, meditating and contemplating their own emotional reactions They hope to have a significant awakening experience during the retreat The speaker has experienced growth in their consciousness in the past year through meditation, Kriya yoga, brain training, and self inquiry They plan to return after the retreat and reassess their schedule for releasing videos The speaker encourages others to take breaks and prioritize their own inner work and self-improvement. The speaker has been involved in a project for five years The speaker is looking to make a change and move on to the next chapter in their life, which will be more spiritual in nature The speaker plans to spend the next 30 days focusing on personal development and growth The speaker is excited about continuing to teach and share content, and has many ideas for new videos and topics to cover The speaker has developed a system for brainstorming and working on multiple outlines simultaneously The speaker's content will cover new, practical topics in addition to spiritual ones The speaker is open to changing the format of their content and considering new opportunities, such as touring or writing a book The speaker plans to bring their audience along on their journey of growth and development The mainstream spirituality and consciousness practices are outdated and not cutting edge These practices do not incorporate modern insights from psychology, psychotherapy, and psychedelics Many spiritual traditions are ignorant of modern fields like psychology and sociology These traditions often justify their lack of incorporation by claiming enlightenment is enough The author's vision is to integrate non-duality and all spiritual traditions with science, physics, evolution, social sciences, philosophy, technology, political science, and self-help Science, the foundations of science, culture, and the educational and nutritional systems also need to be reformed The author's memory struggles with the sheer amount of information and integration required Meditation and becoming woke are still important, but not enough on their own The author's goal is to create a more holistic and cutting-edge spirituality and consciousness practice The speaker believes that achieving a goal or vision often requires sacrifices and self-surrender They mention politicians John Edwards and Anthony Weiner as examples of people who let their own personal flaws ruin their careers The speaker suggests that inner turmoil or "the devil" within oneself can hold a person back and cause them to sabotage their own success They recommend doing retreats or facing suffering consciously in order to grow, stay humble, and avoid becoming too comfortable or disconnected from others The speaker warns that a lack of suffering or discomfort can lead to a pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of suffering, potentially resulting in dysfunctional or pathological behavior They encourage the listener to face their own limitations and problems, and to be honest with themselves in order to prevent self-sabotage and overcome their own obstacles.
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Aztec Nonduality - Profound Life Lessons From Aztec Philosophy https://youtu.be/8GjGMWBWWKM Aztec philosophy contains profound lessons about life Aztec philosophy is a form of non-duality, which is interconnected with other religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam Aztecs referred to a single, sacred power or force as Toyota, or God Toyota is the unified, all-encompassing life force of the universe Toyota generates and regenerates the cosmos, including everything in it Toyota is identical with everything and everything is identical with Toyota Toyota transcends dichotomies such as personal versus impersonal, animate versus inanimate Aztecs believed that humans have the potential to become one with Toyota Aztec philosophy suggests that the ultimate goal of the spiritual path is to become one with Toyota Aztec philosophy also includes the concept of teotl, which is the ultimate reality or the supreme being Aztec philosophy includes the idea that humans have a dual nature, including both animal and divine aspects Aztec philosophy includes the belief that humans have a nagual, or a spirit double, which is connected to the spiritual world Aztec philosophy emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature and with others Aztec philosophy suggests that living a virtuous life and performing good deeds can help one to become closer to Toyota and achieve spiritual enlightenment People cling to things like guns, religion, ways of doing business, philosophy, economic ideology This is like trying to hold onto a waterfall and is ultimately delusion because reality is constantly changing and everything eventually dies or becomes obsolete Reality, or Toyota, cannot be characterized as simply being or not being, but rather as becoming Toyota cannot be described as ordered or disordered, but rather as unordered Toyota simultaneously contains and transcends dualities such as life/death, male/female, etc. Toyota is an unstructured and unordered seamless totality Reality is not how materialists and realists conceive of it Reality is not structured or determined by physical or conceptual boundaries Reality is a continuous process of becoming, with no fixed or static essence Reality is a "radically indeterminate and unstructured whole" This understanding of reality is characterized as an extreme nominalist anti-realism and Toyota as a "Conti enlike noumenon" The idea that God is like an owl that is well camouflaged and can't be seen easily The concept that God is a shapeshifter or chameleon and is able to perfectly camouflage itself The idea that the materialist approach to seeking evidence of God is flawed because it's like trying to find an owl that is camouflaged on a tree branch The metaphor of God as a shapeshifter to explain why God is deceptive and confusing The concept in Hinduism of Maya, or the illusory nature of reality The idea that the apparent thickness, multiplicity, and exclusivity of existence are all illusory The concept that problems stem from the illusion and delusion of the mind, and the need to focus on this instead of external factors like conspiracy theories or religious fundamentalists Illusion is necessary for survival and building a civilization Illusions allow humans to live, but also contribute to misunderstanding and difficulty in understanding God Sages in Chinese philosophy view earthly existence as ephemeral and evanescent Illusion is a function of mistaking commonly perceived characteristics of Toyota's artistic self-disguise as characteristics of Toyota itself Non-duality does not commit to an ontological dualism between illusion and reality, and is consistent with ontological monism In the awakening process, one must separate illusion from absolute truth Reality is relative and can be viewed in different ways It is important to be able to switch between different perspectives and integrate them together to fully embody non-duality To fully embody non-duality, one must bring the absolute truth back and realize that illusion and absolute truth are identical The ego is an illusion, but also a necessary part of the illusion of the earthly realm It is important to let go of the ego in order to fully embody non-duality The ultimate goal of non-duality is to bring the absolute truth into the earthly realm and fully embody it in one's life. Analytical philosophy is too conceptual and abstract, disconnected from real world problems and practical everyday life Ancient Greeks and Romans practiced philosophy to be better citizens, politicians, orators, and scientists Modern academic philosophy is disconnected from its origins and is perceived as abstract and disconnected from practical concerns such as career and relationships The purpose of actualized.org is to show how to apply abstract philosophical concepts to everyday life to improve mood, solve problems, and be more authentic and honest in relationships, among other things Most people in the West live unfulfilled, depressed, and mediocre lives due to a lack of true philosophy in their education This lack of philosophy is responsible for many real-world problems, including war, genocide, climate change, and corruption Nahua philosophy is a universal philosophy that has been tested and works for all humans across all cultures and continents The question of how humans can maintain balance on the slippery earth is addressed by Nahua philosophy through the idea of living a harmonious life in alignment with nature and the cosmos Atheism and religious belief are both forms of delusion because people are not fully conscious of their own total nature Earth is facing a tipping point due to ecological, political, and other issues caused by human imbalance, including excessive capitalism and ideological polarization The Nahua people recognized the importance of balance in earthly life and sought to live in moderation, but modern fundamentalist religious people try to codify balance into rigid rules and commandments that do not account for changing circumstances Humans yearn for rootedness in their lives and search for it, but often end up disappointed and starting the search anew The trick to finding balance and rootedness is to understand the impermanence of things and to embrace change and adaptability The way to achieve balance and rootedness is to develop self-awareness, consciousness, and wisdom through practices like meditation and psychoactive plant use The current global crisis is a result of humanity's lack of balance and rootedness, and the solution is for individuals to cultivate these qualities within themselves and create a more balanced society. Government has passed legislation that prevents labels from being placed on junk food in free-trade agreements with other countries Coca-Cola and other large companies dominate the advertising and marketing ecosystem, making it difficult for alternative messages to be spread on a large scale In order to improve society, there needs to be more institutions that promote truth and honesty Truth is important in every aspect of life and not being connected to it leads to problems individually and collectively Humans can access yodel through their hearts, which are charged with sacred energy and have a lot of Todel Modern academia and the materialistic paradigm often prioritize the left hemisphere (logic, reason, evidence) over the right hemisphere (holistic, heart-centered) This leads to a lack of understanding of spirituality, psychology, self-deception, and states of consciousness In order to access yodel, one must have a heart charged with sacred energy and be wise in the things of yodel The speaker believes that connecting with Toyota (the name given for the divine or ultimate reality) can help one create amazing things and feel good Many people are depressed because they lack a sense of purpose in their lives The speaker's art involves sharing their experiences and insights on finding and pursuing one's life purpose The speaker suggests that finding one's artistic outlet and making it their career can be a form of spiritual pursuit, similar to the Hindu concepts of karma yoga and bhakti yoga In order to connect with Toyota, one must be well-balanced, pure, authentic, and morally righteous, and possess qualities such as humility, respect, strength, self-control, moderation, and modesty Some people try to pursue enlightenment in an inauthentic or egoistic manner, making it difficult for them to succeed Before beginning spiritual practices like meditation, one should work on clearing their mind and following certain rules for living a pure life The speaker believes that one must have a totalized heart and be knowledgeable about Toyota in order to fully realize it. The purpose of education is to perfect children by developing their wisdom and strong, humanized hearts, and shaping their character into something valuable The point of school and university should not be to pass tests or learn specific subjects, but to teach children how to live and be decent human beings This should be done through raising their consciousness and teaching them to think for themselves, engage in metaphysical and epistemic inquiry, connect with their artistic talents, and be authentic and truthful Actualized.org was created as a resource for this type of high-quality education, which is not offered in mainstream schooling Future educators and students can take responsibility for their own education by seeking out resources such as books, courses, and podcasts Society is not currently at a stage where this type of education is easily accessible, so individuals must take the initiative to seek it out and create it for themselves. The text discusses the importance of finding the "master blueprint" for becoming a sage and a visionary leader The speaker suggests that the principles of all religions are fundamentally the same and advises extracting the essence of a religion and discarding the technicalities and scriptures The speaker encourages materialists and atheists to consider the significance of religion and spirituality in the lives of billions of people throughout history The speaker suggests that reading "scriptures" from various traditions can provide insights and wisdom on how to live and what one's purpose is The speaker advises caution in following ancient wisdom, as it was often hard-won and sometimes resulted in people becoming deluded or falling into traps The speaker advises finding a guru or mentor to guide one's personal development journey The speaker recommends visiting their website (actualize.org) for resources including a blog, book list, life purpose course, and forum for discussing these ideas further.
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What Is God - Part 2 - Clear Answers To 70+ Commonly Asked Questions https://youtu.be/YMLuA2MzV40 The speaker addresses questions and objections about their belief that everyone is part of God and ultimately is God The speaker explains that God is a trickster and that reality is not a given, but rather is only possible when imagined and believed in The sense of ego or self helps people survive, but hinders them from realizing that they are in God all the time The speaker discusses the concept of maya, or illusion, and how it relates to understanding God The speaker talks about the idea of God being both immanent and transcendent The speaker discusses the concept of the ego and how it relates to the belief that one is separate from God The speaker explains that the ego is not the enemy, but rather it is the tool that can be used to realize God The speaker discusses the concept of duality and how it relates to understanding God The speaker talks about the role of faith in understanding and realizing God The speaker discusses the concept of surrender and how it relates to realizing God The speaker talks about the importance of devotion in realizing God The speaker discusses the concept of grace and how it relates to realizing God The speaker talks about the idea of non-dual realization and how it relates to understanding God The human mind can easily deny or resist the truth by being closed-minded or skeptical False skepticism is a trap People often assume that the truth should be self-evident, but the mind is very good at denying truth It is possible to deny even the most powerful truth-revealing experiences or evidence through sheer determination The power of self-deception is total, like the power of God God has the power to deceive itself and also the power to awaken itself from that deception Reality is a mystery, and science can never fully demystify it God is the gap or emptiness between all surfaces in reality, unifying them into oneness The concept of God as nothing is different from the atheist's concept of God as non-existent The practical differences between the two concepts of God as nothing include: A recognition of the ultimate mystery and unity of reality A recognition of the limitations of science and the human mind A belief in the potential for spiritual awakening and transformation A belief in the importance of subjective experience and inner exploration A belief in the interconnectedness of all things and the interdependence of the individual and the universe. The speaker believes that the person they are speaking to (Leo) is God, but may not be aware of it Reality has no limits beyond the physical universe, and there is an infinite number of possibilities where anything is possible Physical laws and universal constants do not apply in this infinite space There are an infinite number of states of consciousness God is the absolute truth, and can be directly conscious of it God cannot be a hallucination or delusion because direct consciousness of God is unmistakable The speaker's experience with 5-MeO-DMT (a chemical) showed them that God is not a brain state or chemical, but rather consciousness interacting with consciousness The speaker's perspective on God may not make sense to someone who holds different beliefs or concepts about the brain, chemicals, and consciousness To understand the speaker's perspective on God, one must go through the experience of it God is the proof that limitations exist God imposes limitations on itself by incarnating into specific forms Destruction only makes sense within the realm of form All forms are temporary, only the formless (Godhead) is permanent Experiences of God are not confirmation bias, but can be shocking and self-validating Conceptual knowledge can fly out the window during absolute Samadhi experiences Some experiences may not have been read about or taken seriously before becoming conscious The text discusses the idea that life is like a horror movie or roller coaster ride, and how people can get caught up in the suffering and pain that is part of this experience. The text suggests that people are egoistic and selfish, which leads them to confuse suffering and pain for reality. The text compares life to a virtual reality, similar to the movie "The Matrix," and how it can be both horrible and exhilarating at the same time. The text mentions the experience of skydiving as an example of how people put themselves in risky situations and live through them. The text suggests that God (or people) put themselves in this situation and must live through it until the end. Religion is difficult to evaluate from a modern perspective To understand religion, it is necessary to consider its origin and the time period in which it was created In the past, people did not have the same level of cognitive development or understanding of science as we do today Religion was used as a way to explain and understand God, but it was often couched in metaphor and stories to make it understandable to people with limited knowledge and understanding These stories were often passed down orally and recorded by people who were not necessarily enlightened themselves, leading to confusion and inaccuracies The teachings of religious figures were often diluted and filtered through the perspectives and worldviews of the people recording them As these stories were passed down through the ages, they became further removed from the original awakening experiences and teachings It is challenging to discuss religion in a way that is not dogmatic, ethnocentric, or moralistic, as these tend to be influenced by a person's cognitive level of development It is important to approach religion with an open mind and not dismiss it outright, but also to recognize that it may not always be completely accurate or up-to-date with modern values and understanding. Visions can be related to God, even though God is formless Understanding of God is filtered through one's culture and upbringing Mystical visions can come in the form of various avatars or symbols 5ml DMT allows for pure consciousness without visual distortions or hallucinations Eastern teachings are generally more strict and scientific, but Western teachings also have value No one culture or religion has a monopoly on spirituality All spiritual traditions can be studied and learned from The ego's identification with a particular religion can be a barrier to spiritual growth Egolessness allows for a more open and receptive understanding of spirituality It's important to question and challenge one's beliefs in order to grow spiritually Beliefs should be based on one's own experiences, rather than blindly accepting the beliefs of others God is all-knowing and all-powerful God can set up a situation where it forgets itself and must awaken to itself Godhead is formless and cannot awaken to itself because it already is itself and lacks a mind or form Humans can awaken to formlessness because they have a mind and are not all-knowing Godhead incarnates into form so that humans can see the full ramifications of what it means to be God To understand what it means to be God, God must live through every life and every creature on Earth and potentially other universes God is living through infinite time and all the different creatures in the multiverse God must experience everything to understand what it means to be God Humans are just a small fragment of God's experience To understand oneself, one must live through and experience their own life and body. The idea that other people and external things are projections of one's own imagination The experience of feeling alone after realizing this, but accepting it and moving past it The difference between being alone and feeling lonely, and how being fully conscious and awake can allow one to not feel lonely even while being alone The question of why some people are curious about God and spirituality while others are not Factors that may contribute to this curiosity, including brain type, environment, and spiritual gifts The theory that ancient humans were more spiritually inclined than modern humans, due to survival pressures and the cost of building modern civilization The impact of overpopulation and modern civilization on the environment and the potential for human extinction The need to balance materialistic and egotistical survival instincts with spiritual and moral concerns The importance of spiritual growth and self-actualization in finding fulfillment and meaning in life. The idea that culture and society are evolving and "bootstrapping" themselves The concept that God is in love with all of creation and is present in every possible scenario a human being can experience The idea that suffering is inherent in life and that awakening is the solution to dealing with it gracefully The concept of sahaja Samadhi, or the permanent state of being awake and in a high meditative state The idea that people may realize God but then fall back into duality or lose their understanding, and that this may be due to the difficulty of fully grasping and deconstructing their previous understanding of reality in one moment The importance of fully grasping and deconstructing the illusion of life in order for mystical experiences to stick and become permanent The idea that it is possible to live in a state of "non-duality" or constant realization of God In your early 20s, it is important to work on practical matters such as education, social relationships, health, financial independence, and career direction God can be experienced at any stage of cognitive development, but the level of development will affect the experience and understanding of God It is important to work on raising cognitive development to at least the yellow (holistic) level for a deeper understanding of God and spirituality God does not necessarily need to self-realize, but by awakening in this human form, one can fully understand and experience what God is It is important to awaken and work on self-realization in order to fully understand and experience the human experience It is possible to awaken at any age, but the earlier one starts, the better Awakening involves letting go of egoic attachments and identifying with the true self It is important to have a balanced approach to awakening, including both inner work and practical responsibilities Realizing God can help elevate the consciousness of mankind This process can improve various aspects of life, including relationships, creativity, and business Realizing God may give some people special powers or abilities, but these are not guaranteed and may be a distraction from awakening Miracles, including paranormal healing, can happen within physical reality, but some aspects of the Bible may be outdated, inaccurate, or problematic Enlightenment is a state of consciousness that can bring about profound understanding and a sense of unity with all things The process of enlightenment can be aided by spiritual practices, but it is not necessarily tied to any particular religion or tradition The purpose of life is subjective and may be different for each individual Spiritual awakening can bring a sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment, but it also requires letting go of attachments and ego. God is a confusing topic and can't be fully understood through question and answer The only way to understand God is to awaken to and become God -One awakening is not enough to fully understand God and multiple awakenings may be necessary to piece together a comprehensive understanding Psychedelics and yoga and self-inquiry can be used to facilitate awakenings Actualize.org has resources that can help people discover God People often reach out to the author for help understanding God
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What Is God - Part 1 - A No Bullshit Explanation For Smart People https://youtu.be/YE1yPCeF1Cc Introduction to topic of God and explanation of the purpose of the two-part miniseries Importance and depth of the question "What is God?" Difficulty of communicating about God, including challenges of dogmatism, self-deception, and closed-mindedness Historical context of people being persecuted for teaching about God Brief overview of different religious and philosophical views of God Explanation of the author's own direct experiences with and understanding of God Importance of critical thinking and verifying the information presented through personal experiences Mention of objections and questions that will be addressed in Part 2 Introduction to the concept of consciousness as the fundamental building block of all existence Explanation of how consciousness creates and perceives reality Introduction to the concept of the ego as a separate and limited identity within consciousness Explanation of the concept of enlightenment and realization of the true self as the ultimate goal of spiritual practice. People hallucinate and may misinterpret their experiences as evidence of God Need for concrete, scientific proof of God's existence Mumbo jumbo and philosophy not sufficient as proof Proof is a second-order phenomenon, dependent on the existence of something (like bricks being necessary to build a castle) Proof cannot be systematized or symbolized, and is weaker than truth Personal experience and subjective knowledge can still be valid forms of understanding Rationality and science rely on certain fundamental things being in place Belief in God does not necessarily require proof in the same way that other things do God is a controversial and emotional topic for most people People's beliefs about God shape their entire worldview and how they perceive and interact with reality Beliefs about God have practical consequences and can affect morality, relationships, and goals in life Attitudes about God can be a barrier to understanding what God is It is important to distinguish between believing in God and experiencing God Some people have had mystical experiences or a direct consciousness of God It is important to approach the topic of God with an open and honest attitude It is okay to not have all the answers and to continue to explore and seek understanding about God. God is omnipotent (unlimited power) and omnipresent (present everywhere) God is benevolent (all-loving and good) and incorporeal (not having a physical body) God is eternal, immortal, perfect, and complete God is a radical state of consciousness that is all states of consciousness God is the absence of the egoic identity or self God is synonymous with reality, existence, and truth God is the source of creation and the absolute The ego or limited sense of self is the obstacle to realizing God God can be experienced through the process of consciousness work or the death of the ego God can also be experienced through love and compassion The concept of God varies across different cultures and belief systems God is the creator and the creation The universe is one movement happening in concert together God is a strange loop, meaning it created itself God is infinite power and intelligence and exists for eternity God is absolute infinity, containing every possibility for eternity God is everything and nothing, paradoxical and hard to understand The concept of God can be experienced directly The concept of God is beyond words and language The ego is separate from God, but can experience oneness with God The ego's understanding of God is limited It is possible to directly experience God through meditation and other spiritual practices The concept of God can be understood through direct experience rather than logical thinking Realizing God feels like death because the physical reality has been thought to be real for the whole life Surrendering control of life to God or the universe and taking the ego out of life is the realization of God God feels like the disillusion of all boundaries and non-dual awareness, where dualist categories melt away God feels like an epiphany or a mindfuck and can be expressed as "wow" or "oh my god" God feels like exiting the matrix and realizing there is nothing outside of it God feels like an infinite void and a feeling of nothingness God feels like the realization that everything is one, interconnected and inseparable God feels like the realization that everything is a dream or an illusion God feels like experiencing unconditional love and compassion for all beings God feels like the realization of the true self and enlightenment The universe (with a capital "U") refers to everything, including all possible multiverses The universe is immortal and infinite God is the greatest joy, and feels like pure consciousness or "I am-ness" God is also infinite love and has a divine, radiant, magical, miraculous, and alive quality God cannot be known, and the closest we can get to knowing God is by not knowing The scientific paradigm tries to reduce the mystery of existence by explaining one thing in terms of another The materialistic paradigm views most of the universe as dead matter, but the realization of God expands this notion to include all of the universe as alive Spirituality is the recognition of the divine, radiant, magical, and miraculous qualities of the universe When we realize God, we realize that everything is connected and there is no separation between us and the universe The goal of spirituality is to merge with the universe and become one with it The concept of self is an illusion and is separate from our true nature as pure consciousness The ego is a construct that separates us from our true nature and from the universe The ego is a defense mechanism that protects us from feeling the pain of separation from the universe The ego is driven by fear and the desire for security and control The ego is maintained through identification with thoughts, emotions, and stories The ego can be transcended through meditation, self-inquiry, and other spiritual practices When the ego is transcended, we can experience true peace and joy. Metaphysics and epistemology are not taught in mainstream education Most people, including scientists, do not have a strong understanding of metaphysics and epistemology Success of science and technology has created a false sense of understanding about the universe and our place in it The foundations of science are misunderstood It is difficult for the mind to comprehend the subjectivity and relativity of reality Science and mainstream thought deny the subjective nature of reality Religion and spirituality are not taken seriously by mainstream society Traditional methods of accessing God, such as meditation and spiritual practices, are not emphasized in mainstream education The ego often resists seeking a deeper understanding of God and the universe It is necessary to go beyond the ego and personal perspective to truly understand the nature of reality and God. Meditation and retreats can be effective in experiencing God Dark room retreats can stimulate neurotransmitters and increase chances of high states of consciousness God cannot be experienced through the mind, beliefs, thinking, concepts, opinions, imagination, knowledge, language, rational inquiry, philosophy, scientific modeling, proof, clinical studies, skepticism, debate, discussion, academic study, scriptures, traditional prayer, ritual, ceremony, or psychoactive substances It is possible to have epiphanies and mystical insights through studying scriptures and spiritual texts Real meditative prayer may be effective in experiencing God It is important to have a direct, subjective experience of God Techniques that may be effective in experiencing God include concentration, devotion, surrender, self-inquiry, and being in the present moment
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Cult Psychology - Part 2 - The Big Picture https://youtu.be/3P1R-wHd0bI Introduction to part two of a miniseries on cult psychology Definition of a cult as a binary concept (either a cult or not a cult) Shift to evaluating cult-like behavior on a spectrum Breakdown of cult behavior into subcomponents Idea that cult dynamics are present in many aspects of modern society and throughout human history Examples of areas in which cult dynamics may be present (e.g. Buddhism, yoga, atheism, capitalism, academia, mainstream media, etc.) No clear boundary between cults and mainstream society Most cults are offshoots of mainstream society Importance of retaining a strict definition of a cult while also considering degrees of cult-like behavior History of cults, including the idea that cults have existed for at least 300,000 years Definition of a cult as a group that uses psychological manipulation and coercion to recruit, control, and exploit its members Discussion of different types of cults (e.g. religious, therapy, commercial, political, etc.) Characteristics of cults, including the use of propaganda, deception, and exploitation Role of the leader in a cult and the dynamics of the leader-follower relationship Techniques used by cults to recruit and retain members The process of joining a cult and the stages of involvement The psychological and social effects of being in a cult The process of leaving a cult and the challenges that may be faced Strategies for identifying and avoiding cults Conclusion and call to action to educate oneself about cults and their dangers. The speaker's friend had a negative opinion of Chevrolet cars and would often make fun of them This opinion became a joke between the speaker and their friend, and the speaker eventually also developed negative feelings towards Chevrolet cars The speaker later realized that this type of stereotyping and judgment is similar to racism The speaker also realized that this type of behavior involves ascribing negative motives to others, oversimplifying and overgeneralizing groups of people, and ridiculing and humiliating them This type of behavior often occurs on YouTube in the form of political videos that aim to humiliate and ridicule the other side rather than trying to understand their perspective The mind often engages in this type of behavior as a way to avoid the emotional labor of trying to understand others and instead rely on easy stereotypes and prejudices The speaker suggests that we can overcome this type of behavior by taking the perspective of others, trying to understand their experiences and viewpoints, and engaging in empathy and compassion towards them. The act of stereotyping and judging others can be used as a smokescreen to avoid examining one's own perspective In a cult, the dominant perspective is presented as the objective truth, with no room for interpretation Science is often presented as the objective truth, but it is subjective and involves interpretation The false sense of certainty that can result from this belief can lead to closed-mindedness The act of stereotyping and judging can also involve projecting one's own negative traits onto others, creating an "enemy" It is important to examine one's own group and how it engages in these behaviors The ultimate goal is to recognize that everyone has their own perspective and to strive for understanding and empathy towards others. Cults often require a sign of recommendation before allowing someone to join Cults may make people wait outside the gates for 48 hours, repeatedly rejecting them and telling them they are worthless Cults may emotionally manipulate and control people through tactics such as intimidation, charm, seduction, withholding approval, showering people with disapproval and scorn, and putting them into impossible positions Cults may manipulate lower emotions such as fear, anger, hatred, and guilt in order to get people to do their bidding Cults may be materialistic and pragmatic, focusing on financial gain and power Cults may require strict adherence to rules and may punish those who do not follow them Cults may require a lot of time and energy from their members, including participating in long meetings and completing demanding tasks Cults may have a hierarchical structure, with the leader at the top and the members at the bottom Cults may require complete devotion and may view those outside the cult as inferior or hostile Cults may engage in manipulation through the use of language, including using buzzwords and slogans, twisting the meaning of words, and using loaded language to manipulate emotions and thoughts Cults may engage in groupthink, where members are discouraged from expressing dissenting opinions and are instead encouraged to conform to the group's beliefs and ideas Cults may have a destructive impact on their members, including causing psychological harm and leading to social isolation from friends and family outside the cult. The enterprise of science is sneaky because it encourages ignoring first-person experiences and phenomena Science dismisses subjective experiences, such as mystical experiences or the effects of psychedelics, as unreliable or hallucinatory To be a good scientist, one must reject perceptions and focus on concepts and theories instead Modern science is based on this idea, which leads to demonizing groups that prioritize subjective experiences, such as religious people or mystics The motivation to take action, including the fear that the world is ending, is often driven by ego's fear of death Different groups, such as those with stage blue or stage orange worldviews, may fear different things that could lead to the end of the world, such as moral decline or economic collapse The fear of the world ending is often used as a way to manipulate and control people To transcend this fear, one must recognize that the ego is the source of the fear and that the ego is not one's true self deep self-reflection and contemplation is difficult because of school workload and memorization cults use PR campaigns and fake front organizations to present a positive image language is used to manipulate and deceive, called "doublespeak" obedience to rules and norms is a feature of cults cults often have impossible ideals that people cannot meet, causing guilt and low self-esteem cults discourage questioning and critical thinking cults often have a hierarchical structure with leaders at the top cults rely on group dynamics to manipulate and control members cults often use techniques such as hypnosis, meditation, and chanting to manipulate and control members cults may use physical and psychological abuse to control members cults often exploit their members financially people may join cults for various reasons, including seeking meaning or purpose, seeking community, or seeking acceptance. The pharmaceutical industry refuses to take responsibility for its collateral damage Consider your role in an organization that causes collateral damage and take responsibility for it Crusading or the "lesser jihad" is a common component of cults and involves externalizing spiritual work and making one's life purpose the defeat of others Sexual manipulation, abuse, and irresponsibility are also common components of cults Cults do not acknowledge the importance of balance and often take a good thing too far Religious teachings should be interpreted, thought about, and embodied rather than followed blindly The pharmaceutical industry may be taking good things (drugs and drug research) too far by marketing opioids to vulnerable people and incentivizing doctors to prescribe them Extreme examples can help highlight and understand more subtle versions of issues Conflict and polarization among different schools, subgroups, and subfields in science and philosophy can harm the enterprise Philosophy is often taught as one school versus another, leading to cult-like behavior Jordan Peterson, new atheism, and rationality can all become cult-like Celebrities and Western medicine can also have cult-like dynamics Cultural rituals such as circumcision, baptism, female genital mutilation, animal sacrifice, honor killings, and sati can involve cult behavior Worship of gurus, leaders, and presidents can be cult-like Social media platforms can contribute to the evolution of cult dynamics Cults can have a negative impact on individuals and society as a whole It's important to be aware of cult dynamics and to avoid becoming involved in them The speaker is trying to communicate difficult concepts and ideas The goal of Actualized.org is to understand the entire universe and connect it to personal experience It is difficult to communicate everything that has been realized and understood The speaker will probably spend their life trying to articulate these concepts The audience has only seen a small fraction of what Actualized.org has to offer The speaker encourages the audience to become passionate about learning how to live and to spend thousands of hours doing this work The rewards for understanding life are significant, but cannot be fully communicated It is necessary to either intuit the value of this work or take a leap of faith in order to fully engage with it The speaker wants the audience to understand the importance of self-exploration and self-improvement The journey towards understanding life can be challenging and require facing difficult truths The speaker encourages the audience to not be afraid of failure or setbacks and to keep pushing forward The ultimate goal is to achieve self-actualization and live a fulfilling life.
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Cult Psychology - Part 1 - How Cults Work https://youtu.be/Y73laz3etM8 This is a two-part miniseries on cult psychology In part one, the focus will be on understanding what cults are and how they work In part two, the focus will shift to exploring the broader lessons that can be learned from cults and how those lessons apply to various areas of society, including business, marketing, politics, religion, science, universities, personal relationships, and families The purpose of this miniseries is to educate people about cults and protect them from being recruited by one, as well as to help people recognize when someone close to them may be involved in a cult and how to offer support and guidance Cults can be dangerous and toxic and can have serious consequences for individuals, including financial and personal losses and abuse It is important to be cautious when following a spiritual or self-development teacher in their 20s or 30s, as they may unknowingly start a cult due to their age, inexperience, and ego Cults can range in size from small to large and can have various types, including religious, new-age, educational, self-improvement, political, and commercial (such as MLM schemes) It is a common misconception to equate religion with cults, but mainstream religion is not run to serve one individual and does not physically prevent people from leaving, whereas cults often do Red flags to look for in a cult include: the leader having a high level of control over members, requiring excessive dedication and time, isolating members from the outside world, and using psychological manipulation It is important to be aware of these red flags and to educate oneself about cults in order to avoid being recruited into one. atheism and rationalism are considered cults because they exhibit certain ideological tendencies The alt-right is not a cult because it is not organized by one person and there is no effort to physically or financially keep people within the group Cults often use sneaky recruiting tactics, including creating fake front organizations with positive mission statements to lure people in Techniques like meditation and visualization can be used to make cults seem legitimate, but are just the hook to draw people in Cults often use psychological analysis to find the perfect fit for a person within their organization and pitch the cult to match their specific profile (thinker, feeler, believer, doer) Cults often have a hierarchical structure with a leader at the top and a pyramid structure below Cults often have a distorted view of reality and use tactics like brainwashing and manipulation to control members It is important to be aware of these tactics and to critically evaluate any organization or group before fully committing to it. A cult makes its members dependent on it for financial and emotional support Cult members are encouraged to quit their old jobs and cut off their old friends Cult members are showered with approval, love, and a sense of purpose Cult members are made financially and emotionally dependent on the cult The cult undermines its members' ability to think independently and tries to replace their authentic identity with a new false identity The cult uses mind control techniques to program its members The cult is focused on acquiring power for its top leaders Cult members are true believers and may delude themselves and others Cult recruitment is emphasized because the cult is always losing members Cult members may be subjected to abuse, including emotional, physical, and sexual abuse Cult members may be required to follow strict rules and adhere to strict schedules The cult may require members to donate money and other resources The cult may have secret or exclusive knowledge or teachings that are only shared with members Cult members may be isolated from the outside world and discouraged from questioning the cult's beliefs and practices The cult may use fear and intimidation to keep members in line Cult members may be required to perform labor or other tasks for the cult without compensation The cult may use propaganda and brainwashing to control its members' thoughts and behavior The cult thinks they are above the law and often has apocalyptic overtones to motivate members The cult leader may claim the apocalypse will come in 3-5 years as a way to motivate followers The cult uses psychological and spiritual techniques, such as chanting, meditation, and visualization, to control and manipulate members These techniques can be legitimate but may also be misused or bastardized to further the goals of the cult The cult's focus is on its own survival and perpetuation, and the leader may spin or reframe events to maintain control over members If prophecies or predictions made by the cult do not come to pass, the leader may use reframing techniques to claim that the hard work of cult members has earned them more time to recruit and achieve their goals The true believers in the cult may become even stronger through this kind of spin doctoring Cults may use techniques such as shamanic breathing or sensory deprivation to further manipulate and control members Cults often have a hierarchical structure, with the leader at the top and strict rules for behavior and discipline for those who do not follow the leader's orders Cult members may be required to cut ties with non-cult friends and family and may be isolated from the outside world Cults may use financial and sexual manipulation to control members and may require them to hand over all of their money and possessions to the cult. Text discusses negative experiences with groups or communities (e.g. rejected, bullied, criticized) These experiences can leave emotional wounds that make someone more susceptible to being "love bombed" by a new group This new group, or cult, may manipulate and use the person to serve their own ego Members of the cult may be in denial that it is a cult and may be asked to live in group housing with surveillance Cult may require long hours of unpaid or low-paid work, and may use physical abuse or threats of violence to control members Cult leader may have a criminal record or shady background Cult may require exorbitant membership fees and charge for courses, seminars, etc. Cult may use a tiered system to slowly leech members of money Cult may use mind control techniques such as hypnosis, sleep deprivation, or sensory deprivation It can be difficult to leave a cult due to fear or guilt, and may require help from outside sources. Pain associated with leaving a cult Forgive yourself for joining the cult Common to get sucked into cults due to lack of proper education Love yourself for who you are and don't let the cult rob you of your self-esteem Start thinking independently and research things for yourself Reclaim your old identity (name, style of dress, etc.) and old relationships Leave the cult and cut off relationships with people in it Nothing bad will happen to you for leaving and it's the most hopeful thing you can do Can address issues (childhood traumas, addiction, self-esteem, financial insecurity, lack of purpose) without a cult and progress faster on your own Do self-esteem exercises (Nathaniel Brandon's sentence completion exercises) Make a plan to move forward in life Seek therapy and support from friends and family Find a new community (non-cult) to be a part of Take time to heal and be patient with the process Friends and family members may know about actualize.org and the hundreds of hours of video content available on the site However, they may not take the time to watch and listen to the material It is rare for people to find actualize.org and even more rare for them to stick around and watch a significant amount of the content It takes a long time, potentially hundreds of hours, to truly understand the material and see the big picture A deep understanding of the material is necessary to truly understand life, happiness, purpose, and how to avoid psychological and ego traps Most people will not get to this level of understanding because they have not dedicated enough time to watching and studying the content It is important to watch and take notes on the material and try to piece it together in your own mind Before taking action or participating in activities like meditation retreats or using psychedelics, it is necessary to have a solid foundation of understanding through studying the material Many people object to dedicating a significant amount of time to studying the material, but it is necessary to truly understand and apply the concepts It took a long time to learn subjects like math and English in school, and the material on actualize.org is just as important and requires a similar level of dedication Half knowledge and half truths can lead to cults and the delusion of others It is necessary to appreciate the importance and depth of the material and apply care, time, and energy to studying it
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How To Do Self-Inquiry https://youtu.be/30grH6X_Q7M Introduction to self-inquiry as a spiritual technique for awakening Explanation that self-inquiry involves discovering the true self, which is distinct from the false self or ego Steps for performing self-inquiry: Articulating one's current frame of self-identity Examining and questioning this frame of identity Letting go of the false self and ego Discovering the true self Mention of pitfalls and traps in self-inquiry, including relying on fantasies or wishful spiritual beliefs Importance of being precise and honest in self-inquiry practice in order to see full benefits and avoid wasting time Explanation that self-inquiry can be aided by practices like mindfulness meditation and yoga Recap of the steps of self-inquiry and encouragement to practice regularly. The idea that all thoughts, beliefs, memories, and personal biographical stories are not the true self The practice of turning inward to find the true self, which is an emptiness inside The difficulty in distinguishing between what is real and what is imaginary or possible and impossible due to being brainwashed and programmed from birth The attempt to look for the true self as though it is a physical object inside oneself The idea that the true self is not something that can be found or grasped, but rather it is the act of looking for it that is the true self The suggestion to let go of the idea of finding the true self and instead just be the true self The idea that the true self is not separate from the universe and is interconnected with everything else The suggestion to continue this practice and see what is discovered. The goal of self inquiry is to focus on the emptiness or formlessness within oneself The longer one focuses on this emptiness, the more the external world (including thoughts, feelings, emotions, and personal experiences) and the true self (pure subjectivity or awareness) will become separate The true self or pure subjectivity has no properties and is pure awareness Self inquiry involves putting one's awareness on their awareness, and maintaining this focus until enlightenment occurs This can be difficult as the mind tends to wander, so it is helpful to have a meditative or concentration practice to build up the ability to focus To understand awareness, one must train their awareness on it for a long time until it reveals itself It is important to resist the temptation to objectify or speculate about awareness, and to avoid distractions such as trying to connect it to science or creating analogies or metaphors The ultimate goal of self inquiry is to become perfectly clear and aware of awareness itself Self inquiry is a technique of observing the observation process (awareness, consciousness) The mind can get too excited and start coming up with theories and speculations, interfering with the observation process To be effective at self inquiry, it is important to calm the mind down through a pre-self inquiry practice (such as meditation or yoga) The object of focus in self inquiry shifts from a physical object (such as a finger) to awareness itself It can be helpful to speak of self inquiry as going inwards, as many people feel like they live inside their bodies Self inquiry can be aided by asking oneself questions, such as "Who is having this experience?", "What is aware of this experience?", or "What is the source of this experience?" It is important to be patient and persistent in self inquiry, as it can take time to see results Self inquiry can lead to a realization of one's true nature, and a feeling of peace and understanding A person's true self does not suffer, only the false self does To solve life's problems and suffering, one must detach from the material world Detachment does not mean disconnecting from the world or emotions, but rather being able to experience them fully without suffering Self-inquiry is a technique that can be used to achieve this detachment and reintegration of full non-duality Meditation and other techniques can be used to calm the mind, but self-inquiry is necessary to train awareness on the true self Awakening can happen spontaneously, but often requires serious inquiry and training of awareness Talking about awakening is not the same as actually doing the work to achieve it