Be careful, we become what we despise

 "He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Nietzsche

The quote from Nietzsche, "He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you," captures a timeless truth about the nature of evil. Evil can corrupt anyone who remains in its environment and doesn't remain aware of its enticing nature. We see this dynamic in current societal debates, where opposing groups push their ideologies without considering the consequences. One group advocates for the Ten Commandments in all schools, while the other supports drag queens teaching sex education. These extremes illustrate that compromise isn't always the solution. So, what should we do?

This is where Nietzsche's idea of the abyss becomes relevant. What if the abyss we're staring into is ourselves? The first journey should always be inward, exploring our subconscious and bringing it into consciousness. In this process, we must reconcile with our egoic self, encountering darkness, monsters, and evil within. The abyss, then, represents the depths of our own being, and the monsters (instincts) we fight are parts of ourselves.

It’s easy to believe we are the monsters, but in my opinion, while they are part of us, they do not define us, just like my right arm doesn't define my entire being. We possess darkness and vices (bad), but also virtues and qualities that represent light (good). I strive not to lose sight of the monsters within my abyss, keeping one eye on them without letting them dominate my focus. This balance helps prevent them from becoming the dominant force in my life. Hopefully, this perspective offers some clarity, reflecting my personal experiences and interpretation of the quote.

“If we’re not careful we become just like the very thing we despise”

Amor fati - the love of life

Another day goes by

Another year has passed

I'm immersed in this thing called life

A life that won't last

Am I doing my best?

Am I wasting my time?

Is everything trivial?

Have I passed my prime?

Such are the questions

That flow through my mind

Was I cursed with curiosity?

Or blessed to always ask why?

I wasn't born with the extreme need to believe

I was born with the daunting task to know

To use logic and reason

And let the emotions go

I learn to listen to the voice

The narrative that infects the mind

To acknowledge the kid

Who was trapped deep down inside

Ironically, when I let go of him

He gave me the gift to see

This can be a beautiful life

But only I can liberate me

Today is another opportunity

To experience the beauty life brings

I've learned to love it all

The good, the bad, Amor fati  

Note to Self:

 Personal awareness precedes personal transformation. 

Grant yourself the gift of clarity and the strength to accept the things in my life that are unchangeable; summon the courage to transform the things within your control; and nurture the wisdom that recognizes that change begins with you.

Henceforth, embrace each day as a unique moment, for it is the only true currency of existence. Regardless of external influences, hold steadfast to the path of righteousness, for therein lies your fortitude. Use this newfound inner strength to gracefully accept life's trials, knowing that the past remains immutable. The path to serenity is paved by embracing (accepting) the unpredictable nature of this world, not by imposing your desires upon it. By acknowledging your destiny, you affirm that your life is as it should be, irrespective of your aspirations. Release your expectations, or they will shackle you.

Cease to obsess over others, for they are not the problem; it is your perception of them that troubles you. Take an oath to abandon the habit of fixating on the future, as it only serves to torment your mind with stress and anxiety, affecting both yourself and those you cherish. Finally, by relinquishing external events and taking charge of your internal narrative, you will unlock your true potential and optimize your well-being.

Remember, nothing in life changes except your perspective—and in this shift lies the power to transform everything.

"When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."

- Wayne Dyer

Woke ?

Proudly, we say we're smarter

Boast of our many responsibilities

Yet, we crave to work less and have more

Riding the wave of yesterday's industrious societies

The truth is we're not wiser

We deflect responsibility

Entitled, we stand

Woke? Oh, the irony

Does age bring wisdom?

Today’s youth refuse to wait in line

They deem themselves more intelligent

A sophisticated kind of mind

So they judge

Screaming at the top of their lungs

Virtually canceling you

Piously thinking they’ve won

If they win the battle

They will lose the war

Cornered by their own actions

It's like being in a room with no door

Like a snake eating its own tail

They’ve become what they despise

Be careful what you wish for

Never mistake passionate emotions as being wise

So, when you think you have all the answers

You refer to yourself as caring and great

Let us hope this is part of the process

Perhaps you have to be woke before you awake?

Tragedy of the Species

The Human Condition and Self-Awareness

Humans are unique in their capacity for self-awareness, a trait that allows us to reflect on our existence, question our purpose, and seek meaning. This ability sets us apart from other species but also brings with it a host of existential (questions about life, “what does this all mean?”) challenges. Our awareness of mortality, the search for purpose, and the understanding that life is ephemeral (short) can lead to many of our psychological burdens.

Our Evolutionary Dilemma  

Our brains evolved in environments where life was very fragile, food was scarce, and immediate dangers were ever-present. Traits like fear, anxiety, aggression, and a heightened fight-or-flight response were advantageous (necessary) in such primitive times. However, in the modern world, where many of our basic needs are met with relative ease, these same traits have become destructive. The constant state of alertness and the existential questioning that our advanced intellect brings can lead to mental health issues such as chronic anxiety and depression. Ironically, as our environment continues to become easier, I'm afraid we will suffer more and more. I believe the only way for humans to overcome this neurological hardwiring is to acknowledge the ancient biological drives and use tools such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and structured philosophies based in logic and reason, such as Stoicism, to manage and temper these ancient drives.

Peter Zapffe's Perspective

Peter Zapffe's, a Norwegian philosopher and mountaineer, had a philosophy that was considered pessimistic and fatalistic when it comes to human existence. He believed that human consciousness might be an overdeveloped trait, leading to what he terms a "biological paradox." He suggests that our advanced cognitive abilities might render us unfit for the very life they evolved to enhance. His comparison to the extinct deer with overly heavy antlers is my favorite that illustrates this point vividly; “just as their magnificent antlers became a hindrance to survival, our rich inner lives can become burdensome.”

*The “Irish Elk,” Megaloceros giganteus, ranged beyond Ireland and its closest living relative is the fallow deer, not the elk. The Irish elk’s antlers got too big and heavy, causing males to get tangled in trees and sink into bogs and lakes and therefore leading to his extinction.

Zapffe contends that humans have the ability to overcome their dilemma by using self deception. He identifies four defense mechanisms that We use to cope with the existential burden of self-awareness:

Isolation: This involves consciously or unconsciously ignoring or suppressing thoughts that could disturb our mental peace.

Anchoring: Relying on stable and familiar points of reference to provide a sense of security and prevent existential angst.

Distraction: Engaging in continuous activity or entertainment to avoid introspection and the accompanying discomfort.

Sublimation: Redirecting potentially negative or destructive impulses into socially acceptable or constructive activities, such as art, science, or work.

The Tragic Beauty of Human Evolution

Despite these challenges, the story of human evolution is one of remarkable adaptability and resilience. Our ability to create, innovate, and find meaning in various aspects of life speaks to the strength of our species. By understanding and accepting the complexities of our consciousness, we can appreciate the beauty and tragedy of our existence.

In today's world, where technology continues to advance rapidly, it's crucial to maintain an awareness of our subconscious drives that play a major role in our physical health, and our psychological and existential needs. While technological progress can address many issues, it does not solve the deeper questions of meaning and purpose. A balanced approach that includes philosophical, psychological, and social considerations is essential for addressing the human condition.

Thank you for allowing me to reflect on the paradoxes of human existence. By acknowledging our unique challenges and embracing the richness of our conscious experience, we can navigate the complexities of modern life with greater understanding and compassion. The journey of self-awareness, while fraught with difficulties, also offers profound opportunities for growth, connection, and fulfillment.

“Self awareness precedes personal transformation”