The legitimate side. THE ANIMAL.

In the core of humanity lies the beginning of a wild animal, which is a part of our makeup. Today, when a baby cries, the mother or father rushes to comfort them, whether it’s to change a diaper, feed them, or simply hold them. As human beings, we quickly grasp the concept of demand, even as infants, and continuously express our needs. When these demands are met, everything is fine; however, if they are not, problems persist. If the caregiver lacks understanding, they may inadvertently nurture the overpowering animalistic side of the child. If a caregiver looks at the time and thinks, “I have already changed, fed, and held the baby, there is no need to attend to them now,” and lets the baby cry, the first step towards becoming fully human has been taken. Learning self-restraint is best acquired early on, and this balance should be understood by parents. It is not only beneficial for themselves but also for the baby as they grow. Throughout our lives, we grapple with our desires. If the foundation is not set properly, we may encounter struggles, whether in managing our weight, nurturing relationships, or abiding by the law. By nature, we possess two competing sides and the gift of free will to create balance.

Without the understanding and practical application of knowledge, words remain mere words. Wisdom emerges when words are applied in real-life situations. Many people recite passages from the Quran or the Bible, believing that doing so will solve their problems during their lifetime and ensure their place in heaven after death. Belief systems have a placebo effect on human beings, although they do not work for everyone. Those for whom they work often struggle to understand why others do not share their beliefs. Strongly religious individuals often attempt to impose their beliefs on others rather than seeking mutual understanding. This extreme approach detracts from the basic tenets of social life.

The teachings of holy books primarily emphasize individual morality and living for the sake of others and God, advocating for sacrificing this life for the next. This philosophy promotes societal well-being but comes with consequences. Individuals forced to live sacrificially may experience inner turmoil, hindering their ability to form meaningful relationships with others. The core spiritual messages of holy books are often overshadowed by political agendas, leading to conflicts fueled by emotional differences. Strict parenting, intended to instill fear of God and emphasize the afterlife, often fails, revealing a disconnect between religious teachings and human nature.

Religions and social systems have long attempted to suppress our animalistic instincts without success. Despite advancements in civilization, we continue to struggle with this innate aspect of ourselves. It is time to acknowledge the legitimacy of our animal side and negotiate with it rather than trying to eradicate it.

I have received numerous calls from individuals wanting to teach me the Quran. One caller even labeled me a kafir, or infidel, simply because I questioned the teachings of fasting and prayers. I pointed out that living in the far north means daylight can last for twenty-four hours in the summer, posing challenges for observing the fasting month. There must be room for adjustments in all forms of human knowledge, including religious teachings and legal frameworks. The Pope’s evolving views on homosexuality demonstrate the need for religions, as spiritual systems, to align with human rights principles. Discrimination and the physical strain of fasting for twenty-four hours a day are ethically unjustifiable.

Five bucks with the dotted picture

Metaphorically speaking, each and every one of us has five bucks. If there were a device to measure it, we could gauge our intelligence, strength, and ability to live for ourselves and help others around us.

Imagine you’re standing on a riverbank and need to get to the other side. First, you must think, plan, and then act on your plan. You could gather some branches, build a raft, and row yourself across.

If wisdom, power, energy, and the ability to do everything were measured, metaphorically, each individual would be worth five bucks. If the whole community contributed their five bucks to build a bridge, everyone in the community could cross the river whenever they wanted.

Logically, a single individual is weaker than a large family, depending on whether they get along and work as a unit. One person might be very smart and have many resources to hire lots of help to function at a higher level. However, that intelligence still comes from their five bucks.

Fighting infectious diseases like Ebola outbreaks, addressing issues with global warming, the spread of the internet, or even building a space station is most effective and meaningful when humanity comes together with five bucks at a time.

Take, for example, a human cell. On its own, it seems meaningless, but under the right circumstances, it can create a whole, functioning human body with limitless potential. We each have trillions of cells in our bodies. Individually, a cell may seem insignificant, but when they work together, the potential is limitless. There’s a new world record for deadlifting—someone just posted it on Facebook—and it’s one thousand one hundred and fifty-five pounds. I see the potential for more because I know someone will break it in the future.

A child tries to mimic their parents and feels limited by the comparison between themselves and the grown-up.

I use this comparison between God and the individual. Like the child, we place everything impossible for us on God’s shoulders. We expect God to take care of everything that concerns us.

When we can’t handle a task, we pray to God for help. Believing you’ll receive help is great, but only after you’ve used up your five bucks—like the person who built a raft to cross the river. The idea of building a bridge and the community coming together is God speaking through human individuals. This means all advances made by mankind are related to God as well. These advances happen because God and mankind evolve with each other’s help.

If you separate yourself from God, which most religions believe we are, even the most innocent among us are considered born sinners and insignificant according to belief systems. I believe each of us is a crucial part of life’s grand scheme. If you believe you’re born in sin, your five bucks won’t go far.

For thousands of years, individuals have been put down. If you really buy into that, you risk feeling worthless and becoming a victim of an inferiority complex, which benefits the religion runners. Just look at the majestic buildings of religions; yet, despite all the head pounding or bowing down, you can’t find God there.

The real God is found in practical help to humanity. A survey in New York asked what made people feel really happy, and the overwhelming answer was helping another human in need. This spiritual happiness is what everyone seeks in places of worship. Ask yourself if you’re spiritually fulfilled by attending these places. If not, go out, find a charity, and pray practically, which relates to the God who lives through humanity.

When you bite off more than you can chew, it’s usually related to your five bucks. Ask yourself if you expect the community to provide you with bridges or if you can build a raft and row yourself across the river. Instead of sitting on the bank, take charge and live life on your terms. If you wait for the community’s help, you don’t respect your five bucks and don’t understand its value.

If you think it’s not enough to function at your desired level, you fail before even trying. Society has brainwashed you into not using your five bucks to live your life. This attitude of inferiority and lack of self-worth holds you back.

Trailblazers usually appreciate and value their five bucks. They take charge and dive into life’s adventures fearlessly.

Happiness is related to understanding your ability to be flexible, accepting your limitations, and recognizing your potential. When you become the CEO of your life, you won’t be swept away by the politics of God, the Devil, or the politician running the religion.

There’s always a hidden picture, and it’s you who must clear the influential fog of your time and era. After all, you are mortal with the responsibilities of your individual happiness and contentment.

If you believe you have more than five bucks because you became a doctor, a successful businessperson, or a superstar by your efforts alone, you’re oversimplifying life. You’ve always had help—from being a helpless baby to growing up. The sky isn’t falling, oxygen is still there, yet you have no control over it. The body’s complexity is so vast that we still don’t know everything about it. Sometimes, even the best doctors can’t save a dying person when their time is up. Running the show isn’t a task for a single individual.

The body’s functioning is a miracle. If you believe you’re doing everything yourself, you’re oversimplifying life. Just ask a sick person about their vulnerabilities, especially a successful person with a brain disease.

I’m not humanizing God; I’m clearing the clutter to make my case. We need to take individual responsibility and stop killing each other over incomplete knowledge of God.

Your five bucks are a direct connection between you and God. There is no middleman; everyone is blessed with free will. This is not about religious beliefs but personal spirituality.

The politics of belonging and false securities have reached a point where we must cross the lines of group politics and enter a zone where humanity is an evolving organism—one entity. God and mankind live through it.

As the human individual evolves and gains strength, God strengthens as well.

Today, instead of sacrificing innocents to please God, we save lives by predicting storms and tsunamis. We know more about earthquakes but still lack control because we’re a work in progress.

It may be against popular beliefs, but I don’t believe God punishes, destroys, or wants sacrifice. These are human emotions tied to incomplete knowledge. If God were responsible for everything, our five bucks, free will, and justice systems worldwide would be meaningless.

Think about whether you use your free will every day. Why use the politics of God and the Devil? If you’re honest, you’ll find your sense of belonging gets the best of you. As a CEO, if you can filter out politics of all kinds, you’ll find spirituality.

Regardless of our differences, humanity comes together during natural disasters. These are glimpses of God through human beings, if one wants to see it.

We want God to protect us because we’ve been taught to put God in that position, believing He can do everything. With this notion, we remove our five bucks from the equation, sometimes facing disappointment.

Parents protect their child to the best of their ability, but sometimes it’s not enough. A teenager can be reckless despite available help, unable to appreciate it due to hormones. No parents can control everything all the time. When grown-ups act like teenagers, it’s due to incomplete knowledge and lack of understanding of hormones. Our chemicals dictate our feelings, leading to egotistical emotions about God.

We need to understand our emotions better. The entity running the computer and using the information must have the upper hand.

There’s a new theme of religion: human individual rights. Even the Pope has changed his tune because the world is changing. Look at the Irish referendum; human rights are the primary reason a Catholic country allows gay marriage.

Religion should be a spiritual system, free of politics. Religious rules as law belong to the political arm of religions, which has no place in spirituality. Religions have connected God with their laws, making them unchangeable. All laws need reason and foundation, but God exists in a realm where nothing is known for certain. This is why I oppose capital punishment—our knowledge is never complete. Killing someone without complete knowledge is unacceptable. The proof is in our everyday progress. From technology to science to human relationships, we’re evolving into a new era despite resistance from conservative and religious people.

The eternal inner conflict.

The dynamic interplay between the sense of belonging and the sense of freedom permeates various facets of human existence, shaping our choices and perceptions. Consider the analogy of walking through life: intentionally stepping into dog feces results in an olfactory reminder of our actions, eliciting judgment from others. Life’s journey is fraught with responsibilities, demanding mindfulness and consideration for those around us. The sense of belonging inherently compels us to regard the opinions of others, from our outward appearance to our affiliations with societal groups.

This intrinsic desire for acceptance often leads us to conform without question, manifesting in behaviors ranging from brand loyalty to extreme acts driven by allegiance to ideologies or affiliations. The allure of belonging can be so potent that we act on autopilot, seemingly devoid of alternative perspectives.

Conversely, the sense of freedom embodies a disregard for societal norms and expectations, championing individual autonomy. However, this pursuit of individuality can paradoxically lead to self-imposed constraints, such as social isolation or disregard for personal health.

These contrasting impulses are ingrained within each individual, yet we possess the agency to navigate their complexities. Whether addressing physical, psychological, or spiritual imbalances, the onus falls upon the individual to achieve equilibrium. Inner conflicts often arise from an imbalance between these competing urges, necessitating conscious effort to restore harmony.

Belonging to a group often entails surrendering some degree of personal autonomy, as collective interests supersede individual agency. However, it is incumbent upon each individual to critically evaluate whether conformity serves their best interests. The path to self-realization lies in embracing the role of a CEO in one’s life, capable of questioning societal norms and forging an authentic path.

While affiliation with religious or nationalistic groups provides a sense of identity and security, it also necessitates adherence to prescribed ideologies and politics. However, as individuals endowed with free will, we must recognize our spiritual autonomy and resist actions that violate our moral compass, irrespective of societal pressures.

True spiritual identity transcends political affiliations, encompassing a connection to humanity as a whole. While political identities may align with specific groups, our inherent humanity supersedes such categorizations. The pursuit of equal rights and justice necessitates a blind adherence to principles, irrespective of societal divisions.

Fundamentally, we are born into the human family, qualifying us as members of humanity. Attempts to confine individuals within narrow group identities deny their inherent potential. As CEOs of our lives, we must question any directives that contravene our moral principles, reaffirming our connection to humanity above all else.

 

Spiritual Cart with two wheels.

From healthcare to personal relationships to spirituality, the principle remains constant: it takes active participation from both parties to achieve harmony and success. While healthcare is a noble pursuit with profound spiritual and humanitarian implications, it necessitates individual responsibility. One cannot simply rely on medical professionals to manage all aspects of their well-being without actively participating in their own care. Life is to be lived, but within certain standards conducive to well-being and quality of life. Failure to actively engage in one’s own health leads to disconnection across various facets of life.

Similarly, belief in a higher power, such as God, can provide solace and guidance in life’s journey. However, like medical professionals, God requires the individual’s input and cooperation. Placing undue reliance on God or medical professionals, regardless of disabilities or circumstances, results in stagnation rather than growth. Both entities can offer guidance and support, but true success requires the individual’s active involvement.

In many cultures, God holds a prominent position, often shouldering burdens and responsibilities. However, extremes exist, with some relegating God to a passive role while others relinquish personal agency entirely. Striking a balance is essential; God should serve as a guide rather than a driver. Dismissing God entirely leads to a burdensome existence, while excessive reliance diminishes personal responsibility.

Similarly, in personal relationships, whether with a doctor, spouse, or God, effort must be reciprocal. Unilateral expectations breed imbalance and dissatisfaction. Both parties must contribute equally to ensure the relationship thrives. Holding sex as a bargaining chip undermines the foundation of mutual reciprocity essential for healthy relationships.

By fostering honest effort in all aspects of life, happiness becomes attainable regardless of circumstances. Physical health improves through collaborative efforts with medical professionals, relationships strengthen through mutual contribution, and spirituality deepens with personal responsibility. Humility is key; recognizing the role of external factors, such as the oxygen we breathe, underscores our interdependence and limits.

Whether one believes in a higher power or attributes success to individual effort, humility is paramount. Our understanding of the universe and ourselves remains incomplete, leaving room for growth and discovery. Acknowledging our dependence on external factors, such as oxygen, grounds us in humility, reminding us of our interconnectedness with the world around us. Until we reach our full potential, the debate over the existence of a higher power remains speculative. Embracing humility and acknowledging our limitations fosters growth and unity in our shared human experience.

Ladder of Horizon and the River of time.

Imagine yourself floating down the river of time, its currents varying between calm waters and turbulent rapids. Your position in this river dictates the challenges you face and the efforts required to stay afloat. If you find yourself born into turbulence or inadvertently swept into it, perseverance becomes your companion as you struggle to maintain stability. In the middle zone, a balance of tranquility and turmoil defines your journey, while those fortunate to reside in the calm zone glide effortlessly, spared the need for constant vigilance.

Yet, regardless of our placement in this metaphorical river, our eyes are fixed on the distant calm, viewing it as the ultimate destination. Driven by the desire for peace and stability, we often become consumed by the pursuit, forgetting our mortal nature and neglecting the pursuit of happiness and contentment essential to our transient existence. As mortal beings, our primary goal should be to accrue as much joy as possible before our inevitable departure from this world.

However, the revelation of a limited lifespan serves as a sobering reminder of our mortality. As the CEOs of our own lives, it falls upon us to make decisions with full awareness of our temporal nature. While striving for the calm zone may seem enticing, it risks limiting our experiences and inhibiting our pursuit of fulfillment across all aspects of life. Instead, adopting a holistic approach, viewing life as a multifaceted project with various departments, ensures that happiness and contentment are not sacrificed in the relentless pursuit of tranquility.

As a personal trainer, I advocate for progress without complacency, introducing my clients to the concept of the ladder of horizon. Picture yourself climbing a ladder, surrounded by countless individuals above you. Though progress may feel slow, each step forward is a testament to your perseverance. However, there comes a point where further ascent seems impossible, leading to frustration and discontent. In such moments, it is vital to gain perspective: look down and appreciate the progress made, while also finding inspiration in the achievements of those above you, fostering gratitude and motivation.

Yet, whether navigating the river or ascending the ladder, it is imperative to acknowledge the transient nature of our existence. While striving for the calm may be tempting, it should not come at the expense of our present happiness and contentment. Ultimately, we must embrace the reality of mortality, living our lives with purpose and fulfillment, mindful of the journey’s ephemeral nature.

GOD IS THAT YOU?

GOD- IS THAT YOU?

Don’t blindly accept everything that others present to you; take charge of your life like a CEO and ask questions, particularly when faced with decisions involving sacrificing this life for the next.

No concrete evidence of life after death has ever been produced. Numerous theories exist, all based on assumptions, and they often demand blind adherence.

The nature of existence after death remains a mystery, as we are still in the process of evolution and not a finished product. Until we fulfill our potential, we must strive for further evolution. Since no one can return to elucidate the experience, we must expand our understanding, which requires effort. Concepts like God are challenging to grasp, so God should be regarded and accepted in the realm of the placebo effect—it works, but the mechanism remains unknown. Thus, atheists should not simply react to religions. Embracing our inherent incompleteness should foster humility and compassion. Conversely, relying on incomplete knowledge fueled by ego, pride, or honor obstructs our evolutionary progress.

It’s beneficial to employ a metaphorical basket. When encountering situations where understanding is lacking, place it in the basket and carry it with you. This not only helps manage ego but also cultivates inner peace. Recognizing our incomplete knowledge should foster humility and empathy. However, claiming complete knowledge leads to defensiveness and egotism. We can’t be egotistical about our incomplete knowledge; we are designed to evolve continuously. No religion, ideology, or human group can complete or hasten the evolutionary process. Just as building muscle requires lifting heavier weights, we must constantly push our limits to realize our potential. Claiming complete knowledge halts our pursuit and defies the laws of nature and God.

Today, cell phones boast unbelievable technology essential for daily life. Despite this progress, human vulnerability persists due to mortality and the complexity of life processes. We cannot attribute our achievements solely to ourselves, as everything operates through simple yet incredibly complex mechanisms. Even the use of cell phones hinges on the availability of oxygen. This alone should foster spiritual humility.

Ultimately, blind faith exerts a powerful influence on individuals, despite its enigmatic nature. We excavate tombs and graves of those who believed in an afterlife, yet the mystery endures. I personally believe in the spiritual realm without ego, employing my basket of the unknown while navigating daily realities. I prioritize the physicality of this life over the rules dictated by religious politics. Logically, physical realities take precedence over the unknown, making killing over hypothetical realities unjustifiable.

Part Two: “God – Is That You?”

Cemeteries dot every community worldwide, yet homelessness persists. The deceased retain ownership of land, while the living remain destitute. The irony is palpable: we turn to religions regarding life and death discussions, relegating these topics exclusively to religious discourse. Mortality is a universal reality and should be addressed at all community levels to prevent waste.

As humans, we bear the responsibility to contribute to humanity even after death. Owning land posthumously is more about emotions than practicality. Instead of visiting graves, consider donating to the needy in honor of the deceased, thereby contributing positively to the community.

We are born into humanity as physical beings, while our religious or national identities are products of intellectual education. Education should enrich our humanity; if it does the opposite, we must prioritize our human identity over all others.

Belief in or denial of God’s existence is facile; without comprehension or understanding, killing in the name of God is unacceptable. Using God for political ends is equally absurd. In my view, these actions stem from human imagination, individual insecurities, and the politics of belonging.

Human imagination holds immense power, capable of shaping beliefs and actions. Whether through fear, oppression, or suicide bombings, human imagination influences politics and societal dynamics. Religion offers prophecies and predictions about the future, yet their interpretations remain elusive. The existence of a spiritual world hinges on humanity; without human beings, spirituality loses meaning. If we eliminate the human element, the triangle of God, Devil, and Man collapses. If God represents good, the Devil evil, and Man judgment, then good and evil require human judgment. Without humans, neither concept holds significance. God committing suicide seems inconceivable, underscoring the integral role of humanity in spirituality. While some may perceive me as an atheist or non-Muslim, I believe in God and God’s prophets, albeit acknowledging their incomplete knowledge.

The phenomenon is intricately tied to human control, imagination, and the politics of fear. Religion promises rewards in the afterlife, providing comfort in this life. If religious teachings foster spirituality and humanitarianism, they serve a purpose. Conversely, if they lead to harm, they are counterproductive. Religious leaders should possess social work degrees to address mental health issues effectively.

Despite technological advancements and millennia of pursuit, we lack proof of God’s existence. If God fails to manifest despite religious promises, faith may wane. Viewing oneself as a cell of God fosters a sense of worth and purpose. We exist to serve humanity and God, not to drive ourselves to self-destruction.

Let’s transcend our insecurities and unite as humanity, belonging not to gangs, communities, nations, races, genders, or religions, but to God and humanity as a whole.

Ego vs. Oxygen

Regardless of your status, power, genetics, appearance, or job title, you are mortal. Everything achieved in life, even the seemingly impossible, is made possible by the simple act of breathing in life-giving oxygen. Acknowledging this spiritual truth prevents one from claiming undue credit and encourages humility and perspective.

While free will allows for decision-making, it is dependent on the oxygen we breathe. Sure, believing in or denying God’s existence is a personal choice, but the ability to think, function, and contribute to self and humanity suggests a deeper purpose.

Some may dismiss these beliefs as outdated or unfounded assumptions, but rejecting them is also an assumption. Embracing faith provides comfort and courage in facing mortality. Comfortable in one’s identity, humility and acceptance of others naturally follow. Egotism, often found in extremist factions of religions, signifies a lack of humility.

Optimism and hope for life beyond the mortal years enrich the quality of living years. Knowledge should alleviate fears and bring peace. Whether beliefs transition from assumptions to certainties depends on the individual. Belief in God, like love, operates in the realm of the unknown.

Belief in nothingness stems from ego, disregarding the significance of the oxygen provider. Embracing the unknown with a metaphorical basket acknowledges incomplete knowledge while striving for potential.

The ego’s desire for omniscience contrasts with the reality of continual learning. Scientifically proven medicine may not work universally, much like belief in God. Religious and constitutional frameworks must evolve to accommodate growth and potential.

Blind faith and religious politics foster arrogance, prejudice, and human rights violations. Killings based on belief systems are fueled by the politics of belonging. True belonging lies in humanity as a whole, transcending political and religious divides.

Unity in humanity could reshape the global landscape. Despite political boundaries, joint efforts combat global challenges like climate change and disease. Overcoming insecurity and prejudice, one individual at a time, can realize humanity’s potential.

Highway of the evolution.

Self-Doubt and Its Impact on Confidence

Self-doubt and related influences rob individuals of their confidence. If you constantly compare yourself to others who are more successful, or if you buy into religious teachings that portray humanity as inherently worthless or sinful, you may begin to feel inferior and without value. However, if you view yourself as a useful and integral part of God or humanity, you will begin to recognize your true self-worth. Each of us is like a working cell in the body of God, contributing to the ongoing spiritual and physical world.

Our education plays a crucial role in identifying the root cause of our problems (explanation below). How we view ourselves is strongly tied to our level of conformity. Many of our physical, mental, social, and spiritual problems can be resolved by stepping beyond the boundaries of conformity. The spiritual world knows no limits, just like space. While religions may claim depth like the ocean, becoming an extremist or radical turns religion into nothing more than a pond for yourself.

Security as an Illusion

How do men and women perceive security as the most important aspect of life? That perception creates boundaries. Yet, in reality, not even the air we breathe is within our control. The idea of security is an illusion, one we seek from others and that society constantly promotes. Yet, as mortal beings, we die from the inside out.

Today, we are rising up to take charge of our environment, social justice, and equality. Interestingly, religious groups, which are often conservative, don’t believe in taking charge due to their belief systems, yet they fight against change to the point of violence in defense of those beliefs.

God helps, but not without the help of humankind. Continuous bickering and differences of opinion are used openly and with pride, even if they lead to prejudice, racism, or ignorance. This attitude slows us from reaching our full potential. Simply put, you cannot stand at mile twenty and claim to know the details of a journey spanning one hundred miles that you have not yet traveled.

Standing on the Right Side of History

We must stand on the right side of history, especially when it comes to evolution and the betterment of humanity. Even our concepts of good and bad are changing for the better, but the speed of this transformation has been slow. We can do better.


The Dead Dog: Addressing the Cause

Once there was a small community that dug a well for water and lived around it. One day, a dog fell into the well and died. No one noticed until the water began to stink, and everyone became concerned and gathered to investigate. A leader went down into the well and discovered the dead dog. The community looked to the mayor for guidance. He advised them to remove fifty barrels of water before resuming use but reminded them to remove the dead dog first.

As human beings, we are continually evolving. Our knowledge, like ourselves, evolves. Though we have been around for millions of years, we have always claimed to know everything there is to know. Yet, we continuously learn new things. We passionately claim to know God and even kill one another over the knowledge of God, but after thousands of years, we still have no clear proof of life after death or the true nature of God. All we have are assumptions. No one has returned from the afterlife with concrete evidence, like videos of the moon or Mars.

Religions and faith systems insist we believe blindly in whatever they preach. Until we have something concrete, we all have a one-way ticket. I believe in individual freedom, and no one should be forced to believe in whatever is popular in society, let alone be killed over their beliefs. Beliefs are highly personal and can be either beneficial or harmful to the individual. Society, governments, and religions carry on, but the individual has limited time to live.

Our understanding depends greatly on our ability to comprehend. If you are standing at mile twenty, you cannot predict what lies at mile one hundred—especially when it comes to knowledge of God. The “dead dog” in this spiritual problem is ego, pride, and honor. These three offspring of our sense of belonging are behind many of our social and personal problems. Therefore, the sense of belonging is the “mother problem”—the true dead dog of our conflicts.

Evolving Knowledge: A Metaphor

B.R. Hergenhahn wrote this about the brain, but I use his quote to describe the evolution of our knowledge. It applies to the brain, God, or anything we don’t yet fully understand. I’m using it to discuss our knowledge of God and life after death. In his book An Introduction to Theories of Personality, fourth edition, chapter one, page 12, he writes:

“Imagine yourself in a dark room where you cannot directly touch a complex object. As long as the room remains dark, you will know nothing about the object except that it is there. Now, suppose a faint light illuminates part of the object, allowing you to see some of it. You now know more than you did before, but much remains unknown. Then, another beam of light falls on the object, and another. You walk around, noting what has been illuminated. The more light beams, the more information you have, even though many beams show only part of the object, with some offering greater detail than others.”

Ideas come to human beings, including our holy men and prophets, to benefit the general population. It is then up to the people to either use this knowledge for their own good or harm.

The Freezing of Knowledge

When it comes to religion, why do we have “freezing caps”? It all relates to the politics of belonging. No one wants to be tied to the “wrong” knowledge, so everyone believes their ancestral knowledge is ultimate and correct. They believe they will go to heaven while everyone else will end up in hell. Whether hell exists or not, we are certainly creating hell on earth with our differences.

Since humanity is part of God, we have essentially given God an autoimmune disease. God is sick, and the cure lies in the hands of the individual. Are we up to the task of healing God by living together in peace? Can you take responsibility and speak out against your own sense of belonging and the politics that come with it? Can you stand against your own group, even if it goes against your religion? It is time to stand for humanity, not for our belonging groups.

It’s time to rise above the boundaries of our ponds, conquer the depths of the oceans, and set anchors in space. That is God’s vision for humanity. We must stop being caught up in territorial disputes and arguments over what happens after death. It’s time to wake up and recognize the void our disputes are creating. God would not want humanity to disappear—because that would mean suicide for God as well.

Seeds in the Jar

I admit that I am an idealist, but I have enough of a sense of freedom to balance my sense of belonging. I like to question and evaluate everything using the best of my common sense.

I believe every child is a seed of God and should not be judged as legitimate or illegitimate because societal norms change with the times. As long as you function physically, help, and benefit human society, you are doing the work of God. We are all born through the same process and are individual human beings, not mere extensions of any ideology or exclusive group.

You should never be victimized by the customs, traditions, or rules of groups or religions. This isn’t just about law and order or human rights; it’s also about spiritual justice. After all, you had no control over your birth, making you innocent on two levels.

The same applies to mixed-race or biracial children. Our prejudices and discrimination stem from our sense of belonging. The moment you are born as a human being, you become part of humanity, not just a specific group of people who may discriminate against you. If one believes in God, then God’s importance cannot exist without humanity—never mind the groups, nations, or religions.

Somewhere along the way, someone made man inferior and God superior, leading to a reversal of roles in the politics of control.

Dictatorships, authoritarian governments, and religions have power and control in common. They all seek to prevent individuals from reaching their full potential, metaphorically keeping people as seeds in a jar, regardless of their potential to bloom into trees and create forests. This is nothing more than the politics of belonging.

People with a strong sense of belonging and a weaker sense of freedom accept these boundaries as God’s will, remaining in self-imposed prisons that rob them of their potential. I believe this is against God’s will because each of us is blessed with our own free will. If God wanted us to remain in the jar, we wouldn’t have the evolving and flexible potential that we do. It is purely human politics that keeps power in the hands of a few. When God is used in this political game, ordinary people gladly give up their power in favor of a sense of belonging.

Human potential is, in fact, God’s potential because it is through men and women that we progress and make God almighty. For example, today we can predict the paths of storms and tsunamis to save lives, something we couldn’t even conceive of in the past, leading to sacrifices like throwing virgins over cliffs to appease God.

Our potential drives us to evolve and take charge, becoming godly creators. We invent and innovate daily for the benefit of humankind. These are all miracles of God, but they come through ordinary people because life’s complexities are not fully understood, and our mortality is a bitter fact. The proof of our evolving nature lies in the discoveries we continue to make in every aspect of life.

If you look at spiritual knowledge, it has always come from extraordinary men like the Prophet Muhammad or Jesus, who had to make extreme sacrifices to deliver their extraordinary insights. The resistance or hatred from their opponents, and even today’s conflicts, are rooted in the same foundation: the politics of belonging.

Unfortunately, even our prophets couldn’t escape the politics of belonging. This type of politics takes over every group’s leaders, leading them to resist change for political reasons. New ideas and ideologies are adopted by us when politically convenient.

Interestingly, religions have often done the same things that happened to them in their early stages. Killing to maintain the status quo is a conservative ideology born of the politics of insecurity. A large segment of the population resists change initially, with some eventually adopting it over time, while others resist out of political conservatism.

Evolution is like a river’s flowing water; it regenerates, improves, and prevents stagnation, forming a boundless ocean. Stagnation, like a pond, inhibits progress and evolution, keeping individuals weak and unable to benefit themselves or society, allowing the powerful to remain powerful. The hidden agenda of any political entity is based on the group’s insecurities, yet the real power for all groups lies in the ocean, or in other words, humanity.

As humanity evolves, change comes, inevitably meeting with conservative resistance. Today, the world is grappling with issues of race, gender, and sexual orientation. It is clear that conservatives are losing this battle because today it’s all about human rights, and no one can deny that politically.

Advanced and secular societies have stopped putting people in jars to inhibit their potential, as new knowledge has proven that the more trees you have in a society, the better and more powerful that society becomes. Controlling societies are progressively becoming a thing of the past. The world is undergoing a change, so there will be chaos for a while, but things will settle as we evolve to the next level or chapter of humanity.

Religious people must accept these changes as God’s will and should not resist them because, in the end, God does things the right way. The individual who is insecure and has doubts is the one who doesn’t truly, deeply believe in God. True belief alleviates stress, instills hope, and makes individuals soft, compassionate, forgiving, sacrificial, and loving.

We should all ask ourselves questions about our belief systems: Do they contain these jewels of humanity? If not, it’s time to surpass them and come together as human beings. Intentionally killing the innocent, even children, is neither religious nor spiritual—it is purely political and aimed at controlling the uncontrollable changes.

The Predator Inside

As human beings, whether we belong to a gang, community, nation, or religion, we have a penchant for idolizing individuals as our heroes. Likewise, as individuals, we strive to belong, impress, and garner admiration from our respective groups. Our heroes may range from sports stars and rock icons to movie celebrities and military figures, and we take pride in associating them with our group identities.

Just as cubs or kittens engage in playful combat to hone their hunting skills, boxers spar in preparation for bouts. As our society evolves, it is imperative that we acknowledge and test the boundaries of friendly competition. However, crossing these boundaries can lead to prejudice and discrimination, hindering our spiritual progress.

The practice of killing one another harks back to our primal instincts, yet one would expect spiritual evolution to temper such impulses. Why, then, do we still elevate predatory behavior and compare ourselves to creatures like lions and eagles? Why do tales of conquest and bravery captivate us, without prompting deeper reflection on the ethics of subjugating, disrespecting, or even killing fellow humans?

Despite our religious teachings, which emphasize spiritual growth, many still struggle to tame their animalistic urges, especially in matters of faith. Paradoxically, heightened religious fervor often correlates with a greater willingness to resort to violence against dissenters.

A truly balanced individual not only harmonizes their animalistic and spiritual aspects but also navigates various facets of life, akin to a CEO. While we are physically creatures, our internal makeup is imbued with compassion, personal justice, sacrifice, forgiveness, and, above all, love. We possess the potential to transcend mere creaturehood and evolve into spiritually enlightened beings.

As individuals, it is incumbent upon us to seek personal equilibrium, ensuring that our mortal existence is a symphony of harmony. Survival remains paramount, but for those fortunate enough to have an abundance of resources, wanton killing for pleasure or sport is unconscionable. Fishing for sport, where fish are caught and released, exemplifies the principle of restraint—acknowledging the capacity to inflict harm but choosing not to do so.

However, engaging in live prey before killing it, purely for entertainment, represents a regression rather than evolution. Our evolving societies grapple with conflicting ideologies, often leading to confusion and conflict, particularly among less enlightened individuals or groups.

The recognition and glorification of bravery often accompany acts of violence, perpetuating a cycle of heroism steeped in bloodshed. Yet, in societies governed by law and order, such actions merit condemnation, underscoring the need for spiritual growth to transcend primal instincts.

Our struggle with belonging groups’ politics underscores the necessity for individual agency in challenging prejudicial norms. By balancing this inherent need for belonging with a robust sense of freedom, individuals can rise above the divisiveness that plagues our societies.

Egotistical notions of honor and pride, fostered by belonging groups, often lead to conflict and suffering, both for others and oneself. Overcoming these impulses is essential for personal growth and mental well-being.

It is time to transcend the constraints of groupthink and embrace our common humanity. Our collective potential for destruction, epitomized by nuclear weapons, underscores the urgency of this endeavor.

Rather than succumbing to fatalistic narratives, we must harness the power of the internet to foster global unity and progress. Our past knowledge, rooted in violence and division, should not dictate our future trajectory; instead, we must strive for a more inclusive and enlightened path forward.

As individuals, we possess the agency to effect change, challenging outdated ideologies and embracing a more humane ethos. By rejecting the politics of prejudice and discrimination, we can uplift our spiritual selves and contribute to the evolution of humanity.

“The Purpose of Individual Life”

An individual’s life transcends mere familial, communal, national, or ideological affiliations. Each person must assume the role of a CEO, directing their own life’s course to achieve personal fulfillment, happiness, and contentment.

Embracing boundaries out of insecurity is antithetical to the inevitability of mortality. Constraining oneself stifles personal growth and detracts from the divine duty to evolve. While groups such as families, communities, nations, or religions may assert authority, it is ultimately the individual who passes on, thus bearing the responsibility to navigate life’s various dimensions.

Living within self-imposed boundaries limits one’s potential and obstructs the path to spiritual enlightenment. As human beings, we should not settle for complacency, even in the vast expanse of the ocean. True evolution entails transcending limitations and reaching for the stars, both metaphorically and literally.

The boundaries we erect are of human origin, stemming from a desire for security and control. Yet, acceptance of mortality liberates individuals from fear and fosters freedom to pursue their potential. Breaking free from these constraints allows for personal growth and contributes to humanity’s collective evolution.

The purpose of human life is to serve humanity’s advancement, akin to the cellular function within a body. By transcending the confines of individual or group identities, individuals can fulfill their divine mandate to propel humanity forward.

Religious doctrines may dictate boundaries, but history has shown that progress often emerges from challenging established norms. Embracing personal agency and exercising free will enables individuals to reach for the divine within themselves, transcending the limitations imposed by tradition.

In a world interconnected by the internet, individuals possess the tools to dismantle barriers and forge global solidarity. It is incumbent upon each person to seize this opportunity for collective growth and enlightenment.

Rather than adhering blindly to ancestral wisdom, individuals should strive to surpass the limitations of past knowledge. Our capacity for evolution extends beyond earthly constraints, offering the potential to unlock godlike powers and address humanity’s most pressing challenges.

The purpose of individual life is to transcend boundaries, both physical and ideological, and strive for personal and collective evolution. By embracing our inherent potential and rejecting the constraints of tradition, we can chart a course towards a brighter future for humanity as a whole.