We have not (officially) encountered any alien creatures so far. Yet, for some reason, we always imagine they would be part of some super-advanced civilisation light years ahead of us.
Who knows.
But the most impressive species we know of for certain is our own species – human beings. It’s understandable why that is. We are the only creatures on this planet who demonstrate the ability to imagine and turn imagination into reality, the only ones who are creative to the extent that we are. We have created a whole reality parallel to the natural world we evolved in.
Unfortunately, even the most brilliant man has blind spots, areas that his consciousness does not reach, delusions. It’s part of the dualistic nature of life.
As a species we have delusions too.
Our ability to manipulate parts of our reality and to create out of the natural world has left us under a grand illusion – the illusion that we dominate reality and that we are in control.
While we can build magnificent buildings, create energy, invent financial and political systems to exist under, manipulate matter and create out of it, and manipulate even the weather, we are still one asteroid hit apart from parting with our illusions.
We forget that we are creatures of this world, not masters of it. We are subservient to its whims just as any other, purportedly inferior, creature out there. After all, we live on a planet that is swirling in the middle of nothingness along with billions of other objects and who is capricious in its own nature.
One natural catastrophe may be enough to wipe us out, along with our imagination and creativity. Ask the dinosaurs. Oh, wait…
We have become arrogant in our belief that we dominate. We don’t. We create and manipulate partly, but that’s not the same as dominating.
Having said that, some humility will do us good. Some humility and respect for the laws larger than us.
Collective delusion drips down to individual delusion
With varying degrees of success, depending on the specific aspect and individual context, we have some agency over our lives. But some control over it is not absolute control over it.
We have ideas about how things will go for us or how they should go, and we work towards that end. This is partly due to our deep existential need for security, for knowing what to expect. But, as often happens, life has its own plans and does not care about our desires or expectations.
There is no tragedy in that per se. Some of the most beautiful things in life happen to us without us having planned, expected or even realised we wanted them. Life follows its own current, and we are only a rider on that river – with some, but limited control over it.
The tragedy comes when life tries to push us in a direction different to the one we planned for, and we fight to remain on the course we believe is right or good for us, or expected of us.
The fight leads us to expend great amounts of energy and ultimately turns into a struggle, leading to suffering and pain. But you cannot fight the course of life just as you cannot fight nature. The sooner you understand and accept this, the less you will suffer.
Recognising life’s signs and following the current, rather than fighting to swim against it, is not defeatist. It’s a sign of wisdom.
Ultimately, it indicates a deep understanding of life: you are not here to dominate – either your life or anybody else’s.
You are here to co-create, learn and grow with life. Giving in is its own form of courage, as it requires trust, patience, letting go and sometimes, facing your fears.
And when you do so willingly, you not only save yourself and others from unnecessary suffering.
You have the opportunity to grow and create something meaningful out of your life.
