Observing survival strategies in action allows a deeper understanding of the mechanical nature of survival.
Survival strategies are not solely focused on benefiting oneself and can have symbiotic elements.
Survival strategies become more complex as life forms evolve, often going unnoticed in our social systems and institutions.
Survival is closely intertwined with our identity and worldview, shaping our moral codes and justifying our actions.
Deep dives
The Importance of Observing Survival Strategies
It is essential to observe survival strategies in action rather than just understanding them intellectually. By observing how these strategies play out in our lives, we gain a deeper understanding of the mechanical nature of survival. This observation allows us to realize that our actions are often driven by automatic, subconscious processes, and we may engage in both selfish and selfless behaviors without conscious awareness.
Survival Strategies Can Be Symbiotic
Survival strategies are not always solely focused on benefiting oneself. Just like the relationship between squirrels and oak trees, certain survival activities can have symbiotic elements. However, it is important to recognize that individuals may not be conscious of whether their actions are selfish or beneficial to others. Moreover, selfishness and selflessness are not binary opposites, but rather exist on a continuum, with the highest good for oneself ultimately becoming the highest good for others.
Complexity and Sophistication of Survival Strategies
Survival strategies become more complex and sophisticated as life forms evolve. Humans, in particular, have intricate survival strategies that often go unnoticed because they are deeply embedded in our social systems and institutions. For example, the logistical chains involved in providing food or the complex dynamics within social institutions like businesses or governments. This complexity can sometimes obfuscate the true nature of survival, leading us to forget that everything we do is ultimately driven by survival instincts.
The Role of Identity and Worldview in Survival
Survival is closely intertwined with our identity and worldview. As humans, we construct identities and belief systems that serve our survival needs. Defending these identities becomes a crucial part of survival. Our worldview, which shapes how we interpret and understand the world, has a profound impact on our survival strategies. It dictates our moral codes and justifies our actions. Becoming conscious of the constructed nature of identity and worldview can be unsettling, as it challenges our deeply held beliefs and threatens our sense of self and survival.
Survival strategies and selfishness
Survival is a fundamental aspect of human nature, driven by the instinct to protect oneself and ensure one's well-being. It is not inherently good or bad, but rather a necessary behavior for our survival. Humans, like gazelles forming a worldview against lions, often create narratives that serve their own survival. We are all inherently selfish, though to different degrees, and it is important to acknowledge and understand this variation in selfishness in order to navigate life effectively.
Integrating survival and spirituality
Survival and spirituality are often seen as separate aspects of life, but they should not be compartmentalized. Many people use spirituality as a pseudo survival strategy to gain a sense of moral superiority or spiritual ego. However, true spirituality leads to the realization that the whole game of survival is a charade and must be transcended. While many prefer to use spirituality as a mere enhancement to their survival strategy, the ultimate spiritual path challenges the attachment to survival, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings.
Understanding selfishness and selflessness
Selfishness and selflessness are not opposing forces, but rather different degrees of love. Every action, even seemingly selfish ones, is ultimately motivated by love. The difference lies in the scope of that love, with some displays of love being more limited and focused on self-preservation, while others embrace a universal love that sees the interconnectedness of all beings. Saints understand that even apparent devils act out of love and no longer see the need to fight against them.
Survival is relative and context-dependent
Survival strategies vary greatly depending on the environment, culture, and individual circumstances. Each person's survival approach is shaped by their upbringing, education, values, and social conditioning. Survival is not an isolated phenomenon but includes factors like worldviews, religion, politics, and ethics. Recognizing these differences and studying the survival strategies of different cultures and species helps develop a broader understanding of humanity and the complexities of survival.
