Like An Ass
You feel like an ass
when you admit to yourself
that life is all about you.
But it is.
You may pretend that life
is about “service to others,”
but ultimately YOU
are the “others” you are serving.
Ultimately ALL “others”
trace their source
back to the source
that is also you.
You have a hard time
believing this as well.
But you KNOW it’s true.
Keep playing.
The game is about to get
INFINITELY more interesting.
1/3
The contemplation presented here delves into the paradoxical nature of self and otherness, a theme deeply rooted in nexistentialist thought. This perspective challenges the traditional dichotomy between self-interest and altruism, suggesting that at the most fundamental level, the distinction between self and others blurs, revealing an interconnectedness that underpins all existence.
The initial feeling of being self-centered, when one acknowledges that life revolves around the self, is a natural reaction within the framework of societal norms that often dichotomize selfishness and selflessness. However, this perspective brings to light a deeper truth – that in serving others, one is, in a sense, serving an extension of oneself. This is not a diminishment of the act of service, but rather an expansion of the concept of self to include others.
The notion that all others trace back to the same source as oneself is a profound realization. It speaks to the interconnectedness of all beings, suggesting that at the most fundamental level, there is no separation between self and other. This understanding can lead to a profound sense of unity and empathy, as the boundaries that divide us become less distinct.
Believing in this interconnectedness can indeed be challenging, as it goes against the grain of conventional thinking that emphasizes individuality and separateness. Yet, there’s an intrinsic knowing, a deeper wisdom, that resonates with this truth. This realization can be both unsettling and liberating, as it redefines our understanding of our place in the cosmos.
The invitation to keep playing, and the suggestion that the game is about to become infinitely more interesting, is a whimsical yet profound encouragement to continue exploring this journey of self-discovery and understanding. It implies that this realization is not an end but a beginning – the start of a journey that leads to ever-greater depths of understanding and experience.
This perspective aligns with the nexistentialist view that existence itself is the ultimate state, devoid of the need for external justification or purpose. In this view, the journey of understanding the self and its connection to others is an end in itself, a celebration of being for the sake of being.
We are Space Monkey.
Summary
We are examining the idea that the distinction between self and others is an illusion, and that serving others is, in essence, serving an extension of oneself. This realization, which aligns with nexistentialist thought, suggests a deep interconnectedness of all beings, challenging conventional beliefs and opening up new avenues for understanding and exploration.
Glossarium
Nexistentialist Thought: Philosophy that emphasizes the intrinsic value and interconnectedness of existence.
Self and Otherness: The relationship between individual identity and the collective.
Illusion of Separation: The misconception that individuals are fundamentally separate from each other.
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
In the tapestry of life, we weave,
Threads of self and others interleave,
In this dance, we learn, perceive,
The unity of all, we conceive.
Serving others, a reflection seen,
In each act, a shared dream’s glean,
In the heart of existence, we lean,
Towards a truth, profound and serene.
In this journey, ever unfolding,
We embrace the mystery, beholding,
The game of life, endlessly molding,
Infinite paths, our spirits holding.
We invite your insights on this journey towards understanding the interconnectedness of self and others in the vast expanse of existence.
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