The Operative: It's not my place to ask. I believe in something greater than myself. A better world. A world without sin.
Capt. Malcolm Reynolds: So me and mine gotta lay down and die... so you can live in your better world?
-Serenity
Shepard Book: I don't care what you believe in, just believe in it. (To Capt. Malcolm Reynolds)
-Serenity
In this writing, we will take a closer look at our perspective through the lens of belief and commitment. Together, we will explore this perspective with shared understanding, hoping to align more fully by the end. The only rule in this shared journey is that belief and commitment should never replace critical thinking or empathy for others. If this resonates with you, we can continue.
We will aim to integrate belief and commitment into our perspective by creating the structure needed to sustain us through an uncertain future. This way, we can gain more control over the navigation of our lives and humanity itself.
The Need for Critical Thinking in the Face of Belief
Critical thinking is often confused with cynicism, which places a bias on our thinking that we need to be aware of. There is a place for cynicism, no doubt, but it is essential to recognize the difference. Convention is not always wrong and forms part of an evolving dialogue, usually grounded in reason. Be a part of that evolution—participate in the discussion, but don’t blindly tear it down; build on it and make sense of it. Conversely, convention is not always right. Traditions and symbols need to evolve, remain current, and be flexible—not rigid. A static structure creates the very sickness it seeks to cure.
How We Will Define Belief
Belief can be seen as an acknowledgment of an interactive outside influence. This could take the form of a psychological belief in a collective subconscious, a conscious universe, or a belief in God. Whatever "nesting doll" system you believe in (referring to different layers of influence) and however many layers there are is up to the individual. But there is an understanding that these outer layers connect and affect us.
What to Do with Belief
How do we work with these connections to the telescoping nesting dolls that influence us? We can use the communication of physical symbolism in an objective world to bridge the gap between subjective and objective realities, creating balance and manifesting belief.
Manifestations of Belief
What results from the relationship between the individual and outer nesting dolls? Manifestations arise from this interaction—occurrences outside the individual’s direct will, yet connected to the relationship.
The Work of Commitment
Commitment involves the conscious goals we diligently and persistently work toward—the active cultivation of our relationships, ideals, and aspirations. It shapes the interconnected fabric of ourselves, space, and time, and plays a key role in building and cultivating the material world.
The Manifestation of Commitment
The energy and investment we put into our commitments manifest in our relationships, work, communities, and the world around us. This return of energy is a reflection of our investment.
The Unifying Property of Time in the Subjective and Objective Machines
Picture the universe as two distinct machines: one subjective (belief) and the other objective (commitment). Our perspective serves as a bridge, working in conjunction with time. These two machines, though different, work on opposite sides of a paradigm, shaping and sculpting humanity through their influence.
The Dangers of Belief
Belief can be dangerous when willful actions are mistaken for symbolic manifestations. If not aligned with time and nesting dolls, these actions become destructive, even if we believe them to be constructive. A meaningful cultivation of symbols aligns our inner and outer nesting dolls, resulting in spontaneous manifestations, like a lotus blooming. Put down your crusades, your vests of dynamite, your guns—embrace meaning and light instead.
The Dangers of Commitment
Commitment, without action and cultivation, leads to apathy and the deconstructive nature of neglect. Empty symbolism and empty promises result from a purchased commitment lacking the work and critical thinking necessary to achieve its potential.
Conclusion
Struggling with uncertainty and doubt can lead to growth and grounding. By understanding the different calls for action—one symbolic (belief), the other a working investment (commitment)—we can align our nesting dolls and manifestations. Whatever you believe in, be it a collective, the Earth, the universe, or a God, we must both believe and commit within the framework of our perspective. Without this, we deny ourselves the navigation needed to map out our future and risk being chained to the pantomime of human pain and suffering instead of pursuing growth, balance, and achievement.
As we approach a decade where world events may become unrecognizable—through changes in war, ethics, technology, and climate—it’s more important than ever to remember our beliefs and commitments, and to remain focused on where we are headed. While we may deviate from our path, we must hold on to our destination, both as individuals and as a collective. We need to believe and commit to the future and our navigation towards it. Thank you for sharing in this perspective, and I hope you take away clarity of thought as you continue your journey. Cheers.