Discovering the Freedom Beyond Ego: A New Perspective
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Chapter 1: Understanding Post-Ego and Nihilism
In my past six months of sharing articles on post-ego, I've encountered numerous comments labeling my views as nihilistic. Today, I aim to address this misconception.
To base your life around the illusion of your ego is to embrace nihilism. We must hold onto beliefs that transcend our own perceptions of self. The ego, after all, lacks tangible evidence; it cannot be isolated or found within us. It's merely a construct of our imagination.
In contrast, the external world is undeniably real. If you were to collide with a wall at high speed, you'd certainly feel the impact. That wall is a reality. Moreover, people around us are real; take, for instance, your mother, whose existence is evident through the life she gave you.
Religion as a Catalyst for Nihilism
Without the advent of organized religion, the primitive question of belief may never have arisen: "Do you believe?" "No, I don't." The emergence of God and organized faith created a divide—those who believe and those labeled as nihilists.
Post-ego thinking is more aligned with iconoclasm rather than nihilism. Iconoclasts hold beliefs and actively challenge false icons. They seek truth by dismantling misleading constructs.
In our ancestral tribes, spirituality was intertwined with daily life. Early humans believed in the spirits of nature and engaged in rituals to enhance their existence. There was little motivation to reject these beliefs, as they were harmonized with their reality. It was not until the rise of scientific reasoning that doubt regarding these religious institutions began to surface, leading to the first atheists—who, contrary to nihilists, believed in reason.
The Nature of Nihilism
I'm curious about the actual presence of nihilists today. Is it a group resembling the marauders depicted in "A Clockwork Orange"? That gang, while seemingly nihilistic, shared a bond and belief among themselves. So, what exactly characterizes nihilism in the context of using reason and science to dismantle ego-centric beliefs?
We currently face widespread issues such as anxiety among the youth, pervasive depression, and body image disorders. To grapple with these conditions, one must first possess an ego—an intense belief in a non-existent ideal self. Without this construct, who feels anxious or struggles with low self-esteem? Who is the individual obsessed with curating their image on social media or engaging in self-destructive behaviors?
The Shift from Ego to Freedom
Embracing a post-ego existence allows for a life anchored in something substantial. It frees us from the whims of a self-centered worldview.
We aren't rejecting religion or societal laws; rather, we refuse to be confined by the inflated notions of our ego. Every moment spent entangled in our perceived identities is a missed opportunity for genuine connection.
During gatherings of the post-ego community, we practice a simple yet profound act: shaking hands and wishing each other well. This interaction symbolizes freedom. True existence is found in our relationships, not in the isolation that ego perpetuates.
When you look your neighbor in the eye and share a moment of goodwill, your ego fades, and you connect with the essence of shared existence. Being and ego are incompatible; true being arises from recognizing our interconnectedness with the universe.
This state of unity is what we refer to as non-duality, or post-ego. Let us dedicate the rest of our day to embracing this sacred understanding of oneness without ego.
Go in peace.
Chapter 2: Resources and Insights
In "Nihilism is a must | Existential Rehab #6," we explore the implications of nihilism in modern life and how it shapes our perceptions of reality.
The discussion in "No-Nonsense Spirituality (w/Britt Hartley)" delves into practical spirituality and how it can foster genuine connections beyond the ego.
Scientists: series so far:
Scientists: We Have Some Very Bad News For You
You might want to sit down.