The path to Tranquility (spring)
3. Personal consciousness determines collective wisdom
Consciousness is our perception and understanding of ourselves and our
surroundings. The level of individual consciousness determines the level of
collective wisdom. The level of consciousness reflects our level of sobriety,
and also represents our understanding of the meaning of existence, and our ability to master our own interests. When facing conflict, awareness
allows us to achieve the best outcome.
The individual is a part of the collective and the interests of the two are usually aligned, but sometimes conflict. When conflict arises, our reactions and actions should follow the consciousness. Conscious action is the least costly, because we will consider our own true interests.
In order to obtain greater benefits, we formed a collective. Therefore, collective demands on individuals must also be balanced against individual needs. If a collective in turn harms the interests of individuals, individuals will tend to leave the collective. Even though they are still physically part of the collective, they are emotionally distant.
However, we are also forced to adhere to collective norms. Not only are we collectively governed, but individual wishes are ignored. No matter how twisted our lives may be, we must meet the demands of the collective or we are not considered normal.
In a collective, the serious problem faced by individuals is the growing gap between their own needs and the requirements of the collective. If the collective safeguards individual interests, everyone will feel secure and proud. But when the collective has new demands and individual interests are ignored, everyone's heart will be full of contradictions, leading to many wrong decisions.
In fact, the individual is the foundation of the collective and the key to ensuring the stable development of the collective. Only those individuals with sufficient consciousness can connect into a strong core of consciousness. A network composed of independent and stable individuals is a collective with a soul. Otherwise, what is formed can only be an unconscious organization, which will ultimately harm the interests of each member.
A person may feel fear, pain, or joy, and these emotions reflect their state of consciousness. Therefore, a harmonious collective must always understand the individual's situation. Listen to everyone's voice, and support them in raising their consciousness. This is the essence of collective governance. If everyone can think clearly and use critical thinking to filter information, then the collective they form is a collective full of wisdom.
We need to view the relationship between individuals and collective as one of mutual support. This relationship must be based on equality and respect, and contain reasonable goals and guidelines for action. When everyone works towards a common goal, understands each other and cooperates effectively, our collective will be invincible.
2. Discovering something new every day
4. Loving each other is the common goal of life
