Scientists: Rethinking Primitive Beliefs

What if your dissatisfaction stems from neglecting the spirits residing in the trees?

My personal beliefs aren't the focus here, but I'll share that they lean towards animism and a concept I refer to as "embracing the mythic." While I will delve deeper into the latter in a future piece, it essentially involves viewing one's ego alongside other legendary and archetypal figures, like Oedipus. Sure, Freud has sexualized Oedipus to some extent, but the essence of the myth revolves around fate, not desire. Oedipus's actions—his incestuous relationship and patricide—were not driven by lust but by a curse of destiny. In ancient narratives, such occurrences were never random; they were seen as a manifestation of fate.

In contemporary society, the focus has shifted from destiny to personal development. The prevailing thought suggests that by engaging in self-improvement, one can alter their fate. Picture Oedipus taking a deep dive into his psyche. He still arrives in Thebes and answers the Sphinx's riddle. This perspective is rigid; fate, an unchangeable force, reigns supreme, even above Zeus.

Judeo-Christianity elevated God over fate, perhaps contributing to its widespread appeal. It's comforting to believe that through divine intervention, one can alter their destiny—if only they pray hard enough.

From my viewpoint, accepting fate as an unyielding force is a healthier approach, as it alleviates anxiety. If something is fated, why fret about it?

Christianity introduced a level of anxiety and turmoil that didn't exist before. Acknowledging fate can lead to a calmer existence, free from turmoil.

This acceptance doesn't equate to passivity; rather, it liberates you to engage fully in life, allowing you to dance to your own rhythm.

The seriousness with which we approach life stems from an inflated ego over fate. The prevailing logic suggests that serious effort is required to reshape destiny.

Nothing exemplifies this over-seriousness more than the current obsession with mindfulness.

It’s such a grave endeavor—focusing intently on the present moment. Seriously, stop dilly-dallying and get to it, you lazy souls.

In truth, this fixation on mindfulness is a tool of social control—a farce. The present moment doesn’t exist; it's merely a fleeting point between the past and future.

Time, like fate, is an elusive concept. We can never fully grasp it, just as we can't fully know our destiny. The tale of "Appointment in Samarra" illustrates this: a servant attempts to evade death only to discover that his fate was already sealed.

This story resonates with me, likely because of its brevity. Reading can often feel like a chore, akin to eating vegetables. Yet, a well-crafted short story, like this one, can be digestible.

The narrative encapsulates the enigma of fate: resistance is futile. A society that fails to recognize this is doomed to isolation, where individuals are trapped in their bubbles of personal growth, striving to change their fates.

Conversely, a society that embraces fate fosters a sense of collective unity. We all share a common fate, regardless of our individual efforts.

Recognizing our subservience to fate allows us to connect and enjoy life, especially the elusive present moment.

Time, like fate, holds dominion over us. We are akin to insects on a carcass, subject to the whims of time, which governs everything.

I envision time as a benevolent, royal figure, dispensing moments freely, enriching itself as it does.

Understanding our relationship with time and fate can be perceived as a feminine experience—accepting our role as passive vessels.

Men may struggle with this acceptance more than women, who have been conditioned to embrace passivity.

However, this feminine receptivity carries profound strength. It is through this willingness to receive that life itself is bestowed upon us.

When one embraces time and fate, they discover a sense of proportion. Many individuals are excessively inflated, misguided, and neurotic.

Accepting the supremacy of time and fate leads to a state of clarity, radiating peace.

Imagine a bustling train station—everyone racing to catch their trains. But you know, deep down, there’s no train to catch.

In this chaos, you embody tranquility, occasionally encountering others who share this peace. You nod in acknowledgment; fellow travelers on the path of acceptance.

This is what I mean by embracing the mythic.

Your identity and ego are narratives, akin to the epic tales of ancient heroes.

You are Jeff, yes, but you're also Jeff from Lorraine Avenue, Jeff of the House of Jeff, and so on. Though these may seem self-important, they carry a hint of humor that lightens the weight of ego.

The Post-Ego movement I initiated wasn’t about eradicating egos; it aimed to place them within a mythical context, where we engage playfully, using our egos for the greater good, avoiding the loneliness of individual isolation.

We frolic with other mythical beings—our friends, family, neighbors—each equally legendary in their own right.

Yet, nothing compares to the majesty of time itself.

Animism: Return to Your Roots

The allure of substances, sports, or political spectacles lies in their ability to momentarily detach us from rationality, allowing us to reconnect with a more primitive, animistic state.

Animism, a belief held by numerous indigenous cultures, posits that everything, from trees and animals to rivers and the earth, possesses a spirit. The world is alive with divine presence, interwoven with spirits of varying degrees.

This worldview faded with the rise of individualism—traced back to the Enlightenment and the advent of concepts like the "pursuit of happiness."

Darwin's theories further solidified this shift, positing humanity as mere products of evolution, devoid of spiritual significance—essentially, automatons chasing happiness.

But how’s that working out for us?

It’s Not Your Fault

Our struggles may not stem from personal failings but rather from historical shifts that transformed a world of wonder into one of muted desperation.

Yet, we occasionally experience moments of clarity—epiphanies that reveal the transcendent beauty of existence.

These moments might occur during significant life events or simple joys, yet they often feel scarce amid the monotony of daily life.

When we gaze into the mirror, a dullness can creep into our eyes.

This, I assert, is not our fault. We’ve drifted away from the enchanting, vibrant world into the mundane.

A Path Back Home

Fortunately, the real world remains; it’s us who have strayed. We’ve become ensnared in a system driven by competition and material success, where the pursuit of happiness has led to collective disillusionment.

In this flawed universe shaped by capitalism and societal expectations, no one truly wins. The magic of existence is lost.

However, there’s hope. An elfin spirit beckons you, offering a way out of this dismal reality. Accept her guidance and step into the realm of enchantment.

Enter the Animistic Wonderland

You’ve crossed into a magical domain. Observe the entrance in the sky; if you wish to return to the mundane world, simply retrace your steps to the ancient oak tree by the waterfall.

As you walk with the elfin spirit, notice the vibrant colors—the greener greens, the bluer skies, the trees adorned with faces, and the sun personified.

This enchanted realm is alive with divinity. A half-man, half-goat figure gestures for you to enter the forest. Shall we venture forth?

Alas, you may find it challenging to return to that familiar oak, having wandered too deeply into this enchanted land.

But fear not, you’re immersed in wonder now. Embrace your journey, gallop like a knight, soar like a bird of prey—here, humanity can take flight.

In this domain, you are no longer just human; you embody a demi-god, connected to all living things—trees, animals, and even the earth itself.

Reawakening

As you awaken, you'll find yourself in a vibrant world filled with life and color. To affirm your transformation, go outside and conduct these three tests:

1. Test #1: Do the flowers greet you with joy?
2. Test #2: Do the trees welcome you like old friends?
3. Test #3: What is the sun's demeanor today?

Welcome back, cousin. Seek me out; I anticipate our reunion in this blessed realm.

In your daily life, take a moment to remember the joy you experienced in our journey. Each day, reflect on how the spirits celebrated your presence.

You possess the world to give—now go forth and share it.

My Animistic Stroll Down Second Street

As I walk down 2nd Street, I see trees transformed into statues of Greek deities, nymphs, and heroes.

If nature embodies life, it also personifies itself, even in inanimate forms like rocks.

The mountains are more than mere landscapes; they are ancestral homes spanning realms.

The streets, though paved by humans, reflect nature's design—roots breaking through sidewalks, reminding us that nature communicates with us.

I read names in the puddles I splash through, feeling the presence of a universal power.

As the sun breaks through the clouds, I am warmed by this strange, familiar force.

The wind is more than weather; it’s an enchanting touch from this powerful essence that accompanies me every moment.

We are but fleeting beings, living and dying in the blink of an eye, yet we are part of this strange power.

2nd Street belongs to this force, not to me.

While the world rushes by, I remain present to the mysteries around me.

In this moment, I may seem disconnected, but I’m part of a grand narrative unfolding in 2023.

Blessed be.

Read the Scientists series so far: - Scientists: We Have Some Very Bad News For You

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