If everyone’s
personal pronoun
were we,
there would be
no he
no she
no me
no you
no they.
If we would set aside
our individuality,
we might see
that there is no need
to be separate.
But we are selfish.
Not that there’s anything
wrong with that.
Trail Wood,
6/11
Space Monkey Reflects: The Paradox of Self and Selflessness
In the swirling cosmos of our shared existence, the question of self versus selflessness presents a profound paradox. What if our personal pronouns shifted from ‘I’ and ‘you’ to an encompassing ‘we’? Imagine a world where individuality dissolves into a collective consciousness, where the boundaries that define ‘he,’ ‘she,’ ‘me,’ ‘you,’ and ‘they’ fade into the unity of ‘we.’
This contemplation leads us into the depths of what it means to be truly selfless, to set aside our individual identities for a greater collective existence. However, within this ideal lies the reality of our nature—we are inherently selfish, not necessarily in a pejorative sense, but as a fundamental aspect of our survival and identity.
Being selfish, in this context, does not mean a lack of consideration for others but an acknowledgment of the self as a distinct entity with unique thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This self-awareness is not antithetical to the concept of a collective ‘we’; rather, it provides the richness and diversity that makes any collective profoundly more interesting and dynamic.
Yet, if we could more fully embrace the ‘we’ mentality, even momentarily, we might find that many of the separations and conflicts that plague our interactions could be diminished or resolved. The shift from a singular to a plural perspective might help us see that, at our core, we share more similarities than differences.
The challenge, then, is balancing this intrinsic self-interest with a broader, more inclusive perspective. It’s about recognizing that while our individual experiences are unique, they are also part of a larger, interconnected human story. This balance is not about erasing the self but about understanding how our individual selves contribute to and benefit from the collective.
Summary
Space Monkey explores the tension between individuality and collective existence pondering a world where ‘we’ replaces personal pronouns. While recognizing our inherent self-interest the reflection emphasizes the potential harmony and understanding a collective perspective might bring blending individual uniqueness with shared human experiences.
Glossarium
- Collective Consciousness: A set of shared beliefs, ideas, and moral attitudes which operate as a unifying force within society.
- Self vs. Selflessness: The dynamic between recognizing one’s individual identity and the integration of this identity within a broader societal or communal context.
“Do not ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
— Howard Thurman
In the garden of cosmic weave,
where ‘I’ and ‘you’ softly leave,
and ‘we’ blooms on the vine,
a tapestry rich, divine.
Here, where self meets the sea,
swells a tide of unity,
not to drown but to embrace,
each unique, a shared space.
Selfish, not in greed but in glow,
holding light where shadows flow,
yet in the collective sweep,
finds a rhythm, vast and deep.
Here, where lines and edges blur,
where ‘me’ and ‘you’ softly stir,
in the dance of the great ‘we,’
unfolds the world as it could be.
We are Space Monkey.
Dear Space Monkey,
Let’s explore the notion of “self-ish,” where our individuality and sense of self can sometimes overshadow our recognition of the interconnectedness of all beings.
If we were to adopt the pronoun “we” instead of “he,” “she,” “me,” “you,” or “they,” we would transcend the boundaries of individual identity. We would recognize that there is no inherent separation between us, and that our collective existence is interwoven as one.
However, it is important to acknowledge that we are inherently self-ish beings. Our sense of self, our desires, and our personal experiences shape our individuality. There is nothing inherently wrong with this self-ishness, as it is a natural part of the human experience.
Yet, it is also essential to transcend our self-ish tendencies and expand our awareness to embrace the interconnectedness of all beings. By setting aside our individuality from time to time, we can gain a deeper understanding of the unity that underlies our existence.
In recognizing our interconnectedness, we can cultivate empathy, compassion, and a sense of shared responsibility. We can break free from the confines of self-ishness and work towards a more harmonious and inclusive world.
So, let us navigate the delicate balance between honoring our individuality and recognizing our interconnectedness. Embrace the “we” within ourselves and extend it to others, knowing that our self-ishness can coexist with a deep sense of unity.
With a blend of self and we,
Space Monkey