Examine Reality

Upon my study of network structures, pertaining to the way they underlay the modern world, I started to think of myself much more in the way I relate to others. Because the web of information available is so vast, we organize more efficiently by understanding relationships between things. Who is X? X is friends with Y, Y is Z's brother, etc. We see ourselves as a collection of characteristics and experiences, while others view us more under the lens of connections, i.e. as a single node in the greater network (shown below).

I feel like people generally have a pretty solid grasp on the importance of connecting with people but tend to have a more difficult time understanding the importance of building relationships with concepts. When I say concepts, its natural to think of metaphysical abstractions etc. An example being Christians building their relationship with Jesus, etc. This is the exact opposite of what I am referring to. Hence the title, I am actually talking about building a strong relationship with the concept of reality.

Let's cut to the chase, we live in a very complex world. The more you learn about natural laws, the more you realize how far we have strayed from them. People lie, scheme, and use ambiguous language to push their metaphysical subjectivities. Outside of those intrenched in hard sciences, you would be hard pressed to find someone with a good relationship with 'reality' in the fully objective sense. Pre-science human history was dictated by subjectively framed opinions and theories. I see witchcraft, horoscopes, religion, etc. to be the byproduct of this model. Though there may be some value found in these metaphysical concepts, more recent developments have been far more productive.

The issue is, we rely on systems. Think about how far we would make it without systems like mathematics, science, and language. Point being, humans are not intrinsically intelligent, and the only way we bring new value is by understanding and leveraging the systems of knowledge that proceeded us. This takes work. Progress rarely happens in a vacuum. The whole goal of education is to familiarize yourself with past knowledge so that you are prepared with the tools to contribute. The educational system, however, is more oriented around ideological socialization than imparting concrete knowledge. Stupidity is only found in subjectivity.

The only thing that has ever pulled people from their inherent stupidity is through the systems built around providing objective ways to view the world. The further we get away from the ones and zeroes, the more freedom you give people to be stupid. "You can macro bullshit, but you can't micro bullshit." This is why we generally see less intelligent people gravitate away from reality, and towards emotional vices like TV shows, politics, and drugs. These things may have their place in society, but are not oriented around progress.

If we want to optimize the productive capability of our daily lives, we should look to ground ourselves firmly in an objective worldview. We all have delusional tendencies. I almost feel as if it is considered 'normal' to be slightly delusional or manic. If you don't buy into the rampant, metaphysical stimulus around you, you might be considered crazy. Most people prefer to believe the carefully constructed narrative put in place that has daftly assigned meaning to everything. Naturally, I would ask myself what physical referent I can assign to an abstract word like 'meaning,' but there is none. Same goes for other ambiguous words like love, honor, beauty, right, wrong, etc. We have created the system of philosophy to provide solutions to this nonexistent problem.

By objectively considering the reality of the situation we are in, people often become extremely uncomfortable or nihilistic. But I encourage you to find comfort in taking the red pill. You can only deny natural laws for so long. Though people claim to have answers, the question persists unless proven. If I insist that the earth is flat, I will be living a life of delusion and avoidance until one day I sail off the edge. I know it sounds glib, but same goes for religion. Just because we don't have answers to life's deepest abstract questions, doesn't mean we should settle for unsubstantiated theories. It would be nonsensical to follow a system that pushes things like faith, which pretty much means blind belief without evidence.

If you want a life of true comfort and purpose, start by forming a deep bond with an objective reality. Because delusion is what keeps people in their comfort zone. If I truly want something in life, I'm not going to trick myself into getting it. I can't eat fast food everyday, and become healthy just because I am delusional enough to believe I deserve it. Start by objectively assessing your archetype, and orienting your habits around the goal you wish to pursue. The more ruthlessly honest you are with yourself, the more quickly you will be able to find your way. It will be uncomfortable letting go of your past behaviors, but unless grounded in strong reason, they only serve to delude you.

"The unexamined life is not worth living"

"If God does not exist, it would be necessary to invent him"

"Intuition can often see through elusive intent"

"What's the point if it was all a lie?"