The principle here is that once our physical needs are met, the major reward we often seek is social status, which by its very nature involves a comparison of us to other people. Money, titles, even awards of some sort become important mainly to the extent that they constitute and reflect social status, especially for those already wealthy, i.e., those with the most power in our society.
- House of cards: psychology and psychotherapy built on myth
- House of cards: psychology and psychotherapy built on myth
The Christian acts in a certain way because it is the law, but Jesus did what he did out of an instinctual physiological sensitivity to suffering, similar to that of Buddha or Epicurus. No one who experiences this sensitivity is able to endure extended contact with the world because they “feel every contact too deeply.”
The Christian, on the other hand, behaves in accordance with the rules of the church only in order to gain access to heaven and obtain eternal happiness. The difference is an extremely important one. It is the difference between acting in accord with one’s nature and rebelling against what one is.
- Laughing at Nothing
The Christian, on the other hand, behaves in accordance with the rules of the church only in order to gain access to heaven and obtain eternal happiness. The difference is an extremely important one. It is the difference between acting in accord with one’s nature and rebelling against what one is.
- Laughing at Nothing
To go into solitude, a man needs to retire as much from his chamber as from society. I am not solitary whilst I read and write, though nobody is with me. But if a man would be alone, let him look at the stars. The rays that come from those heavenly worlds, will seperate between him and what he touches.
The stars awaken a certain reverence, because though always present, they are inaccessible; but all natural objects make a kindred impression, when the mind is open to their influence. Nature never became a toy to a wise spirit. The flowers, the animals, the mountains, reflected the wisdom of his best hour, as much as they had delighted the simplicity of his childhood.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
The stars awaken a certain reverence, because though always present, they are inaccessible; but all natural objects make a kindred impression, when the mind is open to their influence. Nature never became a toy to a wise spirit. The flowers, the animals, the mountains, reflected the wisdom of his best hour, as much as they had delighted the simplicity of his childhood.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson