This was a fantastic reading. I’ve always been intrigued with Albert Einstein, but I’ve never been exposed to anything other than his contributions to science. It was such a pleasure to see a different side to this 20th century icon. I’d like to comment on two passages in this reading.
“The true value of a human being can be found in the degree to which he has attained liberation from the self.”
“A human being is a part of the whole that we call the universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest-a kind of optical illusion of his consciousness. This illusion is a prison for us….Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living beings…”
Freedom comes to those who don’t live to satisfy their ego. We’ve seen this theme before. In fact, it’s a theme that has survived for thousands of years. However, in our daily lives and interactions with each other, our ego and personality are what drives our actions. Even the laws that govern us are based on ego and personality, which ultimately creates an environment of ‘us’ and ‘them’. This can be seen in our views of male & female, black & white, gay & straight, rich & poor, and Christian & non-Christian citizens. Are we really separate from each other or is it an illusion as Einstein suggests? I believe the latter and hope that we will be able to transcend the imaginary lines that separate us by achieving emancipation from “the self” and remember what we all have in common, we are all human.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
First, let me say thank you for your kind words on my blog this week. Second, wonderful analysis on Einstein. I especially like your take on the development of "an environment of ‘us’ and ‘them’."
I am reminded of Ken Wilber, who takes it one step farther by declaring that all existence exists in four parts, rather than two. He cites: I, You, We, and They (also know as It). In any case, I, you, we, and they buy into the illusion that any of us is separate from- rather than a part of-.
I started doing the Christian breakdown and found myself having fun with the possibilities: I am Christian, You are Christian, We are Christian, They are Christian, I am, you are not, we are not, they are not, ad infinitum. The first fault is in the identity, the second is in the comparing.
How about "we are", and leave it at that?
LOL
Thanks again, 8-)
Woody
I was also really glad to get another perspective on Einstien. When I started reading I feared this was goning to be a rather dry reading, but was pleasantly surprised to find that Einstien had a philisophical side as well.
I liked the two passages you chose and I enjoyed reading your comments. I liked your quote "freedom comes to those who don't live to satisfy their ego". Good insight on your part.
Post a Comment