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@JayySur Good ol' Donny, leaving the same way he came in. Lying his face off. Someone like him really makes me question my beliefs about how do we view people. I believe that when we see the best in people we simultaneously call that forward. But where do you draw the line with someone like Donald? He's been a great, ugly mirror for four years.

It seems to be a multi-layered question. Lots of people have shared their perspective on this so I'll add something I haven't seen. If you perceive yourself as separate and superior to the natural world, it's not surprising that something so primal like sexuality gets repressed. Sex takes people back to being animals, which is what we have been trying to overcome through civilization. To civilize our self out those primitive things. Also, sex if done properly can dissolve the ego. So in order for the illusion of ego to continue, it has to demonize and distort that tool.

Sounds appealing but ultimately it won't work. The is a problem of consciousness. You can't just overthrow that with a revolt. There is no "bad guy" to overthrow per say. We're talking about systems. There is a revolution to be had, but it's going to look very different than the ones in the past.

It's no problem. I appreciate your curiosity. My thinking comes from various degrowth and ecological economists. People like Herman Daly, Jason Hickel, Charles Eisenstein etc. Here is perhaps the most simplified version from Kate Raworth, economist at Oxford / Cambridge: 1) The massive ecological damage that has already been done by industrial society. The damage there is almost too great to list, from the destruction of old-growth forests, apex predator disappearance, ocean acidification, growing landfills, coral reef die off, etc etc. Even if you remove climate change from the equation, that is really only a small part of the damage that has been done. And may in fact be more of a symptom of other forms of ecological destruction. When you clear cut forests, you don't just lose the benefit of carbon sequestration, you destroy entire ecosystems. Ecosystems are complex, interconnected systems that require a holistic way of thinking to handle. In essence, the planet can't support what we're currently doing. 2) Already your entire life has become a commodity. Things that would have been common sense for people to do directly on their own, like procure their food or raise their children, have become services on the market that we pay for. The result of this is a destruction of community and relationships, as commodities only require that a transaction take place, not deep relationships. The human spirit can't take much more. 3) The influx of debt and rise in wealth inequality. If we could continue to grow, it's likely that these metrics would not be as devastating as they already are. Yes, most of the gains go to the top. But generally speaking, in the past everyone tends to be better off with economic growth. People are employed and the middle class is alive. I'd argue that's a false misconception. There has been a shift to service or knowledge based businesses. But it's a myth that these are necessarily less costly in terms of resources. For instance, even a single consultant with just a website relies on a massive amount of infrastructure in order to function. They don't exist in a vacuum. Research paper on this topic: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334453443_Decoupling_Debunked_Evidence_and_arguments_against_green_growth_as_a_sole_strategy_for_sustainability_A_study_edited_by_the_European_Environment_Bureau_EEB These companies require massive amounts of resources to exist for reasons mentioned above. And they've not made sustainability their top priority, their top priority is of course profit. And profit does not equate to real ecological health. I also don't blame them. They are acting according to the incentives laid out by our economic system. Those companies that prioritize profit will out compete and swallow companies that do not. So while individuals at these companies may have good intentions, they exist within a system that often does not support those intentions. That's the world I want to live in too. Everyone can prosper. And it is possible, but again, not with our current paradigms and system. Of course outsourcing cheap is a requirement. Labor is any business' biggest expense. No way you will be nearly as profitable if you don't do that, which means other businesses that do will eat you. It's a zero-sum game. And of course it's not just outsourcing labor. Western countries also externalize many of their environmental and social costs onto poor countries. Then you also have corrupt deals with the IMF and World Bank which keep these countries in debt. It goes on and on. And that's good. But when fair conditions aren't incentivized systemically, you've got a problem. Undoubtedly. Our economic system doesn't care who is on top and it doesn't care about destruction of the environment or relationships. It's essentially sociopathic. If we want an economic system that actually works for people and is in harmony with the environment, then it has to be created. Well that's up for debate. Lots of people have different ideas about what a post-growth or degrowth society would look like. Some ideas: - Instead of money being created by private banks with interest-bearing debt, money would be created publicly at zero or even negative interest - Universal Basic Income or Universal Basic Services - Local currencies, time banking, Local Exchange Trade Systems - Gift economy, strong local economies and communities - More self-sufficiency / direct living (as opposed to consumerism and commodities) - Resource based economics (currency backed by Nature instead of fiat currency). - Maximum wage - Maximum wealth tax These are all just ideas. They're different strategies to incentivize a simple truth; we need to share. And we need to recognize what are actual needs are instead of fake needs created via the artificial scarcity of our economic system.

You're right that tech is currently holding up much of what we consider economic growth. But it's impossible for any economy to grow forever. And we've been hitting those limits as a society for several decades now. Increased economic growth means increased resource extraction from the Earth and increased commodification of human relationships. Neither of which is possible at this point for any healthy society. The good news is that we don't need economic growth as long as we restructure our systems and institutions to adjust to a Steady-State or Degrowth economy. Again, you're right that much of the supposed gain from economic growth is captured at the top. Really what we call prosperity for "developed" countries could be called exploitation of "undeveloped" countries. The two good hand in hand. But it's also not that simple. The reason every politician and every economist talks about the need for economic growth is because the stability of our systems depend on it. We are growth-addicts, unable to quit without tanking the entire economy. For instance, it's been well shown that when economic growth slows down, unemployment, inequality and other social issues rise. This is what is called a "recession" or "depression", and everyone knows that's very bad. The solution is not to keep forever trying to stimulate more economic growth. This is a temporary fix at best and cannot really solve our problems. The solution, as I mentioned before, is to do away with the growth paradigm all together. And to transition our systems and institutions accordingly.

@Tiny Nietzsche It's tricky. See, relationships don't just cause happiness. It's not that simple. Really, what happens is someone has a level consciousness which then creates relationships that reinforce and reflect that level of consciousness. If your level of consciousness is low, your relationships will reflect that. If your level of consciousness is high, your relationships will reflect that. For example, currently in our society we are at a low level of consciousness. And our relationships perfectly reflect that. They tend to be either codependent or have toxic independence. So don't just think "oh, I'll get a relationship and then I'll be happy". That's a low level of consciousness thought. A higher level of consciousness thought would be to find happiness and then watch as your relationships begin to reflect and reinforce that.

@LostStudent You're waking up. It's not a pretty process, but this is what it looks like. Especially in the early stages. No, you've just lived your life for others. It's a normal thing. We all crave love from those around us growing up. And our society isn't exactly setup in a healthy way for you to meet that need. So this is the result. Now that you're an adult, you're starting to break that pattern as it no longer serves you. This is you wanting to awaken. You're seeking the peace that comes with spiritual growth. You've come to the right place . If you don't have a spiritual practice already, I'd look into starting one.

@SamC Amazing what happens when we start to overcome our own trauma and biases .

There's not much else to do once you've realized you're dreaming but to just enjoy it

@Swarnim There's not some separate truth you need to become conscious of. Become conscious of yourself as God and you'll have your answer.

Can't imagine where you'd find such a place Not at all. Either humanity will evolve its consciousness or it will destroy itself. Those are really the only two options. But either way, it's not sustainable. The good news is that there seems to be more awareness of the fact that things aren't sustainable. Which leads me to believe that we are heading for evolving our consciousness and rebuilding these systems. The worse things get, the more shadows get exposed.

Yes, our ability to meet real needs like community, connection and belonging have been destroyed by our own systems. These people are hurting and most of them don't have the slightest clue why. Goes to show that meeting real needs is not just some trivial thing. People will meet their needs one way or the other, even if that means believing someone like Trump.

@Lindsay Never read it but I can guess what it’s about. The middle class is being hallowed out, with increasing trends towards wealth and lifestyle inequality. It’s a serious concern. Large levels of wealth inequality are not stable for a society. But it is inevitable given that economic growth has come to an end. This is why we need systemic change.

It’s good to see Pence, McConnell and other republicans condemning what happened. Interesting though to watch the MAGA crowd flip and call them traitors. It’s like they created a cult, but even the leaders have lost control. I wonder what would happened if Trump came out and said the election was legitimate. Would his own people even listen?

No. I'm not saying the kind of people you describe don't exist. They do. But the way you describe them says to me that you haven't fully grasped the concepts you're venting about. For you, I would suggest being more open minded. You don't need to take everything these people say at face value. Still use your own discernment and search your own experience / inner truth. But maybe just try on some of those ideas. Seek to really understand their perspective before you disregard it.

It's not mutually exclusive. "People" can simultaneously be dreamt by you and have "their own" subjective experience. You are dreaming everyone's dream, so really there's just one dreamer. Look into another person's eyes. You're looking at yourself! It's the same consciousness that you are staring back at you.

@Egodeathrow Any finite acceleration is still infinitely less than infinity.

You making this association says that you definitely have some feminine integration to do. That is not what the feminine is about. No. He's talking about this: Currently the feminine is massively repressed in both many men and many women actually. Awaken your feminine and your ability to be a leader will improve. Leadership is a masculine energy, but without feminine integration you will not be in service to the whole. You will be a selfish leader.

I did see that. My question to them would be what are the larger activism goals at Google? What will they do with all this activism? What is the vision? I respect what they're trying to do but it still feels unclear to me what they're seeking to accomplish.

@Peter-Andre I'm still unclear of what their goals are after having skimmed the article. But in general I'd say it's a good sign. People organizing has always been at the forefront of change. That said, I think our problems are deeper than any union can address. Unions are not going to challenge our economic and financial system. But without that level of change, it's likely we will just see many problems on repeat in different circumstances.

@Dryas Likely because those in the middle class are still receiving the benefits of our current system. It hasn't totally failed them yet. Rural republicans though are often lower class. And the system is squeezing them, which is one of the reasons Donald Trump gained so much popularity. He was their populist leader, no matter how misguided that belief was. Goes to show that systemic problems don't inherently care about your political party or race.

@John Iverson My understanding is that rape is almost never actually about sex. It’s more about the shadow needs that get met for the rapist. As an example, perhaps someone feels powerless in their life. And rape gives that person a sense of actually having control. I’m speculating, but in general sex involving big power dynamics is always about the shadow. That’s one of the reasons BDSM is so popular. It’s a way for people to get their needs met that otherwise they feel they can’t. None of this, of course, justifies rape. But understanding why it happens is important.

Great topic, love it. Allowing God to create through you. It's a natural ability we all have as we all are God. Often my best ideas come during meditation. A big one for me is my mood. If I'm in a bad mood, it's rare that I create anything I like. In fact I usually just end up feeling really blocked. The better the mood I'm in, usually the easier it flows out. The only real "rules" I have are to not force anything. If I'm just pushing and banging my head against the wall, I allow myself to stop. At the same time, if I get an impulse, I have to trust that impulse and just follow it where it goes. It may not make any sense at all to my mind where it's going. Often that one step leads to another step, which leads to another, which leads to another, etc. But If I start questioning it, it kills the whole thing. I think we seek creativity because it reminds us of our spiritual nature. We know our creative ideas are not "of this world" so to speak. There's almost no better feeling than being creative. Or to see the end result of something you birthed from nothing that you're just so proud of. I feel totally connected and in the flow. When I'm lacking creativity, it's the opposite. I feel blocked, frustrated and like I'm incapable of being creative. It's quite the emotional roller-coaster ride.

Well for starters, not making internet posts about how women don't want to date you . My point was why are you focusing on this? You're right, women like tall guys and sometimes they're hypocrites about it. So what? What if instead, you had self-talk that sounded like this: "Okay, so women like tall guys. And that sucks because I'm not tall. Damn. But I can't change how tall I am and I can't change women's preference for tall men. So what can I do? Well, I can focus on being the most attractive version of myself. I'm going to follow my life purpose, I'm going to practice my social skills, I'm going to get healthy, I'm going to do the things I love to do, I'm going to get a strong social circle of friends around me, and I'm gonna laugh, have fun, and be at ease with myself. Whatever girls end up liking me, great. And whatever girls don't like me, that's okay too. My goal is just to be myself". If you did what I just wrote, you dating situation would change dramatically. So what are you getting out of the current self-talk that you have? Is it serving you? Or could it be something to let go of?

@ArchangelG People have been talking about Atlantis and Lemuria for years now. It's interesting that some of what they say seems to align with Graham, although no one I know has placed these civilizations in the Americas. Not a topic I'm well educated on but fascinating nonetheless.