The Undead and the Examination of Life
Updated: Mar 6
(The Undead Metaphor's Directory: https://www.philosocom.com/post/a-new-type-of-undead-and-my-background-story)
Life is worth examining only for those who are strong enough to deal with heartbreaking insights, which in turn figuratively kill you and leave you undead.
You see, illusions are very fun, because they add meaning to our lives. What are illusions? Illusions are the projections of our consciousness, but they are not real. This is why they are illusions and not something physically concrete. When we are able to distinguish between reality and illusions, we have the potential to discover how much of what we see as truth is actually false and deceptive.
Ambitions, personalities, social constructs, religions, success, meaning - all of these concepts, which tend to be highly valued, are nothing more than the creation of our consciousness, whether in singular or plural form.
When you discover how much of a lie you live in, i.e., when you examine your life, you may begin to see how much of it is fruitless. Then, this examination of life, when consciously realized with optimal attention, does the exact opposite; it doesn't make your life worthwhile, but it does make it seem less important than you thought it was. Whether you are a janitor or a leader of a country, most of our "reality" is just socially-accepted illusions, masquerading as "real."
Philosophical inquiry can be a harrowing experience. It can lead to a loss of faith in many of the things that we take for granted, such as the meaning of life, the value of happiness, and the importance of rituals and ceremonies. It can also lead to a sense of isolation and alienation, as we realize that we are the only ones who are truly aware of the meaninglessness of existence.
This experience can be liberating, as it allows us to see the world through new eyes and to appreciate the beauty of the simple things in life. However, it can also be terrifying, as it forces us to confront our own mortality and the ultimate meaninglessness of everything.
Ultimately, whether or not we choose to engage in philosophical inquiry is a personal decision. There is no right or wrong answer. However, it is important to be aware of the potential consequences of such an inquiry before we embark on it.
If you are considering engaging in philosophical inquiry, it is important to do so with caution. Be prepared for the possibility that you may lose your faith in many of the things that you hold dear. Be prepared for the possibility that you may feel isolated and alienated. And be prepared for the possibility that you may never be able to look at the world the same way again.
If you are not strong enough to handle the potential consequences of philosophical inquiry, then it is best to turn back to the comforting and time-murdering distractions of the mainstream lifestyle. There is no shame in doing so.
