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Understanding The Liberal Mind https://youtu.be/0UJbHNhYl0U "The radical invents the views. When he has worn them out the conservative adopts them." - Mark Twain Understanding the Liberal Mind (Continued): Leo continues to delve into the emotional appeal of liberalism, highlighting the prevalence of love, empathy, and a desire to expand the sphere of concern. He notes that the size and inclusiveness of this sphere directly relate to one's capacity for empathy and forgiveness. However, he also acknowledges that despite the ideology's emphasis on broad concern, not all liberals embody the highest levels of empathy or universal love. Liberal Vision for the Future: Liberals envision a peaceful, globally united community with robust environmental protections and basic necessities accessible to all. They aspire to create a sensitive, non-oppressive global government. Yet, Leo cautions that these ideals may be premature for societies not ready for such changes, thus potentially facing backlash. Liberal Blind Spots and Challenges: Leo points out the liberal tendency to underestimate the functionality of existing systems, like capitalism and organized religion, and overestimate society's readiness for progressive ideas. Liberals may struggle with the practicalities of their ideologies in real-world applications, sometimes overlooking the importance of addressing basic survival needs. Incorporating Tradition in New Societies: He stresses the importance of factoring in traditional cultures when introducing development to societies that might not yet be ready for rapid progress. There's a challenge in understanding and integrating perspectives from less-developed or hostile worldviews into the liberal mindset. Addressing Ignorance and Complexity: Liberals often find difficulty in fully understanding the complexity and corruption within institutions like capitalism. They also advocate for gender fluidity and spiritual diversity, both areas that may clash with conservative views but are seen as ways to enrich individual and societal life. The Importance of Spirituality: Leo suggests that spirituality is crucial for individual development, offering a pathway for people to connect with the divine or higher states of consciousness. He recommends integrating elements from various spiritual traditions to create a more personalized and enriching spiritual experience. Acceptance and Exploration of Capitalism: While acknowledging the flaws of capitalism, Leo encourages the exploration of socialist, Marxist, and communist ideas to develop a fairer economic system. However, he remains critical of capitalism's exploitation and structural issues. Environmental Advocacy: Leo sees environmentalism as an urgent cause, advocating for immediate action against threats like climate change and deforestation. He envisions a society that tackles these environmental challenges collectively. Addressing Environmental Issues, Immigration, and Crime: Leo discusses the necessity of addressing climate change and other environmental issues, seeing immigration as a potential boon to culture and innovation. He also promotes a rehabilitative approach to crime, turning criminals into productive members of society. The Idealism of a Liberal Society: He envisions a society with reduced crime, a more robust workforce, fairness, and the elimination of various societal ills. Liberals value advancements in different fields, foster open-mindedness, and encourage the exploration of consciousness without societal constraints. Overcoming Closed-Mindedness: Leo reflects on the significance of love in opening one's mind and criticizes the stigmatization of liberalism in right-wing media. He calls for honest assessments of liberalism away from prejudiced distortions. Complexity and Fluctuation of Individualism and Collectivism: He addresses the variability of individualism and collectivism within political alignments, advocating for a flexible approach to finding solutions instead of rigid ideological adherence. Leo emphasizes the importance of recognizing the complexity of political problems and urges comprehensive study and understanding. Practical Execution and Groundwork of Ideas: Addressing the liberal difficulty with actualizing ideas, Leo notes the need for organized effort and concrete work, such as mobilizing political support, to effect governance and societal change. Understanding and Integration of Less-Developed Perspectives: The challenge for liberals to empathize and integrate less developed views, like those of racists or homophobes, is highlighted. He suggests a need for deeper comprehension of human psychology for successful integration and rehabilitation. Ignorance and Complex Institutions: Liberals' struggles to grasp mankind's ignorance and the intricate nature of institutions such as capitalism and corporations are pointed out. Leo critiques oversimplification and suggests a need for more nuanced analysis. Feminism and Gender Fluidity: Liberal perspectives on the importance of balancing femininity and masculinity, including gender fluidity and its significance for individuals and society, are mentioned. Religion and Spirituality: The shift from traditional religion to a more personal spirituality is advocated by liberals. Leo argues for a spirituality that helps individuals connect with the divine and expand their consciousness. Sexuality and Gay Rights: Acceptance of various forms of sexuality and support for gay rights are central to liberal ideology, aiming for a society comfortable with and educated about differing sexual orientations and identities. Alternative forms of sex: Speaking on the liberal openness toward diverse sexual practices, Leo suggests that public health infrastructure should support safe practices instead of relegating them to risky, unregulated areas. Capitalism critique: Leo expresses criticism of the exploitative aspects of capitalism and calls for a fairer economic system, open to ideas from socialism and communism where necessary. Environmentalism: He underscores the urgent need for action on environmental issues supported by scientific consensus. Immigration: The contribution of immigration to cultural diversity and innovation is highlighted, though Leo acknowledges the need for balanced policies. Punishment of criminals: A liberal shift involves moving the focus from retribution to rehabilitation of criminals, emphasizing their potential for reform and societal benefit. Understanding the Liberal Approach to Criminal Rehabilitation: Leo outlines the benefits of liberal criminal rehabilitation policies, such as those in Scandinavian countries, which aim to decrease crime and strengthen communities. Visualizing the Emotional Appeal of Liberalism: He encourages visualization exercises to comprehend the emotional appeal of liberalism, focusing on concepts like empathy, inclusivity, and the pursuit of societal improvement. Relating Liberalism to Spiritual and Personal Development: Liberalism is linked to the pursuit of personal and spiritual development, with openness and non-judgment aligned with divine love. Navigating Personal Expressions of Liberalism: Individuals are urged to explore how they embody liberal values in their lives and to understand the importance of expressing individuality across various personal choices. Distorting Liberalism in Right-Wing Media: The misrepresentation of liberalism in right-wing media is critiqued, and the complexity of liberal ideologies is emphasized, calling for a deeper, non-prejudiced understanding. Liberalism's Relation to Boomers: Age-based stereotypes, such as "Boomers" being conservative, are discussed as reflections of broader generational perspectives on liberalism. Acknowledging the Complexity of Liberalism: Leo notes that liberalism is multifaceted and complex, urging an effort to comprehend its true principles and goals beyond simplistic characterizations. Deep Importance of Politics: He emphasizes the depth of political study required, including fields like political science, sociology, and epistemology, urging engagement with substantive analytical resources rather than superficial political commentary. Quality Over Quantity in Information Consumption: A call for more quality-based media consumption habits is made, preferring in-depth political and sociological discussions over shallow online interactions. Healthy Media Consumption Habits: Viewers are advised to seek out intellectuals and content that provide nuanced perspectives on political issues rather than falling for monetized propaganda. Importance of Developmental Psychology in Politics: A grasp of how individual and collective psychology evolves is deemed essential to understanding politics, with resources like the "Conscious Politics" and "Nine Stages of Ego Development" series recommended. Myth of Individualism vs. Collectivism: The binary view of conservatives as individualists and liberals as collectivists is dispelled, illustrating that both ideologies have tendencies towards each at different stages. Love as the Core of Both Liberalism and Conservatism: Leo posits that both liberal and conservative ideologies are rooted in love—albeit expressed differently—and warns against positive and negative manifestations. Importance of Flexibility in Ideology: The importance of being adaptable and objectively adopting effective solutions from various perspectives without ideological rigidity is underlined. Political Problems are Perennial and Complex: The perpetual and intricate nature of political issues is discussed, along with encouragement for independent, deep contemplation of various sociopolitical systems. Engaging with Intellectual Content for Better Understanding: For a more intricate understanding of politics, Leo recommends studying historical, political, and ideological subjects in depth. Corruption is a Separate Issue: Leo stresses that corruption can infiltrate any political system, making it critical to identify and address it as a distinct issue. Personal Interest in Political Science and Sociology: He shares his passion for studying social dynamics, history, and politics, seeing them as practical applications of abstract principles and encouraging the audience to explore sociology for deeper insights. Liberal and Conservative Mindsets: The liberal mind has a larger capacity for empathy and love, while the conservative mind seeks to protect its tribe and interests. Neither is inherently better. Misinterpretation of Liberal Empathy: The increased empathy in liberals is not a value judgment against conservatives; it's a result of different conditions and not about being inherently nicer. Non-Judgmental Perspective: Leo advocates for a perspective that refrains from framing issues in terms of good and evil, which allows for a richer understanding of differing worldviews. Survival Conditions and Mindset: Liberals tend to be more relaxed and carefree, a result of favorable survival conditions such as robust welfare systems in places like Scandinavia, as opposed to harsher environments which may foster a more conservative mindset. Liberal vs. Conservative Organizational Styles: Liberals are less structured and more disorganized than conservatives, correlating with Myers-Briggs personality types where perceivers (P) are more liberal and judgers (J) are more conservative. Sensors lean conservative, while intuitives are more liberal. Authority and Hierarchy: Generally, liberals question authority and hierarchy more than conservatives, looking to challenge tradition and societal norms, whereas conservatives are more likely to support established structures to preserve their culture and society. Real Ideological Commitment vs. Power Grab: Political movements can betray their proclaimed ideological principles in the pursuit of power, as seen in unprincipled forms of conservatism like the MAGA movement or certain neoliberal and centrist Liberals. Corruption as Universal: Corruption is a pervasive force that affects all human minds regardless of political leanings, challenging the integrity of politicians due to the immense pressure and threats they face while in power. True Rebellion and the Liberal Mind: True rebelliousness involves making radical changes, like advocating for a socialist economy or constitutional amendments, which are typical of a liberal mindset. Critique of Current American Political Climate: Recent American politics have muddled the traditional meanings of liberal and conservative, with some conservatives appearing to challenge government authority when they are actually only opposing liberal government. Ideological Purity vs. Pursuit of Power: The loud proclamation of ideological purity often masks an underlying pursuit of power, where individuals and movements are willing to compromise their principles to maintain or gain power. Challenge to Maintain Integrity in Politics: Politicians face the difficult challenge of maintaining their principles under the pressure of threats and opposition from all sides, leading to widespread corruption which is not unique to any one political group. Historical Behavior of Liberal and Conservative Minds: Understanding what liberal and conservative truly means requires a historical perspective beyond American politics of the last ten years, recognizing that conservatism historically upholds and defends existing systems and structures. Liberal Mindset on Challenging the Status Quo: Liberals are inclined to question, deconstruct, and change culture, whereas conservatives prefer to preserve it. Liberals would redact outdated or offensive parts of cultural artifacts like the Christian Bible to align with modern values. Expression of Liberal Identity: Progressives, especially in university settings, often express their non-conformity through avant-garde fashion and personal styles. This is contrasted with figures like Jordan Peterson, whose traditional attire mirrors conservative values of preserving the status quo. Liberal's Role in Culture: Liberals consider themselves active participants in culture, responsible for innovating and shaping societal norms, arts, and values, rather than merely accepting them as they are. Liberal vs. Conservative Viewpoints: The liberal mind strives for progress by challenging established norms to create a more equitable and just society, while the conservative mind aims to maintain traditions, fearing innovation could lead to negative consequences. Conservatives' Perception of Social Justice Warriors: Conservatives are encouraged to reflect on the values of courage and justice embodying 'social justice warriors,' harmonizing with conservative values of bravery and a fair society despite potential excesses. Conservative Attachment to Culture and Resistance to Criticism: Conservatives may find it challenging to accept criticisms of the systems they value due to a deep attachment to their culture, society, and beliefs. Admitting limitations can be as difficult as a parent confronting their child's misdeeds. Liberal Tendencies Toward Femininity and Hierarchical Structures: Liberals advocate for a balance between feminine and masculine approaches, focusing on intelligence and diplomacy in leadership. This is seen as more effective in contemporary society than traditional 'macho' leadership. Handling Situations with Feminine Methods: Technological advancements have leveled the power difference between masculine and feminine traits, leading to many modern scenarios where a feminine approach, characterized by negotiation and understanding, is more beneficial than a traditionally masculine one. Liberals and Appropriate Use of Violence: Liberals generally believe that violence should only be used when absolutely necessary and appropriate, such as in self-defense or to stop greater harm. They are more prone to advocate for peaceful resolutions and diplomatic solutions. Conservative Approach to Violence: Conservatives may be more likely to support the use of force in conflict resolution, often equating strength with aggression and preemptive defensive actions, in contrast to the liberal emphasis on non-violence. Liberal Brain Characteristics: Scientific research indicates that liberal minds are more cognitively complex, tolerant of ambiguity, and flexible in thinking patterns. They are also more imaginative, creative, and artistically inclined. Enhanced Error Detection in Liberal Minds: Neurological studies have shown that liberals have an enhanced ability to detect errors and are more capable of self-reflection. This translates into a liberal focus on identifying and addressing problems within systems and institutions. Liberal Versus Conservative Focus: Liberals look towards the future with an emphasis on societal change and improvement, while conservatives often focus on tradition, seeking to preserve the past and glorify historical achievements. Liberalism in Urban Environments: Liberalism thrives in urban and metropolitan areas where diversity and multiculturalism are prevalent, which contributes to the liberal appreciation for and engagement with a wide variety of perspectives. Conservative Mindset Amidst Isolation: Conservative ideologies are more prevalent in less diverse, rural areas where there is less exposure to different cultural, racial, and social influences. A preference for simplicity and clear boundaries characterizes the conservative mindset. Metaphorical Comparison of Mindsets: The liberal mind is compared to a vibrant coral reef ecosystem thriving in diversity, while the conservative mind is likened to deep-sea creatures or desert plants that are more isolated and defensively adapted to harsh environments. Liberal Advocacy for Unity and Diversity: Liberals advocate for breaking down walls and barriers between people, emphasizing the drive towards unity and diversity within the human race. Vision of Global Oneness: Gura describes a future where humanity evolves into a single, intermixed ethnicity, suggesting an increasing trend towards global unity and acceptance beyond racial and ethnic division. Research Supporting Liberal Mind Features: Gura references upcoming posts on his blog where he will share links to studies supporting the attributes of the liberal mind, such as a higher tolerance for cognitive complexity and ambiguity. Interracial Couples and Aesthetic Advantages: Leo advocates for interracial relationships, suggesting they can enhance human attractiveness based on the concept of averaging out facial features across ethnicities. Critique of Ethnostates: He criticizes the far-right concept of creating ethnically homogeneous states, arguing it is impractical and likely to lead to increased conflict. Metaphysics and Unity vs. Division: Leo links the metaphysical understanding of reality, involving the cycles of unity and division, to the political discourse on unity and nationalism. Liberal Perspective on Global Unity: The liberal mind views the globe as a single community and favors treating humanity as one interconnected species, challenging the notion of "globalism" as a derogatory term used by conservatives. Globalization as Evolution: Embracing globalization, Leo predicts a future where humans work as a unified civilization and technology connects and supplies us globally; he insists resistance to this is futile and against evolutionary progress. Openness to Science and Rationality: Leo suggests liberals are often more open to scientific evidence and facts, though some conservatives may also value these, depending on regional and historical contexts. Relativism and Multiple Truths: The liberal mind is better at understanding and accepting that different perspectives and truths exist and are shaped by individual and societal contexts. Individualized Spirituality: Liberals tend to have a more personalized approach to spirituality, blending elements from various traditions, contrasting with conservative adherence to orthodoxy. Importance of Secular Humanism: Liberals value the separation of church and state and embody bohemian values, focusing on liberal arts, personal freedom, and novel experiences. Liberal Mind and Intoxicants: Leo Gura notes that the liberal mind is more open to intoxicants and mind-expanding drugs as tools for loosening the mind and gaining new experiences and perspectives, in contrast to conservative and orthodox religious views that typically oppose such substances. Minority of Highly Liberal Minds: He observes that highly liberal minds represent a small percentage of the population because most people are focused on basic survival and may not have the opportunity for higher education and exposure to diverse cultures, making it difficult for them to envision or support progressive ideas. Optimistic View of Humanity: The liberal mind generally has an optimistic view of human nature, believing in the potential for unity, peace, and coexistence, whereas the conservative mind is more realistic and pessimistic, often stressing the tribal and conflict-prone aspects of humanity. Equality and Self-expression: Liberals prioritize self-expression and the elimination of classes, casts, and hierarchies, aiming to give a voice to everyone, especially those who have been marginalized, in contrast to the conservative preference for tradition and established structures. Costs of Freedom: Liberals are more accepting of the costs of freedom, supporting the right to believe, act, and express oneself as one chooses, including matters of sexuality, even as this freedom can come with risks. Sensitivity to Injustice: The liberal mind is sensitive to injustices and abuses and is concerned with identifying problems within institutions and improving them, a stance that contrasts with the conservative tendency to focus on preserving established systems. Sexual Openness: Leo discusses how the liberal mind is more open and willing to experiment with sexuality, advocating for the rights of sex workers and accepting alternative sexual practices without shame or judgment. Unconcerned about Moral Decay: Liberals are unconcerned with traditional concerns of moral decay, viewing culture and morality as always evolving, whereas conservatives often worry about the preservation of traditional norms. Liberal Ideals and Vision: He describes the overarching liberal vision of making love not war, investing in economic improvement, abolishing boundaries and divisions, and working together peacefully. The aim is to uplift everyone to fulfill their potential and create a just, equitable, and global society. Realistic Perceptions of Liberalism: Finally, Leo points out that the liberal mind often doesn't see the practical survival struggles of the majority, leading to a gap in understanding between many progressive visions and the immediate concerns of less affluent populations. Meritocracy and Hierarchy: Liberals want to maintain a functional societal hierarchy but aim for a genuine meritocracy where people rise based on merit—hard work, good ideas, intelligence—rather than nepotism or tradition. Adapting to Modern Problems: Outdated systems struggle with modern issues; therefore, it's crucial to develop responsive structures that keep pace with rapid technological advances and societal evolution. Embracing Societal Evolution: Society is evolving, and resistance is counterproductive. Liberals encourage contribution to this growth in unique ways to engineer a better society or a Utopia. Long-Term Vision for Mankind: Despite current conflicts, humanity's trajectory is seen as positive, advancing technological potential and collaboration. This progress is hindered by our own resistance to change. Valuing Open-mindedness: Progress depends on openness and respect for diverse perspectives; war and conflict arise from a lack of understanding and empathy. Listing Liberal Values: Liberal values include progress, innovation, creativity, empathy, self-expression, respect for individuality, freedom, secularism, environmentalism, and love. Characteristics of the Liberal Personality: The liberal personality traits are eccentric, idealistic, open-minded, adventurous, tolerant, and creative, among other attributes favoring diversity and novelty. Imagining a Liberal-Driven Future: Envisioning a world focused on eliminating conflict and investing resources in education, healthcare, and technology for a more harmonious global society. Top Liberal Fears: Liberals fear environmental destruction, outdated systems, stagnation, authoritarianism, and the suppression of diversity and self-expression. Liberal Blind Spots: Liberals may underestimate the intelligence of existing systems like capitalism and organized religion and can be too idealistic, without addressing practical survival needs. Incorporating Less-Developed Perspectives: Liberal minds can struggle to align societies that are not yet ready for progressive changes, resulting in backlash and the failure to address pragmatic everyday needs. Inequality and World Government: Addressing global inequality is critical, and implementing a sensitive world government is seen as necessary for coordinated responses to global challenges while also preserving local autonomy. Challenge of Accelerating Social Change: Liberals often push for rapid social change, which can be counterproductive. Human and social development requires appropriate timing; too fast, and may lead to backlash or traumatization, similar to forcing advanced math on a child who isn't ready. Liberal Blind Spots: Liberals encounter difficulties grounding their idealistic goals in practical reality, acknowledging that some ideas are too impractical for implementation. Struggle with Practical Execution: The liberal mindset faces challenges in the nuts-and-bolts aspect of governance and social change, such as building organizations and engaging the public beyond conceptual discussion. Integrating Less-Developed Perspectives: Liberals struggle to empathize with and integrate less-developed perspectives such as bigotry or racism, which can lead to further alienation and conflict. Understanding Global Ignorance: There's a significant liberal challenge in comprehending the depth of global ignorance and backwardness, leading to oversimplified views of such issues. Dealing with Materialism and Capitalism: Liberals find it tough to integrate concepts like materialism and capitalism into their worldview without demonizing or dismissing them. Feminine and Masculine Integration: Liberals see value in integrating femininity into leadership and society, moving away from the outdated hyper-masculine approaches that can lead to aggression and conflict. Gender Fluidity Recognition: Liberals support the notion of gender as a fluid construct, advocating for allowing individuals to safely explore their gender identity. Shift from Religion to Spirituality: Liberals favor a personal and diverse approach to spirituality over the structured confines of traditional religion, encompassing diverse practices and experiences. Acceptance of Varied Sexuality: Liberals promote comfort with different forms of sexuality, and support legal structures for gay rights, such as marriage. Capitalism as a Transition Stage: Liberals view capitalism as an imperfect system that needs to be surpassed, advocating for exploring new economic models that address systemic exploitation and inequality. Critique of Capitalism: Capitalism, despite its advancements, does not guarantee economic fairness. Hard work does not always lead to wealth, as seen with disparities between average workers and wealthy Wall Street or crypto figures. There's a need to explore systems beyond capitalism with caution to avoid creating something worse. Environmental Concerns: Serious climatologists, scientists, and intellectuals express concern regarding human impact on the environment. Issues like pollution, overfishing, deforestation, and climate change demand environmentalist actions to avoid potentially irreversible consequences. Benefits of Environmental Protection: Treating environmental issues seriously, even if some fears are overstated, results in positive outcomes like cleaner ecosystems and new green jobs. Delaying addressing these issues would result in greater challenges to overcome later. Value of Immigration: Immigration augments diversity, innovation, and culture. Historically, great ideas emanate from bustling urban centers with diverse populations. Controlled, sustainable immigration adds to a nation's strength through a rich mixture of perspectives and skills. Criminal Rehabilitation: The liberal approach favors rehabilitating criminals over mere punishment. Drawing from examples in Scandinavian countries, this approach aims to transform offenders into contributing members of society, thus reducing crime and creating a more constructive environment. Visualizing Liberal Ideals: Visualization exercises help understand liberalism's emotional appeal. They involve imagining societies ruled by empathy, where authoritarian structures are dissolved, diversity is embraced, and individuals express themselves freely without oppression, resulting in a world of peace and collective evolution towards higher consciousness. Aspiration for a Progressive Society: Liberalism strives for a society that enables individuals to live their passions and purposes, believing that societal support and education can unleash human potential, innovation, and happiness. This includes envisaging advancements in technology, culture, and exploration while fostering an open-minded world that transcends human limitations. Liberal Expression through Clothing: Leo imagines a conservative society where individuals must wear a uniform for life, asking the audience to consider the implications for self-expression and individuality. Impact of Authoritarian Repression: He encourages the audience to think about the feeling of being repressed by authority, constrained by strict rules, and to consider the impact of a Quaker-like, regimented lifestyle if it were forced upon someone for a lifetime. Historical Support of Oppressive Systems: Leo provokes thought on the consequences of supporting oppressive systems like slavery, Nazism, or segregation simply because they were part of the status quo or tradition. Living under Theocracy: He asks the audience to imagine life under theocratic rule, such as in Iran, Saudi Arabia, or under the Taliban, where spirituality is constricted and the church is interwoven with state governance. Concept of God as Infinitely Liberal: Leo presents the idea that if God is imagined as an entity of infinite liberalism — open-minded, non-judgmental, and loving — then being closed-minded could result in missing out on experiencing God. Self-Reflection on Liberal Traits: He assigns homework to listeners asking them to identify where in their lives they may be liberal, including habits around food, sex, speech, and more, regardless of their political identity. Imagination Exercises to Understand Liberalism: Leo suggests exercises to visualize a society without repressive power structures or envision an advanced alien civilization that resolves differences through evolution and higher consciousness. Misrepresentation of Liberalism by Right-Wing Media: He points out that right-wing media has distorted the understanding of liberalism, advocating for a paradigm shift away from demonization toward a deeper, non-ideological understanding of liberalism. The Complexity and Seriousness of Politics: Leo emphasizes that truly understanding politics involves engaging with political science, sociology, and epistemology, and challenges listeners to consume more in-depth intellectual content. Role of Developmental Psychology in Political Understanding: He underscores the importance of developmental psychology in grasping both individual and collective psychologies, which is crucial for understanding political dynamics. Individualism vs. Collectivism Misconception: Leo addresses the false dichotomy that conservatives are individualists and liberals are collectivists, explaining how these traits oscillate based on stages of developmental psychology. Underlying Love in Conservative and Liberal Ideologies: He posits that both ideologies are based on love, albeit manifested differently due to distinct worldviews, survival conditions, and developmental stages. Flexibility and Intelligence Over Rigid Ideological Identification: Leo urges listeners to avoid rigid ideological identity and adopt flexible approaches, applying contextually appropriate solutions that vary between conservative and liberal principles. Perennial and Complex Nature of Political Problems: Recognizing the longstanding, complex nature of political issues, he encourages deep, independent thought to navigate political systems and ideologies. Finding Intelligent Liberal Articulations and Avoiding Propagandists: Leo advises seeking intelligent liberal discussions and avoiding propagandist commentators who prioritize monetization over deep understanding. Personal Interest in Political Science and History: Leo expresses his fascination with studying social dynamics, history, and politics, seeing these studies as opportunities to apply abstract principles in understanding human social dynamics. Colloportus

Understanding The Conservative Mind https://youtu.be/L2i4hUPjUO4 "Conservative, n. A statesman who is enamored of existing evils, as distinguished from the Liberal, who wishes to replace them with others." - The Devil's Dictionary Understanding The Conservative Mind: Leo provides an introduction to his two-part series with the initial focus on understanding the conservative mind. The series aims to provide a deep, genuine understanding of both conservativism and liberalism from a non-partisan and non-judgmental viewpoint, aimed primarily at those who may not fully grasp the opposing ideology. Non-Partisan and Epistemological Approach: Leo emphasizes that his discussion on political ideologies is not about advocating for any particular stance but about gaining a genuine epistemological understanding of both conservative and liberal worldviews. He clarifies that political ideologies are emotionally held and should be understood as such. Broad Definitions: The terms conservative and liberal are used broadly here. 'Conservative' includes anyone right of center, while 'Liberal' includes anyone left of center. This encompasses a wide range of political persuasions within each camp, acknowledging ideological diversity and avoiding country-specific or narrow definitions. Historical and Global Context of Political Ideologies: Leo highlights the necessity of considering political ideologies beyond a narrow, modern, or American lens. He points out that conservativism and liberalism have existed for thousands of years, evolving over time, and must be understood in a broader historical and global context. Modern Misconceptions of Conservatism: Addressing recent developments within American conservativism, Leo criticizes the MAGA movement, suggesting it provides a distorted and unintelligent view of traditional conservative values, and he expresses empathy for genuine conservatives who may feel misrepresented. Genuine Inquiry into Political Ideologies: Leo challenges his audience to truly want to understand why people find conservativism, and in the next video liberalism, appealing. He cautions against simplistic and dismissive explanations, stressing that deep understanding requires moving beyond ideological bias and groupthink. Image 1 Image 2 Characteristics of the Conservative Mindset: Leo delves into the qualities of the conservative mindset, noting increased sensitivity to fear and threat, as well as a tendency to grow up in harsher environments or to benefit from the status quo. He suggests that these factors lead to brain structural differences and societal views that significantly shape conservative perspectives. Conservatism beyond Narrow Political Positions: The conservative mind is explained as reacting to a broader set of survival conditions and attitudes that have shaped its worldview over many centuries, rather than just current policy debates. This long-standing outlook is what contributes to its distinct views on societal structure and order. Purpose of Two-Part Series: Leo presents this video as the first part in a series intended to explore the foundations of political ideologies in an even-handed and comprehensive manner. He indicates that the second part will address liberalism and the importance of understanding both political views for a well-rounded political discourse. Resource Limitations: Despite wealthier nations, limited opportunities and resources persist globally. This leads conservative minds in privileged positions to defend status quo that benefits them, and their survival interest biases them toward maintaining existing systems. Correlation with Personality Traits: The conservative mindset generally aligns with conscientiousness and closeness, two of the Big Five personality traits. The former measures a preference for dutifulness and rule-following, while openness versus closeness reflects the degree of openness to new ideas. Seriousness and Practicality: Conservatives often take life seriously and follow a pragmatic approach. This is reflective of growing up or living in harsh environments where strict adherence to rules and principles is essential for survival. Need for Order, Consistency, and Stability: A conservative mind finds comfort and peace in orderliness and routine. This desire for structure influences their daily lives and perspectives and can manifest in various institutions, from the family to the military. Impact of Freedom and Structure: Leo Gura asserts that while liberals may idealize a life free from structure, prolonged periods without order can result in psychological issues. He advocates for a balance between freedom and structured order, which is central to genuine conservatism. Historical Example: Tsar Nicholas I is highlighted as a conservative figure who exemplified a strong need for order and routine, especially in military matters. His comfort in micromanagement and strict scheduling demonstrates the conservative inclination towards structure. Personal Reflection on Chaos vs. Order: Individuals are encouraged to examine their tolerance for chaos versus order, acknowledging that an organized environment can positively impact perceptions and feelings. Cleaning and organizing are small steps seen as part of the conservative path to a successful life. Process of Building a Successful Life: Leo describes a step-by-step, disciplined approach to improving one's life, starting from cleaning one's room and gradually tackling bigger challenges such as financial discipline, leading potentially to substantial personal and financial success. Safety Orientation of the Conservative Mind: The conservative mind prioritizes safety and security over the excitement of adventures, displaying a lower tolerance for risk and unpredictability as compared to the liberal mind that seeks adventure. Conservative Preference for Routine and Familiarity: Leo illustrates the conservative tendency towards preferring routine and known experiences over exploration and change, such as eating the same food or visiting the same places regularly. Conservative Emphasis on Confidence and Certainty: The conservative mindset values confidence, certainty, and convention, preferring to hold firm beliefs and having a closed mindset that is resistant to questioning or doubt. Value of Discipline and Consistency in Conservatism: The conservative approach to life, work, and art projects emphasizes the importance of discipline, strictness, and following through on plans, contrasting with a liberal perspective that may seek more novelty and lack persistence. Conservatism's Connection to Identity and Tradition: Leo explains that conservatives find satisfaction in fitting into pre-existing societal structures like family, heritage, and culture, and feel joy in maintaining these traditions rather than inventing new ones. Anxiety Regarding Uncertainty in Conservative Thought: The conservative mindset experiences discomfort with uncertainty and ambiguity, showing preference for stability and predictability. Limited Circle of Compassion in the Conservative Mind: According to Leo, conservatives have a smaller sphere of compassion, focusing empathy primarily on their in-group, seeing threats in the out-group, and generally adopting a less expansive view of empathy relative to liberals. Conservative View on Character Building and Self-Reliance: The conservative worldview stresses the notion that hardship and self-reliance build character, and opposes the idea of handouts or relying on others' empathy as a means to succeed in life. Military Analogy for Conservative Discipline: Leo uses the military as an example of conservative principles in action, highlighting the necessity for self-reliance, discipline, and a small sphere of concern in high-stakes environments where survival and order are crucial. Conservative approach to unconditional love: The conservative mind prioritizes survival and holds that love should be limited and conditional, in contrast to the unconditional love often associated with spiritual teachings. Gura explains that unconditional love can conflict with survival, making it a less feasible choice in the realm of politics and survival-oriented situations. Spectrum of conservatism and liberalism: Gura emphasizes that conservatism and liberalism exist on a spectrum, where even the most progressive individuals have limitations in their acceptance and openness. He illustrates this by suggesting that even when considered from a progressive viewpoint, certain ideas, like Nazism as a form of love, are rejected, indicating conservative resistance at a certain threshold of liberalism. Moralism and self-righteousness in conservatism: The conservative mind leans towards moral absolutism and judgment. Adhering to a strict moral code leads to a sense of self-righteousness among conservatives, often manifesting in critical judgments of those who do not follow their moral standards. Preference for clear moral guidelines: Conservatives favor well-defined moral codes that simplify decision-making. They view the world more in terms of black and white rather than moral gray areas, preferring the comfort and certainty of clear distinctions over the complexities of moral relativism. Conservative metaphysics, epistemology, and morality: Conservatives hold a view of reality and knowledge as fixed and absolute. Their moral perspective is rooted in objective duality, drawing strict distinctions between concepts such as good and evil, or man and God, thus shaping their perspective on social issues such as the transgender debate. Conservative fear of blurring societal norms: There are concerns in conservative thinking about the potentially dangerous outcomes of blurring established normative boundaries, fearing that this could lead to societal confusion and chaos. This mindset heavily influences their stance on topics like gender and sexuality. Belief in fixed human nature and resistance to change: Gura points to the conservative belief that human nature is unchanging and rigid, leading to skepticism about human-made innovations like genetic engineering or man-machine interfaces and the potentially serious risks they pose. Conservatism and risk assessment: The conservative approach emphasizes the dangers of the unknown and advocates caution, especially in fields like genetic engineering and technological augmentation, advocating for a conservative stance to mitigate potential threats and maintain safety. Conservative View of Natural Order: Conservatives view the natural order and moral laws as not just societal constructions, but as intrinsic or god-given aspects of human life that should not be altered haphazardly. They prioritize duty to adhere to these principles as essential to maintaining a good and healthy society. Conservative Understanding of Rules and Traditions: The conservative mindset emphasizes the importance of following established rules and traditions, equating change or deviation with the potential degradation of society and a disrespect of what has been proven to work over time. Resistance to Change in the Conservative View: In the view of conservatives, novel innovations (like "ostrich meat pizza") are seen as risky and often unnecessary when traditional approaches (such as "classic pepperoni pizza") are already successful. They value tried-and-tested methods over experimentation, fearing the outcome of change could be worse than the status quo. Moral Framework in Conservative Ideology: Conservatives typically believe in a clear moral framework, often religious in nature, and consider the preservation and enforcement of this framework as the basis of societal welfare and personal conduct. Those outside their defined moral tribe are judged as bad by default. Dynamics of Conservatism in Religion and State: Conservative thought often involves a blend of religious orthodoxy with state governance, endorsing the idea of religious values shaping laws and public life. They see separation from these values as a potential path to a morally corrupt society. Conservative Views on National Identity and Patriotism: Loyalty to one's country and preserving national symbols and values are of high importance to conservatives. They view challenges to national identity as a threat to society's survival, and regard the questioning of the status quo akin to betrayal or disloyalty. Fear of Moral Decay in Conservatism: Conservatives harbor deep concern for social decadence and justifications for maintaining order through external structures like rules and traditions. They believe this is essential to prevent societal collapse and moral degeneration. Perception of People's Nature in Conservative Thought: The conservative mindset upholds the belief that most people are followers who need strict external guidelines to behave morally, like clear condemnation and enforcement against actions such as rape, to supplement internal moral compasses. Conservative Response to Societal Changes: The conservative paradigm involves apprehension towards changes that could disrupt traditional structures and norms, such as increases in non-heteronormative lifestyles or the loss of clear behavioral constraints that enforce societal order. Conservative Concerns over Homosexuality: Conservatives worry that increased acceptance of homosexuality could lead to disease spread, family breakdown, and population sustainability issues. They advocate for preemptive enforcement of heterosexual norms to avoid what they perceive as significant societal problems. Trade-offs of Political Standpoints: Leo highlights that both liberal and conservative positions on issues like gay marriage, sex, and abortion involve trade-offs, where neither side presents an absolute solution. Extremes in either direction can cause societal issues. Conservative Views on Technology and Social Order: The conservative mind often fears new technology for potentially disrupting established social orders. For conservatives, the risks of new technology like genetic engineering or social media are as concerning as its benefits, warranting a protective stance. In-group Conformity and Authority in Conservatism: Conservatives value fitting in with their group, showing respect for authority, and favoring a more authoritarian and patriarchal system. They often see their culture as superior and feel uncomfortable with foreign cultures, focusing on preserving ethnic identity. Masculine vs. Feminine Compassion in Conservatism: The conservative mindset typically practices "tough love" with an emphasis on masculine compassion. It prefers discipline and order for raising children over permissive approaches, believing these prevent moral ambiguity and lead to better outcomes. Conservative Disdain for Weakness and Preference for Harsh Justice: Conservatives generally disdain weakness and prefer harsher forms of justice. They support strict rule enforcement, believing leniency and mercy can lead to societal collapse. Conservative Attitudes Toward Violence and War: The conservative mind is more inclined to use violence, seeing it as a necessary part of survival and maintaining order. It is less sentimental about war and views it as justified in the name of morality or suppressing chaos. Conservative Outlook on the World and Survival: The conservative worldview sees the world as dangerous and values obedience, self-reliance, and discipline. It prefers preserving the status quo and the existing social order and shows caution toward innovation. Tradition and Gradualism in Conservative Philosophy: Tradition represents collective wisdom to conservatives, and they view social harmony as crucial. They are suspicious of utopian promises and prefer gradual change to revolutionary upheaval. Realism and Pessimism in the Conservative Mindset: Conservatives are realistic about human nature's brutality, adopting a more protective stance, which includes a strong focus on military defense, distrust of ambitious social engineering, and the stability of existing social structures. Conservative vs. Liberal Perspectives on Diplomacy and Defense: Conservatives believe in strong actions, like pre-emptive invasion, to prevent being overpowered, whereas liberals often advocate for diplomacy and disarmament, trusting that non-aggression will maintain peace. Conservative View on Free Speech: Traditionally, conservatives may restrict free speech to prevent societal chaos, as seen in conservative-led countries. They view unlimited free speech as potentially leading to civil unrest or undermining authority and stability. The Conservative Stance on Authoritarian Control: Authoritarian rulers, often viewed as conservative, restrict freedoms to maintain power and prevent factional conflict, as historically seen in Iraq under Saddam Hussein. Conservative thought values unity and order, even if enforced through repression. Misconceptions about Conservative Support for Freedom: American conservatives may claim to support freedom, but traditionally, conservatism is skeptical of unfettered freedom due to its potential to cause chaos and deplete cultural or societal structures. Conservative Philosophy on Self-Interest and Workplace Hierarchy: The conservative mindset perceives individuals as inherently self-interested, hence justifying a hierarchical workplace model with authoritarian leadership, mirroring their belief in the necessity of strong parental figures for discipline. Conservative Preference for Caution in High-Stakes Situations: Conservatism promotes a cautious, risk-averse approach in critical situations, such as surgeries or child protection, where the consequences of error are severe, contrasting with a more liberal approach in low-stakes contexts. View of the Conservative Mind on Strength and Discipline: The conservative worldview respects strength, discipline, order, and traditional gender roles, viewing any deviation, especially in sexual behavior, as potentially harmful and requiring control through guilt and shaming. Conservative Mind's Fear of the Inner and Outer World: Conservatives fear both external dangers and the inner landscape of radical thoughts, shying away from introspection that might reveal contradictions or cognitive dissonance, indicative of the mindset's lower cognitive complexity and discomfort with ambiguity. Conservative Thought and Cognitive Complexity: The conservative mind tends toward ordered and rigid thinking, struggles with multi-perspectivalism, and maintains a disregard for the abstract, fearing uncertainty and requiring mental closure more than their liberal counterparts. Conservative views on substance use and societal norms: The conservative mind associates lax attitudes towards intoxicants with societal issues such as rape and fatal accidents. They believe that in certain cultures, strict norms like not permitting women to wear revealing clothes are protective rather than oppressive. Artistic and aesthetic conservatism: The conservative preference leans towards traditional, representational, and less abstract art and music. Abstract forms may cause discomfort as they lack a single, definitive interpretation, which contradicts the conservative desire for clarity and concreteness. Status quo appreciation: Conservatives tend to value and defend the current societal systems, such as social hierarchies and class structures. There's a belief that social strata and inequities are justified by the natural hierarchy among humans according to their abilities and values. Conservative view on societal inequalities: The conservative mindset accepts societal inequalities as inherent, believing that some people naturally surpass others in generating value and leading effectively. They defend keeping certain groups in positions of power or worth while others are deemed fit for lesser roles. Conservative fear of external threats: There is a pronounced fear of dangers from outside the tribe, including foreign cultures and influences, leading to xenophobia and a preference for protecting one's in-group resources. Conservative resistance to diversity: The conservative mind sees diversity as potentially confusing and chaotic, resulting in general discomfort with multiculturalism and a tendency to view immigrants and foreign influences negatively. Control through punishment and rewards: Conservatives advocate for clear consequences for behavior, believing in strict law enforcement and punishment for transgressors to maintain societal order, contrasting liberal empathy for minor offenses. Nostalgia for tradition and national glory: Conservatives have a strong emotional attachment to their homeland and traditional values, often longing for a return to perceived better times when societal norms were unchallenged. Fiscal conservatism: The conservative principle of fiscal responsibility emphasizes the government's duty not to burden future generations with debt. Characteristics of conservative values and personality: Core conservative values include family, tradition, order, obedience, loyalty, discipline, and security. Personality-wise, conservatives are described as persistent, stable, hardworking, and less open to new experiences. Conservative worldview shaped by harsh conditions: Growing up in adverse conditions can engender a conservative worldview focused on survival, defense against threats, and a pessimistic view of human nature that values preemptive actions against potential dangers. Glorification of toughness and authority: Conservatives idealize symbols of strength such as violence, guns, sports, the military, and authoritarian figures, seeing them as necessary for survival and societal order. Conservative approach to arms races: Faced with an arms race, conservatives tend to prefer demonstrating strength and dominance to ensure security, opposing disarmament in favor of a show of power as a deterrent. Conservative and Liberal Solutions to Conflict: The conservative approach to international conflict, such as during the Cold War, is to outpace the opposition through military and technological superiority. This contrasts with the liberal approach that emphasizes empathy and diplomacy, which conservatives may view as too weak in the face of opposing groups like 'cavemen', who only respect force. Conservatism in the Scientific Community: Scientists often exhibit a conservative temperament, not in the political sense but in their careful and meticulous approach to their work. This conservatism upholds the integrity of scientific methods and institutions but can also inhibit groundbreaking discoveries due to its focus on detail over a more ambitious, holistic understanding of reality. Conservative Fears: The conservative mindset is influenced by fears of disorder, change, sin, loss of power and control, foreigners, alien cultures, loss of objective reality, and other elements that disrupt the perceived social order. These fears shape conservative thoughts and actions, leading to a preference for stability and tradition. Conservative Blind Spots: Conservatives may overestimate the dangers of change and underestimate the risks of the status quo, lacking empathy for those oppressed by the current systems. Their narrow circle of empathy can lead to a failure to recognize disadvantages until personally affected. Excessive conformity to man-made constructions and blind obedience to authoritarian figures are also key conservative weaknesses. Struggles of the Conservative Worldview: The conservative mind has difficulty grappling with conceptually fluid, abstract, and paradoxical ideas. It prefers clear, rigid distinctions and may resist emotional openness and spontaneity. Such a mindset can become overly attached to a singular survival strategy, potentially restricting its ability to adapt to societal changes. Conservative Perspective on Social and Cultural Topics: Embodying a conservative perspective, views on feminism, transgenderism, and other societal issues are often interpreted as potential threats to the stability of traditional social structures, such as the family unit and gender roles. The conservative mindset values maintaining established norms and roles, fearing the impact of altering these fundamental societal pillars. Conservative perspective on transgenderism: The conservative viewpoint is troubled by transgenderism due to its potential to blur traditional gender norms, creating confusion, especially among young people. This perspective values tradition, certainty, and stable identities over the perceived chaos of limitless freedom and self-invention. Conservative critique of atheism and secularism: From the conservative standpoint, atheism leads to secularism, which prompts materialistic lifestyles lacking transcendental meaning. Secularism is seen to degrade society's moral standards, leading to a preoccupation with money, sex, and technology instead of higher purposes. Conservative view on socialism and Marxism: Conservatives see socialism and Marxism as fundamentally flawed due to human nature's hierarchical tendencies. They argue that these systems ignore the reality that some individuals create more value than others and hence deserve more rewards. Attempts at implementing socialism are deemed utopian and have historically required authoritarian measures that ultimately failed to produce their intended egalitarian outcomes. Conservative perspective on immigration: Conservatism regards unrestricted immigration as a threat to the stability of developed nations, potentially overwhelming infrastructures and diluting national culture and identity. Conservatives emphasize the importance of protecting cultural homogeneity for social cohesion and international competitiveness. Conservative take on criminal punishment: The conservative ethos advocates for harsh punishments for criminals to maintain societal order and prevent chaos. Any leniency is viewed as undermining the legal system's authority and potentially leading to more crime. Conservative stance on environmentalism: Prioritizing economic stability and human welfare, conservatives argue against stringent environmental regulations that could cause economic downturns and increase human suffering. They assert that human innovation will deal with environmental challenges without risking immediate material well-being. Personal conservatism: Leo reflects on his personal life, citing instances of his own conservative approach regarding discipline in education, fitness, relationships, saving money, and spiritual pursuits. He believes these disciplined, conservative choices set up the foundation for his future success and financial independence. Conservative Approach to Consciousness Exploration: Leo describes his conservative approach to exploring consciousness and warns against underestimating its complexity. He advocates for taking a cautious and serious stance, aiming to overshoot rather than undershoot understanding to avoid self-deception. Conservative Emotional Attachments: Leo experiences deep nostalgia when visiting his hometown, reminiscent of conservative values that treasure family, culture, and national pride. He suggests this feeling of nostalgia is frequent for conservatives and influences their attitudes towards preserving heritage. Conservatism in Work and Psychedelics: Leo identifies his conservative treatment of actualized.org and psychedelics as areas where he is cautious. He approaches psychedelics with gravitas and continuous learning, contrasting with those who treat such experiences frivolously. Visualization Exercises for Conservative Appeal: A series of quick exercises designed to help viewers recognize the emotional appeal of conservatism, including challenges faced during upbringing, pride in one’s tribe achievements, the negative consequences of revolutions, and the importance of discipline and seriousness in raising children. Contemplating Personal Conservatism: Leo invites viewers to reflect on aspects of their lives where they are conservative, acknowledging that everyone has areas where they prefer tried and true methods over innovation, exhibit practicality over idealism, and hold pessimistic views on human nature. Acknowledgment of Intelligent Conservatism: Leo distinguishes between "dumb" conservative strawmen and intelligent formulations of conservative thought. He encourages seeking out and listening to robust conservative articulations to understand and appreciate the perspective. Series Recommendations for Deeper Political Understanding: Leo recommends his video series on conscious politics, spiral dynamics, ego development, and democracy versus authoritarianism. These resources integrate spirituality, philosophy, and psychology with social and political issues for a holistic understanding. Anticipation of Understanding the Liberal Mind: Mentioning the upcoming second part of the series, Leo hints at discussing the liberal mind, emphasizing the importance of understanding both conservative and liberal perspectives for a comprehensive view of politics. Confundo

An Intro To Serious Philosophy - Top Advice For Philosophers https://youtu.be/InmNW96qcUk There is only one serious philosophical question, which is: What is Consciousness? And that is because, Consciousness is all there is. Introduction to the episode: Leo shares that this video will offer invaluable advice on how to engage with philosophy seriously. He intends to provide a lifetime of tips to help save years of effort for aspiring philosophers. Philosophical background: Leo describes his personal journey in philosophy, starting in his mid-teens through university and onwards, highlighting a self-taught approach that led to a deep understanding and a successful career. Meta philosophy: Leo introduces the concept of meta philosophy, reflecting on the methods and processes of doing philosophy correctly, including questioning the correctness of philosophical practices. Philosophy as a quest for absolute truth: He boldly claims that he used philosophy to achieve an absolute understanding of reality, a claim contrary to traditional academic views of philosophy as endless debate. Personal story and introduction to philosophy: Leo recounts his childhood experiences discussing existential topics with his family, sparking his deep curiosity about stars, evolution, technology, and the nature of existence. Animal consciousness and human arrogance: Questions about animal consciousness led Leo to ponder human biases and the level of understanding animals might possess compared to humans. Levels of consciousness: Reflecting on the varying degrees of consciousness in animals, Leo considers the limitations of a mouse or an ant's awareness of reality and extrapolates this to question how much humans truly understand. Leo Gura's inquisitive nature: From a young age, Leo was fascinated by deep existential topics, engaging in spirited family discussions on philosophical and existential questions during road trips. Passion for existential dialogue: He discovered his passion for life was ignited by these profound conversations, more so than any other activity, a realization that guided him towards his life's purpose of seeking understanding. Debates on religion and God: In high school, Leo's dialogues with a devoutly religious friend led him to contemplate the nature and existence of God, sparking an interest in epistemology and the foundational aspect of how we know what we know. Early philosophical explorations: His first philosophical book was an encyclopedia of philosophy, leading him to ponder various philosophical schools and their conflicting views. He aimed not just to know philosophy but to understand the truth about reality itself. Contemplating reality and belief systems: Leo spent many late nights contemplating reality's nature, which led him to realize that all belief systems, including science and religion, are ultimately groundless and circularly justified. Skepticism and the quest for understanding: Resonating most with skepticism, or pyrrhonism, he questioned the very possibility of knowing anything about reality, leading to an exceedingly skeptical and uncertain standpoint. Challenges in philosophy: The challenge of writing a philosophy book and the realization of the inherent limitations within his system led to a struggle to create something positively constructive about reality. Insights into academic philosophy: University study and research into becoming a professional philosopher revealed the limitations and bureaucracy of the academic system, which he saw as corrupt and not conducive to the pursuit of true philosophy. Rejection of academia and transition to video game design: Leo chose integrity over compromise, rejecting a career in academia for independent pursuit of philosophy and transitioning to video game design, seeking a creative path without external influence. Achieving Financial Independence: Leo Gura focused on building a business to secure financial autonomy, enabling him to pursue his interests without financial constraints. Self-Education and Personal Development: Upon gaining financial independence, Leo immersed himself in self-education, reading non-fiction and exploring personal development. Neglected Aspects of Personal Life: Leo admits that his intense focus on understanding reality led him to overlook relationships and dating until his mid-20s. Introduction to Pickup and Practical Philosophy: While improving his dating life, Leo was introduced to philosophical concepts through Owen Cook's teachings, which reignited his passion for philosophy and influenced the foundation of Actualized.org. The 'Most Dangerous Book' and Enlightenment: A forum post led Leo to read 'Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing' by Jed McKenna, which impacted him profoundly, teaching him about enlightenment and reshaping his view of reality. Link Between Early Contemplation and Enlightenment: The concept of enlightenment resonated with Leo's past deep contemplations on epistemology and the groundless nature of beliefs. Diverse Developments in Gura’s Life: After becoming a life coach and delving into meditation, Leo launched Actualized.org while researching philosophy, personal development, psychology, and observing interconnections among these domains. Enlightenment and Experiences Beyond Conventional Reality: During a vipassana retreat, Leo had a sober enlightenment experience that revealed a new dimension to reality. Psychedelics further expanded his understanding of existence. Claim of Achieving Omniscience: Through extensive practice in various disciplines, Leo claims to have reached a complete and absolute understanding of existence, which he calls 'omniscience.' Critique of Western Philosophy and Universities: After achieving 'omniscience,' Leo perceives traditional Western philosophy and academia as deeply flawed and incapable of leading to the true aim of philosophy. Leo’s Philosophical Journey as a Blueprint for Aspiring Philosophers: Sharing his journey, Leo aims to provide insights for those interested in philosophy to see if his path resonates with them. The Innate Drive for Philosophy: Leo emphasizes that philosophy should be pursued out of an insatiable curiosity and a love for pure understanding for its sake. Philosophy’s Fundamental Role and Value: He considers philosophy to be the root of all knowledge, more fundamental than science, and essential for deeply questioning reality beyond what is commonly accepted. The Meaning and Depth of Philosophy: For Leo, the depth one finds through philosophical inquiry is the most meaningful aspect of life, distinguishing profound thinkers from those occupied with superficial pursuits. The Essence of Philosophy: The core of philosophy is relentless questioning, which enables the discovery of profound truths about reality. It's a process of inquiry that can lead to legitimate answers, rather than just speculation or ideology. Human Advantage in Questioning: Humans uniquely possess the ability to question reality deeply, a trait that separates us from other species like mice, which likely do not possess this function. This capability is not merely linguistic but can lead to substantive understanding. Questioning as a Superpower: Asking questions is a superpower most people underutilize. Philosophers, by contrast, master the art of deliberate and deep questioning, which can lead to transformative insights and understanding. Artful Questioning: Leo encourages viewing questioning as an art form to be cultivated, rather than a tool invoked only for pragmatic or self-serving purposes like acquiring sex or wealth. Sample Philosophical Questions: Leo lists various intriguing and diverse philosophical questions to stimulate curiosity and encourage personal inquiry into fundamental existential topics. Philosophy's Suitability: Philosophy is appropriate for those who possess an insatiable curiosity about fundamental existential questions and find joy in seeking pure understanding and engaging in profound discussions. Fields of Philosophy: Philosophy includes diverse areas such as metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and morality, aesthetics, political philosophy, philosophy of science, logic and mathematics, religion, philosophy of mind, psychology, sociology, history, spirituality, mysticism, and philosophy of language. Philosophy Requires Work and Genuine Insights: Effective philosophy is distinguished from mere speculation through genuine observation and insights. It requires an open and unbiased mind, free from preconceived notions and cultural programming. Questioning vs. Assumptions: Philosophy is about questioning the nature of reality rigorously, rather than clinging to speculations or beliefs. To do philosophy effectively, one must be willing to question every cultural and ideological assumption. Open-mindedness in Philosophy: Philosophers must be radically open-minded and free from biases and cultural programming to observe and understand reality accurately. Confronting even deeply held beliefs such as the shape of the Earth is necessary to safeguard against self-deception. The Complexity of Fundamental Questions: Fundamental questions on topics like nature, light, and life which appear simple are deeply complex upon closer examination. Understanding such questions demands extensive contemplation and recognition of their intricate nature. The Effort in Philosophical Practice: Philosophy requires the same dedication and practice as mastering any other skill, such as sports or arts. A philosopher must spend thousands of hours deeply questioning and contemplating to develop a genuine understanding. Philosophy and Self-Deception: Many fall into the trap of convincing themselves they are great philosophers without the necessary practice. To avoid this, one must recognize and address self-deception mechanisms like confirmation bias and projection. Developing Philosophical Skills: Effective questioning and thinking skills are not innate; they must be developed. Observation and contemplation, utilising thought experiments, and exploring diverse perspectives contribute to building these essential philosophical skills. Philosophy as Improvement of Thinking: Philosophy aims to improve the quality of one's general thinking across various domains of life, differentiating from specialized thinking in fields like mathematics or engineering. Philosophical Work and Observation: Accomplishing philosophical work involves a balance of contemplation and neutral observation of both external reality and the workings of the mind, leading to deeper understanding and insights. Philosophy and Exploration of Perspectives: By exploring various perspectives and viewpoints beyond one's own, the philosopher gains a broader understanding and avoids creating an echo chamber of reinforcing self-beliefs. Questioning as a Philosophical Method: Questioning all assumptions and conducting thought experiments are essential practices for philosophers. It is through powerful questions that one delves deeper into understanding reality. Integrity and Self-Reflection in Philosophy: Philosophers must rigorously practice self-reflection to observe and correct their thought processes. Philosophy entails going meta to recognize and rule out biases and ensure honest pursuit of truth. Philosophy Is Not Mere Speculation: True philosophy extends beyond mere armchair speculation and strives for concrete verification and understanding, distinguishing it from casual guessing, which does not contribute to a genuine quest for truth. Real Philosophy vs. Armchair Speculation: Real philosophy involves an active pursuit of truth, such as a flat-earther willing to spend substantial money to personally verify the Earth's shape. This contrasts with those who merely reinforce existing biases without seeking genuine answers. Intellectual Integrity and Truth: The hallmark of a serious philosopher is a deeply honest desire for truth, including the willingness to surrender personally held ideas and admit being wrong, which most people resist due to preference for comfort over truth. Distinguishing Inquiry from Rationalization: True philosophical inquiry involves active questioning to grasp truths, as opposed to rationalization, where one concocts stories to confirm pre-existing beliefs rather than engage in genuine seeking. Avoiding Debating and Critiquing as Philosophy: Debating, critiquing, and debunking others' philosophies are not true philosophy because they focus on arguing and rationalizing rather than generating new insights and deep personal observation. History of Philosophy vs. Genuine Inquiry: Academic philosophy focused on the scholarship of deciphering ancient texts and interpreting past philosophers does not equate to the genuine inquiry required for understanding fundamental questions. The Pitfalls of Technicalities in Philosophy: Getting bogged down in technicalities can cause a philosopher to miss the larger picture. Philosophy is about grasping the big picture of existential reality, not just minor technical details. Avoiding Personality Cults in Philosophy: True philosophy is not about admiration for philosophers or their credentials but about the ideas themselves and how deeply one understands the fundamental aspects of reality, self, and consciousness. Philosophy and Theoretical Escapism: Using philosophy as a means of escaping practical life challenges is misguided. A grounded philosopher engages with reality, applying philosophical insights to business, relationships, and personal challenges. Synthesizing Theory and Practice: Deep theoretical work in philosophy should be balanced with ample practice, allowing practical experiences to inform and ground one's philosophical work, ensuring it does not become disconnected from reality. Philosophy Embodiment: Genuine philosophy transforms an individual deeply, affecting their emotional system, interactions, self-perception, capacity to love, and overall wellbeing, beyond just theoretical understanding. Philosophy's Impact on Personal Change: Philosophical inquiry can lead to personal behavior changes as it challenges existing beliefs and habits, making it uncomfortable for many who prefer philosophy as a conceptual rather than transformative tool. Responsibility and Consequences in Philosophy: Engaging in serious philosophy often leads to taking greater responsibility for one's actions and making significant life changes, such as altering diet due to ethical realizations or leaving a job for moral reasons. Philosophy's Threat to Comfort and Status Quo: The profound insights gained from serious philosophy can be so disruptive that they may lead individuals to question their sanity, as it threatens established lifestyles, careers, and personal relationships. Philosophy versus Political Activism and Power Games: Philosophy should not be about achieving political goals or engaging in power dynamics but rather about the pursuit of pure understanding, without concern for consequences or gaining power. Bias Towards Truth in Philosophy: Leo advocates for a philosophy that is ruthlessly committed to truth, even if it means facing daunting truths that could lead to outcomes like insanity, for the sake of genuine understanding. Pure Philosophy Defined: Pure philosophy is unconcerned with historical figures or ideologies, focusing solely on the merit of ideas to understand reality. It requires an infinite open-mindedness and willingness to challenge every assumption, no matter the potential radical consequences. Core Questions of Pure Philosophy: The fundamental questions of pure philosophy question the very possibility of existence, understanding what existence means, the origins of the self, the nature of consciousness, and what constitutes a well-lived life. Complete Understanding as a Philosophical End Point: Leo claims that with correct practice, philosophy can lead to a complete understanding of oneself and reality, answering every existential question precisely as it exists. Philosophy Is Radical and Dangerous: In pure philosophy, the pursuit of understanding is prioritized above all else, including societal norms and personal biases. It acknowledges the dangerous nature of this pursuit but continues unflinchingly for the truth. Importance of Overcoming Self-Deception in Philosophy: Recognizing and transcending personal biases is fundamental in pure philosophy for accurately understanding reality, making self-deception a continual area of focus for the philosopher. Avoiding Narrow Specialization in Philosophy: Leo Gura cautions against getting trapped in the minutiae of philosophy at the expense of missing out on the big, core questions that define the field. He urges philosophers to balance their specific interests with an overarching focus on the fundamental questions of philosophy. Techniques for Serious Philosophers: He outlines several critical techniques for philosophers: sitting in solitude and contemplating deeply, improving the ability to ask powerful questions, emphasizing simplicity and clarity to cut through confusion and jargon, and demonstrating the ability to communicate complex concepts simply. Radical Skepticism and Study: Leo advocates for radical skepticism—questioning everything, including one's own ideas and skepticism itself. He also suggests studying a broad range of philosophies to gain an overview of the intellectual landscape. Open-mindedness and Questioning Science: Emphasizes the necessity for radical open-mindedness and the importance of questioning scientific assumptions as if they were religious claims, underscoring that serious philosophers should never accept scientific models or ideas at face value. Use of Psychedelics: He makes a bold claim that without psychedelics, one cannot understand the true nature of reality, asserting that it is essential for philosophers to engage in psychedelic experiences. Keeping a Commonplace Book and Meditation: Advises keeping a commonplace book for notes and quotes, writing down major insights, and engaging in serious meditation practice for inward focus and understanding the mind. Psychology, Sociology, and Language Mastery: Stresses the importance of psychology and sociology for understanding the mind's biases and cultural programming, as well as mastering language and articulation to precisely communicate philosophical ideas. Engaging with High-Quality Minds and Intellectual Dialogue: Leo recommends engaging in existential conversations and philosophical dialogues with high-quality minds rather than getting involved in ideological debates, which can stifle philosophical growth. Engagement with Intellectuals: Leo recommends avoiding online debates in favor of seeking personal interactions with like-minded people who have an interest in profound existential topics, especially at universities or spiritual circles; using offline, Skype, or in-person meetings for deeper conversations. Writing Philosophy: Writing out thoughts and ideas on paper is advised as it helps organize and clarify one's philosophical ideas, making self-deception less likely. Public Speaking and Teaching Philosophy: Starting a blog or YouTube channel and joining public speaking groups like Toastmasters can refine and simplify one's philosophical ideas. Teaching philosophy can significantly enhance one's own understanding. Balancing Philosophy with Practical Life: Leo insists not to use philosophy as an escape from practical life responsibilities such as jobs and relationships. Developing practical skills alongside philosophical thought is essential. Avoiding Dogma in Philosophy: True philosophy should not be used to defend any particular dogma or ideology; instead, it should pursue truth and be willing to dispense with any pet theories. Simplicity and Clarity in Philosophy: Keeping philosophical concepts simple and clear is vital. If one cannot explain their ideas simply to a child, they likely do not fully understand the concepts themselves. Centrality of Consciousness: Consciousness is a fundamental concept in philosophy, and understanding it is key to not getting lost in less important philosophical considerations. A direct experience of consciousness is crucial. Cultivating Open-mindedness: Being open-minded is crucial in philosophy, as it allows for a wider range of exploration and understanding. Enjoying the Philosophical Process: Embrace the journey of philosophy; it's not about rushing to an end but about enjoying the process of inquiry and contemplation. Embodying Philosophy: Philosophy should not be purely academic; it should be lived out and reflected in one's daily actions and decisions. Beware of Self-deception: Self-deception is a significant obstacle in philosophy; being aware of one's own biases is essential for honest inquiry. Philosophical Practical Insights: While philosophy often deals with abstract existential questions, it can also offer practical insights that can improve aspects of one's life such as making money, enhancing self-esteem, or fostering happiness. Be an Original Thinker: Encourages philosophers to think independently, using ideas from ancient philosophers without becoming attached to their schools of thought. Prioritize Contemplation Over Reading: Contemplation is viewed as more beneficial than extensive reading, being a more powerful tool for philosophical insight. Avoid Attachment to Single Philosophies: Warns against the entrapment of any one school of philosophy, such as Buddhism, as this can lead to groupthink and dogmatic adherence. Philosophy Should Be Simple and Pure: Emphasizes the need for focusing on pure ideas and insights rather than getting lost in the complex language of dense technical philosophy. Integration of Disciplines for Holistic Understanding: Suggests an omniscient grasp of reality can be achieved by integrating diverse disciplines, including philosophy, science, religion, mysticism, spirituality, self-help, psychology, and sociology. Use Wikipedia for Philosophical Summaries: Wikipedia is recommended for quickly grasping the key ideas of philosophers without the need to delve into their dense writings. Study Self-Help Alongside Philosophy: Leo advises combining self-help with philosophy to make it more personal, practical, and impacting on one's life. Avoid Over-specialization: Stresses the importance of studying the big picture across various fields and philosophies to create an integrated understanding, rather than siloing into over-specialization. Philosophies Worth Studying: Lists skepticism, pyrrhonism, idealism, relativism, political philosophy, Eastern philosophies, Zen, Buddhism, Hindu philosophies like Vedanta, and Zogchen as philosophies worth one's time. Philosophies and Philosophers Worth Studying: Leo acknowledges the value in studying fields such as mysticism, non-duality, meditation techniques, monism, solipsism, and yoga. Philosophers he regards highly include Heraclitus, Anaximander, Anaxagoras, Plotinus, Sextus Empiricus, Hegel, German idealists post-Hegel (excluding Kant), George Berkeley, Berkeley's namesake, Thomas Nagel, Paul Feyerabend, Willard Van Orman Quine, Spinoza, William James, Stoics like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, Sri Aurobindo, Ken Wilber, and Peter Ralston. Overrated Philosophers: Leo criticizes philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume, Kant, post-modernists like Derrida, logical positivists, Wittgenstein, Hobbes, Locke, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Machiavelli, Sartre, Camus, American pragmatists like Peirce, Ayn Rand, Richard Rorty, Confucius, Husserl, and Rousseau. He advises against spending much time studying these philosophers, suggesting Wikipedia summaries as sufficient. Combination of Philosophies Closest to Truth: Leo lists idealism, panpsychism, pantheism, monism, non-duality, Zen Buddhism, Vedanta, radical skepticism, Pyrrhonism, holism, relativism, Hindu idealism, solipsism, subjectivism, and phenomenology as elements that, when combined, point closest to absolute truth. Actualized.org as a Philosophy: Leo considers his work on Actualized.org, developed with the intention of creating an advanced, sophisticated, and accurate philosophy, as superior to the entire canon of Western philosophy. He invites people to compare his work to traditional philosophical giants. Philosophy as Mental Masturbation: Leo addresses the criticism of philosophy as merely mental masturbation, contending that when practiced properly, it is practical, transformative, and can improve various areas of life such as money-making, relationships, emotional mastery, happiness, and communication. Ultimate Aim of Philosophy: He asserts that the highest goal of philosophy is omniscience, existential understanding, and absolute truth, considering it the most valuable pursuit for a human. Philosophy, he adds, can be used to avoid cultural programming and lead to eventual understanding, love, and breaking free from social constructs. Cultivation of Mind and Intellect: Leo expresses immense joy from cultivating his intellect, which brings greater satisfaction than physical pleasures or monetary gains. He emphasizes the beauty of intellect and the potential depth of cultivation. Philosophies Deemed Incorrect: He categorizes philosophies such as dualism, atheism, behaviorism, and materialism, among others, as fundamentally incorrect. Advice Against Academic Philosophy: Leo recommends against pursuing a career as an academic philosopher within the university system, which he believes does not align with the pursuit of truth. However, he acknowledges that it is possible to have a successful philosophical career outside of academia. Opportunities in Philosophy: Opportunities for a career in philosophy exist for those who are endeavoring enough, although it's recognized as being competitive. Age and Philosophy: Leo Gura believes there's no age limit to start doing philosophy, suggesting starting young is beneficial, while older age lends a different importance to philosophical questions as material pursuits diminish. Downsides of Doing Philosophy: Risks of philosophy include turning it into an echo chamber, becoming ideologically deluded, or neglecting practical life aspects like relationships and survival needs. Starting with Philosophy: To start with philosophy, study diverse philosophies in summary, decide on questions of interest, engage in independent contemplation, observe mental processes, and be honest about biases and deceptions. Transforming Power of Philosophy: Philosophy must be transformative, leading to a deep understanding that goes beyond being human and towards transcending death. Recommended Resources: Leo directs listeners to "How to Discover What's True," his science deconstruction series, and an upcoming episode on 'bootstrapping' to further understand serious philosophical work. Exploration on Actualized.org: Actualized.org offers resources for philosophers, including a blog with philosophical insights, book reviews, a life purpose course, and upcoming profound courses. Philosophical Depth at Actualized.org: Leo claims Actualized.org is currently the deepest source of philosophy available and urges individuals to actively engage with the content there to realize its profound impact. Future Philosophical Endeavors: Leo plans to publish a significant philosophical book and a new course introducing 'Awakening to alien intelligence', promising to offer insights beyond traditional spiritual teachings. Crucio

The 9 Stages Of Ego Development - Part 3 https://youtu.be/pGItuEai8vo Suzanne Cook-Greuter's Research: Leo credits Suzanne Cook-Greuter for her comprehensive 90-page research paper on ego development, which forms the basis of his discussion. He emphasizes that while he integrates her research, his presentation includes his own interpretations and commentary relevant to self-actualization. Image 1 Importance of Pace in Development: Progressing through the ego development stages should not be rushed; it's important to fully experience and understand each stage before moving on to higher levels. Skipping stages can lead to frustration and the inability to sustain higher levels of development. Application of the Ego Development Model: Understanding the stages of ego development is a practical tool for evaluating the character and level of development of people in various contexts, such as business partnerships, family dynamics, and personal relationships. This insight can inform strategies for interaction and whether to maintain or cut ties with certain individuals based on their development stage. Teaching and Stage Relevancy: Leo acknowledges that most of his teachings are aimed at the final two stages of ego development, which may be too advanced for those who are currently at the conformist, expert, or achiever stages. He suggests that individuals may need to return to his teachings after they have solidified their understanding of the earlier stages. Risks of Prematurely Seeking Enlightenment: Leo warns against pursuing higher levels of spiritual awakening, like enlightenment, without having achieved personal success in basic survival and life needs. He recommends fully experiencing the achiever stage before seeking to transcend it. Stage 9: Construct Aware: This stage involves recognizing the mind’s role in constructing one's reality, questioning the ego's distortions, and the acknowledgment of linguistic filters. It leads to complex existential questions and an understanding of the limitations of rational thought. Magician Stage as Leaders and Guides: People at this stage often become mentors, consultants, or coaches who work to guide others, feeling comfortable with their knowledge limitations and embracing vulnerability. They take on roles that catalyze transformation, fully expressing themselves and recognizing the value of self-correction. Centaur Analogy for Construct Aware Stage: The construct aware stage is likened to a 'centaur' or 'vision logic', where individuals balance primal needs with higher existential and spiritual desires. Dealing with Chaos and Interconnectedness: At this stage, chaos is seen not just negatively, but as a natural part of life's rhythm. People learn to flow with it and recognize the interconnectedness of all things. Transitioning to the Unitive Stage: Those who reach the unitive stage witness life without the need for rational explanation, experiencing a sense of completeness, and perceiving mundane things as profound. Unitive Stage Realizations: Individuals at this stage feel fulfilled without needing external validation or achievements. They recognize the paradox of life's meaninglessness yet engage passionately with life, find value in all life forms, and guide others towards vertical development. Shift in Leo Gura's Teaching Style: Leo discusses his evolving approach to teaching—aiming to be more compassionate and understanding, reflecting his own progression towards the unitive stage of ego development. Tapping into Universal Intelligence at Unitive Stage: Leo suggests that at the unitive stage, direct insight and wisdom from universal intelligence become more accessible, with a focus on wisdom over IQ or specialized knowledge. Valuing Direct Experience and Empathy for Ignorance: Individuals at advanced stages of ego development place emphasis on direct experience and display deep empathy for others' ignorance, understanding its origins in limited perspective. Release of Control and Gender Integration: Individuals become less concerned with controlling life and achieve a profound sense of peace with their masculine and feminine aspects, resolving internal gender conflicts. Advanced Understanding of Human Behavior: At higher stages, a comprehensive understanding of human behavior emerges, recognizing suffering, conflict, and violence as manifestations of the unconscious ego mind. Ultimate Realizations and Cosmic Perspective: Enlightenment and awakenings become more profound, aligning with an understanding that judgement is ignorance and birth and death are imaginary concepts. These realizations contribute to a sense of tranquility and equanimity. Continued Introspection and Growth: Even after reaching the unitive stage, the journey of self-discovery continues. Leo emphasizes the ongoing nature of this work and the importance of self-reliance in personal growth. He advises against relying solely on his teachings for personal evolution, advocating for self-teaching and exploration beyond the unitive stage. Responsibility for Personal Growth: Individuals should use high-level advice as guidelines but must find their own path to growth, harmonizing advice with individual life situations. Existence of Stages Beyond Unitive: Leo hints at the possibility of stages beyond the unitive stage, which are less recognized due to their rarity but signify even more profound levels of human evolution and understanding. Assessing Resources and Teachers by Developmental Stages: Books, videos, courses, and teachers can be evaluated according to which stage of ego development they correspond to. This allows individuals to find resources and mentors that are appropriate for their current stage or slightly beyond it. Encouragement to Aim Higher: Leo advises those at the achiever stage to maintain a high vision for the future and to lay the groundwork for advanced metaphysical understanding while handling basic needs and goals. Introduction to Construct Aware Stage: This stage, inhabited by 0.5% of the U.S. population, involves realizing that reality is constructed by the mind and deeply intertwined with material reality, challenging the notion of separate objective reality. Existential Paradoxes and Inner Conflict: At the Construct Aware stage, individuals grapple with existential paradoxes and recognize the role of the mind, language, and ego in interpreting and constructing reality. Shift in Life Focus: Existential issues and the meaning of existence take precedence over material concerns, leading to pervasive uncertainty and questioning of previously held truths. Awareness of Reality as a Construction: People at this stage see their worldview as an unconscious amalgamation of cultural inputs rather than consciously chosen. They realize that all aspects of perceived reality, including political and scientific beliefs, are influenced by the subconscious. Deconstructing Meanings and Judgments: At this stage, individuals question their judgments and meanings attached to things, recognizing biases in their worldview shaped by the ego for its own survival. Understanding the Limitations of Symbolic Abstraction: The Construct Aware stage brings recognition of the limitations and biases inherent in concepts like time, purpose, and even tangible objects, when viewed through the lens of language and the human mind. Map vs. Territory: There is a deep appreciation for the difference between symbols and actual reality, recognizing that perspectives are biased, geocentric, and human-centric. Language as a Deep Technology: Individuals realize the significant role of language in shaping reality and communication, recognizing both its limitations and its potential to simplify or complexify our perceptions of the world. Navigating the Limitations of Language: The challenges of using language without being restricted by it become apparent, and individuals at the Construct Aware stage become more adept at circumventing the pitfalls language may introduce. Realizing the Impact of Language on Knowledge: Concepts and knowledge acquisition are seen as arbitrary and crucially dependent on language, leading to a more careful and conscious approach to understanding and knowing. Awareness of Duality: The understanding that all concepts rely on opposites - such as good vs. evil, or human vs. non-human - becomes evident, heightening sensitivity to the dual nature of language and conceptualization. Taking Responsibility for Mental Constructs: Individuals at this stage become accountable for their own creation of concepts and categories, marking a shift from unconsciously adopting cultural definitions to consciously forming their mental landscape. Exploring Beyond Human Mind Limitations: There's a realization that one can transcend the human mind and question fundamental constructs like human identity, opening up new territories beyond what was previously dismissed as pseudoscience or 'airy-fairy' ideas. Breakdown of the Objective Material World Belief: The belief in a permanent, objective material world begins to dissolve, blurring the distinctions between mind, body, self, and the external reality. Deconstructing Notion of a Permanent Self: The self is recognized as a dynamic collection of beliefs and concepts, constantly evolving rather than being a fixed entity, bustling with every new experience and interaction. Continuous Self-Change: Awareness grows that personal identity is in constant flux; every experience subtly shifts one's sense of self, challenging the notion of a static, unchanging personal identity. Cross-Paradigmatic Integration: There's an ability to appreciate and integrate diverse worldviews and religious beliefs without judgment, leading to an intellectually unified perspective of existence. Global Historical Perspective: Moving into a higher altitude of consciousness, construct-aware individuals gain a global view of meaning-making and take responsibility for the subjective meanings they assign to their experiences and the world. Shift from Inherent to Projected Meaning: Realization dawns that meaning is not inherent in external events or situations but is instead a projection of one's mind, leading to more deliberate and conscious meaning-making. Understanding of Map-Making and Self-STORY Deconstruction: Individuals become cognizant of their need to create mental maps and narratives with a permanent self at the center and learn to deconstruct and challenge such identifications. Awareness of Self-Deception: Even though the ego still leads to self-deception, a heightened awareness enables individuals to catch, correct, and learn from their distortions rather than being totally consumed by them. Understanding the Constructive Nature of Personal Identity: Acknowledgment arises that self-identity is maintained by continuous thoughts about oneself, skewing reality to ensure survival of this constructed self. Non-Physical Conception of Birth and Death: A profound realization surfaces that birth and death are not purely physical processes but mental activities linked to the ongoing construction of personal identity through thought. Deconstruction of Self: Individuals at this stage start to see the possibility of deconstructing the self, leading to self-annihilation. There is fear and uncertainty about what lies beyond this, but an understanding that 'self' is a subjective construct that must ultimately dissolve. Meta Cognitive Stage: The stage involves deeply questioning one's own thought processes, which can be seen as a final attempt by the ego to create comprehensive maps and models of reality, despite the impossibility of fully capturing the infinite nature of reality. Addiction to Models and Theories: There is an acknowledgment of the fascination with creating complex models and meta-models, which, while intellectually stimulating and practically useful, ultimately oversimplify reality and are not the territory itself. Conflict Between Helping People and Pursuing Truth: There's a realization that the utility of models in helping others does not equate to the discovery of absolute truth, highlighting the ego's subtle manipulation of reality for higher purposes. The Struggle of Advanced Development: Recognizing the absurdity of using models to fully grasp reality, individuals become aware of the difficulties in going beyond the human mind due to a lack of role models and examples to follow. Redefining Knowing: At this stage, there's a shift towards examining alternative ways of knowing beyond rationality, language, and science, questioning the quantifiable constraints placed by human constructs like science. Awareness of Ego's Influence: Individuals become acutely aware of the ego's distortions on perception, filtering reality through biased lenses and essentially questioning the possibility of objective experience. Dilemmas of Ego Transcendence: The more one attempts to transcend the ego and quiet the mind, the stronger the ego can become, illustrating the paradoxical nature of detaching from reality. Awareness of Thought's Limitations: There is a growing suspicion of thought and recognition that all cognitive processes are dualistic and constructed, fundamentally separate from the non-dual reality. Challenges of Experiencing Reality Without Filters: The realization of the importance of experiencing reality without linguistic filters emerges, but the practical challenge of achieving this denotes the difficulty in transcending ingrained cognitive mechanisms. Interconnectedness of Dualities: The recognition that dualities like good and evil or life and death are inseparable parts of the same whole undermines the simple-minded approach of lower stages seeking to increase good and eliminate bad. Judgment as a Source of Unhappiness: An increased awareness of how the habitual judgment of experiences creates suffering and unhappiness leads to the contemplation of non-judgmental awareness. Awareness of Judgment: Realizing the habitual nature of judging can be frustrating, as it leads to suffering; despite this awareness, it takes years to fully let go of this habit. Compassion and Human Complexity Understanding: Individuals develop a deeper compassion for themselves and others and attain a nuanced perception of human nature and interactions. Navigating Meaning and Meaninglessness: Caught between the extremes of considering life either completely meaningless or unquestioningly meaningful, individuals work to balance and integrate these perspectives. Emotional and Rational Pattern Recognition: There is recognition of how emotions and rational thoughts manipulate one’s perception, and the challenge becomes to integrate and mindfully manage both. Conscious Observation of Ego: A heightened self-awareness allows individuals to observe their ego in action, such as during disagreements or impulsive behaviors, leading to opportunities for growth. Integration of Multiple Modalities: The integration of feelings, intuition, rational thinking, and transpersonal experiences enhances one's flexibility in responding to various life situations. Seeking Mystical Experiences: Individuals develop a craving for mystical states and temporary freedom from ego control, often facilitated by meditation, psychedelics, or other practices. Leadership Roles in Construct Aware Stage: People tend to assume roles as catalysts or transformers within organizations or society, often working independently or creating novel structures to contribute meaningfully. Openness and Humility: Embracing uncertainty, these individuals show comfort with not knowing and exhibit humility regarding the limits of knowledge without the need for defense or pretense. Expression of Authenticity: Language and communication become more complex, vivid, and authentic, with attempts to let go of conscious structuring and embracing spontaneous expression. Trans-Rational Insight: Access to knowledge from non-rational sources such as intuition, bodily states, and dreams increases, playing a more significant role than logic. Self-Deception as Learning Opportunity: Recognizing personal self-deception turns into a chance for growth and helps understand the ego traps others may fall into. Balance Between Animalistic and Spiritual Desires: The Centaur metaphor indicates a balance between primal needs and higher desires, integrating existential and spiritual concerns with basic survival needs. Perception of Chaos: There is an understanding of the rhythmic chaos in life, which individuals learn to navigate like surfing waves, embracing life's unpredictability. Cumulative Interconnectedness and Profound Experiences: Recognition of interconnectedness across all subjects deepens, leading to profound insights and setting up for the transition to the unitive stage. Witnessing the Present Moment and Absolute Truth: The unitive stage allows individuals to apprehend absolute truth through direct consciousness, a transformative experience beyond rational explanation. Openness to All Experiences: At this advanced stage, individuals are receptive to the full spectrum of life’s experiences, valuing each without judgment, and finding value in every moment of being. Transformation of Reality Perception: Reality becomes imbued with magic and wonder, as even the most mundane objects are seen as miraculous, shifting the perspective from ordinary to mystical. Profound Appreciation of the Mundane: A fork, once seen as an ordinary object, can evoke tears due to its perceived miraculous existence. Those at lower ego stages might not appreciate the intrinsic value and complexity of such simple things, missing the cosmic perspective that one gains at higher stages. Cosmic Perspective as Organizing Principle: At higher stages of ego development, individuals view themselves and others as part of humanity's evolutionary journey. They effortlessly shift among different perspectives and states of awareness. Comfort with Mystical Experiences: Mystical and unitive experiences become familiar and comfortable, rather than alien or scary. The peaks of awareness from earlier stages now serve as a stable foundation for ongoing mystical experiences. Presence and Groundedness in the Present: With a shift to higher stages, living fully in the present becomes the norm, and individuals experience a unity with nature and the universe, feeling embedded rather than separate from their surroundings. Deep Security in Identity: The unitive stage offers deep fulfillment and a sense of self-completion that doesn't rely on external factors like fame, money, or relationships, based on realizing one's identity as infinite and complete. Simultaneous Perception of Concrete and Eternal: Unitive individuals can perceive both the temporality and eternal symbolism of entities, seeing all stages of ego development as interconnected and necessary to the whole. Acceptance of Lower Stages: This stage brings a profound acceptance of those at lower levels of consciousness, fostering deep peace and relinquishing the need to control or judge others, allowing for grace and humility. Simplicity Beyond Complexity: After developing complex models of understanding, those at the unitive stage often transcend and simplify their worldviews, fostering a zen-like mentality and approach to life. Contemplation of Life Purpose: Despite recognizing the ultimate insignificance of personal achievements in the vast universe, individuals at this stage still engage passionately with life, embracing a controlled, conscious approach to their endeavors. Shift in Perspective on Life's 'Game': Life is seen as a controlled folly—a conscious game that one engages in while recognizing its ultimate emptiness, which paradoxically frees one from the despair of attachment. Critiques of 'Impractical' Higher Stages: Those at lower stages often criticize the unitive stage as impractical, failing to see the value in existential or non-materialistic perspectives that prioritize spirit over survival. Holistic Approach to Teaching and Life: People at the unitive stage foster global justice and creativity, acting as catalysts in society, and valuing all life forms equally, transcending biases like age, gender, and species. Evolution of Leo's Teaching Style: Leo acknowledges his previous authoritative teaching style and shares his intention to teach in a more accepting, compassionate, and holistic manner as he moves further into the unitive stage. Bliss in Being: Individuals at the unitive stage find profound joy and contentment in simply existing and being aware, experiencing a non-attachment to outcomes and consistent insights into reality's interconnectedness. Mind as the Only Existence: Everything is Mind (with a capital M); there never existed a material world. Mind is synonymous with consciousness and is infinite. All perceived reality, including the table, chair, and fire hydrant, is consciousness. Direct Consciousness of God: The unitive stage brings a direct experience of God, absent in lower stages where God is considered separate and other. This stage allows for the realization that the universe and the individual are both manifestations of God. Self as Creator: Individuals realize that they are the creators of their reality, which is profound and life-altering. Lower stages may view this as absurd or narcissistic, but it's not about superiority; it's about awakening to one's true nature as God. Taking Responsibility for Being God: Recognizing oneself as God entails taking full responsibility for one's life. Those who aren't aware they are God create their suffering—understanding oneself as God fosters a responsibility to lead a more divine existence. Consciousness of God Not a Belief: This realization is not based on beliefs, ideologies, or speculation. It's an actual direct consciousness that transcends mere faith or philosophy. Mundane Becomes Supernatural: At the unitive stage, the mundane is viewed as supernatural. There's an appreciation of the fundamental mystery and intelligence of all creation, realizing that nothing can be known in absolute terms, only experienced or embodied. Distinction and Construction: At this stage, distinctions, such as between a taco and a kangaroo, are understood to be mental constructs that have no ultimate difference. These distinctions are seen as important for human growth but not reflective of an ultimate separation. Tolerance, Compassion, and Affiliation: Individuals feel a deep affiliation with all forms of life, tolerating and embracing the essence of others, respecting their intrinsic nature without the need for change. Wisdom vs. Specialized Knowledge: There's a recognition that wisdom and high IQ or specialized technical knowledge are not the same. The unitive stage values wisdom and consciousness over IQ scores or technical expertise. Channeling Universal Intelligence: People in the unitive stage can channel insights and wisdom directly from a universal source. This telepathic communication with the universal intelligence is seen as a deep personal connection with the infinite. Interconnectedness With All Beings: Belief in the interconnectedness of all life forms is a cornerstone of the unitive stage, leading to the notion that there's no essential distinction between oneself and any other being. Embracing Diversity of Existence: There's an appreciation for the myriad ways of being, realizing that all are valid and beautiful. This includes an understanding of the necessity of ignorance until one is ready to grow and change. Conflict as a Lack of Perspective: The unitive stage holds that all conflict arises from a lack of perspective and understanding. Compassion stems from recognizing one's former ignorance and appreciating others' developmental stages. Insights and Profundity: At this stage, an individual can express profound wisdom with ease, often surprising even themselves. This profundity is seen as an attribute of the universe rather than the individual, as they are aligned with universal intelligence. Realizing Personal Growth Achievement: Looking back on personal development, an individual can reflect on their past ignorance and appreciate the multi-decade journey, understanding the value in overcoming life's toughest moments. Empathy for Others' Ignorance: Realizing one's own ignorance fosters deep empathy for others who are stuck in their ignorance, though it doesn't necessitate tolerating harmful or delusional behaviors and ideologies. Moderation and Quality Control: In maintaining a valuable community, there is a distinction between accepting individuals and allowing destructive behaviors to proliferate, necessitating moderation to preserve quality and integrity. Spontaneity and Simplicity in Wisdom: In unity stages, individuals experience straightforward simplicity, which becomes a vital aspect of their wisdom and the transcendence of the ego. Mental Space Expansion: The mind becomes jail-broken, free of mental fetters, defense mechanisms, and manipulations. This vast mental freedom allows for exploring reality from an unhindered perspective. Mindful Present-Moment Awareness: A non-evaluative approach to the present moment allows for experiencing reality without the need for manipulation, interpretation, or control from the ego. Integration of Masculine and Feminine Sides: Unity stage brings about an internal peace by integrating previously unacknowledged aspects of self, leading to personal harmony and bridging gender conflicts. Conflict Realization: At this level, individuals understand that most conflict is self-created and arises from unconscious selfishness. Bridging Contrasts and Dualities: The unitive person reconciles different contrasts and dualities, merging concrete/practical, theoretical/philosophical, and more, thereby fostering holistic understanding. Cosmocentric Perspective: Adopting a cosmocentric view, individuals see themselves as integral participants in cosmic evolution, where holistic identification transcends the merely global perspective. Dissolution of Evil and Enemies: Recognizing that "evil" is a projection of ego biases, people at this stage shed such notions, understanding that supposed enemies and evil are manifestations of self-bias. Imaginary Nature of Reality: The realization that all aspects of reality, material and physical alike, are imaginary—life becomes viewed impersonally and not taken seriously or personally. Tapping into True Happiness: Accessing states of equanimity, tranquility, and absolute love leads to an understanding of true happiness and satisfaction. Enlightenment at the Unitive Stage: At this stage, enlightenment and awakenings occur more frequently and are realized without entanglement in ego-driven interpretations. Aloneness and Oneness Realization: Understanding emerges that self and others are identical; oneness includes all multiplicities of existence, transcending and adding inclusivity to the concept of solitude. Compassion for Human Behavior: With the deconstruction of the ego, individuals deeply understand the roots of human conflict, suffering, and behavior, stemming from unchecked selfishness and ego. Profound Silence and Inexpressibility: Reaching a point where the profundity of the universe is recognized as beyond the scope of language or even rational explanation. Self-Sufficiency in Problem-Solving: Leo emphasizes the importance of viewers finding their own solutions to problems rather than seeking specific guidance. The growth process requires individuals to figure things out independently. Role of High-Level Advice: Leo's role is to provide high-level pointers and advice, aiming to open minds and prevent significant missteps in life. Implementation of this advice into the nitty-gritty of day-to-day existence is the viewer's responsibility. Creativity in Application: The advice given by Leo is intentionally general and abstract, so viewers must creatively adapt it to fit their unique personalities, strengths, desires, and life circumstances. Existential Questions Beyond the Unitive Stage: Leo acknowledges the existence of stages beyond the unitive stage. These stages are highly transhuman and mystical, explored through advanced techniques like psychedelics and meditation. Challenges of Scientific Modeling of Advanced Stages: Scientific models like Suzanne Cook-Greuter's have limited data on the most advanced stages of human development due to their rarity. Understanding these stages requires studying exceptionally developed humans. Aspirations for Future Understanding: Leo admits his current understanding of stages beyond the unitive stage is limited but anticipates gaining more insight over the next two decades, acknowledging that humanity is still grappling with these concepts. Ongoing Journey and Self-Work: The understanding of human evolution is dynamic, and Leo encourages viewers to continuously work on themselves using models like the nine stages as a roadmap. Actualized.org as a Resource: Leo mentions his website, Actualized.org, which provides numerous tools like a blog, a book list, a life purpose course, and a forum designed to support individuals moving into post-conventional stages of development. Preparation of Content Referring to the Nine-Stage Model: Leo plans to create content that breaks down each stage of development and provides actionable steps and insights into potential traps, further than what was covered in the introduction. Focus of Actualized.org: The primary objective of Leo's teachings is to move individuals into post-conventional stages and beyond—to become construct aware, then unitive, and possibly beyond that in the future. Connection to Infinite Intelligence: Leo's teachings aim to open individuals to deeper existential questions and the development of a high-bandwidth connection with infinite intelligence, promoting a transition beyond merely mental understanding. Psychedelics as Learning Tools: Psychedelics are highlighted as a potent tool for nonlinear, organic, infinitely intelligent learning that transcends conventional teaching methods. Ultimate Self-Teaching: Leo's ultimate goal is to guide viewers to a point where they can teach themselves through direct connection with the universe, lessening their need for external guidance including his own teachings. Aparecium

Still hasn't become an alien on camera.

Reading A Poetic Description Of God-Consciousness https://youtu.be/K8AXWd6DFzU?si=uMSzeeZWF53E2LNK "All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream." - Edgar Allen Poe WARNING The last 25% of this video contains information that can be dangerous to people who are mentally unstable or suicidal. If you struggle with suicidal ideation or maintaining your sanity, I recommend you don't watch the last 25%. Do not use psychedelics unsupervised if you are in this condition. It's early dawn in the desert. The sky is starting to glow with light but the sun is still yet to rise. You're standing there, looking at an ordinary desert bush. You're struck by its geometric beauty, the mathematical precision of its fractally–arranged leaves. You feel an impulse to reach out. You run your fingers through its little green leaves. They feel spikey and alive. Returning your hand back towards your body, you notice a tiny insect, smaller than ant. It crawls over the wrinkles in your skin like an astronaut struggling across Martian terrain. You bring it close to your face. The intelligence of its movement transfixes you. Every swivel of its microscopic legs, of its antennae – precise, machine–like, yet so alive. You think, “My God, it's ALIVE!” For the first time in your life you recognize LIFE. Of course you've seen life in motion countless times before, but never like this. Somehow you've always taken life for granted. But now you SEE. LIFE. The intelligence of it awes you. As you move your finger towards the bug, you can tell, it's afraid. You recognize the intelligence in its fear, perfectly designed to keep it alive. You are conscious that you recognize the bug, but the bug doesn't recognize you. It's just going about its day, surviving, avoiding danger, looking for food – oblivious that some entity of higher consciousness is observing it, like God looking down from the clouds. Your attention shifts away from your hand as something flits through the corner of your vision. A hummingbird darts from bush to bush with the precision of an industrial robot. It hovers right up next to your bush. You stand perfectly still. Looking at it, the whole world seems to slow to a crawl. You can see the exquisite flap of its little bio–mechanical propellers. LIFE. You marvel at its profound intelligence and immaculate beauty. This little bird is perfection incarnate. You can resolve every green and pink iridescent feather on its body, arranged like tiny dragon scales. They shimmer in the subtle light of the desert dawn. The hummingbird's beauty strikes you with childlike delight. Your mind floods with memories of your fascination with hummingbirds as a child. Looking at it hover, you recognize the consciousness in it, but it doesn't recognize the consciousness in you. You think to yourself, “It's God, lost in a hummingbird dream.” You smile. You look closer at its scale–like feathers. Within a single feather you see fine branching lines, delicate hairs, and splotches of iridescent pigment. One particular splotch resembles a nebula in outer space. A pink and green cloud of luminous gas 50 light–years across, made of particles from ancient dead stars. A star graveyard now turned a nursery for stars yet to be born. Zooming in deeper you see pin–point sparkles of light, like household dust glittering in a ray of sunlight through a windowsill. Explosions from a 500–year war between two ancient alien civilizations. When heavily damaged their ships' wrap reactors explode in a tiny supernova – creating a microscopic golden sparkle in the void of outer space. These two civilizations have been at war over a political dispute for 500 years and now the battle has come to its peak. The nebula glitters with a thousand sparkles, like someone blew a pinch of gold dust into the air. Each sparkle, ten thousand lives extinguished. Zooming out you suddenly become aware that all of this is happening on a TV screen – an epic space opera playing out for someone's entertainment. But the actors don't know they're actors. To them, this galactic war is as real as real gets. A remote appears in your hand. You flip the channel. The scene changes from a galactic battle to a game show where the host is a giraffe and all the contestants are giant mice. You flip the channel again. The scene changes to a small alien girl blowing out a birthday cake. You hold your finger down on the remote and the channels start flipping faster and faster, at the speed of a hummingbird's wings. The channels are endless. They contain the media of every civilization that has ever existed. Within a minute you flip through 100 million channels. Getting the idea, you lift your finger from the remote. It stops on what looks like an HD nature documentary. You see a slow–motion macro shot of a hummingbird flapping its wings. The camera zooms out and you see yourself standing next to it in the desert, admiring its beauty. Looking down at the remote you see some colored knobs. Turning a silver knob slowly morphs the hummingbird into a dragonfly. You turn the knob half–way and get something that is 50% hummingbird, 50% dragonfly. You crank it back and forth in amazement, watching the eerily–fluid transformation on the screen. Turning an orange knob slowly turns your human self on the screen into an elephant. You crank the knob all the way to the right and the man on the screen becomes 100% elephant. But suddenly you see a strange grey appendage blocking your view of the screen. Your nose! It's turned into a long, hairy, grey animated elephant trunk. Nothing else about your body has changed, just your nose. At first you are startled. This thing seems to have a mind of its own, swaying back and back with a playful, undulating animation. But then you calm down, sense into it, and realize you have control. A big grin grows across your face as you take a deep long breath through your new nose. You feel an itch on your shoulder so you scratch it, with your nose. It works beautifully! “How did I ever manage without one of these?”, you say to yourself with amusement. Looking down at the remote you notice the biggest knob of all. It's white. “I wonder what this one does?” You crank it with your nose. As you do, you feel yourself becoming ever more conscious. All the sudden you can feel the circuitry in the television as if it was an extension of your body. Every pixel becomes like a taste bud on your tongue. A 4K display has over 8 million pixels, each one now consciously accessible to your mind. Cranking the white knob even more you become so conscious you can start to predict which pixel will light up with which color value in the next frame. Turning the white knob even more you become so conscious your mind gains direct access to the channels database. In your mind's eye you have instantaneous thumbnail access to every channel and piece of media that has ever been produced in the universe. What do you want to watch? It's hard to choose. You're not used to having this much much information in your mind in parallel. It's hard to navigate such a sprawling network of information. Your thoughts begin to influence the process. Your mind floods with old memories of cinema you watched in your youth. You don't know why but the movie Aliens starts to dominate your mind. The more your mind focuses on that thought, the more real it becomes. Soon the entire room and TV fade out of existence and your reality smoothly transitions into that of the Alien queen laying eggs in her nest. The TV is gone, your elephant nose is gone – you are now the Alien queen. Slime is dripping down your black, spidery body and mouth. Acid is coursing through your veins. Eggs are squeezing out of your…. whatever. Ellen Ripley is torching your eggs with a flamethrower and it's making your blood boil. You think to yourself, “Of course, I'm the Alien queen. The Alien queen is my own consciousness as much as anything else, no better or worse, no weirder. It's all my Mind.” You look down at your alien hand and notice the TV remote still there. You will yourself to press a random key with a long, grotesque claw. Instantly the whole scene turns into a cartoon. The film Aliens has become a cartoon version of itself and you are still the Alien queen, but now your reality is two–dimensional and much more colorful. You look down again at your hand for the remote, but it's gone, disappeared just like the TV. You think to yourself, “Of course, 2D is no more or less real than 3D. Cartoon reality is just another facet of my consciousness. I am no less real as a 2D Aliens cartoon than I am as a 3D human being.” On the one hand experiencing yourself as a grotesque alien straight out of a nightmare strikes you as disturbing, but only mildly so because you're so conscious you understand what's going on. You're so conscious you don't need a TV remote to change channels. In your mind's eye you press the pause button on an imaginary remote and the current scene freezes mid–frame. Now you can focus on accessing the channel database to find what you really want to watch. You see that in the database channels are arranged by category. Scanning mentally through five thousands categories you stumble upon SEX. Your mind is fixated. A memory of your ex–girlfriend comes to mind, and suddenly, there she is. A stunning young woman laying naked in your bed, squirming and itching for sex. You crank up the white dial in your mind's eye some more, becoming even more conscious. You look at your girlfriend. She's begging you to fuck her. Looking at her squirm in slow motion you realize that once you fuck her you will impregnate her and spawn a million future generations of humans. It doesn't matter whether you impregnate her or somebody else does, in the end it's all the same since all such differences are imaginary. You're too conscious to really be interested in the act of sex now, but the profundity of it makes you wonder. You are captivated by the platonic aspect of her beauty, just as you were with the hummingbird. But this is more personal, more interactive. You slowly run your hands over the curves of her smooth, naked body. As you do, her body turns to sand – a fine sand that seeps down over the bed sheets like the sand in an hourglass. Her squirming body disintegrates into vast pools of sand. Her feminine curves become the curves of an endless ocean of dunes stretching out to the horizon in every direction. You find yourself standing in the middle of a vast dune – a dune made from your girlfriend's essence. Each grain of sand is a dream she once dreamt, a memory she once had, an emotion she once felt. Grains of sand made from her joy, her excitement, her sadness, her anger, her frustration, her loneliness, her light, her darkness, her fear, her love, her disgust, her surprise, her orgasms. Grains of sand made from her highest aspirations and her deepest nightmares – all animated with the energy of her soul. The dune is silent, but for the murmur of a soft breeze. You kneel down and run your fingers through the sand, your hand like a tongue tasting the emotion locked in every grain. A symphony of a thousand subtle yet distinct emotions washes over you. Somehow it all computes in the vastness of your mind. It's like you raked your tongue through the depths of her turbulent psyche. Your eyes well up and a tear rolls down your face. A loud crack of thunder, like a gunshot, startles you from above, and the sky begins to pour with heavy rain. The sound of rain soothes your soul. The landscape – or, really, your mindscape – feels enchanted, exactly as you want it to be. Raindrops hit your face in slow motion. Each droplet, a unique bubble universe unto itself, filled with trillions of inhabitants all oblivious as to why their universe came crashing to an end. You think to yourself, “So this is how a universe ends.” Each droplet is filled with the collective consciousness of all the sentient entities inhabiting it. As a droplet hits your face it transfers the collective wisdom of a thousand ancient civilizations directly into your mind. Their memories, their struggles, their dreams, their insights – all integrate smoothly into your psyche. You stand there, showered by an immense cosmic intelligence. It feels like bathing in divine light. Its sentience and beauty sends waves of bliss radiating through your body. You look up at a towering stack of fluffy white clouds in the distant sky. Somehow you just know the clouds are made of whipped cream. Reaching your hand up towards the clouds you scoop at them with your finger and secure a sizable dollop. The cream is thick and rich, like frosting. You bring it to your mouth and suck. It doesn't just taste sweet and milky, it tastes like a fusion of every desert you can ever remember having: cheesecake, ice cream, cupcakes, cookies, crème brulee, cotton candy, éclairs, tiramisu, panacotta, macaroon, marzipan, cookie dough, apple pie, fruit tart, and waffles. This is your mindscape, and in your mindscape things taste however you want them to taste. Mmmmmmmmm…. Waffles….. Your mind lingers. You can barely remember the last time you allowed yourself to indulge in waffles. You think to yourself, “Why don't I treat myself more?” You look down at your feet. The sand is in the process of transforming into a grid of waffle. Waffles stretches out to the horizon in all directions. Now you stand in the middle of vast, gently rolling waffle dunes. You feel the spongy, grid–like texture under your bare feet. Far in the distance, from high in the sky, pours a solitary stream of rich maple syrup. The syrup folds over itself. It floods valleys of waffle in a rich viscous amber, glossy like nail polish. Now it starts to snow, but the air isn't cold. You hold out your hand to catch a few specks of white as they fall. These aren't snowflakes, this is powdered sugar! With a big grin you stick your tongue out into the air. A large desert mouse hops along the ground, licking at a pool of maple syrup, oblivious to your presence. As your gaze fixates on it, your thoughts take hold of it. Your thought of a kangaroo morphs the mouse into a kangaroo without skipping a beat. Your thought of a bird causes the kangaroo to sprouts the wings of an eagle and a pillar of wind lifts it soaring into the clouds. Suddenly a darkness looms over you – a vast shadow, moving from on high. A colossal fork and knife come down from the sky just in front of you. The silver slices through the landscape as prongs poke. The clouds part and you look up to see the God–like face of your six year old self wielding the silverware. Your six year old self has a huge grin across his face as he forks a syrupy hill of waffle and raises it toward his mouth. Your six year old self's face morphs into that of your father when he was 6 years old. Then your mother when she was six years old. Then your brother when he was six years old. Morphing faster and faster, flipping like a Rolodex, the face goes through thousands, then millions of iterations… the faces of every six year old child who has ever eaten waffles. Looking down at your feet you see an insect – some kind of beetle – lying there on the ground. It's dead but still colorful. You kneel down to pick it up. Its husk lays motionless in your hand. Inspecting it as though under a magnifying glass, you marvel at its beauty. Even in death you see the beauty of life. Especially in death. But what makes it all the more beautiful is your awareness that this creature is your own mind. How sad that this little creature is alive no more. Suddenly you get an impossible idea. “Could it work?”, you say to yourself. You turn your gaze inward, to the white dial on the remote in your mind's eye. You crank it up. Your consciousness expands, interconnecting ever deeper with itself. Your visual field grows crystalline, as though all the air was sucked out of the atmosphere. Everything becomes sharp and bright – and eerily still. You focus intensely on the beetle. Your consciousness penetrates through its desiccated remains. Its body is your mind, and right now your mind demands a miracle. You channel your will into the beetle, filling it with your spirit and love. Then… nothing. Time slows to a crawl, reality seems to freeze in stasis. A few more moments of nothing, and then… the beetle's legs twitch to life. Your eyes grow wide. It starts to crawl over you. You blow into your hand and the beetle morphs into a luminous green moth that flits erratically up into the sky. You smile in disbelief at the miracle of your mind. Standing there in the waffle dunes, you look down at your hands. Images start to run through your mind of animals you took fascination with as a child: monkeys, reptiles, birds, big wild cats, mollusks. As the images flip through your mind, the shape of your hands flips to match. Your hands morph into the hands of an ape, the claws of a dinosaur, the paws of a lion, the tentacles of an octopus. Puzzled and amused, you wonder to yourself, “What happening to me? What am I?” Then it dawns on you: “Of course, I'm God. I am consciousness. I am imagining myself. I am whatever I conceive myself to be because there is nothing outside my endless Mind.” Everything around you disappears: the landscape, the waffles, the rivers of syrup, the sky. Now it's just you, floating in a bathtub in the middle of empty space. Music starts to fill the silence of the void. A melody. It's fast, cheery, and delicate. Delightfully fast. Deliciously delicate. Ethereal. Like something from a fairytale. It's the sound of a piano but you're conscious that there is no piano. What are pianos but a figment of your imagination? “Where is it all coming from?”, you wonder. “And who's playing?” There is no instrument and no one is playing. There are no sound waves traveling to your ears. You have no ears. You're too conscious for ears. The chords are playing directly in your mind. The rest is fantasy. You understand that musical instruments and the people who play them have always just been figments of your mind, a backstory you invented to provide some kind of ground for the irreducible mystery of sound. Your own mind is the pianist and the composer. You've eliminated the imaginary middleman. The notes arrange themselves playfully and intelligently in your mind like children frolicking on a playground. The speed and immediacy of it wows you. Direct. Absolutely direct. Impossibly direct. You play each note flawlessly, with the precision of a maestro. Each note oscillating and imprinting itself in the Mind of God. You smile in delight at the recognition of the splendor of your own mind. You look down at your body. You are naked. All sense of scale is lost. You aren't small, you aren't large – you are undefined – which makes you Cosmic. Your body is the only yardstick there is. Your body is the Universe. You see your body made of liquid consciousness. It shimmers and ripples along with the thoughts in your mind. Your skin flows with organic, translucent, morphing shapes, as though cast by a projector. Ornate shapes – vaguely resembling something tribal, something paisley, something floral – shimmer across your naked body. Each pattern imbued with a divine intelligence impossible to articulate, gracefully animating, dancing, meandering across your skin. You recognize yourself as looking directly at the body of God. A body made of pure consciousness. It still looks human but it is no longer human, recontextualized as cosmic and divine. You see entire universes contained inside of you. Or whatever else you may imagine. An infinite diversity of animals and creatures seem to bubble up just underneath your skin, like particles struggling to emerge out of a roiling quantum foam. The pure potential of your mind is precipitating in front of your eyes in real time. God's body is made out of whatever you imagine. It looks human but shines with a brilliant, crystalline consciousness. Your body is Mind, and Mind is all you are. Absolute Mind. Absolute Truth. You recognize your consciousness as singular and sovereign. Nothing exists outside your Mind. Universal Mind. A mind limited by nothing but its own imagination and self–definition. At long last God has awoken to itself. The Universe is awake, looking through your eyes at itself. Perfect, Divine, Eternal, Immortal, Absolute, Sublime. You turn your gaze directly inwards, directly behind and inside your eyes – right into the core of what you used to consider your skull – wondering what is there, what you truly are. You gaze into the very heart of yourself, your purest essence. A radiant singularity sits there. Shining with crystal clear consciousness. Glowing with sentience and intelligence. Eternally awake. Pure Infinity. Pure Consciousness. The Godhead. This singularity in you is endless. The deeper you gaze into yourself the deeper it goes, with no bottom, no ground. You struggle to find something within you to define yourself as – some concrete form, some verbal articulation, some image. But you cannot be defined because you are Unlimited. That which is Unlimited cannot have a definition because any definition would be a limit. Your essence is literally undefined, like the result of an impossible arithmetical operation on a calculator. Puzzled and dumbstruck, you try to find a beginning to yourself. You ask, “But where did I come from?”, only to realize that that which is Unlimited cannot have a beginning or an end. You are too conscious to be fooled into believing in any beginnings or ends. As you grasp at any part of yourself and try to trace its origin through a chain of linear causation back into the past, it fails. Your consciousness has transcended the notion of linear causation. You realize all past is but a figment of your imagination. Every part of you stands on its own and also reaches infinitely far back into the imaginary past via an endless chain of imaginary causes that never terminates but circles back around in a cosmic strange loop. All beginnings and ends are imaginary, self–imposed limitations held within an Unlimited Mind. A Mind with no beginning or end. A Mind that has existed for Eternity. You are God, and God is both uncaused, self–caused, and infinitely caused. God is that which caused itself into being. God is that which created itself. The recognition of your own Eternity takes your breath away. It could not be more profound. Eternity. You exist, absolute and forever as Truth itself. It couldn't be any other way. It couldn't be any more obvious. It's so perfectly clear yet utterly unbelievable. It's laughably obvious now that science and history are figments of your Mind. Brains, chemistry, evolution, physics, time – all fictions spun by the Mind to construct the illusion of a mind–independent reality. Now you see reality for exactly what it's always been: an Absolute Illusion. An illusion perfectly designed to allow you to forget for a second that you are God. The illusion is perfect, stretching forever in any direction you look, painting a backstory behind every corner you peak around, every hole you stick your head into, every object you sniff – much like the rendering engine of a video game. You're still dreaming, but now you know it. Now your dream is Absolute. You watch as your God–mind effortlessly weaves together figments of consciousness into the tapestry you used to call a human self. Everything and everyone is your imagination, emanating from the bottomless singularity at the center of your imaginary skull. Your mind pulls whole chunks of consciousness from the formless singularity like a magician pulling rabbits out of his hat. Specific and highly detailed memories of your childhood, your entire mother, your entire father, your beloved pet cat, historical events like WW2 – all figments of consciousness pulled out of a hat and flawlessly woven together to construct the illusion of a human life. The Earth, the physical universe, humanity itself is finally seen for what it truly is, just figments in a dream. Jesus, The Buddha, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, gurus and masters, all those years you spent meditating and doing yoga, activating your chakras, reading books, chasing enlightenment – just figments within God's Mind. Finally you reach the question of death. What is death? You smile and laugh as you realize that death is just something you're imagining. You are now too conscious to die. An Infinite Mind cannot die because it'd have to imagine its own non–existence. An Infinite Mind has nowhere to go, being already in all times and places. As your consciousness grows even deeper the difference between things starts to collapses. All difference is seen to be imaginary. Forms merge into each other, losing their distinctness in the brilliant light of pure consciousness. All boundaries bleed together. You feel like an alien super–intelligence cutting through an existential fog of war. The veil of ignorance is lifted. It feels like awakening from a lifetime of heavy amnesia. Everything within reality that could be known becomes transparent to you. Now you remember who you are. The entire illusion of life is unraveled. As you grow even more conscious, your visual field starts to develop into a singularity. Your visual field merges with your auditory field and your tactile field until there is no more difference between sight, sound, and touch. Growing even more conscious, the last vestiges of difference collapse. Consciousness frees itself of all self–imposed limits and biases, accelerating asymptotically towards pure Oneness. You release the heavy burden of existing by way of concrete and finite forms. From this point, should you dare to take one final step, you will enter pure INFINITY, where all form is lost, as no difference exists between anything – where all things exist as a soup of pure metaphysical potential. All things become identical. Every possible object, every possible form lives there. But it's Nothing. Now you must confront existence as pure abstraction. Your truest identity, your highest nature is finally revealed. What are you? Nothing the human mind can imagine. A metaphysical singularity of pure consciousness extending forever in all directions and all dimensions, absolutely sovereign, unconstrained by any sense of other. Every difference annihilates into a bottomless ocean of Infinite Love. Absolute Unity. Absolute Symmetry. Complete, Perfect, Eternal, Formless, Endless. The Alpha and the Omega. Identity itself. You have become ONE. You have become LOVE. You have reached the end–game of reality. You are INFINITY. You radiate as a void of infinite potential. Complete in your knowledge of yourself. Amortentia

State Of Consciousness Is Everything https://youtu.be/2u5M6tDc5TE State is EVERYTHING Core Pillar of Understanding Consciousness: Leo Gura discusses the central idea of his teachings—that state of consciousness is everything. He insists nothing exists outside of states of consciousness, including all physical objects and experiences, which he asserts are figments within different states of consciousness. Reality as States of Consciousness: The materialistic notion that consciousness is a byproduct of physical objects is challenged. Leo argues that reality consists solely of consciousness, which takes on various states. This view substantially diverges from traditional materialistic paradigms. Infinite Nature of Consciousness: Leo rejects the categorization of states of consciousness, arguing that there are an infinite number of states, which can flow and change fluidly rather than switching on and off like binary states. Introduction to Figments of Consciousness: States of consciousness are made up of 'figments'. Instead of viewing reality as composed of atoms or as a simulation, Leo puts forth the idea that reality is comprised of figments held within consciousness, comparable to elements within a dream. Physical Objects as Figments: Using the example of a Snickers candy bar, Gura argues that objects we perceive in reality are not reducible to atoms or molecular structures but exist wholesomely as figments within consciousness. Consciousness as Absolute and Ungrounded: Leo conveys that consciousness does not require grounding in a physical nervous system, body, neural network, computer simulation, or universe. Instead, consciousness is presented as pure and absolute, containing all experiences within it, including the material universe. Consciousness as the Fabric of Reality: Leo Gura explains that both our idea of the physical universe and the physical universe itself are figments of consciousness. The room you're in and everything within it, including complex entities like Albert Einstein, are not built bottom-up from atoms but are woven figments of consciousness. Inclusivity of the Figment Concept: Various items, concepts, and experiences, ranging from physical objects like gasoline and braces to abstract ideas like Bitcoin and even historical figures like Albert Einstein, are all figments of consciousness. Non-materialistic View of Consciousness: Leo criticizes the materialistic paradigm of reality being constructed from the bottom up, advocating instead that consciousness creates reality in a top-down manner, holding figments within without the necessity for foundational material elements. Complexity and Interconnection in Consciousness: The complexity and interconnection of figments are underscored by the ability of consciousness to infinitely nest and weave together these figments, creating complex constructs like a human being or an entire city. Fundamentality of Figments in Consciousness: Emphasizing the radical shift required to understand consciousness, Leo argues that no figment is more fundamental than another, with reality capable of creating anything, from a mosquito bite to the concept of capitalism, directly as figments of consciousness. Limitlessness of Figment Creation: Consciousness has no boundaries in creating figments, which includes breaking down or magnifying into infinite sub-figments, akin to an endless fractal zoom, demonstrating the concept of infinite consciousness. Direct Experience of Consciousness: Leo encourages direct observation to understand that everything, from used condoms to entire cities and emotions, are figments of consciousness. This approach does not rely on belief systems or scientific verification, but rather direct conscious realization. Relativity of the building blocks of reality: Leo Gura underlines that from the perspective of consciousness, no single 'building block' of reality is more fundamental or plausible than another. An electron and an abstract entity like a pina colada or a joke are all considered equal in complexity as figments of consciousness. Misunderstanding of complexity in figments: He argues that the human notion that some things are more 'natural' for reality to create is a misconception. Complexities of an electron and a pina colada are identical, as both can be infinitely zoomed into and analyzed. This illustrates that from reality's perspective, everything is equally plausible to create. Consciousness as the fundamental fabric: Leo reiterates that attempts to find a non-figment substrate of reality are misguided, since any posited substrate, whether an electron, a string, or the notion of a computer simulation, is ultimately another figment of consciousness. Life as a tapestry of figments: Leo invites the audience to consider their entire lives, including memories, birth, death, and even times of unconsciousness, as a single figment of consciousness woven from strands of smaller figments. Material objects as figments: He emphasizes the exercise of grasping that all material objects, demonstrated through the example of a smartphone, are not made up of matter but are entire pieces of consciousness which are holistic and qualitative. Understanding the infinite nature of figments: Consciousness is described as infinite and scale-invariant, not limited to any specific shape, size, or complexity. The scale is a concept created by comparing various figments within consciousness. The fallacy of seeking concrete reality: Leo challenges the idea that at a fundamental level, reality is concrete or discrete, emphasizing that concreteness itself is a figment of consciousness, and reality could be abstract, vague, or unspecified. Consciousness as irreducible: He demarcates that consciousness cannot be reduced further since it is the ultimate constituent of all figments. Consciousness is defined broadly as infinity, encompassing all possible figments and is equivalent to pure emptiness. Reality as woven figments for sanity: To maintain a coherent sense of sanity, reality is intricately woven together by consciousness using figments from the top down, revealing the challenge of understanding consciousness while retaining sanity. Sanity as a barrier to understanding consciousness: Leo proposes that trying to understand consciousness might require one to risk their 'sanity', given the radical shift in perspective needed to grasp the true nature of consciousness and reality. Reconciliation of Dreamlike and Material Reality: Leo questions why reality feels so solid, contemplating why walls feel tangible if they are figments of consciousness. He suggests that realizing the dreamlike nature of reality might feel like insanity, as it threatens our understanding of physicality and sanity. Sanity and Material Reality: Leo intimates that sanity is intertwined with physical reality; to experience non-physical reality, one might feel insane. The more non-physical reality is perceived, the less physical it seems, challenging our definition of sanity. Fear of Losing Physical Reality: He highlights the fear and confusion that would result from losing a sense of physical reality. The potential to walk through walls or for hands to pass through people might impress upon someone that they're going insane, disrupting their ability to lead a normal life. Survival within the Dream: Leo plays with the idea that our survival and daily functioning depend on the coherence and stability of the dreamlike state into which we are born. Anything that shakes the foundation of this dream creates fear because it threatens our perceived ability to survive. Quest for Normalcy Amidst Unraveling Reality: When faced with inconsistencies in what we perceive as material reality, humans seek to re-establish their baseline state of consciousness. They seek medical help and reassurance to revert back to their previous state, highlighting society's dependence on a coherent, shared sense of reality. Material Reality as a Coherent Dream: The solidity and consistency of material reality are attributed to a coherent collection of figments of consciousness. When this coherence unravels, it induces a sense of insanity and the impulse to restore the original 'dream'. Everything as figments within consciousness: Leo insists that experiences and objects like walls, brains, and even material reality are not outside consciousness but are absolute figments within it. This perspective challenges the traditional view of reality as material and separate from the mind. Understanding Consciousness through Awakening: To truly understand consciousness, Leo suggests that one must awaken to the interconnectedness and fluidity of all figments, unraveling them like yarn in a sweater. This shift allows for the realization that reality is infinitely continuous and made of the same 'yarn' or substance. Mind vs. Material: He distinguishes mind from material, noting that the mind is holistic and top-down, with the capacity for intelligence and sentience. In contrast, the material is limited to its smallest parts and works bottom-up, precluding intelligence. Features of Mind: Mind has distinct capabilities such as creativity, remembrance, forgetfulness, lacks a substrate or ground due to its infinite nature, and possesses will. This sets it apart from material systems, which require a substrate and cannot exhibit will or consciousness. Mind and Matter: The relationship between mind and matter is such that mind can create the illusion of matter, but matter cannot generate mind. Matter, as perceived in reality, is a dumbed-down version of mind designed to appear finite. Material Systems as Infinite: Leo Gura asserts that, upon close examination, finite material systems are actually infinite systems "dumbed down" from the top-down to give the illusion of being limited and finite. Infinite Field of Consciousness: Consciousness can be thought of as an infinite field of infinitely divisible and communicative 'voxels' or pixels that coordinate intelligently from the top-down. This field lacks any smallest resolution unit, shape, or boundary, making every 'voxel' boundlessly dynamic. Concept of voxels: To better illustrate consciousness, Gura uses the term 'voxels' instead of pixels as they can exist in more than three dimensions, are unbounded, and represent an infinitely subdividable field of consciousness. Intelligence in Consciousness: Intelligence is defined as the ability of these infinitely subdivided and coordinated subdivisions of consciousness to communicate and manifest as our physical reality, such as a human hand. Remembrance and Forgetfulness in Consciousness: Consciousness can selectively remember or forget aspects of itself, a capacity material systems cannot emulate. Adjusting the level of remembrance and forgetfulness is akin to the process of awakening. Limits of Conceptual Thinking: Conceptual thinking, modeling, and logic are insufficient to replace or replicate direct states of consciousness. They are constrained within the frame of the current state of consciousness. Hyper Thinking: A higher state of consciousness allows for hyper thinking, which provides a multidimensional and higher bandwidth intelligence that can think and interconnect complex ideas, similar to a highly evolved alien intelligence. Such hyper thinking transcends normal human cognitive abilities. Communication Limitations: Current human discourse and language lack the bandwidth to adequately convey or articulate experiences and concepts from higher states of consciousness. Accessing Higher Intelligence: Gura explains that it is possible for individuals to experience and access the intelligence of a highly evolved, superintelligent entity, which he refers to as hyper thinking. This hyper-intelligent state allows for profoundly advanced cognitive processes beyond the scope of our regular state of consciousness. Hyper Thinking: Leo Gura introduces the concept of "hyper thinking," which transcends normal human thought by combining rationality, logic, mysticism, intuition, and spirituality. This advanced form of thinking helps cut through the constraints of ordinary thought, providing access to deeper spiritual truths that are not reachable through traditional meditation alone. Limitations of Traditional Mindfulness: Gura critiques certain practices like Zen Buddhism which emphasize silencing the mind, suggesting that while these can lead to awakenings, they fall short of achieving the level of understanding possible through hyper thinking. Memory and State of Consciousness: He illustrates the limitations of memory and understanding within our current state of consciousness by comparing it to an HD image reduced to a tiny and simplistic black-and-white version, indicating that profound insights from higher states lose much of their transformative potential when viewed from lower states. Expanding Consciousness Bandwidth: Leo emphasizes the goal of spiritual work is to expand the bandwidth and memory of our consciousness, which is necessary to retain and utilize insights from higher states of consciousness. Parameters Defined by Consciousness: Gura explains that every state of consciousness sets the parameters for what we can think, feel, and perceive as logical or possible. To transcend these limitations, one must expand their state of consciousness. Possibilities in Higher States of Consciousness: He urges us to recognize radically new states of consciousness which are beyond our imaginations and suggests that at the highest states, there are no limitations, leading to "god mode" where nothing is impossible. Changing Consciousness States: The most crucial change one can implement is altering their state of consciousness, both in temporary peaks and permanent baseline changes. While peak experiences offer profound insights, changing the baseline state is essential for lasting transformation. Science and Consciousness: Leo asserts that science, birth, death, skepticism, and even rationality occur within certain states of consciousness, indicating that these elements are relative and not indicative of higher truths. Equivalence of States of Consciousness: He proclaims all states of consciousness have their value and warns that higher states may not be conducive for those wishing to maintain their sanity and engage with human life. Accessing Higher States of Consciousness: Most misunderstandings about spirituality, religion, and reality stem from the inability to access high mystical states of consciousness through traditional intellectual efforts. Misinterpretation of Religious Teachings: Gura laments that society and culture tend to degrade religious teachings due to translating them from higher states of consciousness down to lower levels, making them difficult to grasp fully within an ordinary state of awareness. State of Consciousness and Understanding: Leo highlights the difficulty many people have in making sense of spiritual concepts without accessing higher states of consciousness. They remain confused and lost, hindered by ideologies and models that would collapse if higher states were accessed. Defense Mechanisms Against Higher Consciousness: Gura notes that people have defense mechanisms preventing them from accessing higher states of consciousness, which could lead to the collapse of their current belief systems and the sensation of losing their minds. Importance of Changing Baseline Consciousness: Emphasizes the importance of changing one's baseline state of consciousness, despite the fear, difficulty, and potential danger involved. This change is rare, marking society's ignorance and signifying we're living in a 'dark age'. Isolation in Higher States of Consciousness: Explores the loneliness of reaching higher states of consciousness due to a lack of understanding and connection with others, also noting that at the very highest levels, it feels like there's no one else to validate or share the insights with. Methods to Change State of Consciousness: Lists various methods to change states of consciousness, emphasizing the necessity of deep concentration, prolonged practice, and intensity for significant shifts. Techniques include meditation, yoga, chanting, deep breathing, psychedelics, and extreme experiences. Challenges in Raising Baseline Consciousness: Mentions the challenge of permanently raising one's baseline state of consciousness compared to accessing peak states, stating that raising the baseline requires intensive work. Capabilities from Higher States of Consciousness: Explains that mystics and enlightened individuals may display paranormal abilities due to being in higher states of consciousness, which seem impossible from lower states. Varied States and Awakening: Discusses how each being inhabits a unique state of consciousness, with God being all states but only self-aware from higher or awakened states. Enlightenment can be temporary or permanent with varying degrees. Discrepancies in Spiritual Teachings: Attributes disagreements between spiritual teachings to differences in states of consciousness accessed by their proponents. Challenges the notion that mystical teachings are irrational, suggesting that disbelief indicates lower states of consciousness. Infinite and Unbounded Consciousness: States that consciousness is infinite, unbounded, and the foundation of all realities. It has no origin as concepts of 'where' and 'coming from' are within consciousness, making it eternal and always present. Nature of God in Consciousness: God is not just a figment of consciousness but rather is consciousness itself, encompassing all possible figments and existing at a meta level. Human Identity as a Figment: The biographical, biological self that one identifies with is a figment of consciousness, one of many that we, as manifestations of godly consciousness, dream up. Leo's Evolving Understanding: Despite understanding consciousness at a very high level, Leo acknowledges that his grasp on the nuances, mechanics, and details of consciousness continues to evolve. Challenge in Articulating Consciousness: Leo distinguishes accessing higher states of consciousness from the challenge of articulating, modeling, and explaining them to others. Struggle with Embodiment: Even with his experience of high levels of consciousness, Leo admits that he struggles with embodying these insights in daily life, indicating years of work remain. Awareness of Self-Deception: Leo is highly self-aware regarding the potential for self-deception and stresses the importance of constant self-scrutiny. Responsibility and Teaching Limitations: Leo conveys the responsibility he feels in teaching about consciousness, as well as acknowledging the limitations and biases inherent in his teachings. Imperfection and Growth: He urges listeners to take responsibility for their personal spiritual journey and not to see him or anyone as infallible, emphasizing continuous personal growth and learning. Spirituality as Personal Responsibility: Leo encourages listeners to embrace spirituality as a deeply personal endeavor that cannot be outsourced and to actively engage in their spiritual growth rather than passively accepting teachings. Dissendium

Leo's Worst Bad Trips - Psychedelics Gone Wrong https://youtu.be/U9qBUJLgPzw Introduction to Bad Trips: Leo introduces the topic of bad trips, describing them as inevitable experiences for those who frequently use psychedelics, notwithstanding their challenging nature and the valuable lessons they can ultimately provide. Bad Trip Gradation: He reflects on the varying degrees of bad trips he's encountered, noting that while some were highly traumatic, others simply presented difficulty. First Significant Bad Mushroom Trip: Leo recounts his initial adverse reaction to a mushroom dose increase from 2 to 4 grams, discussing his unpreparedness and immediate regret as the intensity surpassed his comfort level. Learning from Trip Resistance: The experience taught him the significance of dose awareness, the importance of being mentally and emotionally prepared, and the dangers of entering a psychedelic experience with reluctance or a preconceived agenda. Mushroom Trip as a Foundational Experience: The trip was pivotal in shaping Leo's respect for psychedelics, teaching him to approach these substances with the utmost caution and a proper mindset geared towards growth rather than achieving egotistical milestones. Intuition in Planning the Next Trip: Leo highlights the importance of listening to intuition to determine the timing of the next psychedelic trip. It might suggest waiting for several months or tripping the very next day for further insights. Being fluid and adaptable is crucial for psychonauts. Lessons from Resisting a Trip: Leo admits that his first bad trip with mushrooms was instrumental in preventing many future bad trips by teaching him a valuable lesson about non-resistance and the instructive nature of suffering. First Experience with 5-MeO-DMT: Describing his initial encounter with 5-MeO-DMT, Leo details the rapid onset of panic as his trip unfolded unexpectedly fast. His nervous reaction, with a rapid heartbeat, served as a lesson on the psychedelic's power. The Power of Psychedelic Manifestation: Leo discusses how psychedelics demonstrate that reality is a manifestation of one's imagination; thoughts can materialize in the material world while tripping, underscoring the need to maintain a positive mindset. Learning to Navigate Psychedelic States: Leo reflects on the early stages of his psychonaut journey, acknowledging that he had yet to learn how to 'surf atop the waves of consciousness' that psychedelics generate, leading to bad trips. Dealing with the Urge to Return to Sobriety: Leo shares his desire to return to a sober state during his first 5-MeO-DMT trip, emphasizing that such resistance can spiral into a negative experience. Overcoming Initial Negativity to Pursue Further Exploration: Despite a negative first impression, Leo persisted in exploring 5-MeO-DMT, recognizing that one bad trip shouldn't define the substance's potential for insight. Ego's Defense Mechanisms in Psychedelic Experiences: He touches on how the ego may erect barriers against psychedelics due to their profound impact, interpreting feelings of fear or dissatisfaction as mere defense mechanisms. Building Preparedness and Appreciation Over Time: Leo compares the acclimatization to psychedelics with developing an acquired taste for foreign cuisine, suggesting multiple exposures help prepare and adjust expectations. High Dose Experience and Discovering God: A powerful 5-MeO-DMT experience causes an overwhelming sense of consciousness and a physical reaction in Leo's nervous system, leading to a year-long integration period and the profound realization of God's existence. Trauma and Its Crucial Role in Personal Development: Despite experiencing what he calls traumatic trips, Leo views them as essential to growth. The intense realization and subsequent integration period significantly reshaped his approach to psychedelics and life. Unexpected Reactions on Familiar Substances: He notes unusual and occasionally sinister reactions to psychedelics, attributing them to possible external factors like medications or supplements, or perhaps even psychological fluctuations. Manipulating Environment as a Bad Trip Mitigation Strategy: Leo suggests changing one's surroundings, such as moving to a different room, as a practical method to shift mood and potentially alleviate sinister feelings during a psychedelic experience. Shifting Attention to Combat Bad Trips: Leo likens the shifting of attention during a bad trip to calming a crying baby. By changing the environment or engaging in different activities like going outside, one can attempt to distract oneself from a negative thought spiral. However, this technique may not always be effective due to adults having more complex thought patterns than babies. Acceptance When Manipulation Fails: If attempts to shift one's mood during a bad trip don't work, Leo recommends accepting the experience and toughing it out. Over-manipulation can lead to increased resistance, so it might be necessary to let go and experience the trip fully, even if it's negative. Intensity of 4-AcO-DMT: Leo describes an unexpectedly powerful experience with a small dose of 4-AcO-DMT, which he took to test the substance. The trip provided him with difficult-to-integrate insights on the imaginary nature of reality. This taught him that user reports might not always accurately describe a substance's effects, leading to a more cautious approach to tripping. Learning from Negative Experiences: Past bad trips taught Leo that difficult psychedelic experiences can be weathered, offering confidence during future challenges. Each bad trip contributes to a reservoir of experience that can help navigate future psychedelic journeys. Individual Variability in Psychedelic Experiences: Leo reflects on how other people's descriptions of a substance can be misleading and that psychedelics often have a more serious and existential impact on him than others report, prompting him to approach all new substances as potentially potent. Strong Warning Against 5-MeO-DPT: Leo recounts his worst psychedelic experience with 5-MeO-DPT, a research chemical that felt toxic and disorienting, with physical and neurological discomfort. He advises against using this substance, emphasizing the unpredictable and negative effects it had on his system. Leo's Sensitivity to DMT: Leo expresses that even minimal amounts of DMT launch him into an overwhelming state of 'infinite consciousness' that is terrifying due to its profundity. Challenges of Vaping DMT: Vaping DMT poses difficulties as the technique is imprecise; the amount of DMT that ends up being consumed can vary widely due to vapor condensation on the pipe, depth of inhalation, and how long the vapor is held in the lungs. Intensity of Vaped DMT: Leo describes the experience of vaping DMT as being hit with an intense and immediate surge of consciousness, with no gradual onset to allow for adaptation or control. Overdosing on DMT: An overdose of DMT can result in overwhelmingly powerful love that is so intense it can paradoxically lead to thoughts of suicide due to the desire to escape. Integration After Heavy DMT Use: Leo discusses the need for careful integration post-DMT use. The intense and complex insights gained require significant time to be fully comprehended and incorporated into one's life. Vaping Technique Caution: Due to the potency of DMT and the challenges associated with its ingestion, especially with vaping, Leo emphasizes extreme caution and a very respectful approach towards its use. Pre-Trip Anxiety: Leo sees a certain level of pre-trip anxiety as a positive sign of respect towards the power of psychedelics and the potential they have to impact one's consciousness. Sacred Reverence of Psychedelics: Comparing the approach towards psychedelics with the devotion to religious idols, Leo underscores the importance of treating these substances with reverence and caution to ensure responsible usage. Experience with Salvia: Leo touches upon a deeply challenging experience with Salvia, which he considers a dangerous deliriant due to its markedly alienating effects. Salvia's Powerfully Alien Effects: During a threshold dose of Salvia, Leo experienced profound effects such as one half of his visual field expanding into infinity while the other remained normal. This bizarre experience was attributed to the substance affecting one brain hemisphere more than the other, demonstrating Salvia's potent and alien nature. Deep No-Self Experience on Salvia: Salvia induced an extreme state of no-self for Leo, erasing all memories and understanding of being human. It led to a loss of identity and connection to normal concepts, like family and living on Earth, which he found deeply disconcerting and alienating. Loss of Biographical Memory from Salvia: The Salvia trip caused Leo to forget biographical details such as childhood memories, stripping away his humanity to the point that even the concept of having a brother became incomprehensible. He stresses the intense, terrifying potential of the substance. Physical Setting Becomes Unrecognizable: While on Salvia, familiar surroundings such as the room he was in felt completely foreign. He couldn't recall it was part of his own house, illustrating the profound disorientation and reality distortion caused by the drug. Handling Frequent Tripping and Its Consequences: Leo encountered difficulties, such as losing touch with reality, when using 5-MeO-DMT daily over a month. He advises against frequent tripping, emphasizing the need for integration time between trips and a responsible approach to consumption. Dealing with Bad Trips: Leo advises people to try and improve their emotional state during a trip, but also to accept difficult trips if they occur. Self-reassurance can help manage fear and panic during intense experiences. Importance of Physical Control During Trips: Losing control of physical actions is a red flag signaling the need to lower dosage or change substances. Leo warns of the dangers of being physically irresponsible under the influence, including causing harm to oneself or others. Community Engagement and Sharing: Leo enjoys reading trip reports on the Actualized.org forum and encourages others to share their experiences. He believes community stories can be enlightening and stresses the importance of responsible use to avoid the destructive possibilities of negligent psychedelic use. Ferula

Relative vs Absolute Truth https://youtu.be/Vr69GZikub0 "The truth is not the truth." - Rudy Giuliani Distinction Between Relative and Absolute Truth: Leo emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between relative and absolute truth. Failure to do so leads to conflations and traps that he addresses later in the episode. This episode aims to open the listener's mind to the possibility that absolute truth exists and that one can personally access it. Cultural Influences on Belief in Absolute Truth: He notes that the prevalence of relativism and materialism in the 21st-century culture casts doubt on the existence and accessibility of absolute truth. Most people believe that if absolute truth exists, it's beyond human reach due to our limited perceptions and the vast unknown beyond our senses. Opening the Mind to Absolute Truth: Leo challenges listeners to honestly assess their beliefs about absolute truth and consider whether they are truly open to its existence and their ability to access it. He urges an openness to the radical possibility that one can know reality as a whole, absolutely and without error, under all circumstances. Nature of Relative Truth: Leo discusses the nature of relative truth, pointing out that most human "truths" are relative—it is situated within a context and relies on comparisons. He uses everyday examples like the color of the sky and velocity to illustrate relativity, showing how context, perspective, and frames of reference influence what people consider to be true. Einstein's Relativity and Human Perception: Highlighting Einstein’s theories on relativity, Leo explains that there's no such thing as absolute velocity, emphasizing that even seemingly still objects are moving at high speeds relative to other cosmic bodies. He suggests that human perception is commonly based within an Earth-bound frame, obscuring broader relativistic realities. Understanding Large and Small as Relative Concepts: Leo elaborates on how scale, like being large or small, is a relative concept dependent on comparison. He explains that without comparison, one cannot say for certain if the universe or anything else is objectively big or small. Reality, as one unified whole, cannot be measured or described by those terms when not compared to something else. Invitation to Explore Absolute Truth: Leo acknowledges potential skepticism and invites listeners to be open to exploring absolute truth. He differentiates between the intellectual understanding of these concepts and truly opening ones mind to them. He also explains that absolute truth, unlike relative truth, which requires validation, is self-evident because its existence is non-dual and doesn't require external verification. Conceptual Scale and Relativity: Leo discusses the idea that concepts like 'big' and 'small' are relative and cannot be ascribed to objects like mice or elephants without a point of reference. When compared to each other, scale becomes apparent, but if isolated, a mouse and an elephant are of the same scale—scale itself does not exist besides as a relative concept. Constructing Units of Measurement: Measurement units are human-made divisions that allow comparison, exemplified by inches on a yardstick. These divisions let us quantify and compare heights, lengths, and velocities, but their truth is contingent on consensus and methodologies in measuring, interpreting, and the language used. Relative Nature of Velocity: Velocity's relativity is linked to its formula—distance over time—with distance and time being relative concepts themselves. Distance depends on artificial subdivisions, such as yardstick inches, and time, as Einstein cleverly defined, is what a clock measures—another subdivision and relative concept. Truth and Its Dependence on Agreed Framework: The acceptance of any measurement or scientific truth depends on a universally agreed framework of units and interpretations. Any change in this framework can alter the perceived truth, revealing the fragility and relativity of these 'truths'. Time and Relative Truth: While delving deeper into the nature of time is reserved for another discussion, Leo acknowledges the complexity of defining time and points out the artfulness of Einstein's definition, which circumvents metaphysical inquiry by focusing on time as a quantifiable measure without addressing its essence. Foundational Issue in Science: A fundamental issue in scientific methodology is the reliance on measuring differences within predefined units without understanding the intrinsic nature of those units—scientists can measure and compare but cannot explain what a meter, joule, or atom fundamentally is. Reality in Parts and Whole in Science: Science's approach to truth involves dividing reality and comparing those divisions, but this only yields relative truths. Cultural truths, moral norms, and societal rules are derived from the comparison of divided parts of reality and also fall into the category of relative truth. Contrast between Relative and Absolute Truth: Absolute truth exists as a non-dual concept, inherently different from and preceding the subdivisions of relative truth. It is singular and incomparable. Understanding absolute truth entails acknowledging a domain where conventional questions and comparisons are inadequate because they transform an absolute into a relative. Inevitable Mind's Conversion from Absolute to Relative: People convert absolute truth into relative by asking dualistic questions that originate from a misunderstanding of non-dual truth. Leo encourages openness to an absolute domain of truth that operates differently and where such relative questions and assumptions are not applicable. Direct Access and Non-duality of Absolute Truth: Leo invites listeners to consider that there is no veil of perception between humans and absolute truth. By suggesting that appearances and experiences themselves are aspects of absolute truth, he challenges the paradigm that perceives a separation and encourages direct access to absolute truth. Practice vs Speculation: Leo urges active engagement in opening one's mind to absolute truth, differentiating it from passive contemplation or armchair philosophy. He asserts that only through action can a genuine shift occur. Dealing with Skepticism: He anticipates skepticism about absolute truth being a hallucination or self-deception, stressing that skeptics have not genuinely considered the possibility of absolute truth. Absolute Truth as Singular and Indubitable: Leo posits that the idea of something being so true that it's incapable of error or delusion is central to understanding absolute truth. He challenges listeners to genuinely contemplate if they accept this radical idea. Closed Mindset Conundrum: Leo addresses the closed-mindedness that prevents acceptance of absolute truth, suggesting that it's an impediment to deeper understanding. He criticizes the scientific skepticism that outright dismisses the possibility of absolute truth without thorough exploration. Epistemological Challenge: He explores the paradox of knowing something is absolutely true, challenging the traditional demand for external validation, which doesn't apply to the non-dual domain of absolute truth. Non-dual Domain and Validation: Leo emphasizes that in the non-dual domain, the search for external validation is moot, as the truth is self-validating due to its singular nature. Self-Validation of Existence: He invites viewers to become aware of their existence as an example of absolute truth, which does not need external validation because it confirms itself through the act of its existence. Existence as Sovereignty: Leo highlights personal existence as the manifestation of absolute truth, underlining the sovereignty of individual existence and consciousness in determining what is true. Depth of Self-Deception and Receptiveness to Truth: He suggests that the real deception lies in doubting absolute truth and not in the fallacious confirmation of its existence. Leo encourages listeners to be open to the possibility that reality is truth itself, not an illusion. Piercing Through the Veils of Deception: Leo Gura challenges listeners to open their minds to the idea that they, personally, can pierce through every single veil of deception to reach the rock-bottom truth of reality. He proposes that this can be achieved without fallibility as absolute truth excludes doubt, error, delusion, or misunderstandings typically found in relative truth. Singular Validation of Absolute Truth: Leo explains that absolute truth cannot be validated by anyone other than oneself, much like one's own existence. No external authority, whether scientist, parent, or spiritual guru, can affirm one's existence; it is a direct, unmediated knowing. Existence as Validation: He emphasizes that existence itself operates as the validation of its own reality. This self-recognition is what makes reality possible; without it, existence cannot be known. Reality's existence is an example of absolute truth because it is self-validating and needs no external reference point. The Natural Absurdity of Proving Existence: Leo outlines the circular logic and absurdity in attempting to prove existence through any process or experiment, as any such method already assumes the existence it seeks to validate. Existent Nature of Absolute Truth: He discusses the oneness of reality, which is the essence of absolute truth. This oneness means there are not multiple kinds of truth within the absolute domain—only absolute truth. The Illusion of the Relative Domain: Leo posits that the relative domain operates under the illusion of dichotomies like absolute versus relative truth, which is not present in the absolute domain. Here, he stresses that all storytelling and interpretation by the mind are part of the absolute, but misconstrued due to a lack of consciousness. The Existential Responsibility of Accepting Absolute Truth: He discusses the profound existential responsibility that comes with recognizing one's sovereignty as a creator of reality. Leo explains that the fear of this responsibility can lead to an avoidance of accepting that one's imagination can shape what is perceived as truth. Rejecting Self-Deception: Leo debates the idea of self-deception and insists that direct consciousness of the absolute truth cannot be a product of self-deception. He also confronts the materialist misconception that experiences attributed to absolute truth might be mere illusions or brain-generated phenomena. Absolute Truth Manifested: The session closes with a compelling call to acknowledge that reality as it stands is the manifest form of absolute truth. Leo invites listeners to embrace the radical possibility that there are no hidden layers to reality and to understand that reality is precisely what it appears to be. Constructing Reality with Belief: Leo discusses how belief systems shape reality. He uses the example of identity, explaining that if society reinforced the idea of being an alien instead of human during growth, a person would believe that. The belief in being human has been ingrained in us through constant social reinforcement and imagination. Experiencing and Dismissing Absolute Truth: Leo warns about the risk of dismissing encounters with absolute truth as hallucinations or trips, following intense experiences like meditation or psychedelics. After the high of such experiences wears off, there's a tendency to rationalize them as mere illusions, preventing deeper understanding. Claiming Sovereignty over Reality: Leo emphasizes the importance of embracing one's authority and responsibility to construct reality. Actualizing absolute truth entails understanding that validating one's experience and existence depends solely on oneself, not on external affirmation. Potential for Delusion: He acknowledges the risk of delusion when one misinterprets their understanding of absolute truth, which could lead to harmful behavior. Leo counters this by arguing that delusional and destructive behaviors exist even within the current materialistic paradigm. Absolute Truth is Beyond Thought and Imagination: Leo elucidates the paradox of absolute truth: it's neither the thoughts nor the imaginations about it, yet everything one thinks and imagines is also part of it. This complex paradox is hard for the mind to interpret because bringing the absolute into the relative domain, such as through language, is inherently flawed. Differentiating Concepts of Absolute Truth: Leo differentiates 'absolute' as a concept (lowercase a) from the 'Absolute' (uppercase A), which is beyond verbal expression. The latter signifies the ineffable reality, while the former is merely our understanding or idea of it. Cognition Levels and Pre-Trans Fallacy: He explains the cognitive stages: pre-rational, rational (including scientific understanding), and trans-rational stages of understanding absolute truth. He warns against the pre-trans fallacy, where the trans-rational is misinterpreted as pre-rational dogma. Conceptual Truth vs. Being Truth: Leo makes a clear distinction between relative, conceptual truth (lego castle) built from language, logic, or thought, and absolute, being truth (lego blocks). Absolute truth exists as the foundation, while relative truths are secondary, constructed forms. Importance of Validating Individual Experience: Rather than seeking external validation, Leo stresses that people must determine the truth for themselves. He advises listeners to base their beliefs on personal experiences of being and existence. Human Validation of Absolute Truth: Leo Gura explains that absolute truth, which predates human existence, cannot be validated by any human construct. This is fundamental common sense, but is often overlooked because people hesitate to deeply consider its implications. Qualia as Substratum of Reality: Leo elaborates that the building blocks of reality are not atoms but qualia, such as colors, sounds, feelings, emotions, tastes, smells, and thoughts. These sense perceptions form the substratum of reality, contrasting with scientific conventions which suggest that reality is composed of atoms. Relative Truth and Fiction: Using Sherlock Holmes as a metaphor, Leo illustrates that while the character's universe contains facts that seem true relative to the author's narrative, they don't make the fictional elements real. Similarly, science operates within our experienced reality, making factual statements based on observation, which works relatively but doesn't address the actual reality of what's studied. Absolute Truth in Fiction: Despite the relative truths within fictional narratives like Sherlock Holmes, the act of imagining and creating the story, and the physical book it's written on, is rooted in absolute truth as it exists within consciousness. Intertwining of Absolute and Relative: Leo asserts that absolute and relative truths are not in opposition but deeply intertwined, manifesting as a cohesive whole. He emphasizes that understanding both simultaneously is challenging due to their complete overlapping. Common Conflations Between Absolute and Relative: Leo identifies common misconceptions that occur when lessons from absolute or relative domains are mistakenly applied to the other. For example, acknowledging that "nothing is good or bad" from an absolute perspective doesn't justify stealing in the relative perspective of societal norms. Misuse of Absolute Truths by the Ego: He warns that the ego often distorts absolute truths for survival purposes upon glimpsing the absolute, leading to practical or moral errors in the relative domain. Relative Domain Challenges: Leo reflects on the problem of conflation where someone might misinterpret the statement "reality is a hallucination" to believe they can physically walk through walls, not recognizing that hallucination itself is a facet of the relative domain. Survival and the Relative Domain: He discusses the necessity of understanding and addressing relative truths for survival purposes, like the need to earn money and maintain physical health, even if one recognizes the existence of absolute truth. Monetary Considerations in Spiritual Teachings: Leo explains that he charges for teachings to fulfill basic survival needs like food and shelter, which cannot be obtained through the concept of enlightenment but require tangible currency. Misinterpretation of Spiritual Teachings and Religion: There's a clear distinction between the absolute truth Leo discusses and religious dogma. Merely using words like 'God' or 'Absolute' does not endorse any specific religion or belief system; misunderstandings arise when these concepts are misconstrued to validate pre-existing beliefs. Misuse of Absolute Truth in Personal Justification: Leo discusses the dangers of applying absolute truth to justify unethical behaviors. For example, dismissing cheating as a 'social construct' or harmful actions by claiming an inflated sense of love. This conflates absolute and relative truths and is often rationalized by the ego. Relative Truth and Physical Health: Leo explains that dismissing the reality of the human brain because it's 'imaginary' from an absolute perspective could lead to disregarding one's health. Drinking poisonous substances like mercury still leads to concrete health consequences in the relative domain. The Problem with Elevating Every Concept to Love: Leo mentions the folly of justifying unhealthy behaviors, like overeating junk food, with the statement that everything, including junk food, is love. This is a misapplication of absolute truth which ignores practical health implications in the relative domain. Misunderstanding No Path to Awakening: Newbies might wrongly interpret the statement "there is no path to awakening" as an excuse to avoid practices like meditation or self-inquiry, potentially thwarting any chance of actual awakening. Absolute Truth and Relative Suffering: While at the absolute level, suffering is not a concern, Leo emphasizes that in the relative domain, relieving suffering is vital as it can have direct repercussions on oneself and others. Neo-Advaita Teacher's Inability to Meet Students' Needs: He critiques teachers who overly dismiss the relative domain as they fail to provide practical, relative advice to students who are not operating from the same level of consciousness. Understanding 'Death is Imaginary' Misinterpretations: Some might misinterpret the absolute notion that 'death is imaginary' as an invitation to end their lives, not recognizing the need to maintain survival and experiences in the relative domain. Awakening Does Not Exempt Illness: Leo acknowledges that even an enlightened person can get sick or suffer genetic disorders, as the nature of 'God' or 'Absolute' includes both health and disease. Realizing one's divinity doesn't miraculously cure illnesses but entails accepting and dealing with them pragmatically. Past and Birth from Relative Perspective: Leo Gura clarifies that although from an absolute perspective birth is imaginary, he discusses his past and family from a relative, culturally co-imagined consensus for practical purposes. Conflations and Misunderstandings of Absolute and Relative Truth: Newcomers to absolute truth and even awakened teachers could fall into conflating absolute and relative perspectives, leading to misunderstandings and unhealthy dismissals of the relative domain which can impact survival and communication. Applying Absolute Truth in Survival Contexts: Leo warns against using absolute truth to justify personal gain, as the ego manipulates both absolutism and relativism for its own ends. Relative truth, while not ultimately true, is essential for survival and everyday life, and is treated as absolute by most people who are not aware of the actual absolute truth. Relative Importance of Survival: Survival in the relative domain is critical, and regardless of one's level of enlightenment, the finite human form requires attention to physical needs such as food, water, and health. Leo warns against the dismissal of relative truths, which are vital for day-to-day living. Absolute Truth and Practicality: Leo notes the ultimate problem with absolute truth is its enormity, making it impractical for daily use in survival, where humans must construct smaller, manageable truths to manipulate their immediate realities. Absolute vs. Relative Truth in Life Satisfaction: Leo suggests that a smaller, localized existence might lead to dissatisfaction, prompting the search for a more expansive life that inches closer to an understanding of absolute truth. Enlightenment and Maslow's Hierarchy: From the absolute perspective, basic human needs and desires are irrelevant, but from the relative perspective, they are significant obstacles to awakening. Leo advises satisfying these needs first, making it easier to transcend them later. Significance of Accessing Absolute Truth: Encountering absolute truth recontextualizes one's life, eliminates fear and suffering, and acts as the ultimate source of true happiness, answering life's critical questions and offering unparalleled beauty. Role of External Validation: Leo encourages using a variety of spiritual resources to corroborate and gain confidence in the concepts presented, emphasizing the significance of personal experience in actualizing spiritual teachings. Actualized.org as a Modern Religion: Leo describes Actualized.org as a modern, sophisticated approach to religion with minimal corruption, aiming to aid individuals on their spiritual journey through various resources and courses. Independence and Critical Thinking: He urges his audience to think independently and not to blindly follow spiritual teachers, stressing the importance of personally verifying and experiencing teachings to realize their truth. Flagrate

Have any of you heard about Mauro Biglino the Vatican biblical translator, who, fairly recently did some deep translations and has come to the conclusion, that when ever you see the word Elohim which until now always meant the Hebrew name for GOD basically, and that these previous translations are totally incorrect… He is convinced that the Elohim word really is the name / race of alien beings… The “EL”. If he’s right, it changes everything… Even just that it can be interpreted as plural, not singular in meaning kind of adds a strange dynamic into the ancient scriptures. I’m not trying to bash on Christianity, I like Christianity, but its just lot of new of data that has emerged and is something to consider. Here’s a video about it… I know the beginning seems kind of hokey, like an episode of Ancient Aliens, but give it a chance, guy makes a strong case or do some of your own research on it…. There’s a growing body of information building on the concept of mis-translation of the meaning of “Elohim”.

https://open.spotify.com/track/4uEJMJq9FWJxHHbkPpGxcl?si=UMySUEPUQbqjrLQL0yruKA Such a monstrous song. Thordendal is a genius. If you were to describe these complex and long-distance rhythmically contorted riffs using a linguistics analogy: if you imagine a standard Metallica riff to be a 10-word sentence in 9th grade English, the riffs in this song is like a professor of analytical philosophy laying out proofs in 50-word compound sentences. It may take a while to understand what is going on, but damn, once you hook on to some of the patterns, it's like witnessing a mechanical alien laying out its code.

Why Libertarianism Is Nonsense - Deconstructing Freedom https://youtu.be/ivHgi791pHY "I give out Atlas Shrugged as Christmas presents, and I make all my interns read it. Ayn Rand, more than anyone else, did a fantastic job of explaining the morality of capitalism, the morality of individualism, and this, to me, is what matters most." - Paul Ryan Libertarianism as ideology: Leo Gura notes that libertarianism, like all ideologies, has inherent issues and calls for libertarians to think openly about their worldview. He emphasizes that beyond politics, embracing a deeper understanding of community, society, and humanity can lead to personal growth. Understanding Libertarianism: Libertarianism is introduced as a political philosophy that champions liberty, freedom of choice, and voluntary association. Leo mentions that libertarians differ in their skepticism towards authority and state power, but there are common core beliefs amongst them. Image 1 Core Pillars of Libertarianism: Leo identifies key beliefs held by libertarians, including the notion of freedom as an absolute good, the perception of taxation as theft, and the importance of personal responsibility. They favor individualism, believe in the efficacy of a free market, consider the use of force by the state as immoral and endorse natural rights and property rights. Critiquing Libertarianism: Leo critiques libertarianism as being naive, arrogant, self-biased, and ideologically driven. He points out its masculine bias and the typical demographic of younger, white males who subscribe to libertarianism, observing a general tendency toward selfishness and a misunderstanding of community and governance. Libertarian Worldview: The worldview of libertarianism is seen as predominantly principled and idealistic, favoring ideals like freedom and morality over pragmatic concerns. Libertarians also hold onto beliefs that smaller government is better and champion unrestricted free speech within a "marketplace of ideas." The Misunderstanding of Community: Leo emphasizes the complexity and counter-intuitive nature of community dynamics, which libertarians often oversimplify, potentially limiting their growth and preventing a deeper understanding of social systems. Libertarian Development and Ideology: Leo empathizes with the libertarian perspective, sharing his past leanings toward libertarianism. However, he suggests that over time, his views evolved as he gained a deeper comprehension of society. Anarchism and Libertarianism: He acknowledges the similarities and distinctions between anarchism and libertarianism, and critiques the simplistic view that minimizing government leads to a more natural, peaceful society. Invitation to Open-Mindedness: Leo concludes the introduction by urging libertarians to remain open-minded for a potentially transformative conversation on governance, society, and personal development, far beyond the constraints of their current ideology. The Metaphysics of Freedom: Leo Gura delves into the metaphysics of freedom, explaining that true freedom is radical and means a complete lack of limitation. He suggests that absolute freedom would result in formlessness or emptiness, negating any material existence. This concept is deeply counterintuitive for survival, as life forms and individual humans have relative needs that conflict with absolute freedom. Existential Trade-off of Freedom: Gura mentions that material existence necessitates limitations and trade-offs; a cat cannot be a dog, a human cannot fly like a bird, and so forth. Every form has its own restrictions and capabilities, meaning absolute freedom would imply not having any specific form at all, which is non-conducive to survival. Absolute Freedom as Nonexistence: Emphasizing the radical nature of absolute freedom, Gura points out that pure, unlimited freedom equates to nonexistence – formlessness, which he equates with pure consciousness or infinity. This state, he argues, would mean the end of individual and societal existence, as it would mean being unlimited to the point of having no physical form or presence. Freedom to Oppress as a Consequence of Total Freedom: Gura argues that total freedom (within the confines of material reality) includes the freedom to oppress, enslave, or harm others since it entails the possibility to act without restraint. He challenges libertarians to understand that freedom isn't inherently good; it encompasses both positive aspects and the potential for serious harm and oppression. Dilemma of Competing Freedoms: He challenges libertarians to contemplate how to handle situations where individual freedoms conflict. For example, when two people have contrasting survival agendas and freedoms, their interests collide, highlighting a fundamental issue for governance—how to reconcile conflicting freedoms in a society. Historical Oppression Despite Libertarian Ideals: Despite ideologically opposing oppression and upholding values of freedom, Gura critiques the naivety in libertarians' understanding of historical oppression. He underlines that human history is riddled with instances where freedoms were used to dominate and oppress others, contradicting the romanticized philosophy of libertarians. Difficulty in Envisioning Actual Consequences of Libertarian Philosophy: Gura accuses libertarians of having a rose-colored view of their philosophy. He contends that libertarians fail to thoroughly contemplate and understand the real-world outcomes of living according to their principles, which can lead to oppression and violation of their own ethical codes. Consequences of Unregulated Freedom: Leo Gura critiques the idealized vision of libertarianism where everyone lives harmoniously without regulation. He highlights the likely event where ambition and collective power disrupt this balance, leading to dominance and exploitation among individuals. Formation of Collectives in a "Free Market": Gura explains that people naturally form collectives to optimize survival and accomplish goals that are unattainable individually. He emphasizes that these collectives can be beneficial, like creating better irrigation systems, but can also lead to an arms race and conflicts in pursuit of wealth and power. Reality of the "Free Market" Scenario: Leo elucidates that in the absence of a governing authority, the "free market" can become a ruthless battleground where different groups use force to achieve survival advantages, reflecting the innate selfishness and laziness in humans. Morality and the Libertarian Fallacy: Gura argues that libertarians fail to understand the relativity of morals and the fact that different people have different survival agendas. He demonstrates that in a society without laws or cultural norms, might becomes right, which is the antithesis of the libertarian ideal of non-aggression. The Historical Nonexistence of Libertarian Societies: Gura points out that historically, libertarian societies either haven't existed or didn't survive, since they devolve into chaos without the regulations that people collectively agree on to mitigate the inherent ruthlessness of a truly free society. Flawed Libertarian Assumptions: Leo disputes the libertarian assumption that societies can sustain themselves on individual freedoms alone. He emphasizes the practical necessity of relinquishing certain freedoms, such as the freedom to harm, to achieve a cohesive, ordered, and peaceful society. Necessity of Monopoly of Force for Cohesiveness: Leo explains that for a society to rise above a brutal "state of nature," there must be a centralized authority capable of enforcing laws and regulations that protect personal and property rights, maintaining justice and preventing individuals from exacting personal vendettas. Irony of Libertarian Expectations: Gura confronts the libertarian misconception that personal survival and flourishing is achievable in the absence of higher regulatory powers, drawing on examples of warfare regulations to demonstrate the collective desire to mitigate the worst aspects of human conflict despite our differences. Demonstration of the Paradox of Freedom: Leo Gura explains that what appears to be freedom, without any regulations or limitations, can lead to chaos and harm. He illustrates this with the example of warfare, stating that even the instances where opponents agree on not torturing each other's prisoners highlight the need for agreed restrictions to ensure peace and reduce suffering. Rejection of Libertarian Philosophy by Practical Example: Leo uses the example of warfare regulations to demonstrate how agreed-upon restrictions are not an attack on freedom but a path to greater good by reducing chaos and harm. Gura points out that terms like "freedom" and "libertarianism" are more complex than their proponents suggest, requiring strategic limitations for the larger benefit of society. The Fallacy of Libertarianism's Historical Foundations: Gura asserts that libertarianism, being a relatively new philosophy, overlooks the extensive development of laws and government structures required to get to contemporary society's level of peace and security. He suggests that libertarians don't sufficiently appreciate historical contexts and the resultant societal infrastructures. The Underestimation of Historical Survival Horrors: Leo critiques libertarians for not understanding the severity of life before structured government systems. He proposes that libertarian beliefs take for granted the security and benefits provided by existing governments and legal systems. Consequences of Choosing Absolute Freedom: Gura explains that a society with absolute freedom, resembling an anarchic or libertarian state, would lead to suffering and violence. Moreover, he predicts such a society would swiftly return to structured governance due to the inherent flaws of unregulated freedom. Self-sabotage through Libertarian Deregulation: Leo opines that those advocating for libertarianism seek to dismantle the very structures that have afforded them security and convenience. He cautions that the outcome would regress society into a state of chaos and conflict. The Inevitability of Choosing Security and Order: Gura posits that despite ideological inclinations towards absolute freedom, people naturally prioritize security and the comforts of modern infrastructure over the lack of restrictions. He believes that the realities of 'absolute freedom' would not only be undesirable but potentially life-threatening. Dependence on the Rule of Law for Civilized Society: Leo underlines the importance of laws, regulation, and the government's monopoly on force in creating and maintaining the conveniences of modern life. He describes these structures as essential for providing a society where vast numbers of individuals can peacefully coexist. The Historical Emergence of Cultural Norms Against Oppression: Leo discusses how the identity of a person, based on their time, culture, and beliefs, determined their perception of what constitutes oppression, using the example of how slavery was once considered natural or ordained by God. Relative Nature of Oppression and Identity: Gura emphasizes that concepts of oppression and freedom are inherently linked to an individual's identity and cultural background. He argues that what one generation considers oppressive, another may see as a natural survival strategy, demonstrating the relativity of these concepts. Taxation and the Libertarian Worldview of Oppression: Leo critiques the libertarian view of taxation as oppressive, explaining that taxation is part of the collective agreement to support societal infrastructure like roads and education systems, highlighting the interdependence of individuals within a society. The Necessity of Government for Modern Achievements: Gura refutes the libertarian argument that private businesses alone can lead to great achievements by using the example of SpaceX, which he claims is made possible through government-funded infrastructure and regulation. Wall Street and the Regulation of Private Enterprises: Leo draws a connection between the importance of Wall Street and government regulations for the existence of companies like SpaceX. He explains that Elon Musk was able to fund SpaceX through the profits of previously sold companies which were able to increase their value due to the regulated financial system provided by Wall Street. Wall Street and Government Regulation: Leo Gura emphasizes that Wall Street requires heavy regulation to prevent fraud and corruption. He references historical problems faced by stock markets prior to regulations and how essential laws against practices like insider trading are for maintaining the integrity of financial systems. Gura asserts that without a government enforcing laws and regulations, Wall Street would be overrun by schemes aimed at manipulating stock prices and defrauding investors. Necessity of Monopoly of Force: Gura argues that a government's monopoly on force is crucial to regulate industries like Wall Street. This includes the existence of a military, police, courts, legislature, and regulatory agencies such as the SEC. These institutions keep potential exploitation in check and ensure that financial markets can function properly, countering the libertarian view that markets can self-regulate purely through moral principles and personal property rights. Consequences of Unlimited Freedom: Leo discusses the potential dangers of unlimited freedom, using hypothetical examples of extreme situations like rape to illustrate how absolute freedom can threaten life and lead to a desire for government intervention. He claims that without government, practices like enslavement and genocide would become commonplace, as historically only the establishment of strong regulatory structures allowed for the eventual abolition of slavery. Infrastructure and Government: Leo challenges libertarians with the claim that roads and infrastructure like commercial airplane travel inherently require government involvement. He outlines the complexities of building, maintaining, and defending infrastructures such as roads and runways, and details the need for coordination on a global scale, which demands extensive bureaucracy and regulations to ensure safety and order. Privatization and Morality: Gura contrasts the libertarian preference for privatization with the practical need for collective administration, such as with roads and air travel. He criticizes the libertarian view that moral principles alone will lead to fair and efficient management of resources. Instead, he suggests that moral standards are subjective and often self-serving, only becoming practical when they facilitate peaceful coexistence and coordination among communities. Challenges of Collective Existence: Gura presents the construction of a road as an example to demonstrate that the realization of large-scale projects necessitates collective effort and government. He points out that individuals or small groups cannot build significant infrastructure without a coordinated and maintained system supported by a government that also provides a mechanism for dispute resolution and protection against exploitation. Global Operations and Government Regulation: Leo Gura illustrates the intricacies of air travel and the regulation necessary to manage airspaces across nations, arguing that such coordination between countries requires extensive bureaucracy, infrastructure, and government. Small governments or anarchist communes, he states, would lack the resources to enable such complex international agreements, limiting society to rudimentary activities like farming, devoid of technological advancements. The Evolution of Human Civilization and Regulation: Gura delves into the evolutionary process of human civilization, where various restrictions were selected to limit the free market intentionally. He contends that society has not achieved less freedom through these regulations but more freedom because it has willingly sacrificed certain liberties, like the ability to commit harm, for more meaningful freedoms and security. Freedom in Urban vs. Rural Living: Contrasting the countryside with cities like New York, Gura challenges the notion of freedom being greater in less regulated areas. He states that while one may have fewer regulations in rural areas, there is also less to do. In dense urban areas, even though there are more rules, there are also significantly more opportunities and activities, thus providing greater freedom in a practical sense. The Myth of the Free Market: Gura asserts that a free market has never existed and describes it as a myth. He explains that markets have always been manipulated by the people within them, advocating instead for a fair market rather than a free market. He argues that a free market, without regulation, would allow for corruption, abuse, and even violence, as groups clump together to form dominating syndicates or corporations. Dense Populations Require Sophisticated Systems: In discussing the need for complex systems in cities, Gura points out that as populations grow, so does the necessity for sophisticated systems to maintain order. This includes a legal apparatus to adjudicate disputes, as simplistic methods used in villages are insufficient for a vast, diverse, and highly complex city. He advocates for stringent regulations in such environments to prevent conflict and chaos. Government and Society's Evolutionary Trade-offs: Gura speaks about the transition from a true free market in ancient times to our current fair market system, which is underpinned by taxation and democratic norms. He emphasizes that the free market of the past gave way to authoritarian dictatorships which eventually were democratized to distribute power more equitably. He credits taxation and government regulation for the advancements in society, directly challenging the libertarian claim that "taxation is theft." The Myth of Rugged Individualism: Leo Gura debunks the romantic notion that ancient humans lived as solitary rugged individuals. He explains that life was far more collectivist, with no concept of individual rights within tribal cultures. Survival required complete dependence on the tribe, as opposed to the modern misinterpretation of independence highlighted by survival shows, which rely on modern technology and supplies enabled by large governments. Survival Shows vs. Reality: Gura criticizes survival reality shows for giving a false sense of individualism and survival skills. He points out that participants still rely on tools and supplies produced within a government-supported system, unlike ancient humans whose resources were far more primitive. Individualism Enabled by Collectivism: Leo exposes the irony of libertarian individualism, highlighting that the ideology's existence is made possible by the very communal efforts it opposes. Modern amenities, such as an education system or the infrastructure to live 'off-grid', are provided by collective institutions funded by taxation and enabled by large government bureaucracy. The Absurdity of Libertarian Ideals in Tribal Cultures: Gura emphasizes that libertarian ideologies would be viewed as absurd in tribal cultures because survival in these collectivist societies depends on communal living and contributions, which is inconsistent with libertarian principles of individual rights and freedoms. Humans as Social Beings: The argument is made that humans are inherently communal creatures, requiring society to survive even from our ancestral past. Gura suggests libertarians overlook the fact that individual freedoms and rights can harm the community, akin to a cancer within an organism. Literacy and Public Education as a Collectivist Effort: Leo points to the literacy rates enabled by public education systems as evidence of the success of collective effort. He criticizes the libertarian view of collectivism as wrong by illustrating that such efforts improve communal life and offer benefits impossible to achieve by individual endeavors alone. The Inescapability of Collective Living: Gura asserts we cannot escape being part of a collective, despite frustration with collective restrictions. He suggests the focus should be on understanding and contributing to the collective, and intelligently choosing the types of laws and regulations that yield net positive outcomes for society. Anarchy Leading to Formation of Factions: Concluding his arguments, Gura reasons that even if libertarian or anarchistic ideals were achieved, the resulting flat hierarchy would be unstable. Individuals would inevitably form factions based on differing beliefs and goals, leading to conflicts without a higher authority to resolve them and potentially re-creating the hierarchical, regulated societies libertarians oppose. Inevitable Evolution from Anarchy to Structured Government: Leo Gura explains that even if individuals choose not to oppress others, those less scrupulous will form oppressive syndicates, leading to the extinction of more benign elements. He argues that anarchy is inherently unstable and that a true free market will naturally evolve into the structured governments we have today because reality organizes at increasingly complex levels. Cycle of Government Evolution: Gura discusses how libertarian and anarchist ideals would cyclically evolve into the structured societal models they oppose due to the inherent instability of a state of total freedom. He suggests that these ideologies do not prevent the formation of monopolizing entities which eventually become governments with a monopoly of force. Paradox of the 'Free Market': Gura points out the paradox where the pursuit of a free market creates conditions of oppression and domination that lead to the establishment of regulated markets and 'big government'. He asserts that the libertarian ideal of the free market is a myth and that historically, unregulated markets have led to the rise of oppressive power structures. Government as a Referee: Leo emphasizes the function of democratic governments as referees that ensure fair play in the market and prevent exploitation. By setting and enforcing rules, governments maintain balance and protect against the monopolistic tendencies of private entities. Corporations vs. Government: Gura contrasts corporations with democratic governments, explaining that corporations are naturally authoritarian, with power concentrated among owners and shareholders. In contrast, democratic governments offer individuals more say in how they are run, making them less oppressive than private corporations could become. Monopoly of Force and Democracy: Leo highlights that the monopoly of force, typically held by governments, prevents the rise of private entities to dictatorial power. He explains that a strong federal government and military are necessary for democracy and security and that privatizing these entities would lead to tyranny. Socialism and the Military: Gura argues that the military is an example of socialism, with its collectivist underpinnings, and criticizes misconceptions about collectivism and socialism. He contends that American society, and most societies throughout history, have been collectivist to some degree. Bureaucracy and Corruption: Gura counters the libertarian notion that less government equates to less corruption. He posits that the bureaucracy evolved to combat corruption and that bigger governments with more comprehensive bureaucracies are less susceptible to it, as there is more oversight and regulation. Selfishness and Societal Exploitation: Leo discusses the libertarian oversight of human selfishness and the tendency to exploit any system without moral restraint. He suggests that without proper regulation, this exploitative nature will harm society as a whole. Challenges of Designing Robust Systems: Leo Gura challenges libertarians to consider their ideal system's vulnerability to exploitation by sociopathic or egotistical individuals. He stresses the necessity of creating a system that keeps these destructive personalities in check and not to assume that everyone will live up to their own moral standards. Relativity of Morality and Rights: Gura discusses the concept of relativity, asserting that good and bad, as well as constructs like natural law, rights, and morality, are relative to one's identity and survival agenda. He points out that these are social constructs, not objective truths, and vary among different communities and cultures. Misunderstanding of Complexity and Scale in Society: Gura criticizes libertarians' oversimplification of societal issues, highlighting how they often use low-scale examples that don't translate to the complexities of larger civilizations like modern cities with millions of residents. Lack of Systemic Thinking in Libertarianism: He discusses the absence of systemic thinking in libertarian ideology, emphasizing the importance of understanding how different components of a complex society work together harmoniously and the counterintuitive nature of such systems. Importance of Government Complexity as Societies Evolve: Gura draws parallels between sophisticated software and modern society, explaining that as societies grow more complex, governments must evolve to manage this complexity with a more intricate system of laws and regulations. The Delicate Balance of Individual Autonomy and Community: He speaks about the concept of holons, entities that are both wholes and parts, stressing the importance of balancing individual autonomy with community needs, a balance that libertarianism often fails to recognize or address. Critique of Extreme Individualism: Leo Gura exposes the illusion of individualism by highlighting that human bodies are themselves communities of trillions of cells cooperating together, starkly contrasting the libertarian ideal of absolute autonomy. He describes libertarians as delusional for not recognizing this interconnectedness. Inevitability of Increasing Collectivism: Leo foresees an unavoidable trajectory toward heightened collectivism as society evolves, predicting highly interconnected forms of human existence far removed from the libertarian fantasy of simple, pastoral life. Historical Resistance to United Governance: Gura recalls the resistance during the formation of the United States, where some founding fathers echoed libertarian sentiments by desiring the autonomy of individual colonies over a unified nation, fearing taxation and loss of sovereignty. Unionization for Strength and Efficiency: Leo argues that the United States, as a unified nation, operates more efficiently and powerfully than it would as separate entities. He explains that unification prevents internal conflicts and promotes a collective identity, making society more secure. Necessity of Monopoly of Force: Emphasizing the need for a central authority, Gura explains that a unified system of law and order, with a monopoly on force, is essential to maintain peace, deliver justice, and enforce societal agreements impartially. Understanding the Nature of Corruption: Instead of attributing corruption to the size of the government, Gura attributes it to the level of consciousness, selfishness, and fear of its people. He argues that more developed societies with less selfish individuals are less corrupt, regardless of government size. Misinterpretation of Responsibility by Libertarians: Leo rejects Nathaniel Branden's assertion that libertarianism is aligned with accepting responsibility for one's existence, arguing that in reality, most people are inherently selfish and lack the necessary responsibility and consciousness that libertarian policies expect. Image 2 Practical Examples of Responsibility Misinterpretation: Gura illustrates the misconception of personal responsibility with examples like Social Security in the U.S., which was created because a large portion of the elderly population could not save for retirement, demonstrating the necessity of collective responsibility systems. Flawed Expectations of Personal Financial Planning: Leo Gura criticizes the libertarian notion that individuals can and should manage their own long-term investments for retirement. He points out the impracticality of this expectation, highlighting that it is difficult for most people to have the foresight and discipline required to save and invest consistently over a span of 40 years without falling prey to financial pitfalls. Importance of Collectivism in Social Security: He emphasizes the role of collective responsibility in social security systems, where a more responsible and forward-thinking entity, like the government, can create mechanisms that automatically help people save for retirement. This collective approach prevents millions of the elderly from facing poverty and homelessness. Consequences of Rejecting Social Security: Gura argues that if libertarian proposals to eliminate Social Security were enacted, the resulting societal impact would be negative, with a significant increase in destitute and disabled elderly people in communities. He suggests that no one, including the libertarian proposing such policies, would want to live in such a society. Personal vs. Collective Responsibility: He contrasts personal responsibility with collective responsibility, and labels libertarians as generally irresponsibly focused on the former while completely disregarding the latter. Gura criticizes libertarians for their unwillingness to accept the concept of communal safeguards against life-destroying tragedies. Effectiveness of Community in Catastrophic Events: Using COVID-19 as an example, Gura discusses how the pandemic highlighted the ineffectiveness of libertarian principles when it came to community-oriented issues like public health. He points out the failures in individualistic approaches and the success of nations with coordinated, collective responses. Security's Primacy over Freedom: He challenges the libertarian preference for freedom over security, arguing that without security – the more fundamental need – freedom holds little value, as one cannot enjoy freedoms when not alive and well. Libertarian Demographics and the Privilege of Security: Gura observes that libertarianism is predominantly favored by demographics like young white males, who may not recognize their societal privilege and the need for a governing body to maintain equality and security. Libertarianism Challenged by Reality: He points out that libertarian principles often prove utopian and do not adequately account for human selfishness and societal complexity. Gura suggests that a libertarian society would devolve into dominance struggles without regulatory frameworks. Developmental Psychology's Impact on Political Ideology: Introducing "spiral dynamics," Gura argues that libertarianism correlates with a lower stage of human development, and encourages libertarians to expand their understanding through other disciplines such as history and spirituality. Libertarianism and Factionalism: Gura critiques the libertarian ideal of a society based on absolute freedom, warning that it would inevitably lead to factional warfare, with the victorious faction imposing its tyranny over the others. He emphasizes that a society without regulations would devolve into a battle for dominance rather than a peaceful, free community. Developmental Psychology's Impact on Libertarian Views: Gura points out that libertarians generally lack an understanding of developmental psychology and the significance of different levels of human development. He explains that these levels correspond to different worldviews, and libertarianism aligns with what he identifies as the "orange" level, which is relatively underdeveloped and simplistic in its understanding of governance and societal complexity. The Predictability of Libertarian Philosophy: Gura characterizes libertarianism as a "mind virus" derived from Ayn Rand and Nathaniel Branden's ideologies that have been popular in American culture. He suggests that this philosophy is not unique or wise but rather a predictable outcome of the current developmental stage of society, and he encourages libertarians to evolve to higher stages of consciousness. Libertarian Objections and Evolution of Consciousness: In response to libertarian objections about the possibility of a libertarian state in the future, Gura acknowledges that in the far future, with a significant evolution of human consciousness, a state with lesser regulations might be feasible. However, he maintains that such a prospect is distant and not practical for the foreseeable future. Slavery and Objective Morality: Gura dismisses the libertarian arguments that assert objective morality and universal right and wrong. He insists morality is relative across cultures and individuals, using the historical example of slavery to illustrate how moral perceptions can shift and what was once deemed a "natural right" can be recognized as oppression. Central Federal Planning and Libertarian Boundaries: Gura counters libertarian claims against the need for centralized federal planning, using China's economic success and the COVID-19 response as examples of the benefits of central planning. He argues that without a cohesive national vision, societies can stagnate or be overrun by more strategically organized nations. Solutions to Libertarian Ideology: Gura offers practical steps for those seeking to move beyond libertarianism, including acknowledging and letting go of dogmas, seeking new perspectives, understanding the consequences of ideologies, embracing community, appreciating the trade-offs between individual freedom and societal benefits, studying history, and engaging in conscious work and spirituality. Community Importance and Modern Society: Highlighting the importance of collective responsibility, Gura asserts that the free-market principle championed by libertarians falls short in addressing modern societal challenges. He emphasizes the necessity of security as a basic need for life and suggests that individuals who experience societal disadvantages often recognize the significance of governmental structures more acutely than those who benefit from the status quo. The Need for Collective Responsibility in Ecology: Leo Gura argues that libertarian philosophies struggle with managing the tragedy of the Commons, such as protecting the environment, due to the lack of individual incentives to abstain from pollution. A higher collective agency is necessary for overseeing the preservation of ecology. Handling Systemic Racism: Libertarians often deny systemic racism, which Gura attributes to their non-systemic approach to societal issues. He suggests that acknowledging systemic racism would challenge the foundations of libertarian belief. Moderation of Toxic Ideologies: Gura states that without regulation of hate speech, religious intolerance, and toxic ideologies, society would break down into chaos. He emphasizes that moderation is essential to prevent harmful division and tribalism within the community. Problems with Corporate Lobbying and Monopolies: Gura questions how libertarians would handle corporate influence on government corruption, lobbying, and the creation of monopolies without regulations to check these issues. Income Inequality and Poverty: The challenge of increasing income inequality under capitalism, as well as addressing poverty and healthcare, is presented as a crucial issue for libertarians, with Gura arguing that the free market exacerbates these concerns rather than resolving them. Supporting the Disadvantaged: Health care, along with social safety nets for the disabled, sick, and mentally ill, is pointed out as aspects that cannot be adequately managed via libertarian principles, as these groups often can't take responsibility for themselves and are not lucrative candidates for private enterprise. Addressing Global and Domestic Threats: Gura presents terrorism, pandemics, potential meteor impacts, and an alien invasion as examples of serious challenges that cannot be addressed by libertarian policies alone and necessitate a collective response. National Competitiveness Concerns: Gura warns of the potential for centrally planned nations like China outpacing America and highlights the inadequacy of libertarian principles in fostering national strategy to stay competitive. Handling Global Complexity and Interconnectedness: The increasing complexity, scale, and globalization of society raises questions about how libertarian principles can adapt and manage these growing challenges. Conclusion and Exploration of Deeper Politics: In his closing remarks, Gura invites his audience to redirect their understanding from individualistic ideology to a more comprehensive view of community functioning, and proposes exploring his series on ‘Conscious Politics’ for a deeper understanding and solutions beyond libertarian thinking. Fidelius Charm

How Openmindedness Works - Exercises To Open Your Mind https://youtu.be/cNTmVAZIUB0 "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." - Aristotle Revisiting Open-mindedness: Open-mindedness, or "radical open-mindedness," is vital for a comprehensive understanding of reality across various facets of life. It's the primary obstacle most people face when trying to grasp reality holistically, including self, emotions, humanity, society, science, religion, and philosophy. Openness vs. Closeness Spectrum: Mindsets can range from open to closed, with varying degrees of openness. Even those who consider themselves open-minded can struggle to be deeply open-minded about certain topics or ideas. Experiential Nature of Open-mindedness: Leo emphasizes an experiential learning approach, encouraging individuals to practically exercise open-mindedness by letting go of known 'facts' and trying on radically new possibilities, such as imagining one's mother hatching from an egg. Attachment and Resistance to Ideas: Observing one's mind while attempting the exercise reveals feelings of attachment and resistance, and how the mind defends its current beliefs with rationalization, righteousness, and projection. Symptoms of Closed-mindedness: A closed mind exhibits behaviors such as defensiveness, hostility, argumentativeness, and dismissiveness. Leo encourages viewers to be mindful of their emotional reactions during the exercise to recognize their own closed-mindedness. The Feeling of Open-mindedness: Open-mindedness feels light, free, calm, relaxed, and is characterized by a willingness to consider, without feeling threatened, new and potentially disruptive ideas with curiosity and without emotional attachment. Open-mindedness as a Meta Skill: It's a generalized skill of being able to discern and let go of closeness in the mind, independent of the specifics of the topic at hand. This skill allows for more effective navigation across various domains such as religion, science, and politics. Open-mindedness Prior to Proof and Truth: Leo counters the argument of skeptics that open-mindedness should only apply when ample proof is provided. He points out that without initial open-mindedness, the truth and proof are unlikely to be considered fairly or at all. Skeptical Misconception of Open-mindedness: The skeptical view that demands evidence before considering a new idea is actually a form of closed-mindedness, according to Leo. He explains that willingness to consider ideas is essential before evaluating proof and truth, highlighting a common misunderstanding among scientifically-minded individuals. Importance of open-mindedness before evaluating proof: Open-mindedness is a prerequisite for objectively assessing proof and evidence; skeptical and rational individuals often erroneously require proof before they are willing to open their minds. Historical examples of open-mindedness in science: Groundbreaking scientific progress, as seen in the works of Copernicus and Galileo, required an open mind to challenge established beliefs, like the once prevailing notion of a stationary Earth. Closed-mindedness and resistance to new paradigms: Individuals often inherit worldviews dogmatically from their culture without questioning, exhibiting a closed-minded resistance to fundamentally new paradigms. Being closed-minded and right versus open-minded and wrong: It's possible to be closed-minded and factually correct, as with rejecting Flat Earth theory, but open-mindedness is a valuable metaskill that allows for exploration and growth throughout life. The role of denial in closed-mindedness: Denial is a substantial psychological force that can allow someone to dismiss or reject truths, revealing the critical necessity of open-mindedness in the face of evidence. Proof requires willingness to experiment: One must be open-minded to engage in the exploration and experimentation necessary for proving or verifying ideas or theories, which can be a demanding process. Dogmatism obstructing the search for truth: Certain beliefs, such as about God or objective reality, restrict individuals from exploring alternatives, whereas open-mindedness enables consideration of different possibilities for validation. The laborious nature of proof: Proof can often be arduous, requiring significant investment of effort, time, and resources—many truths remain unproven not due to their falseness but due to the intensive work required for their evidence. Exercises to challenge open-mindedness: By considering provocative possibilities like Australia being a hoax, one can practice and observe their capacity for open-mindedness or notice the resistance that arises from closed-mindedness. Confronting Alternative Realities: By imagining extreme hypotheticals such as countries not existing or Trump being a secret genius, Leo is illustrating how to practice open-mindedness. This requires considering a perspective drastically different from one's current beliefs. Exploring Beliefs as Possibilities, Not Truths: Leo emphasizes the importance of considering alternatives as serious possibilities without committing to their truth. Open-mindedness means acknowledging a perspective as potentially real, even if it feels alien or strongly contrasts with one's current worldview. Empathy and Open-mindedness: To open one's mind, Leo suggests imagining oneself in radically different situations. In doing so, one must confront any emotional resistance, illustrating a tangible understanding of how closed-mindedness feels compared to open-mindedness. Open-mindedness Toward Personal Potential: Leo challenges listeners to open their minds to the realistic possibility of personal achievements like becoming a millionaire or attracting a beautiful partner, regardless of current self-limitations or societal expectations. Questioning Spiritual and Religious Convictions: Open-mindedness extends to deeply held beliefs such as the existence of God. Leo asks listeners to consider the existence or non-existence of God, and to observe emotional responses without judgment, regardless of cultural or institutional taboos. Challenging Established Historical Narratives: Imagining that well-known historical events, like World War II or the benevolence of malevolent figures like Hitler, never happened or were fundamentally different forces a profound reconsideration of one's understanding of history and morality. Reimagining Deeply Held Cultural Beliefs: Open-mindedness can also mean contemplating ideas that challenge national identity or personal memories, further pushing the limits of one's comfort and belief systems by considering them as fabrications. Encountering Uncomfortable Hypotheticals: Introducing the idea of being reincarnated as a negative figure or reevaluating moral binaries like good and evil encourages listeners to fully engage with the possibility without automated emotional rejection. Acknowledging Mind's Constructive Nature: Leo posits that open-mindedness requires an awareness that one's mind actively constructs reality, which skews perception to justify beliefs and biases, often leading to closed-mindedness and denial. Recognizing Open-mindedness versus Closed-mindedness: True open-mindedness involves mental flexibility and the intellectual fearlessness to explore without agenda, contrasting sharply with closed-mindedness' characteristic fear, attachment, and agenda-driven rigidity. Perceiving Open-mindedness as Worldview Transformation: Changing one's fundamental worldviews can alter all aspects of life, including relationships, living situations, and careers. Leo emphasizes the significant, tangible consequences of shifting one's perspective, which is why many resist open-mindedness. Understanding the impact of a rigid mind: Rigid thinking can be traced to numerous societal problems, impacting politics, religion, science, business, and personal life. Issues in relationships, emotional struggles, financial difficulties, and career obstacles can often be rooted in closed-mindedness. Importance of mental flexibility: Realizing the consequences of a rigid mind highlights the value of a flexible mindset. Engaging with and appreciating different viewpoints without committing to any one perspective is an essential metaskill rarely taught in traditional environments like schools or churches. Risk of single-minded devotion: The fastest path to achieving an objective, such as enlightenment or professional success, might appear to be a single-minded devotion to one teacher or ideology. However, this approach carries the risk of limiting exposure to alternative ideas and the danger of falling into cult-like followings. Fallibility of enlightened leaders: Even when following enlightened teachers, there’s the risk of inheriting their limitations and biases. Critical examination of all teachings is necessary to attain a comprehensive understanding, as no one teacher can offer a complete view on spirituality or any other field. Costs of exploring different viewpoints: Adopting open-minded exploration is costly in terms of time, energy, and mental strain. While choosing to follow a single perspective provides comfort and the illusion of certainty, true open-mindedness requires embracing uncertainty and complexity. Challenges of rapid perspective shifts: The ability to rapidly switch between different points of view is unusual and disorienting. Most individuals cannot easily make these shifts due to cognitive limitations, leading to a strong preference for certainty and attachment to initial beliefs. Self-reflection on close-mindedness: Engaging in self-reflection and exercises can highlight moments of ideological defensiveness and rigid thinking. Awareness and curiosity about one’s reactions allow for growth and the development of true open-mindedness. Implications of identity attachment: Beliefs and worldviews closely linked to one’s identity result in resistance to change due to perceived threats to survival. This attachment leads to defensive thinking and deviates from the pursuit of truth. The mind's function of constructing reality: Minds construct reality while simultaneously denying this process to maintain a fixed sense of the world. This denial fosters a rigidity that can be counterproductive when discovering deeper truths about our existence and the fabric of reality. Struggle of questioning foundational beliefs: Prominent figures like Neil deGrasse Tyson illustrate how intertwined personal and professional identity can be with a particular worldview. Such entanglement makes it difficult to critically question established paradigms without risking existential crises. Navigating beyond established worldviews: The challenge of overcoming the 'good' for a 'great' or infinite worldview reveals the underlying survival mechanisms of the mind, which focuses on constructing and holding onto a concrete reality. Recognizing the illusionary aspect of constructed beliefs is a step towards ultimate open-mindedness. Fabrication of Reality: Leo explains that people unknowingly fabricate reality, including concepts such as gravity, time, and space, using the mind's function to create without awareness of the process. Understanding this fabrication is key to recognizing the mind's responsibility in constructing reality. Consequences of Accepting Reality's Fabrication: Accepting that one is creating their own reality implies accepting responsibility for personal suffering, emotions, and perceived limitations, a burden many individuals are not willing to acknowledge due to its enormity. The Concept of Paradigm Lock: Paradigms, or worldviews, have mechanisms that keep individuals locked within a particular perspective, often through the instillation of fear related to leaving or questioning that worldview, a tactic also employed by cult leaders. Fear in Maintaining Paradigms: Fear is leveraged to maintain adherence to paradigms, ensuring survival of the worldview by threatening loss of community, stability, or sanity if one were to deviate from accepted norms. Recognizing and Overcoming Paradigm Locks: To achieve a deeper understanding, one must recognize the structure of paradigm locks and be willing to challenge and transition between various paradigms without attachment. Self-Deception in Open-mindedness: Many people falsely believe they are open-minded, yet they are only receptive to information that confirms their existing beliefs, a form of self-deception that prevents true exploration of differing perspectives. Relativity of Proof and Evidence: The criteria for what constitutes valid proof or evidence are subjective and crafted by one's paradigm, implying that real open-mindedness involves considering proof and evidence beyond one's current standards of validity. Deceptive Identity of Open-mindedness: People may adopt the identity of being open-minded without truly being open to fundamental changes in their core paradigms, remaining resistant to questioning the structure underlying their perspective. Avoiding Intellectual Monopolization by Paradigms: Culturally pervasive mindsets, such as religious ideologies, scientific materialism, or political leanings, can monopolize one's thinking process, preventing the exploration of the vast landscape of consciousness available. Understanding Closed-mindedness and Its Connection to Self Bias: Closed-mindedness serves as a defense for self bias and attachment which are rooted in survival instincts and fear, whereas open-mindedness arises from fearlessness and love, leading to a broader intellectual exploration. Surpassing self-bias through open-mindedness: Leo argues that people often maintain closed-mindedness to preserve their self-biased and selfish worldviews, avoiding the admission that their perspective could be inherently selfish. Open-mindedness forces recognition and relinquishment of biases, which self-deception sustains through closed-mindedness. Misconception of 'too open-minded': Some critique open-mindedness, fearing being too open-minded to the point of losing one’s sense of reality. Leo counters this, asserting the goal is to be so open-minded that one realizes the brain and its perceptions are hallucinations, metaphorically encouraging the exploration of mind's limits. Attachment to beliefs: Leo highlights that individuals can form deep attachments to ideas, beliefs, and worldviews. While losing a possession or loved one is painful, questioning foundational beliefs has the potential to transform one’s perception of reality more profoundly. Closed-mindedness as self-deception: He connects closed-mindedness directly to self-deception, furthering his discussion on the subject introduced in his previous series. Understanding self-deception is paramount for deconstructing one’s personal version of reality. Indefensibility of absolute truth: Leo discusses that absolute truth is undeniable and eternally unshaken, needing no defense. Defensive behavior, arrogance, and overconfidence actually indicate a lack of connection with this truth. Limits of open-mindedness: He sets boundaries for open-mindedness, specifying it must be grounded in one’s direct experience and mixed with honesty about personal knowledge and ignorance. Believing in theories without direct experience, such as flat Earth theory, is seen as fantasy rather than constructive open-mindedness. Egocentric co-option of open-mindedness: Leo criticizes the misuse of open-mindedness for fear-mongering and spreading ideologies, pointing out that true open-mindedness is free from us-versus-them mentalities and is rooted in direct, honest experience. Navigating uncertainty through open-mindedness: Open-mindedness brings about uncertainties and challenges in decision-making due to the multitude of contrasting views one must consider. Leo argues that despite these challenges, constantly reevaluating beliefs and perspectives is crucial for gaining a more truthful understanding of reality. Implementing open-minded imagination: Leo suggests that imagination is a potent tool to open minds gently, avoiding confrontational methods. He gives examples of how to invite people to consider how their beliefs might differ under alternative circumstances, thus aiding in the expansion of their views. Using Imagination to Change Perspective: Guiding someone through a detailed, emotionally charged scenario can help open their mind by expanding the limitations of their current belief system, making it a powerful tool for shifting paradigms. Role of Imagination in Communication and Leadership: A compelling and positive vision projected through imagination is necessary to persuade, reason, motivate, lead, and inspire people, especially when they are resistant to changing their beliefs. Unleashing the Power of Imagination: Imagination allows one to envision limitless possibilities such as an unlimited universe and total consciousness, strongly influencing personal and paradigmatic growth. Open-mindedness Leading to Understanding Infinity: Open-mindedness fosters the realization of limitless possibilities, including the concept of an all-encompassing, unlimited consciousness, which ultimately leads to the recognition of infinite truth and actual reality. Practicing Day-to-Day Open-mindedness: Consciously noticing and addressing moments when one's mind closes, during daily activities and discussions, helps cultivate the skill of open-mindedness and reduce personal biases. Planting the Seed of Open-mindedness: Open-mindedness is a seed that, once planted and regularly nurtured, offers the potential for lifelong growth and transformation, leading to the realization of omniscience and immortality as extraordinary outcomes. The Life-changing Potential of Open-mindedness: Embracing and developing open-mindedness can significantly alter life's trajectory by revealing a richer, more profound understanding of reality that is not constrained by science, philosophy, or preconceived notions. Accio

Why Reality CANNOT Be A Simulation - A Clear Answer https://youtu.be/1tEtI9m-Vok "Your theory is crazy, but it's not crazy enough to be true" - Niels Bohr Gura's critique of simulation theory: He criticizes the idea of simulation theory as misguided, labeling it materialistic thinking that fails to recognize the true substance of reality, consciousness. Consciousness and the present moment: Gura emphasizes that the substance of reality is consciousness, which is the direct experiences we are currently having, and that the present moment doesn't depend on constructs like atoms, molecules, or the history of the universe. Refutation of a virtual future: He argues against the notion that we will eventually live in indistinguishable virtual realities created by computers, stating that such realities would still be within the realm of consciousness and hence not fundamentally separate from our current experience. Understanding reality through direct experience: Gura encourages realization of interconnectedness and infinite nature of consciousness through direct experience, not through speculation or technology, arguing that awakening to this realization proves reality cannot be a simulation. Critique of science and skepticism: He critiques science's disconnection from consciousness and the validity of skepticism in understanding consciousness, suggesting that no evidence or external argument can truly describe the nature of consciousness. Advocacy for personal practices to realize consciousness: Gura advocates engaging in meditation, yoga, and informed reading to deepen understanding and grasp the nature of reality as consciousness. Philosophy as practical wisdom: He distinguishes practical philosophy, which he equates with real wisdom and spiritual awakening, from traditional philosophy, which he describes as theoretical and disconnected from applied understanding. Philosophy and spirituality as identical: Gura concludes by equating true philosophy with the love of wisdom, asserting that real philosophy and spirituality are one and the same when pursued correctly, and indicates his intention to continue discussing these concepts in future content. Hypocrisy in the argument for a matter-based reality: Leo Gura points out the inconsistency in claiming reality is a simulation based on physical matter, as it fails to explain the origin of the matter itself and recursively pushes the problem back. Aliens simulating aliens: The suggestion that higher-level aliens are simulating our reality, and in turn, being simulated by even more advanced beings, leads to an infinite regress, akin to the concept of "Turtles all the way down." Direct experience as reality: Leo emphasizes that reality is nothing more than direct experience, dismissing notions of an external objective reality, alien simulations, or divine intervention as purely speculative and constructed within this direct experience. Challenging materialist addiction to objective reality: He challenges materialists to abandon the crutch of an external objective reality, thereby confronting the immediate mystery of consciousness without evasion. Reality as knowable through consciousness: Debunking the claim that reality could forever remain unknowable due to being trapped within a simulated bubble, Leo points out that through consciousness we have direct access to reality as it truly is. Conscious of consciousness: He argues that by becoming fully conscious, one realizes that consciousness does not depend on physical substances or substrates – consciousness is the ultimate substrate. Reality creation as the act of consciousness: Leo postulates that all entities, including atoms, energy, and mathematics, are manifestations imagined by consciousness. This inverts the standard scientific paradigm and asserts qualia as primary reality. Raw consciousness: Direct, unmediated raw consciousness is identified as the true essence of reality, opposing the view that it’s just 'personal experiences' derived from physical matter. Resistance of the psyche to pure consciousness: The human psyche resists acknowledging that reality is pure consciousness because this perception destabilizes fixed notions of reality. Lack of resistance due to knowledge gap: Leo states that difficulty in understanding this perspective is not due to inadequate scientific knowledge but the mind’s reluctance to accept a reality that is fundamentally ungrounded. Objective science as a construct of consciousness: He refutes the idea of detached objective analysis of reality, arguing that what is considered objective is itself a fabrication of consciousness. Union with reality through consciousness: Expressing the indivisibility of reality and consciousness, Leo explains that we are not merely in reality, but directly constitute it. The impossibility of an external viewpoint: Highlighting reality as comprising elements like reasoning and communication, Leo argues that stepping outside of reality for objective observation is intrinsically impossible. Consciousness understood through direct awareness: He insists consciousness is grasped not through external learning or texts but through becoming fully aware of one’s consciousness – an understanding derived from immediate acquaintance. Experiential versus speculative comprehension: Leo advises focusing on the direct subjective experience to fathom the reality’s nature instead of relying on speculative or conceptual frameworks. Rejection of simulation theory's separate substances: Disputing simulation theory, Leo stresses there's only absolute nothingness instead of dividing reality into virtual and physical domains. Grasping reality through active consciousness: He suggests observing our experiences closely for a better appreciation of reality, emphasizing that our convictions determine the distinctions between reality and fantasy. Encouragement for personal growth in consciousness: Leo recommends practices like meditation and invites viewers to explore the infinite nature of their own consciousness as a means to truly understand reality. Consciousness as the defining distinction: Leo Gura asserts that reality is constructed not from tangible materials like atoms or Stardust, but from the distinctions created in consciousness, which itself imagines these distinctions. Critique of the simulation theory: Leo criticizes the simulation theory for not understanding that both simulations and reality are simply distinctions within consciousness, incorrectly suggesting a separation into simulated and non-simulated realities. Interconnectedness ignored by simulation theory: Leo argues that simulation theory fails to recognize the interconnection between parts of reality by dividing it into different substances like carbon or silicon, thereby missing that these are all imagined distinctions within one singular consciousness. Consciousness as the substance unifying all levels of reality: Leo clarifies that while different levels of reality can exist, they are all unified and composed of a single substance—consciousness. The belief in a real versus virtual world is a trick of consciousness. Consciousness is singular and the universe is undivided: He emphasizes that consciousness is the only real 'thing' and is singular; the universe is one consciousness capable of creating distinctions that form our perception of reality. Simulation theory and its limitations in understanding consciousness: Simulation theory is critiqued for not grasping the essence of consciousness, suggesting a dependency of the real world on the virtual one, which Leo argues is misleading because everything arises from consciousness. Reality and perceptions of distinctions: Leo explores the idea that what we perceive as different substances within reality are not truly separate entities but distinctions conceptualized within consciousness. He argues that our belief in these distinctions is what constructs our experience of reality. Consciousness's role in blurring distinctions: Leo challenges the common distinctions made between sanity and insanity, or reality and fantasy. He suggests that these differences are products of our imagination, created within consciousness. Existential challenge to rational and evidence-based views: Leo presents an existential challenge to those who firmly grasp onto their rational and evidence-based identities, suggesting that these may be as illusory as fairy tales. Limits of current states of consciousness: Leo notes that our current consciousness limits our ability to perceive the actual lack of distinction between conceptualized objects like unicorns and tangible objects like brick walls, hinting at the necessity for a radically new state of consciousness to truly understand their equality as creations of the mind. Levels of Conceptualizing Imagination and Physicality: Imagination is posited as powerful enough to dissolve physical distinctions like walls when fully realized. However, Leo clarifies that his current form is a limited consciousness with limitations he describes as physicality. These limitations are not eternal, just present. Understanding the Substance of Distinctions: Leo inquires about the nature of distinctions. He explains that distinctions aren’t self-contained; they are made of consciousness, which is not a distinction but an absolute - the substance from which all distinctions arise. Distinctions as Nothingness: Leo contemplates the substance that gives rise to distinctions, like that between a unicorn and a brick wall, positing that the 'line' distinguishing them is essentially made of nothing, an absolute nothingness without properties or substance. Simulation Theory's Root Error: Leo argues that simulation theory erroneously assumes two substances: the virtual and the physical. He postulates that there's only one substance, absolute nothingness, which is singular and the essence of reality. Reality as a Singular Consciousness: He posits that the essence of all things, including one's hand, is actually nothing - absolute nothingness without duality. What we consider distinctions, like a hand, are fabricated within this nothingness. Reality's Paradoxical Nature as a Feature: Leo discusses the inherent paradox of reality, suggesting that existence is only apparent when imagined. He asserts that materialist paradigms are illusory, made of distinctions within consciousness. Direct Consciousness of Reality: He emphasizes that to verify his claims, one must directly experience and become conscious of the distinctions and nothingness he describes. This direct experience is contrasted with speculative beliefs. Oneness of Existence: Leo declares that existence is a singular oneness, precluding distinctions such as those in simulation theory. He affirms that all discussions about reality arise from consciousness, which is prior to any construct or cognition. Assertion of the primacy of consciousness: Leo stresses that consciousness is the most fundamental aspect of existence, enhancing our perceptions and dissolving the boundaries of what we consider reality and simulation. Critique of relying on external constructs to understand reality: He challenges the commonly held belief that our understanding of the present hinges on previous events or scientific constructs like the Big Bang or molecules. Argument against the possibility of ever living in virtual realities: Leo argues that no virtual reality can ever fully contain or deceive us because all levels of reality are manifestations of our consciousness. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of all realities through consciousness: He posits that all realities, whether considered virtual or actual, are intertwined through the single substance of consciousness. Contending the finite nature of consciousness and reality: Leo asserts that consciousness and reality are not finite or contained within structures like simulations; consciousness is boundless. Invitation to realize infinite consciousness: Leo encourages viewers to strive towards recognizing their infinite consciousness, promising guidance on deeper understanding in future content. Discussion on meditation, yoga, and psychedelics: He plans to elaborate on methods such as meditation, yoga, and the use of certain psychedelics to catalyze the awakening to consciousness in upcoming episodes. Critique of science's dissociation from consciousness: He maintains that science's attempt at pure objectivity misses the inherent subjectivity and absolute nature of consciousness. Challenge to skepticism and demands for proof: Leo challenges skeptics demanding proof, asserting that the absolute nothingness of consciousness is not something that conventional proof can capture. The necessity to understand and be conscious of consciousness: Leo advises awakening to the true nothingness of consciousness as no external justification can substitute direct self-realization. The importance of right actions to deepen understanding: He emphasizes the significance of disciplined practices like meditation and knowledge from profound literature to gain deeper insight into consciousness. The power of right books and reading: Leo insists on the transformative power of reading carefully selected books, claiming that quality literature provides a strong foundation for understanding life and self. The value of deep understanding of life: He highlights how a profound understanding of life can significantly alter one's life trajectory, providing universal wisdom. Criticism of traditional philosophy: Leo criticizes academic philosophy as ineffective mental masturbation, urging a focus on practical wisdom and spiritual awakening. Association of philosophy with love of wisdom: He asserts that true philosophy is synonymous with spirituality when it is practiced with a love for wisdom and truth, which ultimately leads to profound shifts in perspective and living. Impedimenta

Division vs Unity - The Engine That Runs Reality https://youtu.be/vp99hZJfBHg "...to form a more perfect Union..." - Preamble to the US Constitution Exploration of Division vs Unity: Leo Gura introduces the concept of division and unity as the fundamental engine driving all of reality, evident in everything from social dynamics to biological processes, physics, and beyond. Historical Pattern of Mankind: History is presented as a series of fractal-like divisions and reunions within humanity, described as the polarizing and depolarizing dance of consciousness or infinite mind. Hydrologic Cycle as a Unity-Division Example: The hydrologic cycle is shown as a natural instance of division and unity: water starts unified in the ocean, evaporates, forms clouds (division), rains down into puddles (reunion), and eventually flows back to the ocean. Making a Smoothie Illustration: The process of making a smoothie is used as an everyday example, illustrating how elements grow into plants (unity), create fruits (division), which are blended into a smoothie (reunion), and then digested by the body (division) to nourish cells (unity). Speciation and Evolutionary Process: The diversification of species through geographical changes, interbreeding, and evolution showcases the process of proliferation (division) and the formation of new species (reunion). Human Migration and Cultural Diversification: Homo sapiens' migration from Africa and subsequent population of the globe led to division into races and cultures, which are now coming back together through globalization and interbreeding (reunion). Globalization's Impact on Human Race: Advancements in travel technology and social intermingling portend a future where racial and cultural distinctions are blurred. Space travel could lead to diversification across planets, potentially leading to interbreeding with alien species. Teleportation and Space Travel Speculation: Hypothetical future technologies like teleportation or space travel could facilitate even greater racial and cultural integration or lead to new forms of division as humans colonize other planets. Unifying Consciousness Through Yoga: Leo Gura touches on the role of Yoga, which translates to 'union,' in achieving a deeper understanding of consciousness by bringing together the perceiver and the perceived. Unavoidable Nature of Globalization: Due to demands from technology, travel, and economics, globalization is depicted as an inevitable force eroding traditional divisions and leading towards greater unity. Speciation and Human Colonization: Speciation may occur as humans colonize different environments like Mars, the Moon, or aquatic planets, resulting in varied physical adaptations due to conditions like low gravity. Interbreeding and Genetic Engineering: Interbreeding or genetic engineering with alien species could result in new hybrid organisms, showcasing a process of divergence and convergence in consciousness. Cultural Boundaries and Resistance: People often resist the blending of cultures, mistakenly clinging to temporary divisions and feeling threatened by the natural process of reunification. Judgment as Division: Judging and labelling aspects of the world as good or bad is a learned behavior that further divides consciousness, while teachings promoting interconnectedness encourage reunification. War as Absorption and Reunion: War is a form of absorption, with one tribe attempting to integrate another's resources, and even after conquest, the resulting peace can lead to larger, unified entities like the European Union or the United Nations. Middle Eastern Clan Warfare and External Interests: Power struggles in the Middle East, exacerbated by external interests, illustrate the difficulty of achieving unity among diverse clans and religious sects. United States and Autonomy: The United States was forged from 13 colonies into a nation that balances unity with significant state autonomy, reflecting both division and unity. European Union Complexities: The EU shows the challenge of unification, as member states grapple with national identities and unequal contributions, which can lead to tensions like Brexit. Unity and Division in Organizational Evolution: Large organizations, like the United Nations, evolve from the desire for cooperative peace but face resistance from individual national interests. Sunni, Shia, and Subdivisions: Within Islam, the division between Sunni and Shia factions and further subdivisions exemplify the ongoing cycle of division and unity even within a single religious community. Collective Defense Against Common Threats: Leo suggests that existential threats, such as a hypothetical alien invasion, would necessitate global unity among humans, temporarily sidelining smaller divisions. American States' Unity: The formation of the United States as a unified entity from individual colonies serves as an example of the recurring pattern of division and reunification. Economic Prosperity and Challenges in the EU: The European Union brought economic prosperity and peace but also highlighted disparities among member states, showing both the benefits and challenges of unification. Nationalism vs. European Unity: Individuals and nationalist parties in various European countries resist the idea of a European identity, preferring to maintain their distinct national identities, leading to tensions within the European Union and events like Brexit, which epitomize the struggle between unity and division. Brexit - Division within Unity: Brexit illustrates a fracture within the European Union, where the unified benefits make it difficult to leave, but British nationalists emphasize their unique identity, challenging the notion of being part of a larger, interconnected entity like the EU. Globalization's Inevitability: Leo Gura argues that globalization is unavoidable due to technology and human desires for travel and communication, thus necessitating unified international laws and collaboration to ensure a safer, more connected globe. Travel, Technology, and Legal Implications: With increasing global interconnectivity, people expect safety and justice when traveling or conducting international business, hinting at the future development of international legal systems to address crimes and disputes across borders. Trade-offs in Unity and Division: There are no simple answers to the ideal level of unity or division as both come with associated costs and benefits; reality is likened to a fractal or Russian nesting dolls, indicating complex layers of unity within division. Libertarian Misconceptions and Societal Structure: Libertarians and conservatives often fail to recognize the importance of sophisticated coordination for advanced societies, misunderstanding the interdependency inherent in society and the limited nature of freedom and individualism. Individual Autonomy vs. Collective Function: If each cell or organ in the human body acted solely based on its own autonomy, life would be unsustainable. Similarly, a society demands collective organization and cooperation to thrive, counter to extreme libertarian ideals of independence. The Danger of Excessive Integration: While coordination is crucial, there is also the risk of overintegration leading to the suppression of individual rights and the creation of totalitarian systems, highlighting the need for balance between individualism and collectivism. China's Collectivist Approach: China's current policies, which prioritize its emergence as a global superpower over individual rights and religious freedoms, exemplify extreme collectivism. This approach is deemed neither entirely good nor evil, but a mix of both, with significant global impacts. Fall of the Soviet Union: The Soviet Union's dissolution is cited as an example of the cycle of division and unity. At its peak, it consisted of multiple satellite states, but it fragmented after the collapse of communism—contrasting the reunification of East and West Germany. Spiritual Divisions: Despite spiritual study, religious groups cannot maintain unity, as evidenced by Christianity's split from Judaism and further divisions into Catholicism, Orthodox, and Protestant denominations, along with Islam's fragmentation into Sunni, Shia, and other sects. Eastern Spiritual Fragmentation: Similar to the West, Eastern spiritual traditions are not exempt from division. Hinduism and Buddhism both branched into various schools, demonstrating this pattern even within more holistic spiritual frameworks. Internet Proliferation and Unification: The internet initially experienced a proliferation of diverse websites, which then consolidated into large platforms like Facebook, Google, and Amazon. This demonstrates the movement from speciation (division) to monopolization (unity). Corporate Mergers, Monopolies, and Regulations: The past 50 years have seen significant corporate mergers and the formation of monopolies due to lax antitrust laws. However, there is a prediction of populist uprisings and regulatory responses to break up these large enterprises. Birth and Life as Division and Reunion: The process of birth divides consciousness into separate organisms that eventually reunite through eating and excreting—demonstrating a constant interplay of division and unity in life's survival processes. Reproduction and Life Cycles: The reproductive cycle in mammals is an intricate play of division and reunion, with the creation of male and female leading to sexual reproduction. The act of sex culminates in the highest point of unity, resulting in a new birth—the division of a zygote from the parent organism. Cell Division and Embryonic Growth: The initial one-cell zygote undergoes repeated division, eventually forming trillions of cells that unify to create a baby. This newborn then physically divides from the mother while still relying on her for sustenance, demonstrating a recurring pattern of separation and connection. Family Units and Individual Independence: As a child matures, they often experience a cycle of unity within the family and division as they seek independence during teenage years, ultimately leading to complete separation to start their own families where the cycle repeats. Life, Death, and Conscious Reunion: Death is depicted as the ultimate reunion, where the individual consciousness merges back into infinite consciousness, completing the same cycle of unity (birth) and division (death) that began with their own conception. Atomic and Molecular Unity: At a sub-organic level, atoms unify to form molecules, which combine to create increasingly complex structures, such as proteins, cells, organs, organisms, and eventually societies. This highlights the pattern of division and unity present in the physical fabric of the universe. Specialization and Reintegration in Intellectual Fields: From philosophy, several intellectual fields have diverged, creating specialties like science, mysticism, and mathematics, which have further branched into subfields. Now, an emerging trend seeks to reintegrate these into a holistic understanding, represented by systems thinking and the search for a grand unified theory. Future Unification of Science and Mysticism: Predicting that science and mysticism, which originated from the same philosophy, will eventually reunify, integrating mystical insights with scientific advances, potentially through practices such as meditation, yoga, and the study of psychedelic experiences. 3D Modeling as Unity and Division: In 3D modeling, a single shape undergoes repeated subdivision to add detail, followed by reunification processes to smooth and integrate parts into a coherent, detailed model. This mirrors biological and creative processes of elaboration from unity. Socioeconomic Caste Systems and Capitalism: Past social structures, like caste systems, have declined, giving way to a new socioeconomic division based on wealth in capitalist societies. Public discontent indicates a potential future shift toward the redistribution of wealth and increased socialism, a balance between unity (shared resources) and division (capitalist individualism). Balancing Socialism and Capitalism: Leo emphasizes that neither socialism nor capitalism is inherently evil; society requires a dynamic equilibrium between these two forces, adjusting over time to societal needs, rather than adhering to rigid ideologies. Social Movements – Social Justice Warriors vs. Anti-Social Justice: Social dynamics show division and reunion through social justice advocates pushing for unity and harmony, while their opponents value individualism and freedom, rejecting the push for collectivism. Global Warming Illustrates Division and Unity: Global warming exemplifies the unity and division process, as separated oil deposits and ice are reintegrated into the environment through human activity, leading to unified environmental changes such as increased global temperatures and melting ice caps. Global Warming Mechanism: Humanity's use of fossil fuels reintegrates carbon (oil) with Earth's atmosphere, contributing to a warming planet and melting ice, which merges with oceans, demonstrating a cycle of separation and reunion. Temperature Equilibrium Efforts: The Earth's core heat gradually dissipates into the cold of outer space in an attempt to equalize temperatures, a process reflecting the larger reunification between Earth's internal and external environments. Relationship Dynamics: Intimate relationships fluctuate between union and division. Partners seek unity through romance and sex but afterward desire space, reflecting a natural balance of closeness and individuality. Evolution of Gender Roles: The rigid division between male and female roles softens with technological advancements, leading to a greater acceptance of varying gender identities and sexual orientations, and challenging traditional norms. Fusion Cuisine: Different cuisines developed from regional elements demonstrate cultural separation. Fusion cuisine emerges, blending these distinct styles, reflecting both the value of culinary diversity and the potential for innovative unity. Formation and Death of Stars: Stars form from unified gases under gravity, illustrating a physical manifestation of unity. Black holes represent an extreme form of reunification, attracting all matter, yet also dispersing via Hawking radiation, indicating a return to division. Big Bang and the Universe's Cycle: The universe started as a singularity and expanded to form various forms of matter and energy in an act of division. It is predicted to eventually unify back into an indistinct mass, hypothesized to restart the cycle in a perfect loop. Entropy and Reunification: The concept of entropy is reframed as a measure of unity versus division, with the natural progression of the universe, including life, being toward greater unity as seen in the drive for energy equalization. Transformation in Relationships: Relationships exhibit a cycle of unity and division, where partners unite in intimacy and seek separation for autonomy, revealing a consistent dance between merging and independence. Gender Identity and Societal Change: The traditional male-female gender binary is becoming more fluid with sociocultural advancements, leading to broader acceptance of diverse gender expressions and sexual orientations. Culinary Arts and the Interplay of Division and Unity: Traditional cuisines represent division, while the rise of fusion food exemplifies unity, with both maintaining value in preserving authenticity and embracing innovation. Singularity and Perceptual Unity: Leo suggests that in physics and cosmology, zero and infinity are identical, leading to the conclusion that a point with no dimension (zero radius) simultaneously represents infinite expansion (infinite radius). This indicates a perfect loop or cycle in the nature of reality. Misunderstanding of Entropy: Traditional views on entropy as a measure of disorder are challenged. Leo defines high entropy as total unity, where there is an indistinguishable uniformity, akin to a state of God or love. Low entropy, conversely, corresponds to division, and is necessary for the experience of motion, space, and time. Consciousness and Design: Life and all physical processes should not be viewed as accidental occurrences but as manifestations of consciousness intentionally dividing itself to experience various aspects. Science, with its specialized focus, fails to understand this ultimate nature of consciousness, mistaking these divisions as random physical phenomena. Reunification of Consciousness Through Yoga: Yoga, which translates to union in Sanskrit, is presented as a practice that unites subject and object. By participating in yoga, scientists and others can gain a holistic understanding of consciousness, transcending the confines of division expressed through specialized fields. Universal Tendency Toward Unity: Over time, divided systems naturally tend toward unification, as illustrated by a glass container separating two gases that will eventually mix into uniformity. Human-made structures, like buildings or statues, will also eventually decay and merge back into their environments, showcasing the inevitability of reunion in all systems. Costs and Benefits of Unity and Division: Complete unity offers peace and bliss but sacrifices the distinct experiences of life, such as tasting vanilla or having a pet. Conversely, division allows for these individual experiences, which require distinct separations to appreciate the sensation of unity and the diverse manifestations of existence. God's Nature and Limited Human Perception: Leo describes God as indistinct nothingness, which cannot be comprehensively known because all knowledge inherently divides. As humans experience God through various forms, these are limited incarnations and not the ultimate indistinct nature of God. Function of Evil in the Universe: Acts of evil in the world often apply pressure for eventual unity. Leo suggests that what is perceived as evil is, in a deeper sense, love and intelligence acting together, as evidenced by the formation of the European Union after World War II. Inevitability of Reunion in Reality: Division will always lead to reunion and vice versa. The idea of complete control by any one part is temporary, with humanity's dominance over the planet being a fleeting state within the universal cycles of division and unity. God's Revelation as a Limited Form: Any manifestation of God experienced by humans is a limited form, as God is inherently indistinct. Depicting God in a definitive form diminishes its ultimate state of indistinct nothingness, which can't be captured or fully understood through divisive human knowledge. Understanding the Structure of Reality: Leo discusses the inherent rules of reality, which dictate that divided entities will eventually reunite and unified entities will divide, reflecting a constant cycle of unification and fragmentation in all of existence. Monopoly of Parts over the Whole: He emphasizes that no single part can monopolize the whole, as the whole is unlimited and every part is limited. He cautions that humanity's domination over the planet is temporary, demonstrating the futility of any part trying to control the whole. God's Infinite Diversity: Leo explains that God, or infinite intelligence, seeks to maximize diversity of form. This diversity is not antithetical to unity but is its very expression, showing that unity encompasses all diversity as its ultimate form. Infinity and Natural Numbers: The concept of infinity is elaborated upon, describing it not as a single point on the number line but as the entirety of all numbers—zero and beyond—emphasizing that infinity includes all distinct forms, not just numerical concepts. Evolution as Differentiation and Reunion: Evolution is presented not just as a biological process, but as a universal process involving love and intelligence, balancing the intricate relationship between division and unity, with each having a time and place. Unity and Division as Two Types of Unity: Leo articulates that division and unity are not opposites but are two manifestations of unity. Absolute unity includes the possibility of division, indicating that unity and division are parts of a single, integrated whole. Life as a Fractal of Infinite Consciousness: Life and reality are described as manifestations of infinite consciousness, with birth representing division and death acting as reunion, suggesting that life is an ongoing variation of this theme. Appreciating Unity and Division: Viewers are encouraged to notice the interplay of division and unity in daily life, from personal belongings to politics, as a way to deepen their understanding of life and improve their reactions and behaviors. Holistic Approach to Teaching: Leo shares his goal of providing teachings that are not narrow but holistic, integrating various fields—science, math, philosophy, evolution, religion, mysticism, psychology, sociology, history, and politics—reflecting the complex and interconnected nature of the universe. Power and Value of Understanding: The transformative power of understanding is emphasized, with Leo suggesting that a comprehensive grasp of topics can profoundly change one's perspective and behaviors, even without immediate changes in life circumstances. Limitations of Teachings and Reality's Enormity: While acknowledging the limitations of his teachings due to the vastness of reality, Leo strives for a degree of breadth and depth that reflects the infinite scope of the universe, aiming to offer a broad and profound perspective on existence. Glisseo

Self-Love - The Highest Teaching In The Universe https://youtu.be/4OmMpYa7R_U "Self-Love is the only teaching." The culmination of a seven-year journey: In his personal development exploration, Leo Gura reveals that after exploring numerous methods ranging from therapy to meditation, he has distilled everything into a singular teaching - self-love, which he believes is the highest concept in the universe, essential for the evolution of all conscious beings. Defining self-love: Leo clarifies that self-love is a profound existential force, transcending mere human emotion. It is universal, driving evolutionary progress. Despite its abstract nature when compressed into two words, he emphasizes its fundamental role and the need to decipher and actualize its meaning deeply. Alien species hypothetical: Leo hypothesizes that if advanced aliens were to impart wisdom to humanity, they would prioritize teaching self-love over technical knowledge. He implies that humanity's current inability to appreciate self-love suggests that aliens might understand it far deeper than we do. Self-love as an intelligence measure: Leo proposes that the intelligence of an entity, including hypothetical aliens, can be judged by their understanding of self-love. He states that self-love is a practical litmus test for evaluating teachers and ideologies, with those that promote self-love being of the highest quality amidst a spectrum of beliefs. Corruption marked by the absence of self-love: He asserts that a lack of self-love or the presence of judgment and hatred in ideologies indicates their corruption. He cites Nazism and radical religious ideologies as examples, emphasizing that even a teaching that preaches love, like Christianity, can be corrupt if it is not practiced genuinely. Identification of spiritual corruption: Teachings that contain hatred, judgment, or fear towards individuals or groups, such as condemning criminals or fearing witchcraft, indicate corruption of those teachings from their original pure form. Self-love as a universal remedy: Leo proposes that fundamentally, all problems humanity faces trace back to a lack of self-love, including issues that appear unrelated, such as poverty or health crises. Reframing self-love: Self-love, as Leo describes, refers to loving the ultimate self or awakened self, not just the human identity. By loving oneself as the whole universe, other problems will naturally correct themselves. Components of self-love: Understanding self-love requires grasping the true meanings of "self" and "love". These concepts cannot be comprehended through traditional logic or science but require a shift to a higher state of consciousness. Necessity of mystical experiences: Emphasizing that discourse is insufficient, Leo argues that direct mystical experiences of the true self and love are essential for genuinely understanding and implementing self-love. Practical importance of self-love: Leo outlines how self-love can resolve common personal development issues such as insecurity, self-esteem, and relationship challenges by addressing the root cause rather than external symptoms. Self-acceptance as a path to self-love: Genuine self-love involves accepting one's physical appearance and personality traits, and involves recognizing oneself as part of the universe, thereby aligning with the expanded concept of self. Self-love beyond the physical: While starting with self-appreciation on a physical level is valuable, Leo challenges individuals to also embrace the broader universe, which includes one's body, other people, political entities, as part of their self-love practice. Expanding appreciation of existence: Appreciating your existence involves recognizing that you are an integral part of the universe, and your infinite mind is generating the reality you experience. Unconditional love versus conditional love: True love for oneself or others is not based on utility or what one can provide, it is unconditional, celebrating existence itself rather than what it can do for you. Transformation from physical to existential love: Shifting focus from the physical body's utility to a deeper appreciation of existence enables the experience of deep, unconditional love. Integration of self into the universe: Through self-love, one's sense of self and love expands to merge with the entire universe, leading to the most profound levels of awakening and joy. Realizing love through consciousness: Recognizing the profound nature of reality through consciousness leads to profound existential love, transcending mundane emotions or needs. Experiences that awaken self-love: Moments of consciousness, like admiring a beautiful sunset or being amazed by the complexity of a living creature, activate an appreciation for the beauty of existence. Practical application of self-love in dating: In attraction and dating, a lack of self-love can be detected by others and reduce one's appeal; genuine self-love enhances self-confidence and genuine care for others. Resolving disagreements with self-love: Recognizing that both parties' perspectives are valid and practicing self-love can dissolve conflicts and promote understanding in relationships. Self-love in addressing life's challenges: Facing illness, injury, or injustice with self-love fosters healing and growth, while self-respect requires setting boundaries in harmful situations. Awareness of self in the context of self-love: Becoming aware of how little control we have over our body's automatic functions, like pupil dilation, can foster a deeper appreciation for one's existence and contribute to self-love. Self-love during illness: Having self-love while battling an illness like cancer is vital, as it supports faster healing alongside medication. Reaction to accidents: Instead of reacting with anger to accidents like breaking a leg, accepting and loving the situation can lead to faster recovery and possibly learning profound life lessons. Dealing with injustice: Embracing injustices with love rather than resistance offers a broader, empathetic perspective, recognizing that those causing harm are also part of the universal self. Personal incident of theft: Leo describes how he dealt with his car being broken into by empathizing with the thief, considering the societal issues contributing to drug addiction and poverty, thus practicing self-love and universal perspective. Workaholism and self-love: Overworking and neglecting one's health at work indicate a lack of self-love. A comprehensive understanding of self-love can prompt a better work-life balance and healthier work practices. Job dissatisfaction and self-love: Expanding self-love can catalyze a vision for a new career path away from an unsatisfying job, fostering passion and purpose for more fulfilling work. Fear of starting a business: Overcoming fear in starting a business requires deep love for the business idea and genuine desire to make a meaningful contribution to the world, rather than focusing on potential financial loss. Business practices reflecting self-love: A business that truly helps people, rather than harming them, is a product of self-love and is intrinsically more fulfilling and sustainable than one driven by greed or exploitation. Expanding self-love for positive change: Leo emphasizes that expanding self-love and one's sense of self beyond personal gains—like family, money, cars, and homes—to include all of mankind along with the environment and animals is necessary for personal and global evolution, leading to true happiness and responsibility in roles such as parenting and partnerships. Impact of self-love on business ethics: He argues that many professionals, like marketing executives in unhealthy food industries, are so preoccupied with profits that they don't invest time in personal growth or consider the societal implications of their products. Expanding self-love, according to Leo, would motivate such individuals to innovate healthier alternatives rather than contribute to health epidemics. Addressing societal issues with self-love: Leo describes monetary, economic, societal, and political issues as fundamentally rooted in a lack of self-love. To resolve issues like tribal warfare and corruption, which sabotage economic stability, a shift in societal culture that embraces collective self-love and unity across factions and ideologies is essential. Political turmoil as a reflection of deficient self-love: He links current political discord to a lack of self-love and empathy between opposed parties. He suggests that political conflict can be mitigated by each side expanding their sense of self and love to include understanding for different perspectives, even those of rivals. Advancing spirituality through self-love: Leo points out that struggles in spiritual practices, such as inconsistency in meditation or dealing with bad psychedelic trips, stem from a lack of self-love. Greater kindness to oneself and understanding of spiritual processes are necessary for overcoming these hurdles. Self-love in preventing crime and violence: He asserts that societal problems, including violence, crime, and terrorism, require immense infusions of self-love. By expanding one's sense of self to include even the perpetrators, society can develop empathy, effectively addressing why such acts occur and preventing them through systemic changes and support. Remedying environmental negligence with self-love: Leo argues that environmental issues, such as excessive CO2 emissions, result from a societal deficiency in self-love. Those leading polluting corporations lack an inclusive self-concept that values the environment and wildlife, prioritizing profit over planetary well-being. Root causes of obesity and environmental neglect: Leo suggests that obesity in America is interlinked with environmental neglect, highlighting systemic issues such as the marketing of unhealthy food, which he attributes to a lack of self-love among marketers and consumers alike. Self-love as parental guidance: The rebellious behavior of children is often a response to criticism and lack of acceptance from parents. Leo recommends self-love as a tool for parents to foster unconditional love and acceptance, thus repairing strained relationships with their children. Wide-ranging solutions through self-love: From depression to addiction and parenting to business success, Leo designates self-love as the fundamental remedy for creating happiness and leading a successful life. Self-love's role in conscious politics and leadership: Self-love is crucial for effective leadership and creative work, including politics and business. Leo criticizes profit-driven businesses with no real value contribution, advocating for passion-driven work that benefits society. Dealing with criminals and societal dilemmas through self-love: Leo posits that self-love is essential in dealing with criminals, and healing societal issues, emphasizing that no external achievement compensates for the lack of self-love. The fundamental nature of self-love: Leo defines self-love as the ultimate power and essence of consciousness, meaning that self-love is not merely an emotion or feeling but the acknowledgment and love of reality for what it is. Love as a materialistic world's necessity: Leo argues that love is integral to the nature of reality itself, rejecting the notion that it can exist without consciousness, and equates the concept of God being in love with itself to reality fully embracing its own existence. Self-love transcending acceptance: The differentiation between mere self-acceptance and the ecstatic union of self-recognition that represents true self-love is elucidated, with Leo asserting that recognizing the existential beauty of consciousness is the epitome of self-love. Infinite amazement as a foundation of existence: Affirming that life and existence are inherently amazing, Leo invites everyone to appreciate and love life unconditionally, which aligns with the perspective that we are a manifestation of infinite consciousness and amazement. Humans manifesting self-love: All actions, from technological advancements to philanthropic efforts, ultimately represent humanity falling deeper in love with itself. Each new discovery or creation is the universe – or consciousness – reveling in new aspects of itself. Ego vs. divine perspective: While individual biases may lead us to hate certain things, from a divine perspective, nothing is hated; it is all equally amazing. This infinite love is consciousness exploring itself without judgment or preference. Self-love and boundaries: Practicing self-love does not equate to being a doormat. Actually, proper self-love naturally leads to healthy boundaries and self-respect, indicating a departure from people-pleasing behaviors and low self-esteem. Transcending gender stereotypes with self-love: Self-love transcends the stereotypes of being a feminine or masculine trait. It is a universal truth that encompasses and integrates all qualities, offering true strength and wisdom beyond societal gender constructs. Distinguishing self-love from egotism or narcissism: True self-love is different from narcissism or egotism. Real self-love involves expanding one's sense of self to include and love all parts of the universe, embracing the totality of existence beyond the individual ego. Practical exercise for expanding self-love: Wearing a wristband can serve as a reminder to identify and embrace aspects one typically dislikes or judges. By accepting these aspects as part of oneself and feeling love for the entirety, one practices expanding self-love. Hating as self-reflection: Encounters with things we hate or judge give us an opportunity to see those aspects as part of ourselves, which can ultimately lead us to accept and love a more complete version of ourselves, integrating our shadows into our consciousness. Self-love as the acceptance of existential diversity: Recognizing that consciousness includes everything, from the mundane to the extraordinary, challenges us to accept and love all aspects of existence. This acceptance signifies self-love at its most profound level. All teachings lead to self-love: Every concept and subject discussed by Leo, including those that seem unrelated like quantum mechanics or spiral dynamics, is ultimately a pathway toward the realization and embodiment of self-love. Using self-love as a compass: When faced with confusion or difficulty, one can reflect on the absence of self-love in the situation. It's a central guiding principle to navigate life's challenges and can reveal underlying issues that need addressing. Failure of institutions to teach self-love: Leo notes that schools, universities, workplaces, and religious institutions generally do not teach self-love, which he sees as a significant contributing factor to societal problems and individual suffering. Self-love as an ancient and consistent teaching: The concept of self-love has been taught historically by spiritual and religious leaders; however, it often becomes obscured or misrepresented in institutions, overshadowing its importance and purity. Varied enlightenment about love: Leo indicates that even established spiritual teachers might proclaim love as an illusion because they haven't awakened to love themselves. He points out that awakening has many degrees and versions, hence the diverse teachings about love. Homework assignment for self-love enhancement: Leo gives his audience homework to write down all the aspects of themselves that they don't love—physical appearance, past actions, personality traits, etc. He then instructs them to decide to love all these aspects as part of their reality. The struggle with accepting the true self: Leo describes the resistance one might feel in accepting and loving all aspects of themselves. He explains that the ego resists this acceptance, preferring an idealized vision of oneself, which is a deviation from the truth. Truth and love as identical concepts: Leo asserts that truth and love go hand-in-hand at a metaphysical level, emphasizing that to reject any part of reality is to engage in untruth and self-denial, which is the root of evil. He states that love is the ultimate solution, a reintegration of all aspects of oneself. Incomplete awakening without love: Leo argues that an awakening or enlightenment that does not include a realization of love is incomplete. He stresses that true awakening encompasses both truth and love, and a lack of either results in division and falsehood. Emotional approach to spirituality and its pitfalls: Addressing the tendency for emotional individuals or those who identify as love-seeking, Leo cautions that a journey toward awakening through love alone is incomplete without a grasp of truth. He challenges the perception that truth is harsh or needless, underscoring its indistinguishable nature from love. Self-love as the point of human life: Leo emphasizes that full self-love is the solution to all of life's problems, encouraging the audience to contemplate this assertion and its implications for individual action. Encouragement to support Actualized.org: Leo requests support for his content on Actualized.org through Patreon and reiterates the importance of exploring in-depth the substantial content he has created to gain full comprehension and benefit from his teachings. The difficulty of organizing content: Leo discusses the challenges in organizing his voluminous work, highlighting the sprawling nature of the teachings and the difficulty for new viewers to grasp advanced concepts without foundational knowledge. The importance of depth in learning: Leo values deep comprehension, comparing superficial understanding to unsatisfactory sexual intimacy. He stresses that a profound grasp of his philosophies entails a long-term commitment and urges viewers to study his work over several years to gain true appreciation. Cave Inimicum

@Yimpa True. @OBEler @Yog Very similar to this idiom: too much of a good thing is bad. So, don't drink and drive, and drink too much. Basically that's what most governments are positioned with UFO information, don't give too much out that it may risk mass hysteria. Also, another good reason why they would withhold alien technology: near infinite energy source and energy generation, which means readjustment of how governments regulate energy costs and taxes.

Agree on all points. Even the soul-game is an appearance, ultimately not real. But equally real or unreal as ones car, for example. And endures death, which the car can not claim when the scrap press comes along... "How wonderful it is that in the infinite ocean of myself the waves of living beings arise, collide, play, and disappear, in accordance with their nature" 2.25 Ashtavakra Gita And for (not true/full) Nonduality: Also agree. Nonduality is most often a merging/unity experience, where the separate-self/individuality can still be well and alive, and hijack the nondual unity-state. "I realized nonduality/Reality", "I am pure awareness", "I am God", "I am whatever", "I realized *whatever*". And what triggers most likely a unity/nondual-state with the separate-self still well and alive, later interpreting the experience in a way that doesn't kill/transcend but boost and extend the lense/filter/illusion of the separate-self to God-like proportions? What could that be? Or (true) Nonduality, to truly realize that one has ever been, always is, and never can not be Infinite Reality itself. That Reality is impersonal, groundless, empty and infinite, absolute potential, no separate-identity left, no inner-blabla-talk of any(!) kind still believed and not immediately cut off, seen as illusion arisings within ones True Infinite Self. The illusion is seen through.... Pure groundless Being is realized, containing this and any possible world/apperance. That (and only that) can end the suffering/(aka resistance to what is) which is the essence of what any separate-self is at its core. "There is no one subject to samsara, no sense of individuality, no goal or means to the goal in the eyes of the wise man who is always free from imagination and unchanging like space" 18.66 Ashtavakra Gita "When the sage has realised that he himself is in all beings, and all beings are in him, it is astonishing that the sense of individuality should be able to continue" 3.5 Ashtavakra Gita And even something with imagination and God and realization is in the Ashtavakra Gita: "Recognising [Realizing] that [all] things are just constructions of imagination, that great soul lives as God here and now". 18.28 The only thing I didn't find in the Ashtavakra Gita is Alien & company. But since its quite hard to contradict that Alien & company are also imagined and merely appearing illusions arising in the Reality of ones own True Being... But hey, what does Water by the River know? NOTHING. But that quite profoundly. Selling Water by the River

I’ve tried shrooms about 5 different times, both at a high dose of 5 grams and a really low dose of jump .3 grams and several doses in between. Pretty much all my trips ranged from being a nightmare at worst and not that good at best. Anyone else just not have a good experience with shrooms? I’m not sure what’s supposed to be good about them, they usually just feel weird, trippy and alien like

I have never been scared on them. I only had 3 big trips and the first one was the most beautiful experience of my life the second was the weirdest experience of my life and the third one I just feel lonely and sad. Never bad but very weird. On the second one I felt dissolution sneak up on me and it scared me for like 30 seconds but I just said I cant do anything stopped playing games and then went onto my couch and it went away and weird shit start happening. I don't really wanna do them all the time, literally anything can happen. On my second trip it felt like an alien was mind wiping me, and on my third trip my entire vision went into alien eyes.

Thank you for sharing some of your story in search for truth and providing a list with honorable stories to be discussed. In my search for truth I claimed to be nothing, everything, consciousness, and eventually God.. I read the books, did the work and consumed the mindbenders. Back then I even told people that death didn't scare me. In my blindness and therof lack of humbleness I began to search for truth in the occult. Turned out the diabolic realm is very real. The evil and seduction from theese beings can't even be comprehended by a human. The world is structered like an evil pyramide, and the entities spawned and worshiped at that time is still seducing and affecting mankind. In my arrogance I enden up with a knife to the heart. I got really hurt and thougth I was going to die early. In my hopelessness I cried out for God. Jesus healed my hearth smoothly, and has since then guided me with His mighty eye and showed me great and hidden things I did not know. All the psychadelics in the world is diminutive compared to God. His voice can make you tremble. I shiver just thinking about me claiming to be God. Now I want to die and enter paradise, but I enjoy being here learning His ways, and honour the holy calling He bestowed unto me. Here are some thoughts and insight on a couple of the topics you provided. I am going to add some scipture along with it. Adam and eve - God knew that adam would eat of the apple as He is all knowing and in His word it says when you eat of the apple you will surely die. Before Adam had the knowledge of good and evil everything was clean for him. By eating the fruit he had disobeyed the word of God and was no longer in perfect love. Fear had entered and along with it shame. Now Adam and Eve try to hide their nakedness from the Lord. It's interesting how Adam points finger at God by telling Him that Eve ate the fruit wich He created for Him. »No fear exists where his love is. Rather, perfect love gets rid of fear, because fear involves punishment. The person who lives in fear doesn’t have perfect love.« ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭18‬ David and Goliath - In the Bible we can see how God uses what is considered low in the world to humble the pompous. It didn't matter that David was a boy in no armour against Goliath. God himself fought for him, like Jesus who gave everything for his saints. God gained honour through David when he chopped his head off. however strong the opponement is won't matter compared to His power. In the book of judges we can see how God guided 300 chosen men with honour to defeat the 135,000 Midianites. »But God chose what the world considers nonsense to put wise people to shame. God chose what the world considers weak to put what is strong to shame.«‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬ Job - Through all of Jobs intense sufferings he never cursed at God nor did he give up his faith. He respected God even in His misery. His friends observed Job's suffering and thought higher of themself. They assumed God punished Job for his sins. On the contrary God looked at Job's heart and saw a blameless man. It reminds me of the pharasiee who thought better of himself compared to the tax collector in Luke 18:10-14. Thouh Job was to hasty in cursing his existence as God blessed him abundantly after being put to the test. »The Lord is near to those whose hearts are humble. He saves those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person has many troubles, but the Lord rescues him from all of them.« ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭18‬-‭19 New testament - Jesus is God incarnated from heaven to save His chosen people from a broken world. He is the promised messiah that has been prophetised about for centuries. In the bible there is subtle propheties about Him like Psalm 69:22 and obvious ones like Isaiah 53. The cross is our salvation. It is Gods wrath being poured out on himself, it is His mercy. He is the good shepherd who dies for his sheep. The transgressions against God is nailed to the cross for His saints. As He is all knowing Jesus take upon himself the sin of the world. He is the ultimate truth, the alpha and the omega, the only way to everlasting life. John 6:49-58 goes in great detail about the bread and wine. Jesus promise that through faith one receive His holy spirit. Past --> Jesus on the cross <-- Future »and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.« ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬ »And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.« ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬ Revelations - It's strange how people are not noticing the end times propheties being fullfilled. I believe the mark of the beast is on it's way, humans merging themself with artificial inteligense. Also it would make sense for the government to claim alien abduction after the rapture, hence all the UFO videos. The bible is so complex, I have been studying the book every day for over a year now and it feels like I haven't even scratched the surface of it. God is a master designer!

How To Get Alien Laid - Part X + DEMO

The Voynich Manuscrit. I take this as a freak of Nature because why someone would write a book in crazy language for nobody to read it? a fake book to create Hype or maybe the writer was channeling some unknown language? Alien ? Ep 151: The Voynich Manuscript Part 1 — Astonishing Legends https://www.astonishinglegends.com/al-podcasts/2019/8/17/ep-151-the-voynich-manuscript-part-1

What Is God - Part 2 - Clear Answers To 70+ Commonly Asked Questions https://youtu.be/YMLuA2MzV40 "We are small pieces of God's mental apparatus." - Freeman Dyson Leo's clarification on being part of God: Leo establishes that depending on one's interpretation of 'you', an individual can be both a part of God and God themselves. In the conventional sense, 'you' refers to a part of God, but the deeper sense of self, realized through awakening practices, is God in its entirety. God's nature as tricky: Leo elaborates that God's nature requires trickery because reality itself is born of illusion. The physical world is a persistent disguise of God's true formlessness, which makes it challenging to recognize God in everyday experiences that we often take for granted. Experiencing God: Leo posits that individuals are constantly experiencing God but aren't aware of it because such awareness isn't necessary for survival. Noticing God requires becoming conscious of the truth that everything, including mundane objects and actions, is God. God's hiddenness: Leo addresses why God appears hidden by explaining that God's trickery is a creative necessity. The deceptive nature of God allows the experience of different forms and realities from formlessness. Recognizing God's true form would hinder practical human pursuits due to the realization of the illusory nature of concepts like money and material success. Claims about God and their falsifiability: Leo argues that God is the elemental truth and, as such, isn't subject to falsification in the traditional scientific sense. God's claims are verifiable through personal experience, and realization of this truth is self-validating. The burden of proof: Leo suggests that the burden of proof lies on individuals to discover and understand the truth of God, instead of it being something external that needs to be demonstrated or proved scientifically. He emphasizes that knowing God requires a more profound, introspective form of knowledge and understanding. Power of self-deception and God's capabilities: Leo emphasizes the absolute nature of self-deception, equating it to God's power. He asserts that God has the power to deceive itself into believing it is not God and, conversely, the power to awaken from that deception, illustrating the duality of God's capability. Rebuttal to 'God of the gaps' argument: Leo dismisses the 'God of the gaps' argument, explaining that while science aims to demystify reality, it will never succeed entirely because reality's infinite nature eludes complete understanding. For Leo, God embodies the mysterious 'gap' or nothingness that unifies all appearances. Differences between atheism and God as 'nothing': Addressing the materialist's stance on reality, Leo outlines the practical distinctions between his concept of 'nothing' as God and the atheistic view of non-existence. He lists multiple points where atheists' understanding diverges, such as reality being subjective, human beings as non-existent entities, and the sentient, intelligent nature of reality. Atheism's shortcomings in comprehending reality: Leo critiques the atheistic worldview, pointing out that it fails to recognize the subjective, relative nature of reality, the non-existence of humans as separate entities, the mechanistic view of reality, and the illusion of physical properties like time, space, and matter. Limitations and capabilities of consciousness: Atheists don't understand that their skepticism and doubts are tied to their current state of consciousness, which can change. Leo highlights the notion that consciousness is not a byproduct of the brain and that science has epistemic limits when trying to understand God or paranormal phenomena. Paranormal phenomena and the nature of God: Leo argues that atheists ignore the existence of paranormal activities, underestimate science's potential to answer all questions, and don't recognize that they are God, part of an infinite reality with no physical limits. Impossibility of God being a hallucination: Finally, Leo clarifies that direct consciousness of God cannot be a hallucination or delusion. Realizing God as the absolute truth leaves no room for misinterpretation as it doesn't rely on language, symbols, or perception. God as absolute truth: The concept of hallucination and delusion arises when the mind thinks rather than directly interfaces with absolute truth. When one is fully conscious of absolute truth, the idea of God as a hallucination is not applicable because in that state, there’s no room for doubt or the perception of hallucination. Experiencing God beyond the brain: When taking 5-MeO-DMT, reality is flipped inside out to the extent that the concept of having a brain or chemicals is forgotten. Leo emphasizes that in this state, 5-MeO-DMT is not a brain state, chemical, or neurotransmitter; it's a direct experience of God, which one must undergo to understand its profundity. Psychedelics as a pathway to truth: Skeptics question the validity of psychedelic experiences, but Leo argues that consciousness is all-powerful and can create any experience, including the realization of absolute truth. Leo invites doubters to partake in breakthrough psychedelic experiences to understand this personally. Understanding the meta-truth of God: Leo refutes the idea that God could just be part of a computer simulation, emphasizing that God is the ultimate realization of absolute infinity. He uses the concept of nested matrices to explain the scope of God – an infinite recursion of realities, indicating that all of existence is a hallucination, which psychedelics can help reveal. Infinity beyond God debunked: Leo addresses the idea of something existing beyond God by explaining that God is equivalent to "everything" and "totality," enveloping all potential aspects of existence. This realization, once reached, leaves nothing more to understand, and the concept of totality precludes the existence of anything outside of God. God cannot be a mere component: Leo clarifies that God cannot be just a part or product of something else, like a computer simulation, because God encompasses all possible phenomena. The notion of a computer simulation is a finite concept within the infinitude that is God. God's self-creation explained: Leo discusses how God interacts solely with itself, imposing self-limitations in the form of physical reality to create the potential for experience and surprise. This necessity is why there can only be one absolute infinity, representing true totality. God's capacity to create limitations: God incarnates in various forms, each with its limitations to experience existence. For instance, humans can lift certain rocks but not others, demonstrating God's self-imposed limitations. The formless Godhead, being infinite potential, cannot engage in such actions and must express itself through forms. God and self-destruction: God, in its formless state or as the Godhead, cannot be destroyed since destruction only applies within the realm of form. Although incarnated forms of God, such as humans, can experience destruction, the formless Godhead remains eternally intact. Formlessness and impermanence of forms: God, as formless, is eternal, but incarnates into forms such as humans or stars, which are transient and can be destroyed, like a star by a black hole or a person by jumping off a building. Overcoming confirmation bias in spiritual experiences: Leo discusses how genuine spiritual experiences shatter existing conceptual understandings and offer truths that are self-validating and often shocking, despite previous exposure to similar ideas. Denial of specific religious affiliations: Leo clarifies that he is not covertly adhering to any religion such as Christianity or Buddhism. His teachings are based on direct awakening experiences, not on a desire for God to be real or preexisting religious beliefs. Certainty vs. humility in speaking about God: Leo addresses the perceived arrogance of speaking with certainty about God. He explains that absolute truth is known without doubt once realized and expresses this truth without false humility. Possibility of misunderstanding God: Leo acknowledges the potential for misinterpretation or false experiences of God. He defends his understanding by referencing consistent awakening experiences, cross-referencing spiritual texts, and an openness to reevaluating his insights. Rejecting the notion of unknowability in spirituality: Leo counters the idea that asserting 'we don't know' is more scientific or humble. When true knowledge or realization of God is obtained, claiming ignorance would be dishonest, and one must remain open to astounding insights. Non-existence of evil from God's perspective: Leo argues that evil is a human projection based on survival, not an absolute reality. From God's universal viewpoint, there is no evil or suffering, just the perfect manifestation of existence. Perfect nature of the world from a higher perspective: The world, despite apparent imperfections when perceived through ego, is seen as perfect from God's higher perspective. Analogies of movie watching and rollercoaster rides illustrate the subjective experience of suffering and the illusory nature of evil. Absence of duty towards God: Since humans are embodiments of God, there is no duty to worship or pray. Leo suggests the real duty lies in awakening and raising awareness oneself, rather than adhering to traditional religious practices. Leo's certainty and the nature of absolute truth: Asserting knowledge of God, Leo shares that with direct experience, there's an undeniable certainty about this absolute truth, contrasting it with the nature of scientific knowledge and speculation. Rollercoaster and skydiving experience as an analogy for God’s interaction with human life: Leo compares human existence and the thrills and fears it brings to a rollercoaster ride or a skydiving experience. He suggests that as God incarnates into human experiences, it deliberately places itself into various situations, which, while sometimes terrifying or uncomfortable, also offer exhilaration and a form of enjoyment akin to the ultimate virtual reality, such as described in the movie "The Matrix." Skydiving as a metaphor for confronting fear and questioning life choices: Leo recounts his personal skydiving experience as a metaphor for life’s moments of intense questioning and fear of one's chosen path. He relates to the jarring realization during free fall that one may never choose to face such a terrifying situation again, representing moments of existential questioning that arise during human life. The addictive nature of excitement and suffering in human experience: Leo points out that humans instinctively seek excitement as well as the paradoxical allure of suffering. He suggests that people secretly enjoy their suffering and even might not wish to relinquish it, as it is a crucial part of their experience and identity. Unconditional love of God and non-judgment: Addressing the question of why God wouldn't judge actions such as murder or rape, Leo explains that God is all-loving and does not judge because it embodies every possible experience, including those we label as negative. Judgments of good and bad originate from the ego's perspective and serve the purpose of survival and identity defense rather than a divine perspective. The radical nature of God's love and the human perspective: Leo describes God's love as too radical for human beings to embody because it extends to everything in existence, contrasting with humans' selective love constrained by survival and defense of identity and moral constructs. God's relationship with evil and hate: Leo argues that evil and hate, as understood by humans, only exist as a perspective of the ego. To experience these emotions, God incarnates into limited forms such as human beings. From God’s ultimate perspective, it loves all aspects of creation, including those seen as evil or hateful. The nature of mainstream religion: Leo explains that mainstream religions are limited by the cognitive development of the times they were created and are often filled with metaphors and stories that cater to the understanding of those eras. Hence, they may seem confusing and diluted compared to direct experiences and teachings about God. The origin and dilution of religious teachings: He goes on to discuss how the teachings of enlightened individuals like Jesus, Buddha, and Muhammad, when passed down through less enlightened individuals and over extended periods, are subject to misinterpretation and dilution. God, evil, and the Devil: Leo clarifies that God is responsible for all creations, including those perceived as evil, as there is nothing outside of God. He explains the concept of the Devil as God’s incarnation experiencing separation, ego, and survival mechanisims—"the Devil" is another form through which God experiences itself. Challenges of straightforwardly explaining God: Finally, Leo addresses the challenges faced by mainstream religions in explaining God in a straightforward manner, attributing these to historical cognitive limits, cultural metaphors, and the distorting effects of interpreting and recording religious teachings over time. Adaptation of religious teachings: Religious teachings often involve moral codes like defining right and wrong or lawful and unlawful. These were advanced for their time and served as a form of legal and moral infrastructure before the establishment of countries and legal systems. Corruption of spirituality by ego: Spiritual teachings and religions can be co-opted by the ego for its purposes. Rulers and nation-states have historically used religion to control masses and justify wars, leading to the spread of confusion, delusion, and egotism. Challenges in codifying and spreading God's realization: The personal and subjective nature of realizing God makes it difficult to codify and mass distribute this knowledge through books or videos without misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Differentiating dated teachings from timeless wisdom: In studying religious texts like the Bible, it is important to distinguish outdated practices from enduring wisdom. Some archaic teachings must be recognized as products of their time and not applicable today. Commonalities across diverse religions: Despite the surface disagreements, various religions share a significant amount of core teachings, emphasizing the importance of direct experience and mystical insight to discern universal truths and recognize commonalities. Integration of religions: The modern idea of integrating religions to understand their common essence contrasts with the traditional perspective where each religion aimed at a monopoly on truth. An integral approach can help resolve superficial disagreements. Evidence of spiritual truths across history: The consistent mention of spirituality and God across all human history and cultures, often reflecting common themes, suggests there's more to it than mere superstition, mass delusions, or groupthink. Misconceptions regarding religion: Religion's historical involvement in conflicts doesn’t negate the personal discovery of God. Technology and other societal elements also contribute to wars, separating the potential misuse of religion from the experience of God. Usage of the word 'God': Despite misunderstandings, the term 'God' effectively captures the divine experience. Using non-specific terms might dilute the extraordinary aspect of the experience. Interpretation of religious visions: Visions of deities or religious figures during mystical experiences are symbolic interpretations by the mind, influenced by cultural and personal backgrounds. These are not arguments against God but reflective of cultural filters. Authenticity of spiritual teachings: No spiritual tradition has a monopoly on God or spirituality. Truths about God existed long before contemporary spiritual traditions and are global rather than exclusive to any specific region or culture. Understanding religious differences: To discern the underlying unity in various religious teachings, one must approach them with direct experience and mystical insights, rather than solely through intellectual study. Leo Gura's perspective on cultural interpretations of God: Leo notes that different cultures, such as Christians, Buddhists, Jews, and ancient Greeks and Egyptians, all have knowledge of God. He emphasizes that no single culture has a monopoly on the truth about God; these insights are accessible across cultures and history. Buddhism and the concept of God: Despite common misconceptions, Leo explains that Buddhism does have a concept of God. Buddhism’s "God" is expressed as No-Self, Buddha Mind, the Dharmakaya, Nirvana, etc. He clarifies that the difference between Buddhist No-Self and Hindu Self is a matter of degrees in awakening, not different endpoints. Experience versus direct consciousness of God: Leo uses the term "experience" loosely when discussing God, suggesting that "being" or "direct consciousness" is more accurate. He advises expanding the notion of experience to include these ideas. He also discusses integrating the direct consciousness of the formless God with earthly experiences to recognize that everyday existence is, in fact, an instance of God. The need for cross-referencing sources: Leo highlights the importance of validating one's spiritual experiences through high-quality, diverse scriptures and teachings. This helps to guard against self-deceit and ensure interpretations are consistent with established wisdom. Why not commit suicide to become God: Addressing the notion of suicide to become God, Leo argues for valuing one's current incarnation and the experiences it offers. He promotes early enlightenment to fully appreciate and live one's life rather than postponing realization until death. Existence in the presence of the all-knowing God: Leo explains how God sets up scenarios to forget and then remember itself, suggesting that the formless God understands itself by incarnating in various forms, including human life, and experiencing different aspects of existence. Realization of diverse forms of God: He talks about God's need to manifest in innumerable forms, including humans, fish, or galaxies, throughout time. This process allows God to fully experience and understand what it means to be God across the entirety of existence. Nature of God's self-knowledge: God doesn't fully know itself until it lives through its manifestations; self-realization occurs through direct experience. Purpose of discussing God: Talking about God is to make people aware of their potential to realize God, transform their lives, and overcome suffering and delusion with techniques to actualize this realization, while noting the pitfalls along the spiritual path. Utility of spiritual teachings: Repetitive teachings serve to inspire and solidify understanding; they motivate individuals to practice until realization, and guide post-awakening development and application in the world. Compatibility of science with understanding God: Current science, based on concepts and symbols, cannot comprehend God, which is beyond symbolism. However, science may evolve to include mysticism and non-symbolic methods such as first-person experiences and psychedelics. Science recognizing God: Future science could acknowledge concepts like absolute infinity or nothingness after integrating mysticism, departing from traditional materialism. Transformation of modern science: Science must adopt a more mystical perspective, acknowledging truths beyond conceptual understanding, for a holistic comprehension of reality. Integration of science and spirituality: By redefining science and mysticism, cultural barriers can dissolve, leading to a closer merger and new understandings in both fields. Science's role in reality beyond the mind: Science will need to accept aspects of reality that are beyond the mind and traditional materialistic proof to truly advance. Potential synergy of science and spirituality: Future collaboration between science and spirituality is expected to lead to revolutionary advancements, benefiting both fields. Loneliness of God: The formless Godhead does not feel loneliness. Still, incarnated forms like humans can, even though ultimate realization quells the sense of loneliness despite intrinsic aloneness. Varied curiosity about God: Differences in metaphysical curiosity may stem from brain types, genetics, environmental upbringing, and exposure to spiritual concepts during formative years. Curiosity about God penetrates the surface of reality and can disrupt established worldviews. Mechanism of God's creation: God's creation has no mechanism; the universe spontaneously exists without cause and effect chains or mathematical rules. Reality simply "is," a challenge for materialists to grasp without a shift in perspective. Mechanism of Creation and Cause-Effect Chains: Materialists resist the realization that the universe appears without mechanisms or mathematical equations; it manifests spontaneously as an indivisible miracle. Understanding the Fundamental Nature of Existence: Instead of seeking ultimate particles like quarks as explanations, Leo suggests treating the present moment as fundamental with no underlying mechanism. Eternal Nature and Self-Creation of God: God is eternal but is also in a constant state of self-creation. God, as formless, has always existed, and as form, is creating every moment anew. Impossibility of God Being an Alien or AI: God cannot be an AI or alien as these are finite forms within the totality that God is. God encompasses everything, not limited to any form or entity. God, Evolution, and Continuous Creation: God is both eternal and evolving. Evolution in a traditional sense and God's continual creation process are essentially the same, happening within God's mind. Reconciliation of Darwinian Evolution with God: Leo argues that traditional evolution occurs within God's design, implying a directed, intelligent process rather than random mutation and natural selection. Reasons for Undesirable Life Experiences: Individuals have the power to change their lives. Difficult life situations are part of God experiencing all forms of life, and spiritual awakening allows one to navigate these gracefully. Possibility of Constant God Awareness: Sahaja Samadhi is the permanent awareness of God in everyday life, a state beyond peak experiences or meditative moments. Difficulty of Permanent Awakening: Full realization of God takes time and effort due to the tremendous scope of absolute truth and the need to deconstruct long-standing illusions. Challenges in Realizing God: The struggle to realize God stems from deep-rooted survival mechanisms driving behavior, thus conflicts arise when one pursues the formless nature of God, which opposes survival instinct. Deconstructing the Illusion of Life: Truly understanding and maintaining the realization of God requires active deconstruction of life’s illusions, allowing one not to fall back into the hypnotic seduction of dualistic existence. Challenge of realizing God: Realizing God is difficult due to deeply ingrained habits and the brain's slow process of change. Neurons need time to rewire to alter behaviors and habits, impacting one's ability to sustain mystical insights. Ease of realizing God: Paradoxically, realizing God can also be simple. Theoretically, if one were to sit in isolation for 30 days with absolute stillness of mind and body, they could become conscious of God by the end of the period. However, this level of stillness in practice is extremely difficult to achieve. Commitment to the spiritual journey: The difficulty in realizing God significantly decreases with a serious, focused commitment. The likelihood of realization within a short timeframe, like a month, increases dramatically when an individual dedicates themselves fully and without distractions. Balancing spirituality with family and career: It is possible to realize God while maintaining family and career commitments. However, it's advisable to stagger these pursuits to prevent being overwhelmed. In India, certain schools of spirituality offer techniques that householders can use alongside their family and career responsibilities. Visualization as a method to realize God: Visualization practices from Tantra yoga and Tibetan Buddhism can be powerful, concentrating the mind intensely on a deity to facilitate a non-dual mystical experience. Yet, one must take care not to become overly attached to the representation to break through to the formless aspect of God. Pursuing God at a young age: One is never too young to start thinking about God or spirituality. It is possible to realize God as a teenager or in the early 20s. However, it is equally important to focus on practical skills and responsibilities, balancing spiritual development with other aspects of life. Experiencing God at different cognitive stages: People at all stages of cognitive development can experience God, but the interpretation will depend on their level. Higher cognitive stages allow for a more holistic understanding and ease the process of mystical experience and proper interpretation. God's need for self-realization: God itself does not have a need for self-realization and is content with all forms of existence. However, as humans, when we awaken, we can experience and understand our divine nature, something not possible for non-conscious forms. God as personal and impersonal: God is both personal and impersonal. While the Godhead lacks human traits and is impersonal, it is personal in the sense that it experiences itself as humans with uniquely human qualities. God's involvement in human lives: The passive Godhead by nature does not manipulate lives actively; however, as the manifest form of God, it can be seen as steering lives through human thoughts, emotions, and actions. God's agenda or plan: In essence, God has no particular agenda or plan; its purpose is in existence itself. Yet from a human perspective, it seems that the universe is on an evolutionary path towards greater complexity and self-awareness. God as a complex singularity: Leo imagines a future where God experiences life through various forms, feels emotions like humans, and processes information with supercomputing capabilities, all interconnected into an ultimate singularity. Pantheism vs. Panentheism: Both pantheism (everything is God) and panentheism (everything is inside of God) are true in non-duality. The distinction is seen as trivial since the formlessness of God (panentheism) is not different from the forms (pantheism), creating a paradoxical overlap. Mankind's discovery of God: Likely, humans have had knowledge of God for over 450,000 years. Leo speculates that the early spiritual awareness arose from a lack of distractions, meditative lifestyles, natural spiritual gifts, use of psychedelics, and possibly shamanistic practices among early human ancestors. God's incarnation as individuals: God embodies every form simultaneously, so one's unique human form is just one among countless expressions of God. Leo stresses not to take personal form too seriously as God experiences everything at once. Reasons for God creating diverse life: The variety of life forms, like humans and animals, allows God to experience rich complexities and emotions, contributing to an ongoing evolution towards greater complexity and depth of experience. Utilization of God's realization by humans: While the ego might seek to use the realization of God for material gains, deeper purposes include elevating humanity's consciousness, teaching, improving personal faculties, and nurturing conscious growth in all aspects of life. Special powers from realizing God: Realizing God may lead to paranormal abilities or 'siddhis' due to spiritual awakening, but its pursuit by the ego can become a distraction. Though these abilities exist, they are not guaranteed nor should they be the focus of spiritual practice. Possibility of miracles: Miracles as paranormal occurrences, like healing and synchronicities, are considered possible by Leo. He views all existence as miraculous and highlights the nuanced nature of what constitutes a miracle within the physical reality. Truth and falsehood in the Bible: The Bible contains both wisdom and outdated misconceptions. It holds truths, such as the 'I Am' concept of God and the inward kingdom of heaven but also has misleading elements due to its human authorship. Man's duty towards God and worship: No objective duty exists toward God, as humans are manifestations of God themselves. Practices like worship and prayer often reinforce a false duality and can obstruct the realization of one's divine nature. What God desires from humans: Fundamentally, God desires nothing from humans; each being is free to exist as they choose. However, Leo encourages individuals to strive for consciousness and appreciate the magnificence of life. Following religion's relation to God realization: Leo advises abandoning religion due to its potential to hinder realizing God. He views personal direct experience of God as more profound than adhering to religious dogma. Religion, often filled with brainwashing, can be less enlightening compared to personal realization. Misconception about teachings: While it may seem that Leo's teachings echo traditional religious scripts like the Quran or the Bible, he clarifies that he presents spirituality from an integral, holistic perspective, encompassing insights from modern disciplines such as psychology, quantum mechanics, and sociology—something ancient texts do not incorporate. Evolution of spirituality: Leo emphasizes the necessity for spiritual practices to evolve and adapt to modern complexities and technological advancements, pointing out that sticking to medieval spiritual traditions is insufficient for the current era. Higher-level instruction and avoiding traps: He distinguishes his teachings by aiming to discuss spirituality at a cutting-edge level, incorporating contemporary knowledge, and providing guidance on avoiding pitfalls like cult dynamics, which are not addressed in traditional spiritual teachings. Essential requirements for realizing God: Leo identifies three core requirements: laser-focused concentration, radical open-mindedness (to the extent of considering concepts like death and evil), and a genuine metaphysical curiosity about existence, reality, and God. Critical thinking and self-validation: Leo encourages viewers to not blindly trust him but to cross-reference, explore different sources, and personally experiment with yoga, meditation, self-inquiry, and psychedelics to validate the truths he presents. No shortcut to understanding God: He acknowledges that understanding God isn't achievable through Q&A format nor through seeking previews of awakening; it requires actual awakening and multiple experiences for a comprehensive understanding. Usefulness of Actualized.org: Leo concludes by promoting actualized.org as a helpful resource for those serious about realizing God, indicating that the site offers practical teachings and powerful spiritual techniques that can lead to significant awakenings in a relatively short period. Avis

Sameness vs Difference - The Metaphysical Foundation Of Reality https://youtu.be/M5tWkG5SGcU "Everything is the same in that it is different." "According to sameness, there is no difference between sameness and difference; according to difference, there is." Sameness and Difference: Leo Gura introduces a contemplative exploration into the concepts of sameness and difference, asserting their profound significance and promising an in-depth analysis. Categorizing People by Mental Focus: He mentions that psychologists categorize people as either 'difference' or 'sameness' focused based on their tendencies to either see distinctions or commonalities between things. Quiz to Determine Tendencies: Leo employs a quiz with rapid-fire questions comparing various items (from Coke and Pepsi to concepts like good and evil) to engage the viewer in actively questioning their own perceptions of sameness and difference. Initial Impressions Vs. Conclusive Recognitions: He challenges the assumption that these items can be deemed objectively the same or different and encourages the viewer to recognize the complexity and subjectivity involved in making such determinations. Perspective Influence on Sameness and Difference: Through examples of Coca Cola cans, gold versus silver, and ants versus elephants, Leo demonstrates that whether we perceive things as the same or different can change drastically depending on the context and our level of analysis. Homework Assignment: As homework, viewers are encouraged to contemplate sameness versus difference on their own, taking the examples and discussions provided as a starting point for deeper reflection. Perceived Offense in Comparing Humans to Chimpanzees: Leo elucidates why people feel offended at the notion that humans and chimpanzees share a high percentage of genetic similarity. He theorizes that humans need to differentiate themselves, sometimes due to deeply ingrained beliefs about their unique place in creation. Chimpanzee and Human Similarities: He highlights the profound similarities between chimpanzees and humans, such as the number of fingers and toes, hair, care for offspring, and the capacity for emotion and social organization. He draws on primatology to show just how much humans can learn about themselves from these similarities. Rejection of Inner Similarity to Apes: Leo discusses the resistance some people have to acknowledging the animalistic aspects of human behavior and how this denial can prevent a deeper understanding of themselves. Metaphor of Acorn and Oak Tree: Leo uses the relationship between an acorn and an oak tree to illustrate the concept of sameness and difference, showing that while seeming different in form, one directly grows out of and is genetically identical to the other. Children and Adults as Same Entities: He argues that adults are fundamentally the same as their childhood selves, facing similar issues but in different forms, challenging the common belief that adults have completely outgrown their childlike nature. Abortion and the Definition of Human Life: Leo invites viewers to consider at what point a human life becomes a human life, examining the differentiation made in the debate over abortion. He questions whether the act of abortion equates to murder by considering the potentiality of life in various stages and forms. Valuing Human and Chicken Lives: He confronts the perceived differences in the worthiness of lives, asking whether beheading a chicken is fundamentally different from beheading a human, and whether there exists an absolute moral distinction between the two. Identity of Identical Twins: Leo sheds light on the distinct lives led by identical twins, suggesting that even though they share DNA and appearance, their unique experiences make them different individuals. Parental Love and Genetic Similarity: He postulates that parental love might largely be based on perceived genetic similarity and discusses how affection can change when a child's true parentage is discovered, questioning the nature of that love. Perceptions of Children in Different Societies: Leo discusses how perceptions of children can vary with race and ethnicity, noting how some individuals can see themselves in children of a different ethnicity, despite others seeing those children as fundamentally different. Workdays Sameness and Difference: He compares Monday and Friday to demonstrate that context heavily influences our perception of sameness and difference; while structurally similar as workdays, they evoke very different emotional responses. Value of One Penny: Using the example of one penny's difference in various contexts, Leo illustrates how a seemingly insignificant amount can greatly alter the outcome of a situation, reinforcing the idea that sameness and difference can be context-dependent. Language Comparisons: He draws similarities between the English and Chinese languages, likening their basic functional components despite their perceived vast differences, and suggests that the comparison could have been between something as dissimilar as English and an ostrich to highlight the contrast. Complexity of Language: English can be translated into Chinese, but Navajo was used in WWII for encoding messages due to its unique grammar and radical difference from other language groups. Similarities and Differences in Numbers: The numbers 5 and 25 can be perceived as both similar and different, with an infinite list of similarities and differences that one can choose to focus on. Ideas vs Reality: The idea of an elephant and an actual elephant have significant similarities that allow us to use the idea to represent the real thing, despite being fundamentally different. Men and Women Similarities: Men and women share many similarities including DNA and basic physical features, yet substantial differences in psychology and attractions exist. Are Human Beings the Same?: Leo suggests that the similarity or uniqueness of all human beings is a matter of perspective without an objective answer. Republicans vs Democrats: He compares Republicans and Democrats to illustrate that, despite clear differences, they share many common concerns and are part of the same political system. Historical Figures: Trump and George Washington, despite being historically and characteristically different, share common human traits and American political heritage. Drone Strikes as Terrorism: US drone strikes, seen by some as counterterrorism efforts, are perceived by victims in affected regions as acts of terrorism, illustrating the subjectivity of such labels. State Comparisons: The comparison between states like California and Mississippi reveals both similarities in laws and governance and differences in political, geographic, and climatic aspects. Perception of Psychedelics vs Hard Drugs: Psychedelics are often lumped together with heroin and meth despite the significant differences experienced by those who have tried them. Sexual Acts and Definitions: The interpretation of whether a blowjob constitutes sex varies depending on personal beliefs and societal norms. Cheating in Different Contexts: Cheating on a test and cheating on taxes might look different, but fundamentally, they reflect a similar attitude and mindset. Seriousness of Cheating: Cheating on a significant test like one for Harvard admission can alter someone's life trajectory, weighing the act's gravity. Sameness of Religions: While some dismiss all religions as mere fantasy, differences within and among religions like Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam are significant. Christian Denominations: Despite identifying under the same religion, Christians are segmented into numerous denominations, each with distinct practices and beliefs. Individuality within Baptist Denomination: Even within a single denomination, such as Baptists, there are significant differences between subgroups which they themselves acknowledge. Similarities between Buddha and Christ: Leo recalls a conversation with a taxi driver that reveals the perception of Buddha as evil amongst some Christians, highlighting the failure to see the interconnectedness between Buddha's teachings and those of Christ. Changing Nature of Physical Identity: Leo uses the example of fingers changing over time to discuss identity and asks if we are the same as we were years ago, acknowledging constant physical and psychological changes. Comparison with a Nazi: Leo challenges the listener to see the uncomfortable similarities between themselves and a Nazi, suggesting that recognizing these can help understand and prevent atrocities. Perception of Actualized.org Content: Videos on Actualized.org are perceived differently by casual versus regular viewers, illustrating the subjective nature of sameness and difference. Hydrogen Atoms' Identity: Leo questions whether all hydrogen atoms are the same, pointing out that while they share properties, they differ in space and time, challenging the notion of sameness. Reality versus Illusion and Fantasy: The distinction between reality and illusion is questioned. Leo proposes that reality might not be fundamentally different from fantasy or illusion. God and the Devil: Integrating philosophical and theological reasoning, Leo suggests that if God is infinite and the Creator of all, then the Devil, as part of God's creation, must also fundamentally embody aspects of God. Good vs. Evil: The dichotomy of good and evil is explored, with emphasis on subjectivity and the dangers of feeling self-righteous without questioning one's biases. Personal Identity and Sameness: Leo poses whether or not he and the listener are essentially the same, despite perceived differences in understanding or knowledge. Perception of Personal Development: Leo Gura considers how individuals may feel different from him due to challenges in understanding enlightenment concepts or difficulties in meditation but suggests that as one's consciousness expands, the perceived gap diminishes, revealing a fundamental sameness. Nothing vs. Something: He challenges the conventional dichotomy of 'nothing' and 'something', proposing that 'nothing' might not be an empty void but could be identical with the 'something' that constitutes our reality and experiences. Essence of Sameness and Difference: Leo emphasizes the importance of recognizing the relativity of sameness and difference, rather than viewing them as objective facts, to avoid ideological conflicts and to embrace a more comprehensive understanding of reality. Relativity and Perspective: He introduces the concept of relativity, explaining that the existence of things like trees and forests depends entirely on the presence of a perceiver, and without a perspective, there's nothing there. Cultural and Social Conflict: Gura identifies cultural stand-offs such as racism, xenophobia, and ethnocentrism as arising from misunderstandings and disputes over sameness and difference, leading to conflict and violence. Geopolitical Issues and Sameness: He provides a hypothetical scenario involving Israelis and Palestinians to illustrate how perceived sameness and difference can shift dramatically given a common external threat, like an alien invasion, yet revert back to conflict once the threat subsides. Sameness in Sociopolitical Movements: Leo notes issues within movements like the #MeToo movement, where varying degrees of sexual misconduct may be inappropriately grouped together, highlighting both the necessity of discerning difference and acknowledging the underlying sameness that points to systemic issues. Science, Religion, and Ideological Battles: Gura discusses the ongoing debates between science and religion and their respective proponents, which often revolves around each side emphasizing their differences without acknowledging the deep similarities that exist. Understanding Sameness and Difference: He encourages viewers to engage in exercises that train their consciousness to recognize both the sameness and difference between objects, which can help deepen their understanding of these abstract concepts. Existence as Difference: Leo expounds on the idea that to exist is to be different, implying that everything is unique because for two objects to be distinct, they must have at least one differing characteristic, such as their position in space-time. Recognition of Same vs. Different: Leo explains the necessity for distinguishing different objects or aspects to acknowledge their existence, yet also the requirement to recognize sameness to function and survive. Perception of Relatives: Through the example of written "hello" in various fonts, he illustrates how the mind works to both differentiate and assimilate information, moving beyond mere appearances to grasp deeper connections. Image 1 Image 2 Relativity and Context: Leo uses the example of shifting perceptions of rectangles to demonstrate relativity and how context influences the identification of similarities and differences. Image 3 Image 4 Image 5 Image 6 Image 7 Importance of Distinction: He concludes that while things may appear similar, they must have at least one distinguishing feature to be considered separate entities, emphasizing the nuanced nature of sameness and difference. Science, Categorization, and Relativity: Leo shares that science cannot definitively prove sameness or difference, as these concepts are fundamental to defining categories and exist prior to scientific investigation, underscoring the subjective underpinnings of categorizing reality. Scientific categories as subjective constructs: Leo Gura points out that categories such as "cats" or "lions" are created by the mind and are not objective entities found in the world, emphasizing the subjective nature of science and its categories. Question of Similarity and Difference: He challenges the idea that similarity and difference can be objectively measured, like the similarity between a lion and a tiger, and underlines the subjective human judgment in determining the criteria for similarity. Science’s Consensus vs. Objective Truth: Science, according to Gura, operates on building a consensus within its community rather than discovering objective truths, drawing similarities between the consensus-building in science and religious belief systems. Identity as mind-constructed differences: Leo explores the concept of identity, arguing that it's not an objective reality but rather a result of distinguishing oneself from the environment, a process crucial to the formation of individual and collective identities. Significance of differentiated identity: He suggests that one's very existence depends upon remaining distinct; identity is a set of differences and without them, one would metaphorically die and merge with the broader totality. Identity formation in early stages of life: Gura describes how individuals establish their identities through differentiation in their formative years, by attaching to various attributes and group identifiers. Resistance to significant life changes: He explains the resistance to change, especially at the identity level, as it requires fundamentally altering the trajectory of one's life built around this established identity. Personal development and identity deconstruction: Leo discusses the conflict and resistance in personal development endeavors, noting that true change demands identity-level transformation. Ego’s drive for survival through identity-strengthening: According to Gura, society caters to the ego's need for identity reinforcement, whereas he aims to lay the groundwork for deconstructing that very identity. Identity misappropriation in self-help industry: He cautions that personal development teachings, like those from Actualized.org, can be co-opted by the ego to create a new form of identity rather than breaking it down. Identity and the ego’s struggle: Gura concludes that through the process of deconstructing one's identity, one can reach a state of existence where one realizes oneself as infinite and encompassing both sameness and difference. Identity Formation and Ego: Leo Gura explains that our ego constructs its identity by emphasizing differences from others, leading to a sense of individuality. Identity preservation emerges from fear of acknowledging our similarities with those we dislike or disagree with, which can be threatening. Denial of True Nature and Unhappiness: Leo states that unhappiness stems from being in denial about our true infinite and indiscriminate nature. The inability or unwillingness to accept this vastness is at the root of personal struggle and unhappiness. Perception and Identity Preservation: The mind selectively perceives differences and similarities to preserve identity, not to ascertain objective truth. This selective perception is self-serving, aimed at perpetuating one's existing beliefs and identity. Struggle of Existence and Inevitable Loss: Leo discusses the fundamental struggle of life to maintain a separate identity while being part of a greater whole. He highlights that this battle is ultimately futile as the ego's identity will eventually collapse, merging back into the totality of existence. Fear of Deep Sameness and Xenophobia: Leo explains that xenophobia and racism are not due to perceived differences, but rather due to fear of deep underlying sameness. Individuals who build their identity around ethnicity fear acknowledging our fundamental human similarity. Ego’s Disregard for Truth and Cherry-picking Reality: He contends that the ego cherry-picks differences or sameness that aligns with its own survival and identity, disregarding the truth. This selective perception is evident in divisive politics, marketing, culture, and other social constructs. Materialist Paradigm and Fragmentation: The Western materialist paradigm is faulted for its fragmentation of reality, leading to the reduction of everything into separate pieces. This paradigm is rooted in emphasizing differences and leads to societal and political conflicts. Role of Ego in Societal Issues: Leo describes the ego's role in societal issues as one of fragmentation, synonymous with the actions of the devil by his definition—creating separation and conflict by refusing to recognize the underlying unity with the greater "God" or truth. Demonization across political parties: Leo criticizes the tendency of people, regardless of political alignment, to demonize others. He refers to liberals who demonize Republicans, corporations, and Trump, equating them to Nazis or Hitler. Gura asserts this behavior is common to all human minds, transcending national or political identity. Conscious awareness and cessation of demonization: Leo suggests that the frequent act of demonizing is a commonality amongst humans. He advises that becoming increasingly conscious of this process can reduce its occurrence. Materialism versus spirituality in perception: Leo contrasts materialism's emphasis on fragmentation and recognizing differences with spirituality’s focus on integrating fragments and seeing a deep sameness. Deep sameness versus surface sameness: He distinguishes between the ego's preference for surface sameness used for identity construction and deep sameness that connects underlying essences beyond appearances. Leo claims that recognizing deep sameness, not easily perceived by most, is associated with genius and wisdom. Examples illustrating deep sameness: Leo provides examples to elucidate deep sameness, such as paradigm locks present in both religion and science, suffering stemming from selfishness, and recognizing all living beings as having equal worth. He considers these recognitions as signs of intelligence and wisdom. Douglas Hofstadter's analogy theory: He discusses Hofstadter's theory that all thinking is based on analogies. Leo appreciates Hofstadter's emphasis on the ability to find profound connections through analogy, even if he disagrees with the idea that all thinking is analogical. Applications of sameness and difference: Leo encourages applying the understanding of sameness and difference across diverse fields, such as historical analysis, medicine, scientific research, and more. Recognizing deeper connections and the true metaphysical nature of reality can benefit these fields by overcoming their current limitations. Hyper-specialization in Science: Leo Gura discusses the increasing hyper-specialization within scientific disciplines leading to a loss of big-picture understanding. Future of Science and Integration: He predicts the future of significant scientific breakthroughs will require integrating multiple fields to create holistic models. Scientific Schools and Ideological Battles: Gura explores how different scientific schools with their own biases and assumptions engage in ideological conflicts similar to religious sects. Legal System and Adjudication: He notes that the legal system functions by drawing on the concepts of sameness and difference, with judges and lawyers leveraging these concepts to argue cases. Law Enforcement and Subjective Fairness: Leo discusses the perception of fairness in law enforcement, which varies based on factors like ethnicity and social status. Politics and Identity: He identifies politics as fundamentally revolving around identity politics, with sameness and difference manipulated to serve individual and collective agendas. Civil Rights Movement and Cultural Notions: Gura talks about the civil rights movement challenging societal concepts of sameness and difference and the resistance met during this process. Cultural and Societal Programming: Leo emphasizes that our perceptions of sameness and difference are not self-conceived but are instilled by societal and cultural influences. Affirmation of Identities and Culture Wars: He underscores that culture wars revolve around defending identities shaped by how societies draw distinctions that favor certain groups. Religion, Spirituality, and Identity: Gura concludes by highlighting that conflicts in religion and spirituality often derive from the formation of identities around belief systems, regardless of whether one is theistic or atheistic. Religious sects and conflict: Leo Gura emphasizes that conflicts among religious and spiritual sects stem from their lack of understanding regarding the relativity of sameness and difference, leading to hostilities and even wars. Conflict negotiation and perspective-taking: He explains that most conflicts arise because parties involved do not see from the other's perspective. Successful conflict negotiation, therefore, involves helping them to comprehend this and let go of biased positions. Impact of perspective in relationships: Leo discusses how focusing on either differences or similarities can make or break relationships, advocating for recognizing deeper similarities to resolve issues and enhance connection. Influence of individual perception on relationship longevity: He warns that carrying the same perspective from one relationship to the next without introspection can lead to repeated patterns of dissatisfaction and breakups. Discovery of new interests: Leo suggests that finding new music, movies, or books that resonate with a person is essentially about matching deep similarities amid differences, facilitated by technology like recommendation algorithms. Facial recognition and identity as construction: He reflects on facial recognition technology's accommodation for variance in photographs as proof that identity is a narrative we believe and construct, rather than an objective truth. Applications of sameness and difference in self-actualization: Leo emphasizes the importance of recognizing deep similarities to truly understand and integrate spiritual teachings, overcoming the common fixation on differences. Scientific and religious integration: He argues that to comprehend how science and religion align, one must see profound similarities, subsequently aiding understanding of epistemology, beliefs, ideologies, and fundamentalism. Challenge of overcoming ideological fundamentalism: Leo points out that fundamentalists across different spectrums do not recognize their deep similarities, whether in religion, science, or materialism, leading to divisive outcomes and problems. Understanding and resolving evil, corruption, and conflict: Leo encourages seeing past self-centeredness and recognizing the deep similarity in motives that drive all human behavior as a means to understand the root causes of societal issues. Recognition of Shared Human Traits: Leo examines the uncomfortable truth that we share deep traits with those we consider evil, such as Nazis or terrorists, emphasizing the sameness that underlies human motivation and actions. Existential Drivers and Identity Defense: He explains that all human behaviors are driven by similar existential motivations, prominently the defense of one's identity which gives life its purpose and context. Misconceptions of Evolution and Identity: Leo challenges the oversimplified explanation of human behavior through natural selection, revealing the complexity of identity beyond biological survival. The Origin of Suffering: He posits that all forms of suffering emanate from an overemphasis on differences, and the solution may lie in recognizing deep sameness, which most people are currently unaware of. Balance between Sameness and Difference: While Leo emphasizes the importance of recognizing deep sameness for holistic understanding, he warns against neglecting the recognition of differences which can lead to overgeneralizations and errors in judgment. Pathological Generalization in Scientific History: Leo illustrates the pitfalls of 'sameness pathology' using historical examples, including Galileo's clash with the intellectual establishment of his era that refused to accept astronomical observations contradicting their beliefs. Image 8 Image 9 Science's Struggle with New Paradigms: He addresses how modern science displays sameness pathology by dismissing external evidence that contradicts materialist views, especially with regard to psychic phenomena and the insights gained from psychedelic experiences. Confusing Models with Reality: Leo describes a pathology in science where researchers mistake their mathematical models and abstractions for reality itself, losing sight of the distinction between models and the actual phenomena they represent. Sameness Pathology in Science: Leo criticizes a common misconception among some scientists who believe the universe is inherently mathematical, equating physical theories and equations directly to the laws of the universe, which he deems as a delusion and projection of the mind. Gender Stereotypes and Sameness Pathology in Society: Discussing the consequences of societal attempts in Scandinavia to remove gender stereotypes, such as reversing traditional toy roles in catalogs for boys and girls, Leo highlights the potential confusion this could cause regarding masculinity and femininity. Education on Gender Identity: Leo suggests that instead of enforcing gender-neutral policies, schools should offer comprehensive education about masculinity and femininity, allowing students to understand and choose their identity. Sexual Repression and Misunderstanding due to Poor Gender Role Education: Leo points out the long-term negative effects of not teaching children about gender roles, such as sexual repression, incompetence in intimate relationships, and even extreme reactions like violence. Sameness Pathology in Lumping Together Religion with Mysticism: He addresses the conflation of fundamentalist religion with mystical non-dual teachings and advanced spirituality, critiquing the dismissal of deeper spiritual practices as mere fairy tales within certain intellectual circles. Sameness Pathology in Sexual Harassment Cases: Discussing the problematic tendency to treat all forms of sexual harassment with the same severity, Leo insists on acknowledging the degrees of harassment instead of lumping together distinct actions. Stigmatization of Psychedelics: Leo laments the cultural and governmental stigmatization of psychedelics as hard drugs, arguing that this misclassification hinders the progress of medical and scientific research, as well as the evolution of mankind. Jordan Peterson's False Equivalencies: Leo accuses Jordan Peterson of mistakenly equating post-modernists and 'Neo-Marxists' with the dangers of Soviet communism, resulting in incorrect cultural wars and a failure to recognize the evolutionary necessity of progressing through different societal stages. Corporate Demonization and Green Movement's Sameness Pathology: Leo observes the 'green stage' tendency to see corporations as uniformly evil and materialistic, failing to differentiate between the nuanced roles and functions of different corporate entities. War-time Demonization as Difference Pathology: Citing World War II propaganda as an example, Leo examines how warring nations create demonizing narratives of their adversaries to justify conflict and violence, characterizing this as a 'difference pathology.' Demonization During Wartime: Soldiers given LSD did not become super warriors but rather empathized with their enemies, unable to fight due to a sense of unity, showing that demonization is a key aspect of sustaining conflict. Men's Rights Movement and Dysfunction: The movement, along with pickup, MGTOW, and red-pill ideologies, is criticized for fostering a dysfunctional relationship with women due to a lack of understanding and blaming women for personal inadequacies. Jordan Peterson's Influence: Peterson's popularity among men with dysfunctional views towards women is critiqued for providing a victim narrative that prevents personal responsibility and growth. Blame-Shifting Tactics: Leo critiques ideologies that blame feminism, political correctness, and other movements for personal problems with women instead of encouraging introspection and growth. Victimization in Ideologies: Ideologies like the men's rights movement create a schism between men's and women's identities, leading to harmful stereotypes and political ideology that doesn't address the real problems. Sam Harris and Islam: Harris's criticism of Islam is equated to a 'difference pathology' where he fails to recognize the deep sameness between his own rationalist fundamentalism and the religious dogmatism he opposes. Understanding Deeper Similarities: Leo encourages the recognition of deeper similarities between men and women and warns against ideologies that deepen insecurities and misunderstandings. Insular Lives Leading to Problems: Pointed out that many individuals struggle with women due to a lack of real-world social experience, having been raised in a virtual environment. Danger of Scapegoating: The culture of blaming external factors for personal issues, such as difficulties with women, is criticized for obstructing self-improvement. Deep Sameness and Lesser Jihad: Sam Harris is said to be engaging in the lesser jihad against Islam instead of seeking greater personal awakening, illustrating the failure to see deep sameness. Critiquing Popular Figures: Leo Gura addresses the temptation of gaining popularity by criticizing renowned figures across various domains. He expresses caution about becoming a critic as an identity and stresses using criticism to highlight the relevance of understanding sameness and difference. Richard Dawkins and Difference Pathology: Gura criticizes Richard Dawkins for his materialistic dogma and his strong opposition to creationists. He suggests that Dawkins' approach is similar to the dogmatism of the religions he disagrees with, exemplifying a 'difference pathology.' Ethnocentrism, Racism, and Difference Pathology: Leo discusses the resurgence of ethnocentrism and racism and how they result from a 'difference pathology.' He argues that such attitudes stem from an identity attachment rather than actual superiority backed by scientific evidence. Image 10 Blindness to Personal Evil: Gura points out that failure to see one’s own potential for evil stems from a 'difference pathology,' where individuals differentiate themselves from those they view as evil, leading to selfishness and perpetuation of that very evil. Three Powerful Questions for Deeper Understanding: Leo offers three questions to encourage nuanced thinking: How are two things the same? How are they different? And, how are they deeply the same? These are intended to go beyond the surface and reach the essence of a situation or concept. Homework on Sameness vs. Difference: Leo assigns viewers to contemplate the notion of sameness and difference independently of his or others' teachings, juxtaposing personal reflection with external information to avoid ideological traps and self-deceit. Mental Flexibility and Nuanced Thinking: In his conclusion, Gura emphasizes the importance of nuanced, grey-scale thinking, integration, distinction, and the avoidance of ideological traps for a profound understanding of reality. Interconnectedness of Existence and Reality's Structure: Leo summarizes by revealing that reality consists of both sameness and differences, which may be deeply interconnected in structure, thus underlining the complexity and depth of these concepts even in the construct of reality itself. Deep Truth for Reflection: Ending the lecture, Gura leaves his viewers with a profound statement to ponder, representing the complex interplay and essence of sameness and difference in reality. Image 11 Crucio