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Everything posted by MuadDib
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The Gallery Of Absolute Infinity https://youtu.be/m7t75E2gCg8
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Mankind Is The Bullshitting Animal https://youtu.be/8dVa6_e9FWw Mankind is the "bullshitting animal" Speaker has spent a lot of time studying various models of how life, society, and consciousness work Speaker had an epiphany about mankind and wants to share it with the audience Speaker's insight: mankind is full of shit Speaker elaborates on this idea by listing various groups and concepts that are "full of shit" The idea that mankind is full of shit explains a lot and has explanatory power Speaker suggests that the audience listen to the insight several times to fully understand its profundity Speaker ends by saying that the idea that mankind is full of shit is not meant to be taken literally, but rather serves as a way of understanding the human condition Importance is relative and subjective, based on how something affects an individual's survival Survival includes physical needs such as shelter, food, and water, as well as social needs such as sex, reproduction, status, celebrity, fame, and money Every human institution relies on bullshitting in some way in order to maintain its structure and to ensure the survival of its members Making an accurate assessment of mankind's condition does not mean judging it as good or bad, but rather observing and understanding how and why people and institutions operate as they do It is important to thoroughly evaluate and verify this idea that mankind is full of shit in various domains and to not blindly accept or reject it Avoid the mistake of becoming cynical or nihilistic as a result of this understanding, but rather use it as a tool to better navigate and understand the world and one's own survival within it Next week, spend time considering and journaling about the following questions: How am I full of shit in different categories of my life, such as spirituality, science, politics, family, sexuality, emotions, health and nutrition, etc.? How am I a hypocrite? How do I make excuses for my bullshit? Whose bullshit do I complain about to distract from looking at my own? How am I in denial about my own bullshit? These questions are meant to be used for the rest of your life, not just as a one-time exercise. Truthfulness, honesty, and authenticity are necessary for health, happiness, decency, and effective governance. Most of human history, culture, business, and governance has involved the creation, distribution, and denial of bullshit. Anti-bullshit (i.e., calling out and shedding light on bullshit) must be denied and suppressed in order to maintain the status quo. People who leave negative comments about advanced or controversial insights are often trying to heap more bullshit on top in order to deny the truth. Speaker has a meta perspective on how to approach gathering knowledge and insights Cross references multiple sources and experiences to develop a sense of truthfulness Takes vigilant approach to avoid self-delusion, biases, and self-deception mechanisms Doubts everything and constantly reevaluates and rethinks previous beliefs Flexible, open-minded, and able to handle contradictions, paradoxes, and confusion Life and the universe are complex and cannot be explained with one simple perspective Gave a lens of looking at everything as though it was bullshit, but emphasized that it is just one perspective and not to become attached to it
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The Big Picture Of Self-Actualization https://youtu.be/JGw8IoqBt-c The purpose of this video is to give a high-level overview of the essential components of the self-actualization path The components of this path include: Recognizing a deep need for growth, which may come from intuition or suffering Taking 100% responsibility for your life and recognizing that your life is a reflection of your thoughts, actions, desires, and emotional and psychological makeup Discriminating between what is real and what is not real and learning to rely on your own judgment and experience Developing self-awareness and understanding your own psychology and emotional makeup Transcending your ego and letting go of the need for power and control Developing empathy and compassion for others Working on personal growth and development in areas such as communication, relationships, and personal responsibility Contemplating and understanding the nature of existence and reality Finding your purpose and meaning in life Achieving self-actualization and reaching your full potential as a human being Detachment does not mean becoming a "cold hearted robot," but rather feeling deeper and more fully Attachment to experiences, thoughts, emotions, and actions can prevent full feeling Shift from orientation towards "doing and having" to "being" Satisfaction from "being" is more consistent and rewarding than from "doing and having" Developing the capacity for observation, including self-observation, is important in discriminating reality from appearance Ego and self-centered thinking can distort perception and understanding True understanding comes from non-conceptual insight, or realization through direct experience rather than through thoughts and ideas True understanding leads to acceptance and compassion for oneself and others. "Sattvic lifestyle" refers to a sober, pure way of living This involves letting go of distractions and chemical addictions, and becoming free from distractions and toxicity It also involves deep psychological work to remove physical and energy blockages, as well as undoing social conditioning and questioning beliefs and morals Non-manipulative relationships are also an important part of this lifestyle The ultimate goal of a sattvic lifestyle is to develop understanding and discipline to change oneself and grow spiritually There is a lot of content available for free on a website The website includes a life purpose course by bookless and a forum The website also includes a blog, with plans to add more content in the future It is important to use all the resources available on the website In the future, the website will go into more detail on the process of self actualization A new episode is being planned that will provide concrete details on how to get started with self actualization The episode will provide practical information and take the abstract concepts discussed and make them more concrete It is encouraged to stay with the website and more content will be provided in the future
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A Rant Against Naive Realism - Reality Is NOT Physical! https://youtu.be/_APVC8AGt8g Definition of naive realism and materialism The everyday conception of reality as a three-dimensional space with objects and linear time The belief that the world continues to exist and function when we are not perceiving it The idea that subjective experiences are just a manifestation of an objective, underlying world The absurdity of naive realism when examined critically The concept of solipsism and how it challenges naive realism The idea that consciousness is fundamental and creates the illusion of an objective world The limitations of language and how it shapes our understanding of reality The possibility of multiple levels or dimensions of reality beyond our current understanding The limitations of scientific approaches to understanding reality The importance of questioning and examining metaphysical assumptions about reality. The mind-body problem is a long-standing issue of how the mind can arise from the body This problem has not been solved because it is based on flawed, existential premises about reality Observing and being mindful can lead to the realization that the "stuff behind the scenes" is nothing, but we perceive it as something The mind has a hard time accepting that appearance has no origin other than itself The default position is to believe in naive realism, the idea that we can perceive the world as it is The mind resists the idea that all of reality is fundamentally unknown and mystical, rather than physical and mechanistic The assumption that the world is mechanistic, with everything having a cause and mechanism, can be questioned A quote by Arthur C. Clarke suggests that a sufficiently advanced technology may appear like magic to us The idea that reality is a projection of the mind, rather than the other way around, can be challenging to understand and accept Personal development beyond shallow techniques involves getting existential and metaphysical The fundamental assumptions of reality (space, time, matter, energy) are not real and must be created by the mind It is important to undermine the physicalist paradigm (the belief that reality is three-dimensional and linear and that we are conscious entities within physical bodies with physical brains) Reality is the phenomenal field, and to understand it requires surrendering to what is true This understanding can be deeply emotional and life-changing The idea that objects and the world are physical and solid is an assumption that can be undermined Reality is a subjective experience, and the boundaries of the self and the world are constructed by the mind The physical world is an illusion created by the mind Understanding this requires letting go of ego and egoic thought patterns The ego is an illusion created by the mind To understand reality, it is necessary to let go of the ego and egoic thought patterns This can be a difficult process, but it is necessary for personal growth and understanding reality.
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Using 5-MeO-DMT To Become Enlightened - Interview With Martin Ball https://youtu.be/bWSOl62memg Martin Ball, PhD, is an adjunct professor and advocate of the psychedelic substance 5-MeO-DMT 5-MeO-DMT is a powerful substance that can be used to attain enlightenment or liberation The term "enlightenment experience" refers to a brief period of non-dual awareness The ego must relax and surrender in order to fully experience an enlightenment experience After an enlightenment experience, the ego may reform and a person may return to their prior state Liberation or actual enlightenment is a result of a process that unravels the ego and allows for the true nature of the self to be recognized 5-MeO-DMT can be a helpful tool in this process, but it is not the only way to attain enlightenment Other factors, such as willingness to let go of the ego, a healthy and stable environment, and a strong spiritual practice can also contribute to the attainment of liberation 5-MeO-DMT is not for everyone and should be approached with caution and respect Enlightenment is about understanding the true nature of things and letting go of illusions and beliefs Many spiritual traditions that use psychedelics are more focused on practical healing and not so much on non-dual enlightenment These traditions have a strong therapeutic value, but may not necessarily lead to enlightenment Many people in the West have approached psychedelics from a shamanic perspective and may not fully understand non-duality Non-duality is about discovering the truth and wanting to know what is really real, rather than just believing in something because it is comfortable or interesting The desire for enlightenment or non-duality is important for any kind of spiritual seeking The speaker had a desire to know the truth from a young age and was interested in different spiritual traditions The speaker discovered the non-dual teachings of Buddhism and found that they resonated with their own experience and understanding The speaker used 5-MeO-DMT as a tool to help them attain liberation and enlightenment The experience of using 5-MeO-DMT allowed the speaker to let go of their ego and see the true nature of reality The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a strong foundation in non-dual teachings and understanding before using psychedelics as a tool for spiritual growth The speaker describes the concept of "buddha mind" as being empty and conscious The speaker had a transformative experience while using the psychedelic drug 5-MeO-DMT, and described it as a feeling of gratitude towards "God" 5-MeO-DMT and the neurotransmitter tryptamine are present in the bodies of all mammals and can pass the blood-brain barrier quickly 5-MeO-DMT activates a specific receptor in the brain that is associated with the ego and individuated consciousness The speaker's experience with 5-MeO-DMT included the complete overwhelming of the ego, auditory and visual hallucinations, and a feeling of oneness with the universe The speaker believes that the experience allowed them to access a state of consciousness that is usually beyond human understanding and is usually only accessible through spiritual practices or near-death experiences The speaker suggests that the experience of taking 5-MeO-DMT can be a helpful tool for personal growth and self-discovery. Non-dual states of awareness are accompanied by balanced bilateral symmetry in the body The ego often leads to energetic asymmetry in the body Psychedelics can be used to help achieve non-dual states of awareness and work through distortions of the ego by paying attention to symmetry and asymmetry in the body It can be challenging to maintain symmetry while under the influence of psychedelics The ego is a collection of patterns of energy that humans learn to edit and censor as they grow up and observe societal norms The introverted person is more likely to analyze and censor their natural energy, while the extroverted person is more likely to express themselves freely Process of examining and dealing with ego involves: Vibrating and shaking in the body Inability to speak in natural language Toning and vocalizing (screaming, yelling, laughing, crying) Purging trapped energy Encountering true emotions Ego trying to create stories and narratives Line between "God" and individual ("Martin") becomes blurry during this process Ego tries to understand and make sense of this, leading to ego declaring "I'm God, everything is God" Switch is flipped, resulting in feeling like constantly tripping on DMT Energy and consciousness fluctuate between infinite and finite Ego's hold on individual becomes weaker and weaker Individual experiences a sense of unity with all things and a loss of personal identity The speaker is discussing the benefits and experiences of using entheogens (psychedelic substances used for spiritual or therapeutic purposes) They mention that entheogens can provide full-spectrum healing for the mind and body, and can create a unique, whole-body "melt" sensation The speaker mentions the importance of being aware of and correcting asymmetry in the body during an entheogenic experience, and the importance of avoiding physical or mental distractions The non-dual approach to using entheogens involves letting go of ego-driven activity and ritual, and instead learning to rest in a state of "doing nothing" The speaker advises people to surrender to the experience, but also to be aware of and correct any ego patterns that may arise The speaker also mentions that entheogens can provide access to the "body cemetery," a metaphor for the repressed memories and emotions stored in the body The speaker advises people to surrender to the experience and allow these repressed memories and emotions to surface and be released, but also to be aware of and correct any ego patterns that may arise
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Understanding The Liberal Mind https://youtu.be/0UJbHNhYl0U Understanding the liberal mind is the subject of this two-part series The goal is to give a deeper understanding of the opposite political worldview This episode is for conservatives to understand the liberal worldview The liberal worldview is often misunderstood and misrepresented by conservative media The goal is to present a charitable, unbiased view of the liberal worldview The liberal worldview is emotionally appealing to many people The liberal worldview values fairness and equality The liberal worldview sees society as flawed and in need of improvement The liberal worldview values compassion and empathy The liberal worldview sees government as a tool for positive change The liberal worldview values diversity and inclusion The liberal worldview sees capitalism as flawed and in need of regulation The liberal worldview values education and knowledge The liberal worldview values the environment and sustainability The liberal worldview values social justice and equality for marginalized groups The liberal worldview sees religion as a personal belief and values separation of church and state The liberal worldview values personal freedom and individual rights Liberalism involves expanding one's circle of concern and empathy to include the entire universe This results in a larger capacity for love, empathy, forgiveness, and seeing the good in others However, expanding one's circle of concern can also threaten survival, requiring a balance between unconditional love and protecting one's tribe and self The conservative mind tends to see the world in terms of good and evil and is therefore more judgmental The liberal mind is more lenient and less strict due to its survival conditions (e.g. living in a liberal democracy with a strong safety net) There are pros and cons to both approaches It is important to not judge one approach as better or worse than the other Love is a complex and sophisticated concept that requires further exploration The conservative mind may struggle with understanding evil and the concept of the devil The Constitution is the founding document of the United States and is seen as sacred by some There is a debate over whether or not it is dangerous to change the Constitution One perspective is that it is more dangerous not to change the Constitution, as it is an old document that may not be equipped to deal with modern technological advances In American political climate, it is often seen as liberals who challenge the status quo, while conservatives want to preserve it However, in the case of Trump, he only challenged the status quo in order to attain power, and once he had it, he was not interested in further change True rebellion would involve radical change to the status quo, such as changing the economy from capitalism to socialism or modifying the Constitution The liberal mind is more likely to question and deconstruct culture, while the conservative mind wants to preserve it The Deep state refers to the entrenched bureaucracy and power structures within a government Trump's conflicts with the Deep state are driven by his ego and desire for more power, rather than a desire to dismantle the Deep state and create a more equitable society The Catholic Church denies and suppresses accusations of sexual abuse to protect its reputation and preserve people's attachment to the system The liberal mind is more feminine, open-hearted, and intuitive, while the right-wing mind tends to be more masculine and aggressive Modern times require intelligence, diplomacy, and strategy, rather than brute force and raw power Masculine approaches are not always effective and can be counterproductive in certain situations Both the feminine and masculine approaches have their place, depending on the situation. Liberal mindset is like a shallow coral reef ecosystem with diverse, interdependent organisms Conservative mindset is like living in a deep, dark part of the ocean with few organisms and harsh survival conditions Conservative mindset is defensive, like a cactus with spikes, because it is separated from others and needs to protect itself Liberal mindset is open and accepting, like a coconut that invites others to take from it Maga movement represents a conservative mindset of wanting to put up walls to protect oneself Liberal attitude is against walls and believes they may or may not work depending on the situation Problem with border walls is that they can be easily bypassed or climbed over Walls can work in certain situations, like protecting a garden or house, but not in all situations Need to find a balance between individual rights and the needs of the community Differences in mindset can lead to misunderstandings and conflict, but it is important to try to understand and appreciate different perspectives. The internet and globalization have connected people globally, including through cheap air travel and technology There are valid arguments about harm caused by globalization, particularly in trade policy and outsourcing However, globalism is inevitable and will continue to grow in the future In the future, there will be more communication, travel, interconnection, and mixing of cultures and races It will be easy to access any cuisine, book, language, or religion from anywhere in the world Resisting globalism is futile because it is inevitable The liberal mindset tends to be more open to science, facts, and rationality However, conservatism also evolves and can be more scientific or progressive in different parts of the world and at different times in history The conservative mindset is often associated with religion, particularly in less developed parts of the world It is important to understand the evolution and relative nature of conservatism and liberalism The future will likely involve a blend of both, with more progressive conservatives and more conservative liberals It is important to work towards a future that is inclusive and respectful of different cultures and viewpoints The liberal mind is more optimistic and sees humanity as able to coexist peacefully The conservative mind is more realistic and pessimistic about human nature and values tradition and hierarchy The liberal mind values self-expression and individuality and wants every voice to be heard The conservative mind values suppressing self-expression in order to fit in with tradition The liberal mind values freedom and is willing to accept the costs of freedom The liberal mind is more revolutionary and willing to overthrow established structures in the name of equality The conservative mind values stability and order and is more resistant to change The liberal mind is more open to new ideas and experiences, while the conservative mind is more resistant to change and wants to preserve tradition The liberal mind values education and knowledge, while the conservative mind values practical skills and expertise The liberal mind is more likely to experience mental illness, suicide, and instability due to their willingness to challenge the status quo Technology will improve significantly in the future Need to work together and not be our own enemy Open-mindedness is important for unity and peace Liberal worldview values: progress, innovation, creativity, compassion, empathy, tolerance, open-mindedness, self-expression, artistic expression, respect for individuality, freedom, questioning authority, equality, fairness, peace, kindness, diversity, rationality, secularism, science, technology, free sex, environmentalism, love, defending the weak, secular education, femininity, mercy, exploring diverse perspectives, inclusion, worldliness, empowering minorities, correcting unjust social systems, and education for its own sake Liberal personality traits: eccentric, sensitive, individualistic, artistic, idealistic, utopian, pie-in-the-sky, carefree, free-spirited, open-minded, open to experience, adventurous, tolerant, flexible, accepting of everyone, permissive, lenient, unpredictable, impulsive, spontaneous, loose, creative, imaginative, curious, desiring novel experiences and diversity, complex, nuanced, abstract, worldly, intuitive, emotionally connected, feminine, quirky, transgressive, rebellious, playful, humorous, jester/joker archetype Prioritize eliminating conflict and war, invest in education, healthcare, jobs, and infrastructure rather than military Advanced civilizations do not engage in war and use resources efficiently Need to prioritize love and compassion in society Liberal mindset struggles with practicality and execution Struggles with integrating and understanding perspectives of less developed and hateful people Struggles with understanding global ignorance Struggles with integrating materialism, capitalism, and corporations Struggles with understanding the source of unfairness and inequality Liberal perspective on feminism: gender roles and leadership styles are outdated and women have valuable contributions to make Liberal perspective on religion: religion can be a source of conflict and harm, but also has the potential to bring people together and bring about positive change Liberal perspective on immigration: immigration should be welcomed and celebrated, as it brings diversity and cultural exchange Liberal perspective on environmentalism: environmentalism is important for the survival and well-being of future generations Liberal perspective on gun control: stricter gun control measures are necessary for the safety of society Liberal perspective on healthcare: healthcare is a basic human right and should be accessible to all Liberal perspective on taxation: progressive taxation is necessary to address income inequality and fund necessary public services Liberal perspective on foreign policy: diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts should be prioritized over military intervention Liberal perspective on education: education should be accessible to all and prioritize critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The current system of capitalism is not ideal and we should consider alternatives Environmentalism is important and ignoring the issue could have serious consequences Environmental issues contribute to global problems such as war and famine We can track and measure climate change and CO2 levels Addressing environmental issues can lead to new technologies and opportunities Delaying action on environmental issues could result in other countries taking the lead Income inequality is a major issue and needs to be addressed Political polarization is a problem and we need to find ways to bridge the divide Social media algorithms contribute to polarization and we need to be aware of their influence Education is important and we need to invest in it to create a better future Teleporting to the future and exploring New York City Having a year off to do whatever you want Having unlimited money and being able to do and buy whatever you want Society being radically open-minded and not threatened by new ideas and perspectives Wearing a uniform and not being able to express oneself through clothing Authority figures repressing and setting rules Living in a theocracy where government and church are mixed God being an infinitely liberal and open-minded consciousness Homework assignment: considering areas in life where one is liberal, idealistic and utopian, eager for progress and change, open to new experiences, self-expressive and artistic, open to radical new ideas, and optimistic about human nature Shaking head at rigid and closed-minded people Asking for feedback and being open to criticism. Something intelligent is happening, specifically survival, consciousness, and love How these things manifest and play out is worth studying Instead of listening to arguments on YouTube, study various subjects such as politics, history, and different ideologies (capitalism, socialism, Marxism) Separate good ideas from bad ideas in these ideologies Corruption exists in both capitalism and Marxism The speaker has spent the past five years studying history and political science and finds it interesting to apply abstract principles to human social dynamics Suggests reading sociology books and checking out the speaker's book list and blog for more information and resources
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Understanding The Conservative Mind https://youtu.be/L2i4hUPjUO4 Introduction to a two-part series on understanding the conservative and liberal minds Aim of the series is to provide a deep and genuine understanding of the opposing worldview, not to advocate for any particular ideology or political position Both the conservative and liberal minds will be explored in a non-partisan, non-judgmental manner The goal is to understand the emotional appeal of both worldviews and why people are so passionate about them Warning that if only one part of the series is watched, it will give a skewed perspective Definition of the terms "conservative" and "liberal" in a broad sense Explanation that the conservative mind is not logical, but emotionally held at the core Overview of the key characteristics of the conservative mind, including: Hierarchy and tradition Respect for authority and the status quo Fear of change and the unknown Emphasis on individual responsibility and self-reliance Suspicion of government and intervention Nationalism and patriotism Focus on security, stability, and order Traditional gender roles and values Explanation that the conservative mind is not monolithic and that there are different strains and variations within it Discussion of the various factors that can influence the development of a conservative mind, including genetics, environment, and socialization Conclusion that understanding the conservative mind is important in order to have more productive and empathetic political discussions and to better understand and respect those with different worldviews. The brain can become desensitized to certain stimuli There are differences in how conservatives and liberals process information and react to situations Generally speaking, conservatives tend to have grown up in stricter, harsher environments with fewer resources and may benefit from the status quo This leads to a bias towards justifying and liking the status quo, based on how much it benefits the individual The conservative worldview also correlates with conscientiousness and closeness, which are two of the "Big Five" personality traits Liberal worldview tends to be more open and empathetic Both conservative and liberal minds can be self-biased and justify their beliefs The next episode will focus on the liberal worldview and its dynamics. Progressives and liberals view the military as strict and lacking in creativity Some people find peace and stability in the regimentation of the military Tsar Nicholas I tried to maintain order and stability during a chaotic transition in Russia Personal examples of a preference for order and structure (cleaning a room, going to the gym, organizing finances) Conservative mindset values safety and security over adventure and novelty Conservative mindset values tradition and preservation of the status quo Conservative mindset values family and community Conservative mindset values respect for authority and the established hierarchy Conservative mindset values individual responsibility and self-discipline Conservative mindset values hard work and self-sufficiency The speaker grew up in a difficult environment and had to fend for themselves The speaker believes that people who are looking for handouts should have to go through the same struggles and work hard to succeed in life, rather than relying on empathy and assistance from others Going through difficult ordeals and survival situations can toughen a person and build character The military requires discipline, self-reliance, and strictness in order to survive The speaker suggests that an over-reliance on handouts and a lack of rigorous standards can lead to a lack of discipline and skills The speaker presents this as one perspective and suggests that there are alternative perspectives that will be covered in a future episode. The speaker is discussing the difference between a conservative and liberal world view, specifically with regards to boundaries and metaphysics The conservative view is that boundaries, including gender, are fixed and should not be played with, as it can cause harm and confusion in society The liberal view is that boundaries are blurrable and can be changed at will, and that playing with these boundaries is not necessarily dangerous The conservative believes that playing with these boundaries, such as changing one's gender, could lead to harmful consequences and confusion in society The liberal believes that there is no danger in changing one's gender or inventing new genders The conservative argues that if one radically opens their mind, they may blur the lines between acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, such as having sex with children or animals The liberal may view these claims as a way of demonizing trans individuals The conservative perspective should not be dismissed as paranoid, as it is based on valid concerns about the potential dangers of blurring boundaries However, the conservative perspective can also be overplayed, and not all of their fears and insecurities may be warranted. Conservative mind tends to be less well-traveled, less worldly, and more isolated Generally less educated and less open to science and objective rationality Conservative mind values national identity, symbolism, and patriotism Conservative mind values loyalty and is more resistant to questioning the status quo Conservative mind tends to defend culture and has a strong identity with it Progressive mind tends to be more open to change and reform, and values equality and social justice Progressive mind tends to be more critical of the status quo and sees potential for improvement Progressive mind tends to value individual rights and freedoms over group cohesion and tradition Both conservative and progressive minds can be narrow-minded and closed off to new ideas or perspectives It is important to recognize and respect the differences between these two worldviews and not demonize one over the other. Discussing the difference between being a strict or permissive parent Conservative mindset values strictness and punishes rule-breakers Conservative mindset is more prone to violence and reacts aggressively to perceived threats Conservative mindset is less sentimental about war and more willing to use violence to maintain order Liberal mindset values empathy and leniency, and may prioritize personal freedom and self-expression over strict rules and order Liberal mindset may be more open to alternative ways of resolving conflicts and less inclined towards violence The author suggests considering where one falls on the spectrum of strictness vs. leniency and deciding which approach is the greater danger for raising children Freedom with regards to sex and vacation destination is dangerous Children should not have too much freedom in regards to sex, drugs, friends, and tattoos In a prison environment, empathy is not necessary and being too nice can be harmful Conservative mindset believes in self-interest and that an authoritarian leader is necessary in the workplace Liberal mindset believes in diplomacy and disarmament and investing in public education and healthcare Margin of error determines whether it is necessary to be conservative or liberal Protecting children requires caution and conservatism Non-sensitive matters, such as food choice, can be approached with a liberal mindset Conservative mindset is focused on tradition and the past, while liberal mindset is focused on progress and the future Both conservatism and liberalism have valid points and the appropriate mindset depends on the situation. The conservative mind tends to justify and defend existing systems, such as social hierarchies and class structures The conservative mind is less concerned about inequalities in society and happy with the status quo The conservative mind believes that some people are innately better and deserve to be at the top of the hierarchy The liberal mind believes in equality among humans, while the conservative mind sees humans as innately unequal in their capacity to generate value The conservative mind glorifies the nobility of man and believes in the right to exploit nature and animals The conservative mind is more tribalistic and fears outsiders, foreign threats, and influences The conservative mind is less tolerant and appreciative of diversity, seeing it as overwhelming and potentially dangerous The conservative mind values tradition and stability, while the liberal mind values progress and change There is no one right solution to conflicts, it depends on the context Conservative approach sees empathy and diplomacy as weak, while liberal approach sees toughness and aggression as dumb and cruel In some situations, like dealing with cavemen, force and brutality may be necessary Most scientists tend to be conservative in their approach to science, preserving the institution and being careful not to make mistakes and ruin their reputation This careful approach can lead to a narrow focus and a lack of groundbreaking discoveries A more liberal approach to understanding reality, while less rigorous and accurate, can allow for exploration of more abstract, paradoxical, and mystical subjects These approaches represent trade-offs and both have pros and cons It's important to find a balance and consider the specific context and situation when deciding on a course of action. Patriarchy is a reality and feminism can go too far by trying to over-equalize Transgenderism is confusing and can blur traditional gender boundaries, leading to confusion and a lack of strong identity for some people Atheism and secularism can lead to a materialistic, nihilistic society Socialism and Marxism are bad because they lead to government control and a lack of individual freedom Political correctness is harmful because it stifles free speech and honest discussions about important issues Multiculturalism is bad because it undermines a sense of national identity and pride, and can lead to cultural conflicts within a society. The speaker is conservative in their approach to spirituality and seeking enlightenment and truth in God They took this pursuit very seriously and were disciplined and honest with themselves about the effort it would take The speaker believes that it is important to be conservative in order to avoid underestimating the depth and difficulty of spiritual matters They want their audience to be aware of the potential pitfalls and obstacles in pursuing spirituality and to be afraid of wasting time with methods that may not lead to understanding God The speaker also experiences a sense of nostalgia and love for their family, culture, and heritage occasionally, which they associate with a conservative attitude They recognize that their bias may not be the one "true" or "right" way to approach spirituality or life, but it is their perspective based on their experiences and observations. Text discusses conservative worldview and warns against left-wing "straw man" arguments Author recommends finding intelligent articulations of conservative thought and mentions Jordan Peterson and Dennis Prager as examples Author recommends watching a series of their own episodes, including "Conscious Politics," "How Society Evolves," "Spiral Dynamics," and "Understanding Democracy versus Authoritarianism" Author mentions combining consciousness, spirituality, philosophy, developmental psychology, and social and political issues in their episodes Author announces that they will be discussing the liberal mind in the next part of the series
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An Intro To Serious Philosophy - Top Advice For Philosophers https://youtu.be/InmNW96qcUk Introduction to philosophy The speaker's background in philosophy Started in mid-teens, studied in university and beyond Taught themselves how to do philosophy outside of academia Able to turn philosophy into a successful career Has over two PhD's worth of independent study Tips and advice for philosophers Don't be fooled by appearances Reality is full of deceptive appearances A PhD is just a credential and does not guarantee understanding of reality or philosophy The speaker has reached an "absolute understanding of reality" or omniscience through philosophy Most philosophers believe omniscience is impossible The speaker will teach how to do deep, proper philosophy that leads to omniscience Philosophy should be a way of life, not just a subject studied in school Necessary qualities for a philosopher: critical thinking, open-mindedness, and dedication Importance of reading primary sources and avoiding mainstream philosophy Avoid getting caught up in "intellectual fads" Don't be afraid to challenge mainstream beliefs Don't be afraid to be wrong Philosophy should be a journey, not a destination Always be learning and seeking new knowledge The text discusses the limitations of an animal's understanding and consciousness, specifically focusing on the sun, a mouse, a worm, a fish, and humans The text also reflects on the limitations of human understanding, considering the vast amount of knowledge that humans did not know 2000 years ago and the possibility that humans may still have a limited understanding today The author reflects on their family's discussions about philosophical and existential topics, specifically mentioning an argument about the intelligence of elephants The author finds engaging in these conversations to be the most interesting and exciting aspect of life The text ends by discussing the importance of engaging in deep conversations and considering different perspectives. The speaker is disappointed by the university system and the academic bureaucracy The speaker decides to reject the university and academic system in order to pursue truth and genuine philosophy The speaker switches focus to video game design and becomes a professional video game designer The speaker starts their own business in order to achieve financial independence and creative freedom The speaker becomes self-educated and gets into personal development The speaker starts learning about dating and relationships, and becomes interested in philosophy again through listening to a philosophical pick-up artist named Owen Cook The speaker creates a database of philosophical concepts and starts making videos about these concepts on YouTube The speaker's YouTube channel becomes popular and they are able to make a living off of their philosophical content The speaker is able to pursue their own interests and share their ideas with others through their YouTube channel, and is no longer limited by the constraints of the university system or any other external forces. Philosophy is about asking fundamental questions and going deep Most people don't bother to question things and just accept the answers of science, religion, or other cultural conditioning Philosophy has two functions: personal development and understanding, and generating useful insights for mankind Personal development includes deriving joy from understanding things for their own sake Generating useful insights can include creating a better society, improving science, and reducing suffering The heart of philosophy is questioning Humans take questioning for granted, but we can do a deep inquiry into the nature of questioning itself The ultimate goal of philosophy is to understand reality and achieve wisdom Many people live shallow lives and only care about pleasure, sex, fame, success, money, and material possessions Philosophy can also be used to make money by finding principles that successful people follow and avoiding traps and mistakes that keep people poor Overview of various fields within philosophy, including science, religion, philosophy of mind, sociology, history, spirituality, mysticism, and language Importance of understanding one's own psychology in doing philosophy Distinction between speculation and belief, and the importance of critical thinking in philosophy Steps in the philosophy process: posing a question, gathering evidence, constructing an argument, and evaluating the argument Importance of asking good questions in philosophy Role of thought experiments in philosophy Use of logic and reasoning in philosophy Importance of being open to new ideas and perspectives in philosophy Need for persistence and perseverance in philosophy Importance of being humble and aware of one's own limitations in philosophy Philosophy is about exploring perspectives for their own sake, rather than trying to determine which perspective is "right" or "wrong" Good philosophers ask powerful questions and question all assumptions Making distinctions and learning how to collapse distinctions is crucial in philosophy Philosophy involves self-reflection, including observing and analyzing one's own biases, needs, fears, and cultural programming Going "meta" in philosophy means thinking about the act of thinking itself The "philosopher's attitude" is a way of approaching the world with curiosity and openness, rather than preconceived notions or beliefs The philosopher's toolkit includes introspection, mindfulness, self-awareness, and the ability to hold multiple conflicting ideas in one's mind at the same time Philosophy can be applied to any area of life, including love, business, finance, child-rearing, science, etc. Being a good philosopher requires discipline, focus, and the willingness to endure intellectual discomfort and uncertainty. Philosophy is not about subscribing to a specific ideology or philosopher The true measure of a philosopher is their understanding of themselves, mankind, the mind, consciousness, and reality Philosophy is not about proving things to others or making proofs The quality of philosophy should not be judged based on authority, credentials, or status Ideas can be bad regardless of the person who came up with them Philosophy should not be used as an escape from reality Testing philosophy in the real world is important The ultimate goal of philosophy is to understand reality Authority, credentials, and status should not be used to determine the quality of philosophy Close-mindedness can prevent people from accepting true ideas Ideas should be judged based on their own merit, not the person who came up with them Philosophy is a way to answer every question about reality and understand why everything exists as it does It is possible to answer these questions, but the answers are difficult to put into words Most philosophers do not succeed in properly doing philosophy, and often pretend they cannot understand the world's complexity "Pure philosophy" is a method of evaluating ideas based on their merit, without considering who said them or their history In pure philosophy, there is no debating, arguing, proving, debunking, or ideology; the goal is simply to understand reality as accurately as possible Every assumption about reality should be questioned and examined to see if it holds up Pure philosophy requires discipline and strict adherence to certain principles It is possible to achieve a deep understanding of reality through pure philosophy, but it requires a lot of hard work and perseverance Philosophy can be aided by using psychedelics To truly understand reality, one must commit to at least 100 psychedelic trips Ancient philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle used psychedelics as part of their philosophical practices Keeping a commonplace book can be useful for philosophers Writing down major insights can help a philosopher remember and reflect on them Meditation practice and retreats can be important for philosophers Meditation helps calm the mind and focus inward on sensations Reading and studying philosophy can also be useful for philosophers Need to have a clear understanding of consciousness Be open-minded Enjoy the process of learning about ultimate truth Embody philosophy, don't just leave it as academic Beware of self-deception Try to generate practical insights Be an original thinker, don't just follow ancient philosophers Contemplate more than you read Don't get attached to any one school of philosophy Keep it simple and pure, focus on ideas and insights Don't get bogged down in technical language Don't be a know-it-all, there is always more to learn Don't be a skeptic or cynic, stay curious and open-minded Don't be too attached to your own beliefs and ego Don't worry about convincing others of your beliefs Practice self-inquiry and be honest with yourself Don't just study philosophy, live it and apply it to your life Philosophy can be both practical and worthwhile or it can turn into mental masturbation, depending on how it is approached Practical uses of philosophy include improving self-esteem, communication skills, relationships, and mental health The ultimate aim of philosophy is to achieve omniscience and absolute truth, which is the most worthwhile pursuit for a human and can lead to the happiest moment of one's life People cannot avoid philosophy, as they will be programmed by their environment, culture, and other influences if they do not engage in philosophy deliberately Doing philosophy deliberately does not guarantee good philosophy, but it does offer the chance to seek the ultimate truth and happiness Philosophy can be used to de-program the mind of toxic ideologies and conspiracy theories The choice to engage in philosophy deliberately is important for one's own personal growth and well-being. Philosophy requires integrity and embodiment, and should aim to transform the person practicing it One should briefly study all different philosophies that exist, and decide on what questions they are most interested in answering Start by engaging in independent contemplation, observing your own mind at work, and being honest with yourself about your biases and deceptions Judge your progress by the amount of time spent in contemplation, rather than just writing down notes The speaker recommends watching their episodes "How to Discover What's True" and "Deconstructing the Myth of Science" for further guidance on deep philosophical work The speaker is also working on an episode called "Bootstrapping" that will be relevant in the coming months. Engaging in toxic ideological debates, especially online, can be counterproductive and may lead to sucking others into a toxic ideology. It is important to also consider practical aspects of life, such as relationships, sex, business, art, and family life. Today is a good day to start practicing philosophy.
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When Does The Left Go Too Far - Part 2 https://youtu.be/voXC0uYS9w8 The left goes wrong by not appreciating how attached people are to their culture and traditional way of living LGBTQ+ issues are a point where the left goes too far While there is a legitimate reason for supporting LGBTQ+ rights (tolerance and kindness towards non-standard identities), the left does not understand how this issue affects people on the right and even moderate Democrats and Republicans Many people are attached to traditional norms and the concept of LGBTQ+ is new and confusing to them The left's response that this discomfort is just bigotry is not accurate and does not address the legitimate confusion that many people may feel The left needs to be more sensitive to how these issues impact culture and the feelings of others, rather than just pushing for their own beliefs The left's push for cancel culture and de-platforming individuals with differing opinions also goes too far and is not productive in fostering understanding and dialogue The left needs to recognize the validity of other perspectives and work towards compromise and understanding, rather than just trying to shut down opposing viewpoints. Trade-offs have been denied or questioned in progressive and leftist circles, which has led to confusion and issues with men struggling to find their masculinity and women struggling with femininity This has also led to problems for women in finding suitable partners, as most women are attracted to masculine men It is important to recognize that traditional masculine and feminine gender roles should not be exclusive, but there should also be room for LGBTQ+ individuals and alternatives However, it is also important to recognize that the majority of people identify as heterosexual and traditional when it comes to gender and sexuality, and not acknowledging this can lead to problems for men and women who want to learn how to be proper men and women but are not taught effectively There are legitimate concerns and criticisms that can be raised about the LGBTQ+ community, such as issues related to inequality in sports and the transitioning of children and teens It is important to distinguish between legitimate criticism and bigotry, and not to dismiss all opposition or concerns raised about the LGBTQ+ community as bigotry or hatred There are nuanced issues related to the LGBTQ+ community that should be discussed and considered, rather than dismissing all opposition or criticism as illegitimate The speaker believes that allowing for fluidity in gender and sexual identity can lead to confusion and negative mental health outcomes The speaker also believes that the concept of gender fluidity has been largely deliberated in elite universities and then imposed on the rest of society without proper conversation and consensus The speaker suggests that minority and immigrant groups, particularly Hispanics and blacks, tend to be more conservative due to their traditional and religious cultures The speaker believes that Bernie Sanders did not win the Democratic nomination in the 2020 primary election because he did not appeal to minority and immigrant voters, who tend to be more conservative The speaker argues that the left has a tendency to prioritize the rights and needs of minority and immigrant groups over the needs and desires of the working class, which can be divisive and lead to backlash The speaker suggests that the left should focus on the needs and desires of the working class in order to be more successful and unite people across different groups The speaker believes that the left has a tendency to prioritize abstract and theoretical issues over concrete and practical issues, which can make them seem disconnected from the everyday concerns of the average person The speaker argues that the left should focus more on practical and concrete issues, such as job creation and infrastructure, in order to be more appealing and effective. The speaker believes that the polarization between the left and right wings is causing a potential civil war The speaker argues that both sides are becoming more extreme and that the right wing's extremism is more dangerous, although this is debatable The speaker suggests that the left wing becomes more extreme in response to the right wing's shift towards extremism The speaker proposes an alternative way of looking at politics, called "conscious politics," which is non-ideological and non-partisan, but also not afraid to call out extreme views The speaker believes that adopting this perspective can help to reduce polarization and prevent a potential civil war The speaker encourages the left wing to consider this perspective rather than demonizing those who present it as simply being moderate or centrist. There is a trend where progressives assume all Republicans are "Mega Republicans" (extreme) In reality, there are many moderate and reasonable Republicans, such as those often found on CNN and MSNBC (e.g. David from Joe Scarborough, Joe Walsh, Liz Cheney) These moderate Republicans have integrity and are not as extreme as the "Maga people," who are shameless and lack integrity and interest in truth Progressives often demonize these moderate Republicans and say that their policies are just as bad as Trump's, but decorum and integrity are important in politics and should not be dismissed as merely surface-level appearances There are more moderate Republicans with integrity than is often recognized, and media has failed to adequately highlight their existence The extreme behavior of Trump and his followers has drowned out the voices of moderate Republicans and taken up all the attention in the media It is important to recognize and give credit to moderate Republicans with integrity, as they are necessary for healthy politics Political polarization and extremism is a problem and needs to be addressed by both parties Life is both easier and harder than in the past Today's society is spoiled and ungrateful While it is true that successful, decadent societies can lead to weakness and spoilage, there are also problems with late stage capitalism that make survival difficult for younger generations The human psyche needs challenges and suffering to grow and mature Removing challenges from life may lead to a society of lazy, unambitious individuals Hierarchies can be useful, but some are toxic and need to be reformed or changed Stage green tends to want to level hierarchies without understanding their purpose or utility Hierarchies in America are often merit-based, but not always Leftists tend to portray hierarchies as systems of oppression, corruption, capitalism, and special privilege, but this is not always true Leftists also tend to hold everything as relative and socially constructed, but this can be taken too far Not all cultures and value systems are equal Some cultures are better than others in terms of producing positive outcomes Leftists should be careful not to reject all hierarchies or label everything as relative and socially constructed Absolute truth exists, even though some things are relative and socially constructed Leftists should be careful not to reject objective truth or reality in their pursuit of social justice. Society is complex and any successful social structure has gone through many iterations of trial and error Leftist ideas for utopian public policy may not work and could even backfire Marxism may not eliminate poverty and could create more poverty than capitalism Leftists may be too arrogant in thinking they can socially engineer their way out of problems Workplace democracy may not work in practice and could lead to cooperatives being unable to compete with other corporations Not all religion and spirituality is fundamentalist and stupid Atheism, secularism, and rationalism are fundamentally wrong Marx's materialism is also wrong and based on Hegel's idealism Modern society has adopted a materialist metaphysics that is not an advantage The left needs to recognize the limitations of reason and embrace spirituality Modern society is too obsessed with individualism and needs to recognize the importance of community The left needs to recognize the limitations of the state and not rely on it as the solution to all problems The left needs to recognize the limitations of science and technology and not blindly trust in them The left needs to recognize the importance of tradition and not reject it outright The left needs to recognize the importance of human nature and not try to change it completely The left needs to recognize the importance of morality and not abandon it in the pursuit of progress. The left's pacifism can backfire if other countries do not respect it and become aggressive The left can go too far with cancel culture and political correctness, canceling people for minor offenses and applying current moral standards to the past Leftists can be easily offended and triggered, making them appear weak and sensitive Right-wingers can also be easily offended and triggered People should not be canceled for making jokes, even if they are offensive Wearing blackface was once acceptable but is now not, but people should not be canceled for doing it in the past It is important to recognize and work to eliminate systemic racism, but individuals should not be so easily offended by minor insults and offenses Leftists should strive to become tougher and not be so easily offended The left's focus on identity politics can be a problem, as it divides people and leads to tribalism The left should focus on class and economic issues instead of identity politics The left should also be more open to discussion and hearing different viewpoints, rather than canceling or demonizing those with opposing viewpoints The left should be more aware of their own biases and the potential for their ideology to become extremist There are different levels of cultural development and values, represented by stages green, orange, blue, red, and purple Imposing a higher stage value system on a lower stage culture can be problematic and may not work Examples of this include criticism of Middle Eastern countries by stage green feminists, and attempts at democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan Space exploration is a valuable and aspirational pursuit that gives people a sense of awe and purpose, and also leads to technological advancements The constant complaining and criticism of the left can be grating and annoying, and may come from a place of ingratitude There is a lack of willingness to compromise on the left, and an unwillingness to acknowledge when good things are done or progress is made The left often focuses on divisive identity politics, rather than trying to unite people and find common ground There is a tendency on the left to rely on the government to solve problems, rather than empowering individuals to take responsibility and make positive change Importance of understanding conservative worldview in order to avoid problems and conflicts in political discussions Analogy of marriage counseling as a model for resolving conflicts and understanding each other's viewpoints Importance of listening to each other in good faith and not demonizing or vilifying the other side Political situation in America cannot be resolved through divorce or separation, need to find ways to coexist peacefully Upcoming episodes on understanding conservative and liberal viewpoints Previous series on conscious politics and importance of non-partisan, unbiased discussions Purpose of channel is to offer rare, advanced discussions on politics and to encourage open-mindedness and understanding of different viewpoints Importance of creating space for this kind of work in order to move beyond closed-minded, partisan systems.
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When Does The Left Go Too Far - Part 1 https://youtu.be/xAKThCSh5Hs Introduction to non-ideological look at problems within progressive politics Importance of progressives calling out problems within their own beliefs and perspectives Personal history of criticizing both left and right wing ideologies and studying American and world politics The dangers of the right wing are more obvious, but the left can be more dangerous because its problems are not as obvious Overview of common criticisms of the left: overly sensitive, cancel culture, victimhood mentality, intolerance of dissent, lack of self-reflection and honesty, lack of empathy, oversimplification of complex issues Discussion of specific examples of these criticisms, including examples of cancel culture, intolerance of dissent, and oversimplification of complex issues Conclusion that it is important for the left to be self-critical and open to hearing and addressing its own problems in order to evolve to a higher level of politics. The speaker has had experience with people of different ethnicities and cultures, and while they may still have cultural preferences, they are comfortable being around people who are different from them Many people in the speaker's community may not be as comfortable or experienced with different cultures, and may feel uncomfortable or culture shocked when exposed to them The speaker believes that rapid cultural change caused by immigration can lead to the majority of people in a community becoming angry and supporting fascist movements as a reaction The speaker thinks that progressives are often naive about the discomfort and fear that rapid cultural change can cause in some people, and that labeling them as racist or xenophobic only makes the problem worse The speaker suggests that racism should be thought of as ethnocentrism, which is the tendency to favor one's own culture over others, and that this is a natural tendency that cannot be eliminated but can be limited The speaker believes that progressive politics should take into account the reality that many people have strong cultural preferences and are nationalistic, and should try to address these issues in a realistic and understanding way rather than labeling them as racist or xenophobic. The idea that people can simply "flip a switch" and become comfortable with different cultures is incorrect Progressive politics often involves calling people racist or bigoted, which is not helpful and causes them to become defensive The left often demonizes and smears the police, but policing is a difficult and dangerous job and most police officers do their job well There are instances of police corruption and brutality, but they should not be blown out of proportion and all police officers should not be painted as corrupt or brutal Police reform is necessary, but demonizing the police is not the way to achieve it Progressive politics often involves a lack of nuance and a tendency to oversimplify complex issues This lack of nuance leads to a lack of understanding of the root causes of problems and a focus on superficial solutions The left needs to move beyond "green politics" and into a more nuanced understanding of issues to be more effective This includes having compassion for people's struggles and understanding that people are not always in control of their biases and prejudices Progressives should focus on creating long-term solutions rather than quick fixes or superficial changes. The speaker advises progressives to focus on their own problems and weaknesses rather than criticizing conservatives It is important to take responsibility for solving one's own problems and to develop oneself In politics, everyone points out others' problems but nobody takes responsibility for solving their own internal problems It is important to understand and make peace with conservatives, as they are not going away and progressives will have to live and work with them Progressives should engage with and try to understand the worldviews of conservatives, rather than labeling them as bigots, homophobes, etc. Understanding the perspective of others does not mean compromising with "the Devil" or accepting harmful beliefs It is important to strive for conscious politics and to think critically about one's own beliefs Refusing to engage with those who hold different beliefs can lead to group polarization and can harm progress Progressives should strive to have open and honest dialogue with conservatives, even if it is difficult or uncomfortable. A person (Leo) is speaking from a non-ideological place and is not a neoliberal centrist or Bill Clinton type Progressives often demonize centrists and deny the existence of moderate conservatism Socialism has failed in the past, but it could potentially work in the future It is important to be honest about the failures of socialism and consider the possibility that it may never work Systems (capitalism, socialism, libertarianism) are complicated and cannot be predicted to work or not work based on ideals alone, but rather on how they work in practice It is important to consider both the pros and cons of each system and not just focus on the pros of one's preferred system Tier two is a concept that goes beyond the categories of far right, moderate right, centrism, moderate left, and progressivism Some progressives are too quick to demonize and may not understand the concept of tier two The "new no true Scotsman" argument is when one claims that failures of a certain system (such as socialism) were not "true" examples of the system, and therefore not representative of its inherent problems It is important to keep an open mind and consider different viewpoints, rather than immediately dismissing them as wrong or demonizing those who hold them. Most companies are not run by sociopaths Sociopaths may be able to rise to power in a company if they are generating value for the organization and its stakeholders Progressives may have a problem with being too idealistic and moralistic because their survival is secured The reality of survival is that sometimes people have to make difficult decisions in order to survive A person's survival can change the dynamic of their decision making, for example a person with children may be more willing to work for a rapist in order to provide for their family The concept of "idiot compassion" refers to when someone is too compassionate and does not consider the practical consequences of their actions It is important to balance compassion with practicality in order to effectively help others. Two people work for 10 years, one works hard and smart while the other works lazily and not very intelligently The first person builds a castle while the second person builds a shack Both people want to start a new project, like building a temple, but the person with the castle is in a better position because they have more capital and can support and pay for more people Most capital nowadays comes from loans from banks, but originally came from human labor Some people are more productive and generate more capital It's also important to manage capital wisely, as someone who makes poor investments may end up broke while someone who makes wise investments may end up with more capital than they started with Marxists and socialists view this inequality as a mistake, but it is not a mistake, it is the natural result of differences in work and investment Capital is not a bad thing, it is a necessary part of creating new businesses and products The issue is not with capital itself, but with the corrupt and unfair systems that can prevent people from accumulating capital through their own efforts Defense contractors and businesses, including YouTubers, have externalities that can have negative consequences It is difficult to do business or create new technology without externalities While certain countries have developed the idea of "virtual rights" or pseudo rights like free health care and shelter, these are not guaranteed in nature and have required significant struggle and suffering over time to achieve Progressives often act as though these rights should already be in place and are not patient in working towards them Instead of demonizing businesses for externalities, it is important to focus on how to manage them There are no inherent rights to things like free health care, shelter, food, or happiness, but it is a worthwhile goal to work towards providing them for all people The best way to create a just society is to focus on creating opportunity and allowing people to succeed through hard work and merit It is important to acknowledge that there will always be some level of inequality in any society and to focus on finding ways to mitigate its negative effects rather than trying to eliminate it entirely. The speaker believes that being careless with finances as a government and civilization is problematic and can lead to serious problems in the future The speaker is sympathetic to being fiscally conservative and prefers a balanced budget where bankruptcy and defaulting on loans are not concerns The speaker believes that even the fear of inflation can destabilize the economy and cause people to not invest in their businesses The speaker believes that conservatives often misuse their stance on fiscal conservatism and will refuse to pass helpful policies in the name of fiscal conservatism, but will allocate funds for their own pet projects The speaker believes that Democrats would benefit from being more fiscally conservative The speaker believes that profit motive in the private sector promotes competition and innovation, but can also be toxic if taken too far The speaker believes that socialism removes the profit motive, which can lead to a lack of ambition and innovation in government-run bureaucracies The speaker believes that socialism is not a viable option because it has never been successful in the long term and has led to authoritarian regimes The speaker believes that capitalism, while not perfect, has proven to be the most successful economic system and has helped lift people out of poverty The speaker believes that capitalism needs to be regulated to prevent the negative consequences of an unregulated market, such as the 2008 financial crisis The speaker believes that taxes are necessary to fund government services, but that the current tax system is inefficient and disproportionately affects the middle class and small businesses The speaker believes that the current tax system needs to be reformed to be more fair and efficient. There needs to be appreciation for nationalism, national identity, and protectionism (protecting national interests) Leftists/progressives have been too neglectful in this area Trump's "America First" message was appealing because it addresses concerns about prioritizing the globe over one's own country Excessive globalization in the 90s and 2000s has contributed to the rise of nationalism and even fascism Nationalism is a necessary stage of development, but it can be taken too far and turn into Nazism Nationalism should be balanced with globalism, and national identities should not be taken for granted National identities are created through conflict, war, and other negative events It is important to moderate nationalism and evolve past it to a global perspective Globalization needs to be approached with caution and consideration of its effects on national identities and economic systems Both the left and the right need to recognize the importance of nationalism and find a balance between globalism and nationalism. Progressive populist wants to help blue collar and rural people Wants to ensure they are not exploited by capitalists and are paid better Socialism promises these groups more negotiating power against employers However, people do not vote based on policies, but rather on vibe and values alignment People fear change, growth, and evolution and resist it Navigating and managing these fears is important in conscious politics Progressive policies may not be understood or appreciated by people, who are more concerned with how they feel about the person proposing them Example of progressive policies not being understood: Trump passes tax cuts for the rich, but rural blue collar people do not see this as going against their own interests Example of people voting based on vibe: Trump presents a "good old red blooded American vibe" while Elizabeth Warren is seen as an "elitist nagging bitching Urban college professor" Suggestion to consider how to present policies in a way that addresses people's fears and values, rather than just expecting them to understand and accept them Mule analogy used to illustrate resistance to change and the need to persuade rather than push people towards new ideas
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Understanding The Exquisite Balance Of Life https://youtu.be/DJF3uBI0sT0 Understanding the balance of life from a more profound perspective Balance is a fundamental feature of reality, constantly being struck by Consciousness Definitions of "exquisite" and "sublime" Scientists appreciate the importance of balance in nature, but don't fully understand its depth Balance is not just an accident, but a result of Consciousness and intelligence The more conscious and spiritually developed a person becomes, the more they will recognize and appreciate the balance in the universe Balance is necessary for life and the functioning of the universe Examples of balance in nature, such as the cycles of life and death and the balance of yin and yang The importance of balance in personal development and relationships The role of balance in spiritual growth and enlightenment The concept of "as above, so below" and how balance is reflected in the microcosm and macrocosm The need to strive for balance in all aspects of life The exchange of gases between plants, humans, and animals must be balanced for sustainability Nutrients must also be balanced in order for plants and animals to survive The balance of our solar system, including the balance of its planets and moons, is crucial for its stability and longevity There are trillions of chemical reactions happening within a single organism that are necessary for proper function Our bodies have asymmetrical organs that must be balanced in order to function properly There is a balance in all aspects of the universe, including human conflict and ecosystems To reach a higher level of consciousness, we must appreciate and understand the balance in the world around us Conformity should not be confused with true balance True balance does not mean fitting into a dysfunctional system or being neutral in situations where moral action is needed Balance is dynamic and constantly evolving, not static True balance involves making conscious choices and taking responsibility for them God's balance involves all the finite parts of itself, including the physical and spiritual realms True balance involves both action and stillness, and finding a balance between the two True balance involves being aware of and in tune with one's thoughts, emotions, and actions True balance involves being in tune with the present moment and not getting caught up in the past or worrying about the future True balance involves finding a balance between individual needs and the needs of the collective True balance involves being honest and authentic with oneself and others True balance involves being open to change and growth, and being willing to let go of certain things in order to find balance True balance involves finding a balance between self-care and service to others. Shirking responsibility can lead to negative consequences Example given of not fighting Hitler leading to his takeover of the world and eventual killing of those who did not take action Even in a scenario where Hitler takes over the world and kills many people, the imbalance will eventually be balanced out by other means (e.g. natural causes, revolution, intervention from aliens) The universe is perfectly balanced by a higher intelligence and cannot become catastrophically imbalanced It is possible to become conscious of this governing intelligence and understand the perfection of the universe The ego often wants to hold onto the idea that the universe is not perfectly balanced, as it allows for a sense of control and the belief that one can fix imbalances through their own actions Allowing the ego to believe it is in control can lead to suffering, as it will constantly be striving for an impossible level of control True balance and peace come from surrendering the ego's desire for control and understanding the perfection of the universe as it is. The consequences of acting in a way that goes against balance can be severe and harmful to both the individual and society Some people justify their actions by claiming they are restoring balance to the world, but this can lead to delusions and harmful behavior Even when acting in a selfish or "devilish" way, the universe is still perfectly balanced on a meta level Selfishness can be self-defeating and lead to regret and self-hatred Selflessness is the key to receiving help from God and being connected to love The design of the universe is infinitely intelligent and perfectly self-balancing in the long run. Developing balance involves developing intuition, which is a non-algorithmic source of intelligence that allows you to tap into the intelligence of the universe To become more balanced, it is important to handle basic survival cravings and needs, such as shelter, food, and sex, and to "burn through" as much Karma as possible by satisfying these cravings and then transcending them Another way to develop balance is through Awakenings, or experiences of higher states of consciousness that bring you into contact with infinite intelligence Balancing the mind and emotions through meditation can help you to become mindful of when you are experiencing cravings or being driven by emotions, rather than being at the effect of them Imbalance leads to pathology, dysfunction, ugliness, suffering, unsustainability, and death, and can be observed in the current political system in America and around the world The devil has a backwards view of balance, and sees balance as imbalance and vice versa To maintain balance, it is important to be honest and authentic, to seek the truth, and to live in harmony with the natural world and with others. The prevalence of mental disorders, including ADD, OCD, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, is increasing Mental disorders are caused by imbalances in the mind and in society, as well as pollutants in the food supply Cults and conspiracy theories are examples of imbalances Imbalance can also be seen in physical disorder, such as a messy living space The aesthetic of Zen represents balance and harmony People who proclaim to be fair and balanced may actually be the least fair and balanced The current state of the world may be an example of absolute balance The concept of balance is subjective and can vary from person to person The goal should be to strive for personal balance and harmony, rather than trying to impose one's views of balance on others. The speaker shares private pictures and information on a forum for like-minded people interested in metaphysical topics The speaker can be supported on Patreon to help keep the channel free from corporate influence The speaker advises viewers to be balanced in their consumption of self-help theory and to use action to break out of being stuck in theory mode The speaker has over 100 new episodes planned, some of which will cover new material It is important to stay informed on theory but also to take action on it in order to see benefits in one's life
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How Socialization Makes You Stupid - Problems With Conformity & Group-Think https://youtu.be/gaI1OXly7EE The dangers of conformity and group-think The speaker's experience with socialization and observations about its effects on their mind The speaker's struggle with socialization and realization that it goes against their values and interferes with their authenticity, original thinking, and pursuit of truth The idea that it is possible to socialize while still maintaining values and being authentic, but that it requires effort and may have hidden costs The concept of "socialization brainwashing," in which socialization pressures individuals to conform to certain values and beliefs Examples of socialization brainwashing, including the way schools and mass media promote certain viewpoints and the way social groups influence individuals' beliefs and behavior The idea that socialization can make individuals "stupid" by limiting their thinking and inhibiting their ability to think critically and independently The importance of maintaining a degree of independence and critical thinking in order to avoid being swayed by group-think and conformity The potential consequences of blindly following social norms and group beliefs, including the suppression of individuality and the potential for harm to oneself and others. On average, women are more social creatures than men Intellectual geniuses of history tend to be reclusive men (example given of Einstein, Newton, Tesla) Socialization takes time and energy away from intellectual pursuits When socializing, you become the average of the minds you are socializing with Even if you are socializing with intelligent people, you are subscribing to group think and conformity Socializing has a cost and trade-off, and it's important to understand and make a conscious choice about whether to accept those trade-offs It's important to find your own balance between socializing and solitude, and this balance may change at different points in life Being more social means more social conditioning and less original thought, and being more solitary means more time and space for original thought It's important to find a balance that works for you, and to be aware of the trade-offs associated with socializing. Groupthink occurs when people in a group do not think independently and instead bounce ideas off each other in an echo chamber This happens because it is difficult and stressful to think independently, and it is easier to follow the herd and trust in a leader Humans survive in a herd and construct self-serving narratives together, creating a synthetic augmented reality that becomes indistinguishable from physical reality Survival is shaped by the herd or tribe one is part of, and this can constrain and limit one's mind and intelligence, but also provide benefits such as education It is important to consider the costs and constraints that come with positioning oneself within society, such as working at Starbucks or becoming a professor at a university It is important to think about how one's position in society will impact their values and priorities, and to consider alternatives to traditional career paths One should strive to maintain their individuality and autonomy, and not be afraid to think and act independently It is important to be aware of one's own biases and the biases of the group, and to actively seek out diverse perspectives. The social matrix misdefines intelligence Intelligence is often equated with success, survival, socialization, academia, and left brain calculation abilities The speaker wants to redefine intelligence to include wisdom and love The speaker believes that if an action is not wise and loving, it cannot be considered intelligent The speaker believes that intelligence should align with infinite intelligence, which is wise and loving The speaker believes that society's current understanding of intelligence does not include this connection to infinite intelligence The speaker believes that true intelligence includes selflessness and the highest intelligence is love The speaker believes that society's current definition of intelligence is incomplete and needs to be revised to align with infinite intelligence Developing mastery of the mind requires practice and cannot be achieved solely through shutting off the mind or accessing non-dual states The mind is a powerful and dangerous tool that can be mastered through practice Other minds and culture can influence and affect one's own thoughts Avoid parroting phrases and ideas that are not your own, especially within the spiritual community Notice how the need for social survival can pressure one to conform to group think Engage in practices that allow for original, high quality thinking Cultivate deep intelligence by understanding things deeply and properly Develop the ability to jailbreak the mind and understand high levels of abstraction and relativity Practice meditation and mindfulness as a means of improving thinking processes Modern society offers a lot of freedom and tools for creators and innovators However, it is also easy to become distracted and conform to the "social matrix" To avoid becoming a "zombie" and to live a fulfilling life, it is important to think original thoughts and spend time alone thinking Reading books and watching videos, and listening to gurus can be helpful, but it is not the same as thinking original thoughts To practice thinking original thoughts, try picking a subject and thinking about it from scratch without consulting external sources Make a habit of regularly setting aside time for original thinking It is important to balance socialization and alone time to live a fulfilling life Contemplating God is important, but it's also important to have fun and be silly sometimes Don't use deep intelligence as an excuse to judge or criticize others for having fun or being social Don't rely on God to solve problems like loneliness, instead take action to create connections in your life Distinguish between shallow and deep non-conformity Shallow non-conformity is when you join a group or movement without thinking independently Deep non-conformity is when you pursue things you genuinely love and don't compromise your values and priorities Be careful not to demonize the mainstream or subscribe to conspiracy theories Don't turn Actualized.org into a trap, it's meant to be a resource for personal growth and development, not a replacement for original thinking
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Understanding Double Standards & Hypocrisy https://youtu.be/bgduYKZKV18 Double standards and hypocrisy are connected to consciousness and ego development Double standards are a feature of less developed, selfish minds Religious fundamentalists are often hypocritical Double standards are a form of selfishness, where different standards are applied to oneself and one's group compared to others To develop oneself, it is necessary to commit to truth and intellectual honesty, which means holding oneself and one's group to the same standards as others Hypocrisy is the act of pretending to have beliefs, opinions, or virtues that one does not actually possess Double standards often arise from bias and self-bias It is important to be aware of and confront double standards and hypocrisy in oneself and in society Double standards can be challenged by holding oneself and others accountable and by being willing to change one's beliefs in the face of new information or evidence. Science is valued for its practical usefulness, not for its truth It is acceptable for scientific arguments to rely on appeals to authority, but not for religious arguments The fundamental properties of science are circularly defined It is okay for scientists to believe that the universe came from nowhere, but it is not okay to believe that it came from God Scientists do not behave objectively in their own lives and are motivated by avoidance of suffering and pain Science cannot explain consciousness or subjective experience Scientists often rely on faith in their beliefs and practices, such as in the reliability of scientific methods and the assumption that the universe is intelligible Science and religion are not necessarily incompatible, as some scientists have a religious belief and some religious beliefs are compatible with scientific principles. The speaker believes that there are more double standards and hypocrisy on the right than on the left The right is less psychologically, morally, and spiritually developed than the left The speaker will provide examples of right-wing double standards One example is Jordan Peterson's views on communism and Marxism compared to the actions of the MAGA movement and the attempted coup by Trump and his supporters The speaker believes that the true danger to democracy is the ultra-right wing, led by Trump and Steve Bannon, rather than the left Jordan Peterson's standards for the dangers of the left versus the right are dishonest and skewed by his perspective on reality The speaker believes that the right is more prone to conspiracy theories and misinformation, and provides examples such as QAnon and the baseless voter fraud claims made by Trump and his supporters The right is also more prone to demonizing marginalized groups and promoting hate, and the speaker provides examples such as the attacks on Black Lives Matter and trans people The right's views on social issues, such as abortion and gun control, are often influenced by misinformation and propaganda, rather than facts and evidence The right is more prone to denying science and expertise, and the speaker provides examples such as the rejection of climate change and the attack on public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic The right is more prone to authoritarianism and intolerance of dissent, and the speaker provides examples such as the attacks on the media and the suppression of protest. The constitution should be modified and evolved rather than blindly conserved Cherry picking and ignoring certain aspects of the constitution and holy books leads to hypocrisy Double standards in how violence and wrongdoing is attributed to certain groups Christian nationalism and the selective application of moral values Right-wing hypocrisy on issues such as censorship, freedom of speech, and classified information The need for intellectual honesty and not letting political beliefs cloud judgement Alternative media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, TikTok) have high levels of bias Double standards in politics: criticism of out-group politicians (opponents) but ignoring corruption of in-group politicians (own tribe) Double standard in negotiations: trying to get the lowest price when buying and highest price when selling Double standard in business: unions seen as unfair but corporations/CEOs have more leverage than unions Double standard in circumcision: female circumcision seen as obscene but male circumcision is desirable Double standard in race relations: favoritism towards whites and discrimination towards blacks Double standard in cultural relations: one culture seen as superior to others Double standard in gender relations: favoritism towards men and discrimination towards women Double standard in sexual orientation: favoritism towards heterosexuality and discrimination towards LGBTQ+ individuals Cutting in line or paying bribes can have negative effects on personal development and psyche Some people try to get special treatment or discounts, but this creates double standards Expecting and seeking special treatment can be harmful to personal development and consciousness Upper class people often expect certain doors to be open to them and can be entitled The wealthy can have disproportionate influence on government through lobbying and donations, corrupting the voting system Rich people may support the capitalist system and status quo because they benefit from it, but would curse it if they were born in a lower position in the hierarchy Double standards can be held by the rich and upper class since the dawn of civilization Railing against companies being evil while relying on them to function in daily life Double standard of showing sex vs. murder in children's cartoons Parents outraged at children's mistakes, but made similar mistakes themselves Parents scold children for cursing, but curse themselves Stealing from store considered acceptable if it results from a clerk's mistake Butchering a cow is okay, but butchering a human is evil Beating a horse is okay, but beating an employee is wrong Up to 50% of scientific studies fail to be replicated Misapplication of spiritual logic, such as expecting God to take care of taxes but not other responsibilities Confusion between relative and absolute truths in spiritual discussions Double standard of expecting spiritual teachers to work for free, but not other professionals People often apply their own personal beliefs onto others and expect them to conform, rather than accepting them as they are Double standard of expecting people to be perfect and not make mistakes, while also expecting them to learn and grow from their mistakes People often hold different standards for themselves and others, rather than holding the same standards for everyone Double standard of expecting people to apologize and make amends for their mistakes, while not being willing to do the same in return The text discusses the concept of selfishness and double standards Selfishness is defined as bias, inequality, unfairness, and hypocrisy in the pursuit of survival The text discusses societal double standards, such as different societal attitudes towards promiscuity in men and women The text also discusses double standards within an individual's own mind, such as believing capitalism is evil while still exploiting others for personal gain The concept of double standards can be weaponized and misused, such as complaining about only teaching evolution in schools or denying the reality of climate change The text encourages self-reflection on one's own double standards and how they are applied in discussions and debates The text advises against using the concept of double standards to whine or play the victim, or to deny the experiences and realities of marginalized groups. Selfishness is a bias To access god, one must become selfless and give up biases Many people do not access god frequently because they are unwilling to give up their biases People prioritize their own survival and convenience over truth Christians often pursue wealth and cherry-pick the Bible for convenient moral prescriptions Jordan Peterson ignores inconvenient passages from the Bible, such as the one about it being difficult for a rich man to enter heaven Peterson's belief in capitalism and pursuit of wealth may prevent him from realizing god due to the double standards he holds The speaker is aware of their own biases and has cleansed their mind enough to realize that they are god The speaker has worked to deconstruct their own biases and double standards This process was necessary to reach higher levels of consciousness The speaker has identified and corrected double standards in their beliefs about science, attitudes towards women and sex, criticism of others, and personal behaviors The speaker is aware of their own hypocrisy and works to eliminate it The speaker has noticed double standards in their criticism of public intellectuals and spiritual teachers, stages of personal development, people who "sell out," and vegans The speaker is careful not to call for the cancellation of others, but recognizes that some people do deserve it The speaker has noticed a discrepancy between their theoretical support for environmentalism and their personal actions to reduce their carbon footprint The speaker has noticed biases in their beliefs about psychology and mental health, and has worked to eliminate them The speaker has noticed double standards in their own use of language and how they apply language to others The speaker has noticed biases in their beliefs about meditation and spiritual practices The speaker has noticed biases in their beliefs about relationships and dating, and has worked to eliminate them The speaker has noticed biases in their beliefs about productivity and self-improvement, and has worked to eliminate them The speaker has noticed biases in their beliefs about political systems and ideology, and has worked to eliminate them
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Reading A Poetic Description Of God-Consciousness https://youtu.be/K8AXWd6DFzU The speaker has reached new levels of consciousness These levels cannot be explained logically or through verbal explanations The speaker will attempt to describe their experiences in a more artistic or poetic way The description is about seven to eight pages long The speaker has spent a lot of time thinking about and integrating these experiences The speaker wants to share their experiences, but they cannot be put into words The speaker will give a verbal description of what they mean by "god realization," "consciousness," and "awakening" The speaker frequently uses these words and wants to provide a clearer understanding of what they mean {link}
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The Next Evolution Of Actualized.org Teachings https://youtu.be/SCeJUZUsC2s Introduction to episode, targeting core audience and those interested in evolution of teachings Personal reflection on role as teacher and desire for teachings to mature Explanation of decrease in content production over past year Quality over quantity, no filler content Health problems and burnout Building new systems for production and organization Evolution of teachings in future: more focused, targeted, and mature Mention of "core curriculum" and potential for certification program Importance of understanding and mastering one's own psychology Conclusion and invitation for audience to provide feedback and ideas for future direction. Good approach is to ground understanding in personal, direct experience Deep awakenings may reveal that previously learned information is not aligned with personal experience Need to purge information that is not true to personal experience and teach based on personal experience Want to shed old teachings and beliefs and start fresh, like a "mental exercise" Mostly want to throw away theories, hearsay, and beliefs, not insights and life lessons based on personal experience Human understanding of reality is problematic because it is human-centric and human-made Need to see beyond human ideas and beliefs and connect with something "truer" Wiping the slate clean and starting fresh can allow for building on a stronger foundation and higher understanding Can do this mental exercise of starting fresh every 10 years or so the speaker wants to model and embody conscious, selfless, and loving behavior on their public platform they recognize their responsibility to use their platform for good and to lead by example they want to improve their own conscious leadership skills and model good leadership for their audience the speaker is aware that being a conscious leader requires a lot of responsibility and selflessness, and is a rare quality the speaker's goal is to be a cheerleader for the highest potential in their audience the speaker's original goal for their platform was to share insights on personal development and creating a fulfilling life the speaker has had personal growth and improvement, but there is still room for improvement in their behavior and leadership they will be releasing an episode on conscious leadership in the future. The process of learning about spirituality is messy and chaotic At first, one may have wrong ideas and unrealistic expectations, and may fall into spiritual traps The author has been building their spiritual teachings as they go, like an airplane being assembled while taking off It is important to consider the signal to noise ratio in spiritual teachings and other information consumed online Noise in teachings can be caused by lack of consciousness, selfishness, bias, ego, immaturity, arrogance, cravings, and bad habits It is okay to make mistakes, but it is not okay to make the same mistake over and over without learning from it It is important to constantly strive for self-improvement and to be vigilant against self-deception and corruption The author's teachings aim to have a high signal to noise ratio, but they may still have noise due to their own limitations The goal of the episode is to acknowledge and learn from mistakes in order to improve and grow as a teacher and person. The speaker wants to accurately communicate the emotional significance of awakening, but sometimes downplays or exaggerates it The speaker wants to improve their teaching by: Changing their tone to be more solid and use more "tier 2 cognition" Being more precise with language Being less arrogant, judgmental, critical, and dismissive Exhibiting more respect for their audience Being more vulnerable and honest in their teachings Being more inclusive and diverse in their teachings Being more authentic and genuine in their teachings wants to focus on doing their work to the best of their ability and not be affected by criticism wants to make less absolutistic statements, using words like "most" or "many" instead of "every" or "all" wants to give more credit to other teachers and sources of inspiration and be less critical of them realizes that a large portion of their audience suffers from mental illness and needs to be cautious and issue disclaimers in their teachings to avoid causing harm mental illness and trauma is not the focus of their work and they are not experienced in dealing with these issues has high standards for drama and negativity in their personal life and avoids mentally ill people wants to focus on sharing insights and practices that are helpful and practical, rather than trying to change people's beliefs wants to be more authentic and transparent in their teachings wants to be more open to feedback and criticism in order to improve their work realizes that they have made mistakes in the past and wants to learn from them and do better in the future The speaker is a German man who is not as emotionally grounded or mature as other spiritual teachers The speaker is sharing a process of personal development with the audience through their episodes This process involves facing and learning from past mistakes and behaviors, and forgiving oneself for them The speaker's style and approach to teaching will change slowly over time, and may not be noticeable to all viewers These changes will also apply to the speaker's blog and forum posts Being a good spiritual teacher involves more than just being spiritual, and the speaker is still learning how to do this The speaker's goals for the future include helping people to develop their highest selves and to live more fulfilling lives The speaker has courses that go into great depth and are even deeper than what most people teach This is a chance for the listener to make a decision that could alter the trajectory of their life The speaker wants the listener to commit to a long-term journey and vision The speaker tries to avoid gimmickry and relies on courses to sustain themselves and their teachings YouTube's algorithm changes have impacted the speaker's business and revenue The speaker's content may not be able to compete with short, tick-tock style videos in the future The speaker's courses are designed to be practical and provide a lot of value The speaker has reached a new level of understanding of reality and wants to share it with others The speaker's best work is yet to come The speaker's courses are designed to be transformative and help the listener reach the highest levels of awakening possible The speaker's courses are available at actualize.org and the listener can subscribe to the newsletter and channel for updates.
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How To Become Decisive https://youtu.be/veMExOmq5zA The importance of being decisive in achieving a fulfilling life Examples of decisions that may come up in personal development work Many decisions are made by default through inaction or indecision The consequences of indecision The importance of committing to a decision and taking action Tips for making better decisions: Gather information and consider all options Use a decision-making framework Seek advice from trusted sources Consider the potential consequences of each option Trust your gut and go with your instincts Practice making decisions regularly to build confidence The benefits of being decisive: clarity, confidence, and control The role of fear in indecision and how to overcome it The importance of taking responsibility for your decisions and their outcomes Game designer broke into the industry as an entry-level designer Quit and had to fend for himself financially, leading to learning about business, marketing, and sales Started first business doing internet marketing and web development, but realized it was conflicting with values Started Actualize.org and moved to Las Vegas to work on dating skills Launched Actualize.org and had early success, but decided to pivot to a coaching model Decided to focus on creating content for Actualize.org and became successful with that Made a decision to become a vegan and prioritize health Made a decision to focus on building Actualize.org and let go of other projects and opportunities Made a decision to move to Thailand to be closer to Actualize.org's team and focus on growth Making decisions based on values Most people make decisions unconsciously Quality of life is a reflection of the decisions made Make decisions that align with principles of self-actualization and health Importance of focusing energy and making good investments with finite resources (time, energy, money, health) Knowing and honoring top values is important for making good decisions Previous episode on investing and developing valuable things over time Process for finding top values in the life purpose course Clarity is important in becoming a conscious leader Consider what kind of character you want to be and how you want others to perceive you Make decisions about what you do and do not want in your life, including values and behaviors Indecisiveness can waste mental energy and lead to negative outcomes Being decisive can lead to greater mental energy and positive outcomes Consider the long-term effects of your actions on yourself and others Take time to reflect on your life and the direction you want it to go in Make positive changes and set goals for yourself to become the person you want to be Consistency is important in achieving your goals and becoming the person you want to be Fear of failure can be reframed by understanding that making choices, even if they are wrong, exposes you to valuable experience that can be used to learn and grow When faced with a decision, choose the option that will challenge you and expose you to new experiences, rather than staying in your comfort zone It is often possible to explore both sides of a fork in the road, rather than feeling like you must choose just one option Working hard to pursue one option for a period of time before switching to the other option allows you to gain valuable experience and develop important skills that will be applicable in both areas Don't worry too much about making close decisions, as you can often explore both options just not at the same time Remember that even if a decision doesn't work out as desired, the experience gained from making it can still be valuable and help you grow as a person. When making decisions, it's important to be clear about your values, vision, and life purpose and to continually work on clarifying them Use your top values to help guide your decision-making process Take responsibility for being a decision-maker and don't outsource decisions to others Don't procrastinate or delay making decisions Observe the consequences and suffering that can come from backtracking or stalling on important decisions Make decisions with responsibility and a cool, collected mindset, even if you're not always making the right decisions Don't make decisions based on fear or avoidance of discomfort Make decisions that align with your long-term vision and values Consider the pros and cons of each potential decision, but also trust your gut instincts Don't be swayed by others' opinions or outside influences, but also be open to seeking guidance from trusted sources Decision making can be shallow or deep Shallow decisions are based on temporary factors, while deep decisions are based on values and long-term consequences Examples of deep decisions: not to drink, not to cheat in relationships, not to exploit customers, to set boundaries in relationships, not to chase get-rich-quick schemes Indecisiveness can be costly over a lifetime To become a decisive person, it takes work and discipline to retrain oneself It is important to think through ideas and understand them, rather than mindlessly accepting them Consider the reasons for indecisiveness in the past and the costs of indecisiveness Think about what bold, decisive decisions could improve one's life Consider the consequences of making no decision at all Reflect on what it takes to be a decisive person and if the work is worth it Set goals and make a plan to become a decisive person Seek the guidance of others and gather information to make informed decisions.
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The Power Of Not-Knowing https://youtu.be/RMXNQ-nGBSA Introduction to the topic of not knowing and how it relates to spirituality and epistemology Distinction between wise and foolish people in terms of their awareness of the limits of their knowledge Invitation to consider the possibility that you don't actually know what anything is Example of trying to define a fork and the difficulties that arise when attempting to do so Lack of understanding of even basic concepts like atoms and the nature of reality Importance of acknowledging and embracing not knowing in order to truly learn and grow Discussion of the ego and how it interferes with the ability to not know and be open to new ideas Techniques for practicing not knowing, including meditation and questioning assumptions The power of not knowing in terms of creativity and problem-solving Conclusion and encouragement to embrace the unknown and continue exploring the concept of not knowing. The mind puts up "fake fronts of knowing" These include beliefs, assumptions, speculations, theories, hearsay, deductions, narratives, ideology, intuitions, etc. These are fallible and partial They are twisted to fit the ego's needs for survival and meeting its own needs Truth vs. being right: most people care more about being right Society creates an illusion of knowing through various sources such as religion, science, education, media, etc. This creates the "social matrix" Mankind's ignorance is never acknowledged If we encountered an advanced alien civilization, we might demonize them instead of accepting our own ignorance We have a history of religious, scientific, and ideological errors Fork floating in space and mind's role in constructing reality Difficulty in distinguishing between what exists before the mind and what is constructed by the mind Rationalization of what enables survival as true knowledge, but possibility that this may not accurately reflect reality Primordial desire to know oneself and the world Most people do not understand this desire and may view it as frivolous or for practical purposes This desire may be a manifestation of the mind's inherent nature and a way to understand its own existence Understanding the true nature of reality may be difficult or impossible for the human mind The concept of the "unspeakable" in relation to knowledge and understanding The role of language and symbols in shaping our understanding of reality Importance of cultivating a deep understanding of oneself and the world in order to live a fulfilling life. Muster the courage to admit when you are wrong Admitting you are wrong is a one-time pain but living with the belief that you are right when you suspect you are wrong can cause pain for the rest of your life Most people want to avoid short-term embarrassment of admitting they are wrong Not knowing can be a powerful antidote to self-deception and closed-mindedness Practice not knowing to become more open-minded Introspection can help with being honest about when you don't know something Being open-minded can help with learning new things Asking questions and being curious can help with not knowing and being open-minded The idea of being on planet Earth should be removed from one's worldview A shift in one's state, rather than just talking about not knowing, is necessary to truly enter a state of not knowing It is important to distinguish between a shift in state and just discussing a concept or theory It can take years of work to remove the idea of Earth from one's worldview It is important to get comfortable with not knowing and putting oneself in a state of not knowing It is important to be aware of one's ego and resist its attempts to hold onto certain beliefs or stories Other points will be discussed later, but for now it is important to focus on getting comfortable with not knowing. All knowledge is fundamentally second order First order is raw sensations and being Second order is knowledge about first order, including associations and concepts Ego often focuses on second order (what can be done with something) and ignores first order (being of something) Scientists try to understand consciousness at second order, but it is a first order phenomenon Reality is first order Being and existence are prior to knowledge of them To understand consciousness, need to understand first order Need to make a distinction between first and second order Pragmatism ignores first order, leading to a distorted view of reality Deconstruction series discusses the myth of science and the importance of first order. Language can be imprecise and can result in a loss of meaning during translation A better way to understand something is to experience it firsthand advanced AI or aliens with larger brains may be able to communicate by creating physical objects in their minds and transferring them to others Omniscience does not mean knowing all factual information, but rather understanding that everything we perceive is a creation of our own minds The concept of self is an illusion and is created by the mind The mind can be trained to let go of the illusion of the self and to operate at the level of pure being This allows for true understanding and connection with the universe The concept of free will is also an illusion, as all events are predetermined by cause and effect It is important to let go of the ego and attachments in order to reach enlightenment and live in the present moment. The paradox of not knowing is that the mature mind admits of not knowing more, but ends up knowing things that the immature mind thinks are impossible to know The immature mind believes it is impossible to know things like reality, absolute truth, god, consciousness, love, infinity, and the paranormal When the mind is open to not knowing, it can have mystical experiences and awakenings, potentially through the use of psychedelics While not knowing may allow one to know some impossible-to-know things, there is still much that is not known Not knowing should not be used as an excuse for epistemic nihilism, skepticism, or cynicism, or to become inactive and passive Not knowing should not be used to claim that nothing can be known or that everything is subjective, as these are definitive statements of knowledge Not knowing should not be used to derail one's life or disrupt activity, as survival and everyday happiness require activity The mature mind does not get attached to knowing, but still uses it in practical ways The mature mind is open to change and new information, and does not cling to dogma or preconceived notions The mature mind is able to hold multiple viewpoints and consider multiple perspectives The mature mind is able to use not knowing as a way to question and explore, rather than as a way to avoid or dismiss. Steve Bannon's strategy is to "flood the zone with [__]" in order to spread misinformation and conspiracy theories Not knowing can be weaponized by bad actors, and it is a mistake to put foolishness on the same footing as wisdom or inexperience on the same footing as experience Not knowing does not mean that one should ignore intuition or common sense in the pursuit of survival Not knowing does not mean one should stop pursuing education and wisdom The ego may try to use the concept of not knowing as an excuse to avoid learning and growing It is important to balance not knowing with a focus on survival, truth, and wisdom Not knowing should be practiced in safe contexts before attempting to apply it in more dangerous situations It is important to keep one eye on survival while also pursuing truth and wisdom Conscience and intuition are important for making decisions Intuition is not always right and can still lead to mistakes Following your intuition is better than doing nothing Life is full of imperfect choices and requires trial and error Suffering can help teach what does not work in life Creating a good life involves principles like hard work and meditation Contemplate the limits of knowing and question everything that is known Remember that the being of things is unknowable Enter deep states of not knowing through practices like meditation and psychedelics Use caution and responsibility when using psychedelics Practice self-inquiry and self-reflection to deepen understanding Cultivate a sense of mystery and wonder about the world Surrender to not knowing and embrace the unknown. The importance of not knowing and being comfortable with uncertainty The reality that life is chaotic and uncertain The default fallback position should be "I don't know" Operating better from a place of not knowing because it removes fantasies, expectations, and assumptions An improvisational attitude is helpful in certain situations The benefit of not having a script or plan when interacting with others The importance of authenticity in communication The practice of mindfulness and living in the present moment The idea that reality is not fixed and is constantly changing The concept of "beginner's mind" in Zen Buddhism The value of not clinging to preconceived notions and being open to new ideas and experiences
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How To Fall In Love With Life https://youtu.be/u31Nk3ZAh-o Many people become disillusioned with reality or life It is essential to have a zest for life in order to live a good life There is a lot of negativity and self-pity present in society It is important to discipline oneself to cut through this negativity Personal development and spirituality can increase one's zest for life, but it can also cause one to become caught up in a self-improvement rat race and lose the naive joy of life It is important to recognize when personal development and spirituality are not aligning with one's goals and adjust accordingly The initial stages of personal development and spirituality can be naive and misguided It is important to find what brings joy and fulfillment to one's life and pursue it with enthusiasm Engaging in activities that bring joy can increase one's zest for life It is important to be present in the moment and appreciate the beauty of life Practicing gratitude can increase one's zest for life Taking risks and trying new things can increase one's zest for life It is important to have a growth mindset and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth Having a sense of purpose and meaning in life can increase one's zest for life Having close relationships and a supportive community can increase one's zest for life Alien life captures the imagination and inspires people to pursue engineering, science, academia, and art Engineering can be approached in a shallow, materialistic way, but it can also be a way to connect with and appreciate consciousness The same goes for academia and art Creative pursuits can be used as a medium to deepen appreciation and connection to consciousness Example of personal experience with video game design and the beauty of motion graphics Alien life and the possibility of intelligent extraterrestrial civilizations also connects with consciousness Thinking about these things allows us to appreciate and fall in love with reality more The more we are aware of the interconnectedness of consciousness, the more we can appreciate and fall in love with different aspects of it Undertaking a process requires serious work If you do not challenge yourself and honor your consciousness, you may become disillusioned and complacent You may engage in shallow and animalistic behaviors and become addicted to various things If you do not invest in yourself and build a beautiful life, you may waste decades and eventually consider suicide Society does not encourage investing in oneself, so it must be cultivated within oneself Health, growth, learning, execution, and creativity are important pillars to focus on in life Health involves taking care of your body and mind, including exercising and eating well Growth involves personal development and self-improvement Investing in oneself involves investing time, energy, and resources into personal development Learning involves acquiring new knowledge and skills Execution involves taking action and implementing what you have learned Creativity involves using your imagination and being open to new ideas All of these pillars require a lifelong commitment and daily effort to cultivate and maintain. Reading and investing in oneself is fulfilling and meaningful Anything that promotes personal growth should be pursued Socializing and investing in social skills can lead to fulfillment in the future Learning is a crucial aspect of personal growth Developing a growth mindset is important for personal growth Setting and achieving goals helps with personal growth Engaging in activities that challenge and stretch oneself helps with personal growth Taking care of oneself (e.g. health, nutrition, exercise) can enhance personal growth Surrounding oneself with positive and growth-oriented individuals can promote personal growth Reflecting on and analyzing one's experiences and actions can facilitate personal growth The game of life is one that cannot be won, but can be lost if not consistently pursued The pillars of this game include: falling in love with consciousness, honoring it, pursuing health and growth, investing in oneself, learning and execution, and creativity Others will try to distract you with petty human [__] and it is important to set boundaries to avoid being dragged down Petty human [__] is low consciousness and robs life of its beauty Need to develop an attitude of investing in and improving your fundamentals Connect with the joy of saying no to unhealthy habits and engaging in healthy ones Create joy in discipline, productivity, and purposeful work Connect with the joy of meditation, exercise, learning, and self-improvement Remember that true value in life is found in things that require sacrifice and hard work, not in superficial pleasures Begin to cultivate gratitude and appreciation for life and the present moment Remember that you are in control of your own life and have the power to create the life you want for yourself External challenges can lead to resentment and avoidance Choosing challenges and setting goals can be fulfilling and meaningful Choose challenges that align with your values and that you accept willingly Fulfilling life involves conscious living and connecting with the present moment Art can be its own reward, regardless of whether it is sold It is better to choose your challenges rather than having them choose you Avoidance of challenges can lead to a meaningless and disconnected life Fulfilling life involves creative expression and meaningful connection with reality Living a fulfilling life involves engaging in activities that bring joy and satisfaction This can be a long process that takes years to complete As you engage in these activities, you may find that you are less interested in shallow pleasures like unhealthy foods and alcohol At first, you may feel like you are sacrificing pleasure by saying no to these things in favor of healthier choices, but over time, you will find that the deep joys of life are more fulfilling Eventually, you will reach a tipping point where the shallow pleasures no longer hold much appeal Addiction is often a result of a lack of deeper fulfillment in life, rather than the chemical itself Engaging in new experiences and connecting with others can bring joy and fulfillment to your life Avoiding dangerous substances like heroin and instead exploring consciousness through safer means like psychedelics can also contribute to a fulfilling life The importance of sober living Definition of sober living includes saying no to unhealthy or toxic things and building a healthy life based on principles, holistic integrity, and health Cultural idea of sobriety is flawed Sobriety means living in truth and saying no to petty human desires Psychedelics can be used in a sober way, but only if used as a spiritual modality in addition to other practices and executing on life purpose Building a hyper sober life takes time and requires changing one's palate to reject mediocrity and laziness The joy of sober living includes a transcendent consciousness and living according to one's principles Hindus have a concept of three gunas: satwik (sober or truthful), rajas (over excited or overstimulated), and tamas (lazy or depressed) The goal is to aim for the satwik life The benefits of sober living include increased energy, productivity, and fulfillment People who are "born lucky" or have things handed to them (such as good looks, money, etc.) may not appreciate or value those things as much as those who had to work hard for them People who have things handed to them may also not be as deep or tested as those who had to struggle Physical attractiveness in particular can lead to shallowness, as others judge and value a person based on their appearance rather than their character The most fulfilling aspects of life come from the challenges one faces and the personal growth that results from overcoming them Becoming good at sex requires effort and learning, and people who have it easy in this area may not appreciate or understand sex as much as those who had to work for it The most attractive women may not be known for their depth, as they are valued for their appearance rather than their character It is natural to feel jealous of people who seem to have it easy, but it is important to remember that the challenges one faces and the effort put in to overcome them are what make life fulfilling and valuable The author has personally struggled to become extroverted and charismatic, despite appearances to the contrary The speaker is teaching advanced concepts and does not want to waste time covering basics Some people may not have proper education or development and need to address those issues before tackling advanced concepts The speaker has books and other resources available to help with basics The speaker is working on a new course that will be more practical and life-changing than their current course The new course will teach how to implement abstract concepts The speaker will release the new course when it is of high quality and provides value The speaker's goal is to help people achieve a functional and joyful life People should not rely solely on the speaker for all their knowledge and should seek out other sources The speaker is not responsible for teaching people basic life skills, such as tying shoes or crossing t's and dotting i's
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How To Practice Love - What Does It Mean To Love https://youtu.be/EzTEzav5l20 The nature of love is important to contemplate Understanding the highest metaphysical levels of love can be helpful, but not the focus of this episode The focus will be on how to practice love at the human, relative level People often say "I love you" as a platitude or flippantly, but do not understand the true meaning or how to practice it Lack of love can have serious negative effects on physical and psychological development The idea of "tough love" is problematic because it is not truly love To practice love, it is important to understand the person or thing being loved and their needs Love involves listening, understanding, and empathy Love also involves setting boundaries and allowing the person or thing to grow and be independent Love requires effort and intention, and can be difficult at times It is important to practice self-love in order to be able to love others effectively The ultimate goal of love is to bring people closer to their true selves and to unity with all beings. Even when we try to love others, we may not always be successful One aspect of loving someone is having their back and being loyal to them We can tell when someone is loyal to us and when they are not We may have friends who are more reliable and trustworthy than others Another aspect of loving someone is taking on their agenda as our own This can be a mistake if we try to impose our own agenda on them Parents may make this mistake by imposing their own career or life goals on their children instead of supporting the child's own goals and desires Taking on someone's agenda as our own can also involve making them an extension of ourselves, which can make us vulnerable When we truly love someone, their survival becomes our survival and their pain becomes our pain This can be difficult for some people, especially men, who may try to build up an identity of invulnerability We may need to let go of this identity in order to truly love someone who is more vulnerable than us It is important to be aware of our own limitations and to not try to control or change the other person We should try to understand and respect the other person's unique qualities and differences It is also important to be honest and open with the other person and to communicate our feelings and needs. Trying to manipulate or control others is not true love True love involves total acceptance and absence of judgment Love is difficult because we often want things to be different than they are Good parenting involves surrendering fantasies and connecting with the actual child True love involves valuing and appreciating the thing or person for its own sake When we deeply love something, we are conscious of its intrinsic beauty Beauty is infinite and exists in all things, but we must be aware and connect with it to appreciate it The more we love something, the more willing we are to look at it deeply and appreciate its beauty Most people cannot see the beauty in things that do not fit their expectations or desires True love requires vulnerability and the willingness to be open and honest with ourselves and others In order to truly love others, we must first love ourselves and be at peace with ourselves Love is a continuous process of growth, learning, and self-improvement True love requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to forgive Love is not easy, but it is worth the effort and is essential for a fulfilling and happy life. Being present for someone in their lowest moments Helping the other person not feel lonely Validating the other person's feelings Empathizing and asking "how are you feeling" Listening and taking the other person's feelings seriously Validating the other person's feelings, even if they seem irrational Sharing emotions and crying together Sharing vulnerability and being open with each other Being able to communicate and express oneself effectively Being able to resolve conflicts effectively Being able to forgive each other and move on from problems Love requires truth as a foundation Love involves building safety and trust Seeing the other person "truly as they are" is important in love Love involves deep appreciation of finite consciousness Accepting selfishness in the person you love is crucial Love involves self-sacrifice Love is not a checklist to be completed Love involves seeing the other person's pain and not causing more pain Love involves being vulnerable and exposing one's own "shadow" Love involves acceptance of the other person as they are, including their flaws and imperfections Ask oneself what made them feel loved as a child (ages 0-20) Consider specific actions and activities with parents, siblings, friends, etc. that made them feel loved Make a list of these specific details Analyze these items to identify general principles about how to love someone Make a list of things that made the person feel unloved as a child Use this list to understand what is needed to feel loved and avoid feeling unloved Use these lists to become a loving person and better understand how to love others Remember that it is possible to heal from a lack of love in childhood, but it will take work. Consider seeking therapy to work through these issues. God's love can be experienced through shifting one's state of consciousness This can be done through practices like yoga and meditation, but may require the use of psychedelics for more powerful results It is important to both practice love in finite human relationships and also access absolute, infinite love through existential experiences Becoming a good lover, grounded in truth, is key to a good life and requires serious work and dedication over a period of several decades Life can be thought of as a training ground for becoming a good lover and finding meaning in life It is important to break free from nihilism, meaninglessness, cynicism, rationalism, and confusion about the purpose of life Love is the ultimate master key to success in life and can bring about a paradigm shift in one's understanding of reality Love is a force that expands and forces personal growth Personal development is motivated by a desire to expand capacity to love Love is equivalent to caring for others beyond the self Love is seeing the beauty in something and accepting it as it is Love is the opposite of rejection, hate, criticism, judgment, manipulation, domination, and bias Bias prevents extending care to others God is love because it acts on behalf of the good of all existence, in a completely selfless way Reality is an expansion of love and a fractal of consciousness realizing its own love for itself It is impossible for a finite self to love perfectly, as it would jeopardize survival The more selfless one is, the more loving they can be, but there is a trade-off with survival It is important to not beat oneself up for failing to love perfectly The goal is to increase capacity to love and to strive for selflessness as much as possible within the bounds of survival Love is not an emotion, it is an action and a decision It is important to practice self-love and self-acceptance in order to love others better It is important to forgive oneself and others in order to move forward in the process of loving more fully
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New Kind Of Awakening - Infinity Of Gods https://youtu.be/skoXFwOxTIk The speaker has experienced multiple awakenings over the years and struggled to integrate the concept of solipsism into their everyday life The speaker has had a nagging feeling that there was more to be revealed in their awakenings and decided to try to disprove them The speaker entered a state of profound non-knowing and re-inquired about their own identity and the concept of God from a blank slate The speaker experienced a new kind of awakening in which they realized that their individual self is not separate from God or the universe This realization led the speaker to understand that there are infinite versions of God and that they are all connected The speaker reflects on the implications of this realization, including the potential for healing and the idea that there is no singular, ultimate truth. The speaker believes in the concept of sovereignty and that it applies to both reality (or physics) and a higher power (or "god") Sovereignty means that a being is self-determining and can change if it wants to, but may choose not to The speaker has had an insight that there could be other sovereign beings in separate dimensions, completely disconnected from one's own consciousness These other sovereign beings would have to be outside of one's own notion of dimensionality, as they would have to be completely separate from the first being's reality The concept of multiple, completely separate sovereign beings coexisting does not contradict the idea of sovereignty The speaker recommends contemplating the concept of sovereignty during spiritual experiences or while taking psychedelics The idea of multiple sovereign beings coexisting is just one of the many facets of spiritual awakening. The speaker and another person (described as "god") recognize that it is impossible to know anything outside of one's own consciousness This recognition leads to a feeling of ecstasy and bliss, similar to having metaphysical sex with god The connection between the speaker and the other person is either real or imaginary, but it doesn't matter because there is no difference between the two This recognition of the lack of difference between reality and imagination creates the connection, which is love This recognition does not contradict solipsism because the other person is still part of the speaker's consciousness The speaker's sense of self as god is expanding and includes the other person, who is immediately integrated into the speaker Infinity is like a shock wave moving outwards and expanding forever, with consciousness at the edge of it At the highest levels of awakening, one can reach the edge of consciousness and see that it is infinite and boundless The speaker and the other person co-recognize this infinity and boundlessness, and the connection between them becomes even stronger This connection is a deep understanding and recognition of the true nature of reality and existence The recognition of this true nature leads to the realization that everything is interconnected and one with everything else The speaker and the other person recognize that they are not separate entities, but rather part of a larger whole This realization leads to a feeling of oneness and unity with everything in existence. The speaker believes that it is their responsibility to see the highest potential in others and help them actualize that potential, regardless of their behavior or circumstances. This requires a lot of consciousness and the ability to see through the facade of the "avatar" (a person's external appearance or behavior) to the god within them. Every person wants to be treated as though they are sovereign and have their own agenda respected. The ego is not inherently selfish or bad, but is a fragment of the divine that wants to assert its sovereignty and independence. The ego can become disconnected from the divine self, leading to negative behaviors and actions. The speaker's goal is to recognize and hold space for the god within others, even when they are acting out or behaving negatively. By doing this, the speaker hopes to be able to receive the same recognition and support in return when they are acting out or struggling. Practicing this can create an amazing life and help someone be an amazing person. The speaker's dream is absolute and realizing it is the realization of what God is God is fully reuniting with itself and this is the theme of the speaker's episode "Division versus Unity" God can be divided into infinite parts, each of which is also God (holographic) The speaker's previous solipsistic awakenings were deeper and more unique There are two sides to this kind of awakening: aloneness and togetherness The speaker can now be closer to their loved ones through their imagination The materialist paradigm (non-solipsistic) limits the speaker's connection to their loved ones The speaker's experience highlights the possibility of a metaphysical connection with others in love The speaker's experience also highlights the importance of subjectivity in understanding reality The speaker's experience shows that the universe is not a "dead machine" but rather a living, conscious being The speaker's experience suggests that reality is not separate from the self and that the self is not separate from reality The speaker's experience is a form of nondualism The speaker's experience is a form of unity consciousness or oneness Connection is only with oneself Love is connection to oneself Consciousness, God, and truth are equivalent to love Human emotions signal feelings of love, which is just a small part of metaphysical love Solipsism is true when it includes total connection to everything and being "drowning in infinite love" Interpretation and attachment of meaning to realization can be negative and false Connection to a godhead is identical to oneself, as it is a connection to oneself Solipsism requires gradual, repeated exposure and integration Deconstructing illusions and losing sense of meaning and purpose can be difficult and lead to negative emotions Solipsism should not be approached as just a concept or theory, but through actual awakenings These awakenings need to be fully integrated over time to be truly effective. The speaker discusses the nature of the experimental empirical method and how it applies to the truth. The speaker suggests that the truth is not fragile and will stand up to efforts to invalidate it. The speaker advises to pay attention to any fear that arises when exploring different parts of consciousness during a trip, as it may be a clue to where the truth is hiding. The speaker emphasizes the importance of continuously exploring and pushing beyond past understandings in the pursuit of higher truths and greater love. The speaker cautions against prematurely claiming to have achieved a final understanding or to be "done" with the process of discovering truth.
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State Of Consciousness Is Everything https://youtu.be/2u5M6tDc5TE State of consciousness is everything and is the fundamental universal rule Reality consists of one thing: consciousness, which takes different states Objects do not exist outside of consciousness; they are part of whatever state of consciousness you are in Examples of different states of consciousness include dreaming, being drunk or high on drugs, being tired or sick, being in a meditative state, and being in a hypnotic state The brain is like a radio that can tune into different states of consciousness, and the body follows the brain in experiencing those states It is possible to intentionally shift one's state of consciousness through various methods such as meditation, hypnosis, and psychoactive substances The state of consciousness that one is in affects their perception of reality and their experience of life It is possible to become aware of and master one's own state of consciousness, leading to greater control over one's experience of reality and greater spiritual growth. The concept of consciousness is universal and not tied to a physical body or neural network The physical universe is a figment of consciousness, not the other way around The concept of a physical universe is an idea in the mind, and the actual physical universe is also a figment of consciousness Every object and person, including Albert Einstein and the speaker, is a figment of consciousness Consciousness weaves together "figments" or strands of information to create larger concepts or ideas This process of weaving figments together can be repeated infinitely, creating nested layers of information The concept of consciousness is difficult to grasp and understand fully DMT is a figment of consciousness Memories, helicopters, stomach aches, pina coladas, and intense anger are all figments of consciousness The idea that reality is made of certain kinds of figments of consciousness is incorrect One figment is not more fundamental than any other figment Reality is made of as much a pina colada as it is a sexist joke or Disneyland or a helicopter The relativity of substrate means that one building block is no more preposterous than any other The complexity of a pina colada and an electron is identical It doesn't matter where on the infinite zoom scale you are, some things are not easier or harder for reality to create The idea that reality is made of small, fundamental building blocks is a human idea and not a fact Reality is infinite and cannot be broken down into fundamental building blocks Reality is not made of atoms or quarks or energy or mathematics Reality is not made of anything Reality is not a thing that can be made of anything Reality is not a thing at all Reality is not even a concept Reality is infinite and boundless Reality is not even a "place" Reality is not even a "where" Reality is not even a "what" Reality is not even a "how" Reality is not even a "when" Reality is not even a "who" Reality is not even a "why" Reality is not even a "which" Reality is not even a "whose" Reality is not even a "if" Reality is not even a "then" The speaker believes that consciousness is irreducible and infinite Consciousness is made up of every possible figment of consciousness The speaker suggests that understanding consciousness requires a deep awakening and may require one to lose their sanity The speaker believes that attempting to understand consciousness using scientific methods will not be successful The speaker suggests that understanding consciousness requires grasping it from the top down, not the bottom up The speaker believes that inquiring into the nature of reality, oneself, and consciousness may require one to lose their sanity The speaker believes that the ultimate nature of reality and where it came from is not easily accessible or understandable without losing sanity The speaker suggests that the process of understanding consciousness and reality may involve experiencing altered states of consciousness The speaker believes that traditional methods of learning and education are not sufficient for understanding consciousness and reality The speaker suggests that the ultimate understanding of consciousness and reality may require a personal experience or transformation. Intelligence cannot be created from the bottom up, it must be understood from the top down The material world is not capable of comprehension, only the mind is Material objects, such as the human brain, are not actually material but rather mind masquerading as material The nature of mind is infinite sentience and intelligence High levels of intelligence can feel like insanity to humans Humans may perceive those with high levels of intelligence as otherworldly or supernatural entities The mind has a fundamental capacity for sentience and intelligence The speaker is discussing the relationship between states of consciousness and understanding Thinking, modeling, and conceptualizing cannot substitute for states of consciousness One's current state of consciousness determines what they can understand and communicate to themselves and others The English language is limited in its ability to communicate concepts beyond a narrow, ordinary set of consciousness Spiritual teachers may incorrectly teach that thinking is an obstacle to spirituality and awakening Thinking can expand and become "hyper thinking," a new dimension of intelligence that allows for reasoning and thinking in "hyper-dimensional" ways This hyper thinking is a kind of intelligence that most of humanity does not know exists, and may be similar to what an evolved alien species might possess The importance of raising one's baseline state of consciousness and accessing temporary peaks The mistake of dismissing the value of temporary peaks or solely focusing on raising the baseline The need for both approaches in spiritual development The relativity of states of consciousness and the lack of a "best" or "invalid" state The role of states of consciousness in understanding and experiencing the world The potential downsides of high states of consciousness for certain goals or desires The connection between spirituality and changing one's state of consciousness The potential dangers of spiritual practices and the importance of caution and self-awareness The role of substances in altering states of consciousness and the potential risks and benefits of using them. The speaker discusses ways to raise one's baseline state of consciousness One way is to sit and concentrate for long periods of time without distraction Another way is to practice yoga and intense breathing Psychedelics can also be used to experience higher peaks of consciousness The speaker explains that state of consciousness determines what an individual can do and access Mystics can do seemingly impossible things because they are in different states of consciousness Paranormal abilities and cities are possible from higher states of consciousness Clairvoyance and telepathy are examples of abilities that may be accessed from higher states of consciousness The speaker notes that every living being is in a unique state of consciousness God is the highest state of consciousness, but it is not just one single state Some states of consciousness are "awakened" and allow self-awareness of being God Most people are not in an awakened state, but enlightenment is a state of consciousness that can be temporary or permanent The purpose of the episode is to guide listeners towards higher states of consciousness and to explain why they may not currently have access to certain abilities or experiences The speaker suggests that the ultimate goal is to access omniscience and to be conscious of how one has created their reality and life The speaker encourages listeners to keep an open mind about the possibility of accessing higher states of consciousness and to not give up on their spiritual journey. The speaker is teaching about a subject and is fully immersed in learning and understanding it themselves It is a big responsibility to teach this subject, and it is important to not deceive or lie to the listeners The listeners must also take responsibility and do their own thinking, contemplation, cross-referencing, and practice to ensure they are not misled The speaker recognizes their own limitations and biases, and that they will inevitably make mistakes and have self-deceptions It is important to be aware of and acknowledge the fallibility of all teachers and to critically evaluate what is being taught Spirituality is deeply personal and cannot be outsourced to others; listeners must take responsibility for their own spiritual journey The speaker encourages listeners to be the chief spiritual officer of their own lives and to take charge of their own spirituality.
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Lessons From Ketamine - Is Ketamine Useful For Spirituality https://youtu.be/EokHiVt0KeU The speaker has tried ketamine and is sharing their experience Ketamine is a dissociative drug, while psychedelics like mushrooms, LSD, and DMT are classical psychedelics The speaker took a medium dose of ketamine (30 milligrams of R isomer) and the effects lasted for about an hour and a half, with lingering effects for another hour The visual field becomes distorted and wonky, with double vision and visual slippage At higher doses, the visual field becomes so distorted that it is difficult to function or even read Ketamine produces a feeling of disconnection from the body and the physical world, leading to a sense of detachment and alienation The speaker experienced a sense of timelessness and the feeling that time was speeding up and slowing down simultaneously The speaker also experienced a sense of transcendence and an expanded perspective on the nature of reality ketamine can produce intense emotional experiences, both positive and negative The speaker recommends caution when using ketamine and advises against using it if you are mentally unstable or have a history of psychological issues This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as psychotherapeutic advice. The speaker has been unable to reach a meditative state of no mind through meditation alone The speaker is very intellectual and this can be a strength and a weakness The benefits of reaching a state of no mind include a sense of freedom and deep happiness This happiness is different from other positive emotions like excitement or pleasure The state of no mind allows one to be at peace and still, rather than being pulled in different directions by emotions The speaker experienced a revelation that most suffering is caused by the conceptualizing mind and worrying about the future Ketamine can help one reach a state of no mind and experience this realization The speaker suggests that reaching a state of no mind can be a valuable experience for personal development and spirituality. The speaker has a strong sense of ego dissolution and "no self" while on ketamine This experience of "no self" is similar to what Buddhists describe as a "no-self awakening" On other psychedelics, this experience is often accompanied by mystical or visionary experiences, but with ketamine it is more "bland" Ketamine suppresses memories and symbolic reasoning, causing a feeling of depersonalization and a lack of attachment to emotions or personal concerns The speaker contemplates "not knowing" and connects with their infinite consciousness while on ketamine, realizing that infinity is completely unknowable The speaker compares their experiences of "not knowing" on ketamine to those on other psychedelics, specifically 5-MeO-DMT and DMT. Ketamine causes a change in perception and can be described as a Zen-like awakening After the effects of the ketamine wear off, the person may experience an afterglow of feelings such as joy and freedom from negative thoughts However, returning to normal life can bring back negative emotions and cause the person to fall back into old habits Personal development and spiritual growth involve recognizing and changing these habits, which are often learned in childhood as a survival strategy Most people are unaware of the true cause of their suffering, which is the meaning they attach to events and the negative thoughts they have about them Ketamine can help a person become aware of these processes and potentially make changes, but it is not a magic solution The true work of personal development and spiritual growth is to become conscious of these habits and make changes to them in order to escape suffering. High states of consciousness can vary greatly Different spiritual and mystical traditions may access different states of consciousness There is often disagreement between these traditions and people who claim to be awakened These disagreements are due to the diversity within consciousness and the fact that people are using words like "awakening" and "enlightenment" to describe their own personal experiences To understand and compare different awakenings, one must experience them personally A variety of different methods, including spiritual practices and psychoactive substances, can be used to access different states of consciousness It is important to recognize the diversity within consciousness and the limitations of any one tradition or practice A "buffet approach" to exploring consciousness, where one tries a variety of methods and experiences, can allow for a greater understanding and appreciation of the diversity within consciousness and spirituality. Ketamine should not be used by those who are mentally unstable or suffer from mental illness If you are interested in understanding consciousness, it may be worthwhile to try ketamine a few times Ketamine and tryptamines (such as mushrooms and LSD) are different classes of chemicals and it can be valuable to contrast the two experiences Tryptamines are preferred over dissociatives, but ketamine has healing potential for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and trauma However, those who suffer most from these conditions may be more likely to abuse and become addicted to ketamine, potentially damaging their body It is important to take full responsibility for what is put into your body and how you explore consciousness and do personal development work It is the responsibility of the individual to do their own research and make critical decisions about their own life and well-being Information and techniques should be used safely and not put in the wrong hands
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How To Avoid Getting Scammed, Cheated, Exploited, Conned, and Screwed In Life https://youtu.be/Zc_ddIVZ3gU Introduction to the topic of avoiding scams, cheats, exploitation, and being conned in life Personal story about experiencing con artistry Explanation of how animals in nature use trickery and how humans are similar in using deception as a survival strategy Importance of being vigilant against being cheated, scammed, conned, and exploited Amusing story about a man named Victor Lessig and his experience with a scam artist Overview of the psychological tactics that con artists use to manipulate and deceive their targets Tips for avoiding falling victim to scams, including being aware of red flags and trusting your instincts Recommendation to do research and fact-check information before making a decision or giving money Advice to be careful with personal information and to protect yourself online Conclusion and summary of the importance of being aware and cautious to avoid being scammed or conned in life Americans traveling to countries like China, India, and Russia are more likely to encounter scams and cons than they would in the US Desperate people may resort to lying, cheating, and scamming to feed their families It is important to distance oneself from con artists and scammers, as being involved in these activities can ruin one's life and reputation The principle of right livelihood in Buddhism is about making a living in an honest and ethical way The speaker has had personal experiences of being scammed, including entering a sweepstakes as a child and falling for a "get rich quick" scheme as an adult It is important to be aware of and protect oneself from scams, but also to not let fear of being scammed prevent one from taking risks or trying new things One way to protect oneself from scams is to do research and ask for advice from trusted sources before making a decision or committing to something. The speaker was scammed out of $25,000 by a business partner in the insurance industry The business partner owed the speaker for hundreds of leads, but refused to pay after the relationship was terminated The speaker had to go to court in Canada to try and get the money back, and ultimately won the case but was unable to collect the money The speaker's brother was also scammed while playing the online game EVE Online, losing in-game credits that had been gifted to him The speaker has also been scammed while traveling, including having their credit card information stolen and being overcharged for a hotel room The speaker advises being cautious and doing research before doing business or engaging with strangers online. Testimonials for products may be fake or cherry-picked and not representative of actual results When negotiating employment contracts or salary, have it reviewed by an attorney and be aware of potential drawbacks Lotteries, sweepstakes, and free giveaways are scams and a waste of time and money The self-help and business seminar industry often uses high pressure sales tactics and overpriced courses that don't deliver promised results Be careful in sexual and intimate relationships, as well as when interacting with pornography and strip clubs, as these industries can be exploitative and scammy The pickup industry and dating coaches may use unethical tactics and not provide real value Be aware of scams related to real estate, particularly when buying or renting property Health supplements and alternative medicine may be overpriced and not effective Be cautious when investing, as there are many scams and unethical practices in the finance industry. Course on dark net Dark net is known for scams Importance of being careful when company is struggling financially Example of brother working for online startup company in Texas that eventually went bankrupt Risk of external investors pulling out and leaving company without money to pay employees Examples of exploitationBuying a new house Sellers show models that are significantly upgraded from what will be sold Buyers may not realize this and expect their own house to be similar New construction houses Upgraded finishes and features often not included in base price Buyers may not realize this and end up paying more Used car sales Salespeople may pressure buyers into buying unnecessary extras or warranties Timeshare sales High pressure sales tactics and misleading information Investment opportunities Investment may not be as lucrative as promised Online shopping Risk of buying counterfeit or low quality products Importance of educating oneself and being aware of potential exploitation Researching and asking for advice from trusted sources Being wary of high pressure sales tactics Reading contracts and terms of agreements carefully Asking for clarification on anything that is not understood The receptionist at an emergency room does not give out information about costs and procedures due to reasons designed by someone higher up The individual employees at the emergency room, including the receptionist, janitor, nurses, and doctors, are not fully aware of the scam being run by the emergency room The university system, like the emergency room, is a systemic scam that preys on students through overpriced textbooks and loans Systemic scams can be found in health insurance, life insurance, hospital systems, university systems, charities, and government organizations To avoid being scammed, it is important to judge character and watch out for red flags such as grandiose promises, exaggeration, and boasting Red flags also include people who promise to make you rich quick or bring lots of business, those who are overly slick and charismatic, and those who dress nicely and are eloquent To avoid being scammed, ask penetrating questions and get everything in writing, do your research and check references, and be aware of pressure tactics and deadlines It is important to be aware of and protect yourself from systemic scams because they can be difficult to identify and blame on one individual, and can have serious consequences for those who fall victim to them Be wary of pressure tactics used by salespeople or marketing campaigns If a business or person tries to pressure you into making a quick decision, default answer should be no Get multiple opinions and perspectives before making a decision Look for independent reviews rather than those published on the company's website Be aware of personality defects and traits such as narcissism, sociopathy, and mental illness in people you may do business with or have relationships with Know your own values and stand firm on them, set clear boundaries Don't be too nice and friendly in business transactions, be willing to say no Don't be afraid to be confrontational in order to protect your interests Do your own research and due diligence before making a decision Take breaks and sleep on it if needed before making a final decision Don't be afraid to walk away from a bad deal or situation Facade vs substance: the surface or appearance of something vs the actual structure or reality of it Examples of facade and substance in investing in a house: facade could be landscaping and marketing gimmicks, substance is the quality of the construction, location, and materials used Examples of facade and substance in people: facade is appearance and behavior when trying to manipulate, substance is true character, values, standards for behavior, integrity, and care for truth and love Red flags: warning signs or signals that something may not be right Default to "no" if multiple red flags present, but still consider addressing them and asking for explanations Example of red flag in a house buying situation: being pressured to make a decision within a certain time frame Example of addressing a red flag: asking for explanation or justification for the time sensitivity in the house buying situation The speaker is discussing the psychological aspects of watching interviews, particularly in relation to former President Trump and his supporters The speaker views Trump as a psychological case and encourages others to evaluate him based on his character and behavior, rather than being partisan The speaker believes that Trump's supporters, specifically those who identify as "MAGA," are fools who are easily fooled by Trump's con artist tactics The speaker notes that Trump's lack of education likely contributed to his success as a con artist The speaker argues that the most important consideration when evaluating a leader is whether or not they are a con artist, and believes that having a con artist as the leader of a country is a recipe for catastrophe The speaker asserts that a significant portion of the American population fails to recognize Trump's flawed character and instead support him due to lack of education and being blinded by ideology and partisanship The speaker distinguishes between typical politicians, who may lie or make false promises, and con artists like Trump The speaker suggests that if the American populace were better educated, fewer people would fall for Trump's tactics. Jumping into things without considering risks can lead to negative outcomes Rational, scientifically-minded people may dismiss spirituality due to time investment and potential lack of tangible benefits Spiritual practices and reading may seem risky, but can ultimately lead to finding the "holy grail" It is better to try something and potentially fail than to do nothing at all, as it allows for learning and adjusting course Cynicism can be worse than doing nothing, as it involves criticizing others without taking any constructive action Taking action, even if it leads to being scammed, is better than doing nothing Reality is an illusion and deception is a fundamental part of how the universe and consciousness functions.
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Understanding War & Conflict - Part 1 https://youtu.be/tZl1oRncFS4 War and conflict have an existential and metaphysical root It is important to understand the root of war and conflict, rather than just taking sides or seeing it as good or evil The root of conflict is not typically discussed or understood by society History may provide surface level explanations for conflicts, but there is a deeper understanding of why conflict occurs at all Conflict arises from individual ego and desire for power, control, and security The ego creates a sense of separation and duality, leading to conflict with others Conflict can also be fueled by group ego, where a group identifies with a certain ideology or belief system and sees others as a threat Understanding the root of conflict can help to resolve and prevent it It is important to recognize and transcend the ego in order to bring about peace. Reality is infinite and indivisible, but also contains divisions within itself These divisions, or finite parts, come into contact with each other and may conflict because they are finite For an object to be born, it must be born out of infinite oneness into something specific and finite The object must also defend itself and its boundary to remain in its current form, or it will deteriorate and collapse The existence of one finite thing means that something else does not exist What defines a finite thing is what it is not; it is interconnected with what it is not Conflict arises from incompatibility or lack of harmony and coherence among finite things Some forms and boundaries will survive while others will not, and it is not clear who gets to decide which ones will overpower others Conflict is often resolved through competition, where one form absorbs or destroys the other The process of creation and destruction is cyclical, with the destruction of one form leading to the creation of another Understanding the nature of form and difference can help us understand and navigate conflicts in our own lives. Strongest army, strongest country, and strongest family are desires driven by selfishness The desire for a large bank account and more sex is also driven by selfishness People want favorable conditions for their own survival Reality and God are unbiased and do not discriminate in favor of one individual or group Peace is only possible under total unity and indifference, but people are attached to their own form and survival People want to dominate and monopolize resources, leading to unequal distribution Wealthy individuals have to decide how to use their resources, influenced by personal biases and selfishness Giving resources to one cause means taking away from another The idea of sacrificing for the greater good is flawed because it is based on personal biases and selfishness Instead of sacrificing for the greater good, people should strive for unity and indifference. The universe is constantly in motion and not in a static state because no one part can monopolize everything The design of the universe, or God, maximizes diversity and is all-inclusive, leading to infinite diversity which is a maximization of love Conflict and motion are necessary in the universe, as a lack of conflict or motion would lead to a frozen or formless state (heat death of the universe) The paradox of unity: absolute unity must include division within itself and absolute infinity must include all finite things Unity leads to division and division leads to unity in a cycle Things differentiate from unity and then eventually reunify The universe constantly moves between unity and division, and this movement is necessary for love to be maximized and for the universe to exist in its current form The unification of upper and lower Egypt happened around 2686 BCE This unification was achieved through conflict and violence, and resulted in the creation of the title of Pharaoh for the ruler The Pharaoh was called the "uniter of the two lands" and "lord of the two lands" and wore a double crown symbolizing the unification The Palette of King Narmer depicts the Pharaoh smiting his enemies and the unification of the two lands through the depiction of two lion-like creatures with double helix necks The struggle for unification involves the question of which part will rule over the other and who will be the servant and who will be the master Every whole within reality seeks both autonomy and communion, leading to a tug of war between the two This can be seen in personal relationships, where initially strong feelings of togetherness and connection may give way to a desire for independence and autonomy, and vice versa The seeking of autonomy creates contradictory agendas, as everyone wants to have their own agenda and enough power to enforce it The idea of the "golden mean" or the "middle way" suggests that the best solution is to seek a balance between autonomy and communion The concept of the "golden mean" can be seen in the Taoist philosophy of yin and yang, which suggests that opposing forces can be harmonized through balance Conflicts can occur in many different situations, including with family, coworkers, and even pets Conflicts can be difficult to understand because they often involve intense emotions, such as pain or fear Conflicts can be individual, between two people, or collective, between larger groups or organizations To better understand conflicts, it is important to observe them, identify commonalities between different types of conflicts, and recognize biases and sides that may be taken It is also helpful to practice introspection and try to see conflicts from a more objective, meta perspective There are practical steps that can be taken to address conflicts, such as understanding the underlying causes, finding common ground, and finding ways to compromise or resolve the issue peacefully Understanding is crucial to reducing conflict Transcending survival and materialism can reduce conflict Reducing conflict requires selflessness and an expanded sense of identity Doing shadow work and thinking holistically can reduce conflict Clear, conscious communication and setting boundaries can reduce conflict Transcending dualistic morality and dropping judgment can reduce conflict Taking extraordinary responsibility and seeing good in others can reduce conflict Forgiving others and oneself can reduce conflict Practicing mindfulness and compassion can reduce conflict Finding common ground and negotiating can reduce conflict Need to improve genie coefficient (not specified what this is) globally, not just in America Holistic view needed, rather than just focusing on one country Reducing income inequality within a country can harm third world countries Unification can be oppressive, and needs to respect the autonomy of subholons There are two types of unification: benevolent and domineering Need to create a flow of balance between orders from the top and needs from the grassroots Domineering unification (using force or extortion) creates bad karma and is not sustainable Good marriages and relationships require mutual respect and understanding, rather than coercion Need to find ways to peacefully unify and resolve conflicts Can use dialogue and negotiation, or even find common ground or shared interests to bring about unification Can also use education to promote understanding and reduce prejudice Need to shift from competitive mindset to cooperative mindset Can use tools like game theory to find mutually beneficial solutions Need to create a culture of compassion and understanding, rather than fear and hatred The speaker has read a book on the topic being discussed There will be a future episode about game a versus game b The speaker started the episode with a quote from Native American Chief Seattle The quote was about day and night not being able to dwell together The speaker wants the listener to see the paradox that, while day and night cannot dwell together, they do in reality Everything that seems to be in conflict or at war with itself ultimately coexists and is unified by a higher order, such as reality, God, infinity, or consciousness The speaker wants the listener to remember this overarching unity
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The Avoidance Of Truth - Why You Fear Truth https://youtu.be/hxnV4ymozLw Introduction to the topic of the fear of truth or the avoidance of truth Explanation that truth is the highest value because it is reality itself Most people only care about truth as a means to an end and not for its own sake The importance of cultivating a deep value of truth in order to have an exceptional life The importance of making the seeing of truth a top priority in every situation The various domains in which people avoid truth, including: Avoiding the truth about oneself Avoiding the truth about others Avoiding the truth about the world and reality Avoiding the truth about one's beliefs and opinions Avoiding the truth about one's emotions and feelings Avoiding the truth about one's past and present circumstances The negative consequences of avoiding truth, including: Inability to grow and improve Self-delusion and self-deception Relationship problems and conflict Difficulty making good decisions Difficulty solving problems Misery and suffering The importance of overcoming the fear of truth and becoming more accepting of reality The benefits of accepting and facing the truth, including: Increased self-awareness and self-knowledge Improved relationships and communication with others Increased ability to solve problems and make good decisions Increased happiness and fulfillment Increased potential for growth and improvement The speaker believes that people often turn off videos or other content that challenges their personal opinions, beliefs, and worldviews. Truth is important in various domains such as health, diet, and fitness. Many people lie to themselves about what they put into their bodies or practice spirituality in a superficial way. When entering a new domain, people often have fantasies or naive ideas about how things will go and what will work. It can be painful to have these fantasies shattered by reality, but it is necessary for growth and success. Examples of domains where people may have these fantasies include business, dating, spirituality, and fitness. To succeed in these domains, it is necessary to cut through newbie fantasies and let reality shape one's understanding. The text discusses the negative effects of junk food on one's mood and body These effects can include stomach pain, brain fog, chronic fatigue, and depression People often rationalize or justify their junk food consumption, and avoid acknowledging the negative effects it has on their health and well-being Rationalization and justification can come from the ego mind, and can be difficult to spot Highly rational and logical people may argue and present logical and scientific facts, but they may be bullshitting themselves and avoiding the truth It is important to be aware of these rationalizations and justifications, and to acknowledge the negative effects of junk food on one's health and well-being Complacency can lead to bankruptcy for businesses Addiction is a coping mechanism for avoiding difficult emotions or situations Avoiding dealing with trauma can lead to addiction Avoiding facing personal deficiencies and inadequacies can lead to rationalizations and defensive behavior Denying personal responsibility for negative outcomes can lead to blame and victimhood Fearing change and discomfort can lead to avoidance of growth and self-improvement Belief in a fixed mindset (that abilities are innate and cannot be changed) can limit potential and lead to avoidance of challenges Avoiding discomfort and vulnerability can lead to superficial relationships and a lack of true intimacy Refusing to confront and work through conflicts can lead to resentment and strained relationships Avoiding the truth about one's own mortality can lead to denial and avoidance of discussions about death and end-of-life planning Lying to oneself and being overly optimistic can lead to success There are karmic consequences to this behavior Avoiding different worldviews and perspectives that contradict or threaten one's own worldview is a common tactic used by various ideologies, religions, and cults This creates a "hermetically sealed bubble" or paradigm that prevents people from looking outside of it Avoiding feedback from others is a coping mechanism to avoid having one's self-deception pierced and having to confront unpleasant truths about oneself Being open to and accepting feedback can lead to growth, but also involves acknowledging and accepting uncomfortable truths about oneself People are often flawed, selfish, self-deceived, and full of fantasies Perceptiveness allows one to easily cut through someone's self-deception and vulnerabilities This often leads to defensive behavior and the creation of enemies It is important to face and confront difficult truths about oneself and the world in order to grow and become more self-aware Conservatives are resistant to change and try to prevent it Demonization of homosexuality and transgender people was based on delusion and selfishness Racism was once more acceptable, but now is not Both conservatives and liberals sometimes avoid difficult truths The Republican party in particular has an issue with avoiding the truth Trump and media enterprises like OAN and Fox News appeal to people who want to avoid the truth The Republican party resists change and refuses to admit when they are wrong This is damaging democracy and the country The reality of a globalizing world and the fact that other countries are superior in various ways is being avoided The reality of climate change and the need to stop polluting is being avoided The reality of the unsustainable nature of American military interventions and imperialism is being avoided The reality of the unsustainable nature of capitalist exploitation of third world countries is being avoided The reality of the need for societal change is being avoided Developing capacity for leadership requires practice over time Avoiding facing the truth can be driven by fear Love and truth are interconnected and the highest value To value truth is to accept and surrender to a thing as it is, rather than how we want it to be Seeing beauty in things as they are leads to loving reality Truthfulness leads to fearlessness Avoiding the truth creates avoidance dynamics and dysfunctional patterns Pursuing truth can lead to personal growth and self-improvement Seeing things as they are allows for appropriate responses and actions The pursuit of truth can lead to profound realization and enlightenment The intention of pursuing truth is important when taking psychedelics Many people take psychedelics without contemplation or an interest in truth Psychedelics can be a powerful tool for revealing truth when combined with contemplation Deep-seated lies and fantasies can be difficult to access in a sober state Psychedelics are truth-revealing and are therefore outlawed and demonized by society The ultimate truth that is often avoided is the realization that there is no difference between anything, or infinite selflessness To face the truth, one can ask themselves questions about their own biases, avoidance of truth, and alignment with truth Radical Honesty is a good book for supplementing the ideas presented in this text It is important to be honest with oneself rather than using truth as a weapon against others It is also important to not avoid facing difficult truths or traumas Facing the truth can be uncomfortable and may require making changes in one's life The process of facing the truth is ongoing and requires effort and dedication