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.