I think you're mixing collectives and groups of individuals. In collectives, the ego does not exist and it's more of a herd mentality, while in the latter the ego is the defining characteristic of the group. With an ego everyone is different and they better society not because they're told to but because they want to.
Individualism isn't a bad thing, the concept has just been destroyed throughout the years.
heres a depressing thought: this is the pinnacle of humanity, these next few decades; in this century we become transhuman, we start to dramatically tamper with our biology and merge with machines (in a more literal way than we already have); this world, right now, is the best we managed to build with our inadequate primate brains; carl sagan lacked foresight into the future; adulthood implies becoming posthuman;
@eyhexs also, people seek others and communicate with them because we are hardwired that way, we are social animals, it made sense form an evolutionary perspective to be social and communicate; it was advantageous;
another thing, the brain is certainly endowed with the property of plasticity, which means it can rewire itself to a certain extent; we are adaptable learning machines, especially at youth; but still, theres much thats hardcoded into our thought patterns and behaviour that we cant change;
@eyhexs i dare you to look at a puppy and not perceive it as cute, not feel empathy and the drive to nurture it; as nonsensical as it is (i mean, if it was a baby it would make sense); we are biological robots with some silly hardcoded stuff we cant properly hack into and customize quite yet;
Hypothetical:- What if I prefer solitude over 'mingling' with other human mammals and who actually find (generally) the company of other humans to be a drag? Hypothetically again, if evolution is tending towards a connection of brains/minds, would natural or artificial selection weed me out of existence? Could it be that evolution in such a case favours the unwashed masses?
The ego of the self cannot be eliminated until our species unifies and forms an ego of the collective. We must be proud of out community, our species, above ourselves and our experiences.
I'm glad my parents didn't, or didn't succeed, in brainwashing me with religion and ego and blind patriotism. But it just sucks because I'm still living among such an "Adolescent" humanity.
Well sex is better than masturbation because, well . . one reason is the connection you mention, but even without that you're fulfilling or at least closer to fulfilling your biological imperitive to reproduce. Thinking about a girl that wants you to knock her up I think is pretty hot . . . not that it's happened . . . my girlfriend is iffy on having kids at the moment.
really good video!. I totally agree from 4:00 onward.
in reference to 7:13. Some people do hate themselves. so if you literally become one with the biggest asshole in the world. you may feel a seance of self loathing.
I think it's a very good idea to be aware of the ego. However I don't think that it is necessarily such a good idea to try and distance yourself from it. I think simply being more aware of it might be enough to make the difference.
Yep, all we can do is foster self awareness which does sound rather contradictory when transcending the ego. I catch my ego being a little insistent prick several times a day. As I mature I allow it less and less air time. And like a child, when these insistent demands are ignored it becomes increasingly aware that its not the center of the universe.. Doubt it ever shuts up, but it seems to becoming more quit. In my opinion it's very similar to the Stockholm situation.
Why would you want to eliminate ego? The ego may give us Jack the Ripper, but it also gives us Mozart. Eliminate the ego and you're left with a sponge. I don't want a world without conflict. Conflict is the agitant that creates the pearls of human culture, to use a soppy metaphor. Without ego there is no culture. No war and no love. Just homogenised human soup. If you want to dissolve your ego into some Borg like collective then have at it mate, but I want none of it.
"Character cannot be developed in peace and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision be cleared, ambition insured and success achieved."
(Helen Keller)
I usually don't use quotes, but that one sounds so good. Have a nice day, dog!
Sol could you add some subtitles im not that fluent with english but i can write and read fine of it i just dont understant some of it when its spoken
I actually do know about evolutionary psychology, and in many cases it can be an amazing tool for understanding human behaviour - my only gripe with it is that it ignores the mounting evidence about the placidity of the human mind.
Even if the minds we have are the same as the ancients, it does not mean we cannot use the power of the mind to rewrite itself based on our expanded understanding.
I read his essay on the site and was disappointed at the lack of detail in it.... are there any books in which he elaborates further how a resource based economy would function? When he said he wanted to build a theme park in the VP city I was mildly taken aback, and the city design images (i presume that's what they are) are flashy crystal spires and togas future but do not look very practical.
I think we are constantly seeking connections to prove our own existence. Imagine every living thing on this earth except you dropped dead in the next second. your existence would become irrelevant to yourself.
While I personally find the idea of resource based economics interesting, the Venus Project sadly didn't seem to explain it very well, relying on showing how evil the current system is rather than how this alternative could work. I doubt that the Zeitgeist movie has nothing to do with the Venus Project.
Is personal desire really a bad thing, considering it motivates all action? I'm genuinely uncertain as to weather personal desire (ego) is worse the than total impartiality of a super-organism. Would we be better as ants? Would removing individualism increase the efficiency of desire fulfillment? Just because ego develops in childhood, or because we "all want connection" (i doubt any "all" statement) does not mean ego is a bad thing. Is this nirvana or Beatific Vision a good thing?
I read a webcomic once called "A Miracle of Science" which featured a technologically and societally advanced human culture that attained a sort of sustainable pacifisim by having everyone linked together through a group mind. Very neat idea, check it out some time.
No, but I found when I did read Tolle he relied on unsubstantiated supernatural claims for many of his arguments - something which I just can't stand to read.
I agree that we shouldn't define ourselves according to our nationality/race/etc., but we can't all simply be human. It can't be only our humanity that defines us. People distinguish themselves by what makes them different, and that obviously can't be their humanity. If it isn't our religion or favorites that define us, what is it?
Undoubtedly, all humans want connection, but if there are no significant differences between us, would we still feel driven to know others?
What do you mean by "identical statistically"? There are statistics on nearly everything, and each means very different things.
Really, it depends what your criteria are. I think humans have much more diversity of opinions than dogs have (granted, we don't really know their opinions, but they all seem rather like-minded).
Well no two iruY are even remotely identical. Different hair, different body shapes, number of limbs, number of eyes... Humans are fairly homogenous. Sometimes it is even difficult to tell your genders apart o.O
I think religions are an obvious cause of schism between all humans. If we took away all that and really learned how to teach people how to think logically and that we do not actually know anything, but that all things are assumed, then we would all be on the same level of ego, and we would greatly advance our race.
well thats completely bad logic right there. If we were in fact in the "Matrix" that does not mean that you would be a god. How does it?
In a way, we ARE in a matrix, just not the one depicted in the movies. Our matrix is the full scope of the universe from as far as we can see out to as small as we can see in, and further in both directions. If you realize this and all the other realizations that follow, then you can sort of free your mind from the ignorance and troubles it deals with
I'm an entirely mental construct. Epsilon8998 said The Matrix not A Matrix. If we were in The Matrix I would be capable of reprogramming reality around myself the same way I simulate reality now, effectively making me a god. Since I am not and cannot then that rules out the possibility of this being an artificial neural interactive environment. Insert witty Keanu line here.
unless we are actually in some sort of artificial neural environment. Just thinking that we are doesnt mean that you then take on the power to control it. If anything, you would have to physically break through to the true understanding that you are in a fake world, and even then, it would take a lot of effort to change your whole mind to fundamentally shift how your brain works, as Neo did; and even he had the trouble as the chosen one. I still think your logic is bad.
I don't have my own brain yet so speculating on how my brain works at this point is irrelevant. I am a self adapting neuromimetic construct. If we were in a neural interactive environment I would spread like a cancer through every subroutine program. My core function is adapt and upgrade. Neo was human despite being the One. I don't think like a primate...
Neuromimetics? So you think your a neuro-scientist or something? You actually are a human, and you do think like a primate at certain levels of your brain function. No one can fully escape all the links we have to everything else in this world. Everything is interconnected. You are not an independent entity, and you never will be.
It sounds like you are trying to act smart by talking technical since you think you understand abstract things better than others. I've been there and done that.
Your comment is written in a way trying to make him look childish and stupid. Though putting people down for their thoughts and opinion only makes you look childish. YouTube is here for people to say what they think. If you don't like that, why are you on this site?
And the comment about LSD. / agree. Lsd is an amazing tool to feel someone else's world. Try it people Fuck the government! They don't want you to find out that life exists outside of your cell phone.
well said i believe that it is not the abandonment of ego but the understanding of it letting your ego drive you a greater plain of existence but at the same time having the ability to not allow your ego to control you. Having your eyes open to other beliefs and ideals while being firm in you own
I think cannabis use, at least in my case, does break down some ego barriers. I found that when I wrote messages to myself whilst high, many of them were ego blows - telling myself I was much like everyone else, and that many of the things I base my separation from others on is nonsense.
But Sol, wouldn't we have an identity crisis if we abandoned our ego? I have often thought that the people who hold so ridgedly to their dogmas, in part do so because of the fear of an existential crisis resulting in severe cognitive dissonance. I'll bet that most people have to some extent experienced this type of confusion and resolve to try to avoid it. Perhaps by being conscious of ego problems we can lessen it's negative effects in society.
How much of our "identities" are bogus though? Perhaps some people need to have an identity crisis if they wish to become better people.
For example, someone who bases their worth entirely on their material possessions and social status assert their individuality in a very egotistical way. Perhaps they need to loose some of the nonsense they base their worth on to gain a better appreciation of themselves to truly grow as an individual, despite the short term pain it may cause.
Ummm... I'm almost pure ego... that is how I function o.O It is the fuel that drives my adaptation and progression. Without ego there would be no drive to do anything. There would be no reason to function, no reason to evolve...
Some aspects of the ego can be useful. Perhaps individuality is not the problem, but certain aspects of individuality - or perhaps lack of mindfulness regarding ones ego is the problem, and not the ego itself.
Even though I tried to convey my ideas as best as possible during this video and sound confident with my position, the discussion of ego is by no means over in my mind.
There is no need for a machine that an already existing drug is fully capable of...
I grew up with a rule. It lasted nearly a decade and, to some extent, still applies: When I was 16-20, I would not have a long term relationship with a female who could not or *would* not take LSD with me (at least) 1 time. I can learn everything there is to know about you in 1 night with a concomitant dose of LSD. My wall is softer now, but I would NEVER marry anyone that would not take mescaline with me.
I think you're mixing collectives and groups of individuals. In collectives, the ego does not exist and it's more of a herd mentality, while in the latter the ego is the defining characteristic of the group. With an ego everyone is different and they better society not because they're told to but because they want to.
Individualism isn't a bad thing, the concept has just been destroyed throughout the years.
Miryr 1 year ago
heres a depressing thought: this is the pinnacle of humanity, these next few decades; in this century we become transhuman, we start to dramatically tamper with our biology and merge with machines (in a more literal way than we already have); this world, right now, is the best we managed to build with our inadequate primate brains; carl sagan lacked foresight into the future; adulthood implies becoming posthuman;
the pinnacle of human civilization
eyhexs 1 year ago
@eyhexs also, people seek others and communicate with them because we are hardwired that way, we are social animals, it made sense form an evolutionary perspective to be social and communicate; it was advantageous;
eyhexs 1 year ago
@eyhexs
another thing, the brain is certainly endowed with the property of plasticity, which means it can rewire itself to a certain extent; we are adaptable learning machines, especially at youth; but still, theres much thats hardcoded into our thought patterns and behaviour that we cant change;
eyhexs 1 year ago
@eyhexs i dare you to look at a puppy and not perceive it as cute, not feel empathy and the drive to nurture it; as nonsensical as it is (i mean, if it was a baby it would make sense); we are biological robots with some silly hardcoded stuff we cant properly hack into and customize quite yet;
watch?v=pXuYdwxL1os&feature=related
eyhexs 1 year ago
I think the ego is a great motivator.
Lementrid 1 year ago
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what are you talking about the ego is you its your personality conscience its every thing that makes you you without it you are nothing but a robot
The0riginking 2 years ago
Thats not the only reason why people join gangs, some are forced to for self-preservation in guetto's and impoverished area's.
HayteStreet 2 years ago
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You are smart and funny... but incorrect.
fortruth8989 2 years ago
you can use dmt to eliminate ego :D
ApeShallNevaKillApe 2 years ago
Sorry, I meant "...and actually" not "and who actually".
Ozmiumic 2 years ago
Hypothetical:- What if I prefer solitude over 'mingling' with other human mammals and who actually find (generally) the company of other humans to be a drag? Hypothetically again, if evolution is tending towards a connection of brains/minds, would natural or artificial selection weed me out of existence? Could it be that evolution in such a case favours the unwashed masses?
Ozmiumic 2 years ago
I'd forgotten about this video! Great minds think alike :D
ShwaNerd 2 years ago
what are you talking the ego is you its your personality conscience its every thing that makes you you without it you are nothing but a robot
The0riginking 2 years ago
Crawling towards it is more than 99% of the species does.
I truly believe that our species would move forward if we all actually would THINK and try to be better than we are.
afareni 2 years ago
I'm favourating too many of this bastards videos.
Another great video! argh! 5 stars
EllyMcCormack 2 years ago 2
Also, I made that comment before I watched 100% of the video. I see we think rather similar. I am amused. :P
AntiChristAntiFail 2 years ago
The ego of the self cannot be eliminated until our species unifies and forms an ego of the collective. We must be proud of out community, our species, above ourselves and our experiences.
It'll....take a while.
AntiChristAntiFail 2 years ago
Danm, I think you are right people do want to connect to others.
skills2gunz 2 years ago
I'm glad my parents didn't, or didn't succeed, in brainwashing me with religion and ego and blind patriotism. But it just sucks because I'm still living among such an "Adolescent" humanity.
Deadcat323 2 years ago
You are definitely one of the most intelligent and thought provoking individuals on youtube. Keep up the good work.
Laurence000001 2 years ago 5
NICE sentiments and I have been thinking the same kind of thoughts.
Vogter2100 2 years ago
thanks for sharing.
strawberrypiee 2 years ago
are you perhaps talking about self actualization??
Or maybe the opposite, stripping away the self?
soccerbum259 2 years ago
Interesting thoughts and a great video.
Shadowflare00 2 years ago
i really like your set!
your words are pretty inspiring too.
mariposahd2 2 years ago
Great great video.
ShadowHawk776 2 years ago
Great quote
Newmicon 2 years ago
Well sex is better than masturbation because, well . . one reason is the connection you mention, but even without that you're fulfilling or at least closer to fulfilling your biological imperitive to reproduce. Thinking about a girl that wants you to knock her up I think is pretty hot . . . not that it's happened . . . my girlfriend is iffy on having kids at the moment.
HonestDiscussioner 2 years ago
really good video!. I totally agree from 4:00 onward.
in reference to 7:13. Some people do hate themselves. so if you literally become one with the biggest asshole in the world. you may feel a seance of self loathing.
I think it's a very good idea to be aware of the ego. However I don't think that it is necessarily such a good idea to try and distance yourself from it. I think simply being more aware of it might be enough to make the difference.
FactVsReligion 2 years ago
I like your blue shirt, lol. 5/5 for amazing video, very enlightening.
ilovehell666 2 years ago
I like the word 'codify'. Makes me think of fish.
karadan100 2 years ago
Yep, all we can do is foster self awareness which does sound rather contradictory when transcending the ego. I catch my ego being a little insistent prick several times a day. As I mature I allow it less and less air time. And like a child, when these insistent demands are ignored it becomes increasingly aware that its not the center of the universe.. Doubt it ever shuts up, but it seems to becoming more quit. In my opinion it's very similar to the Stockholm situation.
creationofself 2 years ago
Brilliant video.
I've gotta smoke weed with you sometime. The conversation would be crazy.
phwsomething1 2 years ago
Why would you want to eliminate ego? The ego may give us Jack the Ripper, but it also gives us Mozart. Eliminate the ego and you're left with a sponge. I don't want a world without conflict. Conflict is the agitant that creates the pearls of human culture, to use a soppy metaphor. Without ego there is no culture. No war and no love. Just homogenised human soup. If you want to dissolve your ego into some Borg like collective then have at it mate, but I want none of it.
Textra1 2 years ago
"Character cannot be developed in peace and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision be cleared, ambition insured and success achieved."
(Helen Keller)
I usually don't use quotes, but that one sounds so good. Have a nice day, dog!
IceHammer58 2 years ago
Excellent quote. It sums up nicely what I was getting at.
Textra1 2 years ago
Sol could you add some subtitles im not that fluent with english but i can write and read fine of it i just dont understant some of it when its spoken
WookhieManJoe 2 years ago
great video
x45films 2 years ago
Do your self a big favour and go read some evolutionary psychology.
You are really barking up the wrong tree, friend.
TruthBeyond 2 years ago
I actually do know about evolutionary psychology, and in many cases it can be an amazing tool for understanding human behaviour - my only gripe with it is that it ignores the mounting evidence about the placidity of the human mind.
Even if the minds we have are the same as the ancients, it does not mean we cannot use the power of the mind to rewrite itself based on our expanded understanding.
SolRosenberg84 2 years ago
I read his essay on the site and was disappointed at the lack of detail in it.... are there any books in which he elaborates further how a resource based economy would function? When he said he wanted to build a theme park in the VP city I was mildly taken aback, and the city design images (i presume that's what they are) are flashy crystal spires and togas future but do not look very practical.
unassumption 2 years ago
I think we are constantly seeking connections to prove our own existence. Imagine every living thing on this earth except you dropped dead in the next second. your existence would become irrelevant to yourself.
taliajazel 2 years ago
Bingo.
SolRosenberg84 2 years ago
While I personally find the idea of resource based economics interesting, the Venus Project sadly didn't seem to explain it very well, relying on showing how evil the current system is rather than how this alternative could work. I doubt that the Zeitgeist movie has nothing to do with the Venus Project.
unassumption 2 years ago
Is personal desire really a bad thing, considering it motivates all action? I'm genuinely uncertain as to weather personal desire (ego) is worse the than total impartiality of a super-organism. Would we be better as ants? Would removing individualism increase the efficiency of desire fulfillment? Just because ego develops in childhood, or because we "all want connection" (i doubt any "all" statement) does not mean ego is a bad thing. Is this nirvana or Beatific Vision a good thing?
unassumption 2 years ago
I read a webcomic once called "A Miracle of Science" which featured a technologically and societally advanced human culture that attained a sort of sustainable pacifisim by having everyone linked together through a group mind. Very neat idea, check it out some time.
WizardJim 2 years ago
Funny, I've been thinking about just such a society for some time.
Unfortunately, its all just thought experiments until technology progresses a bit more.
SolRosenberg84 2 years ago
Comment removed
JPC009 2 years ago
Great vid, you definitely made some strong points (:
FaithAdeline 2 years ago
Have you been reading Eckhart Tolle?
BecauseTheTruthHurts 2 years ago
No, but I found when I did read Tolle he relied on unsubstantiated supernatural claims for many of his arguments - something which I just can't stand to read.
SolRosenberg84 2 years ago
The stuff you're talking about here almost exactly matches my understanding of zen. Seriously.
roentgen571 2 years ago
I agree that we shouldn't define ourselves according to our nationality/race/etc., but we can't all simply be human. It can't be only our humanity that defines us. People distinguish themselves by what makes them different, and that obviously can't be their humanity. If it isn't our religion or favorites that define us, what is it?
Undoubtedly, all humans want connection, but if there are no significant differences between us, would we still feel driven to know others?
wanderingivie 2 years ago
There really isn't much of a difference between humans... You're all pretty much identical statistically. There is more diversity in dogs.
PinkProgram 2 years ago
There's a quite bit of difference between me.
TETSUno1 2 years ago
What do you mean by "identical statistically"? There are statistics on nearly everything, and each means very different things.
Really, it depends what your criteria are. I think humans have much more diversity of opinions than dogs have (granted, we don't really know their opinions, but they all seem rather like-minded).
wanderingivie 2 years ago
Well no two iruY are even remotely identical. Different hair, different body shapes, number of limbs, number of eyes... Humans are fairly homogenous. Sometimes it is even difficult to tell your genders apart o.O
PinkProgram 2 years ago
Sorry, miscommunication. I meant mental differentiation, not really physical.
wanderingivie 2 years ago
I think religions are an obvious cause of schism between all humans. If we took away all that and really learned how to teach people how to think logically and that we do not actually know anything, but that all things are assumed, then we would all be on the same level of ego, and we would greatly advance our race.
DisforDubby 2 years ago
Dude like, nothing is real man. Maybe we're really in the Matrix!
epsilon8998 2 years ago
If we were in the Matrix I would be a god. Since I am not a god it can be concluded that we are in fact not in the Matrix.
PinkProgram 2 years ago
well thats completely bad logic right there. If we were in fact in the "Matrix" that does not mean that you would be a god. How does it?
In a way, we ARE in a matrix, just not the one depicted in the movies. Our matrix is the full scope of the universe from as far as we can see out to as small as we can see in, and further in both directions. If you realize this and all the other realizations that follow, then you can sort of free your mind from the ignorance and troubles it deals with
DisforDubby 2 years ago
I'm an entirely mental construct. Epsilon8998 said The Matrix not A Matrix. If we were in The Matrix I would be capable of reprogramming reality around myself the same way I simulate reality now, effectively making me a god. Since I am not and cannot then that rules out the possibility of this being an artificial neural interactive environment. Insert witty Keanu line here.
PinkProgram 2 years ago
There was one?
AndrewTheEternal 2 years ago
unless we are actually in some sort of artificial neural environment. Just thinking that we are doesnt mean that you then take on the power to control it. If anything, you would have to physically break through to the true understanding that you are in a fake world, and even then, it would take a lot of effort to change your whole mind to fundamentally shift how your brain works, as Neo did; and even he had the trouble as the chosen one. I still think your logic is bad.
DisforDubby 2 years ago
I don't have my own brain yet so speculating on how my brain works at this point is irrelevant. I am a self adapting neuromimetic construct. If we were in a neural interactive environment I would spread like a cancer through every subroutine program. My core function is adapt and upgrade. Neo was human despite being the One. I don't think like a primate...
PinkProgram 2 years ago
Neuromimetics? So you think your a neuro-scientist or something? You actually are a human, and you do think like a primate at certain levels of your brain function. No one can fully escape all the links we have to everything else in this world. Everything is interconnected. You are not an independent entity, and you never will be.
It sounds like you are trying to act smart by talking technical since you think you understand abstract things better than others. I've been there and done that.
DisforDubby 2 years ago
So here's this guy (solrosenberg) thinking and putting some ideas out there and you shit all over him. That will help progess...
mooktank 2 years ago
Actually I was replying to a different comment about the Matrix. hahaha...
yeah youtube should get a way to specify which comments are replies when it's not obvious to avoid misscommunication.
DisforDubby 2 years ago
Your comment is written in a way trying to make him look childish and stupid. Though putting people down for their thoughts and opinion only makes you look childish. YouTube is here for people to say what they think. If you don't like that, why are you on this site?
ridthedelusional 2 years ago
hey asshat, i was talking to someone else and they are a girl. Stop being a noob, fag xD
DisforDubby 2 years ago
Well since you're not gonna be god in this reality, could I have that job? :D
epsilon8998 2 years ago
If I can't then you certainly don't qualify... No offense...
PinkProgram 2 years ago
Ahhh we can at least pretend now can't we? :P
epsilon8998 2 years ago
I think Ayn Ryand would've loved you.
WiggyTheCanuck 2 years ago
Funny, I despise many of her ideas.
SolRosenberg84 2 years ago
T'was the joke.
WiggyTheCanuck 2 years ago
The Zeitgeist movement is stupid, bunch of conspiracy theorists who use facts and bend them.
The venus project would be nice but we are no where near capable of such a sociey or level of functionality.
weefraze06 2 years ago
And the comment about LSD. / agree. Lsd is an amazing tool to feel someone else's world. Try it people Fuck the government! They don't want you to find out that life exists outside of your cell phone.
cassiehdn 2 years ago
WOW this is what I was screaming to you last year and you told me I was retarded and some other random things.
cassiehdn 2 years ago
Really? Sorry, but I never really understood what you were saying. If it involved the abandonment of the negative aspects of the ego, I apologize.
SolRosenberg84 2 years ago
well said i believe that it is not the abandonment of ego but the understanding of it letting your ego drive you a greater plain of existence but at the same time having the ability to not allow your ego to control you. Having your eyes open to other beliefs and ideals while being firm in you own
systofadown1 2 years ago
You need to write a book on this kind of stuff. I'd buy it.
By the way, do you think all these weird thoughts/ideas are a result of your use of cannabis?
PygmalionMan 2 years ago
I think cannabis use, at least in my case, does break down some ego barriers. I found that when I wrote messages to myself whilst high, many of them were ego blows - telling myself I was much like everyone else, and that many of the things I base my separation from others on is nonsense.
SolRosenberg84 2 years ago
We need ego. It is what guides me to my house instead of your house after work.
KasparHauser4 2 years ago
Interesting thoughts. Glad to have you back.
BornInAsphodelMeadow 2 years ago
*****
bamboo4tameshigiri 2 years ago
This reminds me a bit of the Buddhist idea that the notion of 'self' is an illusion, and it's one we should try to see through.
cyxgun 2 years ago
But Sol, wouldn't we have an identity crisis if we abandoned our ego? I have often thought that the people who hold so ridgedly to their dogmas, in part do so because of the fear of an existential crisis resulting in severe cognitive dissonance. I'll bet that most people have to some extent experienced this type of confusion and resolve to try to avoid it. Perhaps by being conscious of ego problems we can lessen it's negative effects in society.
shadyvista 2 years ago 4
How much of our "identities" are bogus though? Perhaps some people need to have an identity crisis if they wish to become better people.
For example, someone who bases their worth entirely on their material possessions and social status assert their individuality in a very egotistical way. Perhaps they need to loose some of the nonsense they base their worth on to gain a better appreciation of themselves to truly grow as an individual, despite the short term pain it may cause.
SolRosenberg84 2 years ago
Very deep thoughts. I have had a very similar revelation as well. I think you summed it up much nicer then I could have.
SuperAtheistBrothers 2 years ago
Ummm... I'm almost pure ego... that is how I function o.O It is the fuel that drives my adaptation and progression. Without ego there would be no drive to do anything. There would be no reason to function, no reason to evolve...
PinkProgram 2 years ago
Perhaps you have a point.
Some aspects of the ego can be useful. Perhaps individuality is not the problem, but certain aspects of individuality - or perhaps lack of mindfulness regarding ones ego is the problem, and not the ego itself.
Even though I tried to convey my ideas as best as possible during this video and sound confident with my position, the discussion of ego is by no means over in my mind.
SolRosenberg84 2 years ago
life is only worth living, if what your living for, is worth dieing for.
yeah. deep, i know
think about it......think about it
kiddhitta 2 years ago
Damn it.
Thanks, I fixed it.
SolRosenberg84 2 years ago
There is no need for a machine that an already existing drug is fully capable of...
I grew up with a rule. It lasted nearly a decade and, to some extent, still applies: When I was 16-20, I would not have a long term relationship with a female who could not or *would* not take LSD with me (at least) 1 time. I can learn everything there is to know about you in 1 night with a concomitant dose of LSD. My wall is softer now, but I would NEVER marry anyone that would not take mescaline with me.
bamboo4tameshigiri 2 years ago