I appreciated the perspective here, framing our ills with a lens toward modern Western society. I was surprised that for all of the talk of going inside & internal aims, not once did Eastern philosophy appear. The sub-traditions of Vedānta (incl. non-dualism), of the Buddhism-derived epistemologies, of Taoist concepts from Nei-Yeh.
There's a lot of focus on internal alignment and internal work from the East, and I'd posit that because of our globalizing civilization, we're seeing the swirl of perspectives and disciplines (e.g. capitalist yogis) who attempt to blend these together in ways that are not yet cohesive nor integrated. There are few modern moral leaders. My take is that since the 50's or so we are seeing the erosion of traditional religion, combined with a swirling shifting moral sea that we're still learning to float in.
I think your point about therapists taking on the role of priests in society is spot on. As far as the Thurman quote goes: it could be that only once people have come alive as a result of following their inner purpose/direction are they capable of seeing the world from the vantage point that has it calling on them to serve others. Aliveness might be a form a receptiveness to the outside world.
I appreciated the perspective here, framing our ills with a lens toward modern Western society. I was surprised that for all of the talk of going inside & internal aims, not once did Eastern philosophy appear. The sub-traditions of Vedānta (incl. non-dualism), of the Buddhism-derived epistemologies, of Taoist concepts from Nei-Yeh.
There's a lot of focus on internal alignment and internal work from the East, and I'd posit that because of our globalizing civilization, we're seeing the swirl of perspectives and disciplines (e.g. capitalist yogis) who attempt to blend these together in ways that are not yet cohesive nor integrated. There are few modern moral leaders. My take is that since the 50's or so we are seeing the erosion of traditional religion, combined with a swirling shifting moral sea that we're still learning to float in.
I think your point about therapists taking on the role of priests in society is spot on. As far as the Thurman quote goes: it could be that only once people have come alive as a result of following their inner purpose/direction are they capable of seeing the world from the vantage point that has it calling on them to serve others. Aliveness might be a form a receptiveness to the outside world.
Great article, Erik! I believe everything is about balance.
Great once again - thanks. Are you known with Nondualism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nondualism ?