Tag Archives: Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature

The Bitter Truths About Human Nature We Must Know

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Photo by Nina Uhlikova

We humans like to think of ourselves as noble creatures striving toward progress and enlightenment.

We build cities that scrape the clouds, invent machines that mimic our minds, and paint portraits of a future bathed in romantic light. Yet, beneath the gleaming surface of civilization lurks a darker truth, a set of realities about human nature that sting like salt rubbed into a wound. 

In Chet Shupe’s book on uncovering human nature, insights, and literature, Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature, he delves into the intricacies of human behavior caused by civilization’s destruction of happiness. The book offers profound insights that resonate with the bitter truths we will explore. 

Moving on, let’s peel back the layers of our existence and confront the bitter truths that make us who we are.

Self-Interest Wins, Often

Despite appearances of kindness and teamwork, a basic instinct for self-survival quietly influences us. The idea of the “tragedy of the commons” isn’t just a theory; we see it in action every day, like using up Earth’s resources or focusing on personal gain rather than the common good.

While some people do selfless things, they’re often rare, like flickering candles in a big cave of self-interest.

We are Biased Beasts

Our brains have built-in shortcuts, called heuristics, to help us make quick decisions. However, these shortcuts can often lead us in the wrong direction. Confirmation bias is one such tendency, subtly favoring information that aligns with our beliefs while ignoring conflicting evidence.

We often get trapped by the sunk cost fallacy, holding onto failing pursuits simply because we’ve invested time or resources in them. Tribalism simplifies the world into clear-cut divisions, casting “us” as the virtuous heroes and “them” as the villainous outsiders.

While these biases may be hard to accept, they are deeply embedded in how our minds naturally operate.

Envy’s Green Glare

We may preach about contentment, but beneath the surface, a venomous serpent coils – envy. We often feel unhappy when others have something we don’t—a neighbor’s new car, a colleague’s promotion, a friend’s happy relationship.

Constantly comparing ourselves steals our joy and replaces it with bitterness and resentment. This envy might be a leftover instinct from our past, where competition for resources and mates was crucial for survival.

Power’s Corrosive Touch

Give someone a bit of control, and you’ll see them change. They might become arrogant instead of humble, indifferent instead of caring. Power is like a strong potion – it can make people lose touch with reality and feel they deserve special treatment.

Throughout history, there are many examples of good leaders becoming cruel tyrants, showing how power can really mess with people’s behavior.

The Paradox of Mortality

In our journey, we strive and dream amidst the shadow of our impermanence. The awareness of our mortality can be a bitter brew, causing existential dread and a search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless universe.

However, this awareness can also be the spark that ignites our passion, urging us to make the most of our fleeting existence. 

Mortality may also destroy human happiness, just like civilization does, as explained in Chet Shupe’s book on uncovering human nature, insights, and literature, Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature. 

But Wait, There’s Hope! 

These bitter truths, while uncomfortable, are not pronouncements of doom. Recognizing our darker tendencies is the first step towards transcending them. Embrace the reality of the human journey—it’s not a fairy tale but a trek through challenges. By acknowledging these bitter truths, we discover our resilience and the potential for greatness.

If you’re intrigued by this exploration, Chet Shupe’s book on 0uncovering human nature, insights, and literature, Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature, is a must-read. Also, check out our blog about humanity’s desire for growth to delve more into human nature. 

The Uniqueness of Human Consciousness: A Window into Our Humanity

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The human consciousness looking out at the window.

Photo by Norbert Kundrak on Unsplash

With all our complexities and flaws, human consciousness is still a fascinating work in progress worth looking into. 

Human consciousness is deeply entwined with the creation and transmission of culture. We develop symbolic systems, such as religion, mythology, and cultural practices, to make sense of our world and give meaning to our lives. Moreover, these systems vary across cultures and provide unique windows into the diversity of human consciousness.

The uniqueness of human consciousness is a topic of great philosophical, scientific, and cultural interest. It is a complex and multifaceted subject that encompasses questions about the nature of consciousness, its origins, and what it means for us as individuals and as a species.

Discussing human consciousness’s significance may raise lots of doubt and curiosity. Moreover, you can learn more about it in the book “Spiritual Freedom Press” by Chet Shupe. Rediscovering the wisdom of human nature is a lifelong journey, and readers will learn how human nature affects the flow of civilization over time. 

A Window to The Bigger Picture of Life

Throughout history, human consciousness has given rise to cultural narratives, myths, and stories that reflect a society’s understanding of life’s bigger picture. Moreover, these narratives often incorporate moral, ethical, and existential themes that help individuals and communities make sense of the world and their role within it.

Let’s look at the critical points of how our consciousness opens a window to our lives:

Self-Awareness

One of the hallmarks of human consciousness is self-awareness. Humans can reflect on their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, leading to a deep sense of self. Moreover, this self-awareness allows us to contemplate our existence, make moral and ethical judgments, and set goals for the future. Self-awareness is closely linked to empathy, as understanding our own emotions and experiences can lead to a greater capacity to understand and empathize with the feelings of others. Furthermore, this is essential for building meaningful relationships and fostering compassion.

Language and Communication

Human consciousness is intimately tied to our ability to communicate complex language. Language allows us to express our thoughts, share our experiences, and convey abstract ideas. Furthermore, it also enables us to engage in storytelling, a fundamental way we make sense of the world and our place in it.

Abstract Thinking of the Human Consciousness

Humans have the capacity for abstract thinking, which means we can contemplate concepts that are not tied to concrete, physical objects. This ability underpins our mathematics, philosophy, art, and science capacity. Moreover, we can ponder questions about the nature of reality, the meaning of life, and the existence of abstract entities like numbers and concepts.

Imagination and Creativity

Human consciousness is marked by the ability to imagine and create. Moreover, we can envision alternate realities, generate new ideas, and produce art, literature, music, and technology. Our ability to innovate and create is closely linked to our unique form of consciousness. Additionally, human imagination has contributed to our ability to adapt and thrive in various environments. It has led to the development of tools, shelter, and social structures that enhance our survival and quality of life.

Emotions and Empathy by Human Consciousness

Humans experience many emotions, from joy and love to sadness and anger. Our consciousness allows us not only to feel these emotions but also to understand and empathize with the feelings of others. This capacity for empathy and emotional connection plays a crucial role in our social interactions and relationships.

Morality and Ethics

Human consciousness enables us to contemplate questions of right and wrong, leading to the development of moral and ethical systems. We can engage in moral reasoning, make ethical decisions, and hold ourselves and others accountable for our actions. Furthermore, humans’ sense of morality and consciousness also led to establishing social constructs that align with ethics.

Cultural and Symbolic Systems Influencing the Human Consciousness

Human consciousness is deeply entwined with the creation and transmission of culture. We develop symbolic systems, such as religion, mythology, and cultural practices, to make sense of our world and give meaning to our lives. Moreover, these systems vary across cultures and provide unique windows into the diversity of human consciousness.

Future Orientation

Human consciousness is future-oriented. We can plan for the future, set goals, and work towards them. This future orientation has led to the development of complex societies, technology, and the ability to shape our environment. Additionally, the future is inherently uncertain, and our consciousness allows us to grapple with this uncertainty. We make predictions, plan for contingencies, and adapt to changing circumstances, products of our future-oriented thinking.

Final Thoughts

The uniqueness of human consciousness is characterized by self-awareness, language, abstract thinking, imagination, emotions, morality, culture, and a forward-looking perspective. These aspects of consciousness are interconnected and define our humanity. Moreover, they allow us to explore, understand, and shape the world around us. They provide a window into the rich tapestry of human experience and existence. Therefore, understanding the uniqueness of human consciousness continues to be a profound and ongoing quest for philosophy and science.

Finding Spiritual Freedom Amid the Chaos of Civilization

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Photo by Ron Lach

In the chaos of modern civilization, finding the truth can be difficult. That’s why the Spiritual Freedom Press suggests introspection and contemplation.

The world is in chaos. 

To deny that there is pervasive chaos spreading in modern civilization is to deny what can be seen with the eyes and felt with the mind. There are irrevocable troubles within society that stem from the fact that humans have largely cut off their links with the natural world and have begun to reject their innate attributes and roles within the interconnected and interlocking system that is nature. 

Amid the Chaos of Civilization

It is easy to forget all of that with the speed of overpopulation and the intertwining of daily life and technology that can be accessed at the fingertips. Whether it’s the constant cacophony and the rigid traffic of the urban cityscape or the eerie quiet and the listlessness of the rural areas, the whole of humanity is now caught in the grip of the ease and comfort of technology, the endless stream of content and the entire sum of human knowledge that keeps on bombarding every mind from every angle. 

Amid daily routines, relentless overstimulation, and distractions, the obligations of living within the society, achieving spiritual freedom becomes ever more important and crucial to begin the cause of living a fulfilling and meaningful life. For almost everyone, it is becoming more and more difficult to find a sense of peace and place amidst all the chaos. One cannot help but ask themselves if there is still a space for calm. 

Yet, while this is all true and might sound depressing, there are still moments of beauty and connection that are hidden in plain sight or in deliberate softness if you are only willing to go out and look for them. 

There is a state of being out there and within yourself that you can tap into to become free—free from the constraints of ego and the isolation of society and begin to connect with that which is greater than yourself and everything.

Finding Spiritual Freedom

Spiritual freedom can be attained if one searches hard and long enough, but to help you on your way and to better prepare yourself, The Spiritual Freedom Press has prepared this list of daily actions you can do to find spiritual freedom:

  1. Cultivating Mindfulness. Mindfulness is the deliberate practice of being fully aware of the moment and being present in the events that happen around you. When people align their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations with the things that are happening around them, they achieve a semblance of spiritual freedom. This is because mindfulness helps individuals ease themselves into letting go of their arbitrary attachments with the past and future. A mindful person is one who focuses heavily on the present during meditation. Try to find a quiet place to relax, close your eyes and attempt to spread your consciousness over your surroundings. Focus on your breath, and when your mind has wandered far enough, softly take back your breath. Through constant meditation, you will learn how to stay only in the present and not be distracted by superfluous things.
  2. Practicing Gratitude. Gratitude is the practice of eliminating distraction and compelling your mind to hone in on only the positives of life and, consequently, expressing a deep appreciation for them both in your mind and in the physical world, either through thanks or whatnot. Spiritual freedom is anchored on the acknowledgment that there is a subtle karmic connection between everything, which helps individuals focus more on what can be improved than what can be acquired. Take a few minutes every day to be reflective on what good things have happened or what good things can be gained. Jot them all down in a journal, if possible, or take a mental note. It can be quite surprising to learn what makes you actually happy rather than what you think makes you happy.
  3. Practicing Gratitude. Gratitude is the practice of eliminating distraction and compelling your mind to hone in on only the positives of life and, consequently, expressing a deep appreciation for them both in your mind and in the physical world, either through thanks or whatnot. Spiritual freedom is anchored on the acknowledgment that there is a subtle karmic connection between everything, which helps individuals focus more on what can be improved than what can be acquired. Take a few minutes every day to be reflective on what good things have happened or what good things can be gained. Jot them all down in a journal, if possible, or take a mental note. It can be quite surprising to learn what makes you actually happy rather than what you think makes you happy.

For a better understanding of rediscovering human wisdom in this chaotic world, learn more about author Chet Shupe’s class on that very subject. 

The Complexities of Humanity’s Desire for Growth

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Photo by Timon Studler on Unsplash

Where does humanity’s desire indeed lie? With how society is progressing, have humans attained what they need for satisfaction? Or have they veered far from true happiness?

The world is immensely different now than how it was, say, five or ten years ago. Society has continuously sought and achieved developments, working to advance technologies and communities in hopes of easing and improving people’s lives. But if one stops to look around, even just a moment, are lives significantly better? Or have people desired to achieve more than they can handle, biting off more than they can chew?

Regarding the discussion of humanity’s desire, nothing comes before happiness. It’s the pinnacle of human needs, which they constantly aim to appease and look for in every endeavor. Whatever they do, they hope the result gives them happiness and contentment. However, the longer they seek it, the more they get confused about what genuinely provides it. This happiness gets lost in translation, blurred by the numerous opportunities and resources provided by society.

 

The Happiness Encompassing Humanity’s Desire

In the book by Chet Shupe entitled Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness, the author established that humanity’s desire for survival has always been connected with happiness. Humans don’t only need to survive; they must also find happiness. However, humans have mistakenly sought this in knowledge, mistaking satisfaction for happiness.

They believe that happiness is found in the success of their developments and technology, that they’re happier when buildings become taller machinery eases work, or when the latest gadgets drop one after the other. However, Chet Shupe defines this as a misconception, believing none convey the true definition of happiness. This might as well be a satisfaction to see the result of people’s hard work, but it’s not genuine happiness.

Throughout this journey of constantly developing and advancing as a civilization, people have forgone to fulfill humanity’s desire. Instead, they’ve repressed how they genuinely feel in exchange for this false sense of survival and happiness.

It’s no question that technology has made lives better. Things have become easier to handle and more accessible due to the continuous advancements in society. Technology has made resources accessible to people from all walks of life. But in doing so, they might have overlooked that development is making life progressively faster, forcing people to juggle tasks and peace. Although technology has inexplicably improved society, it has made people forget what truly matters.

 

It’s Not in Knowledge That People Thrive in Happiness

These developments brought about by accumulated knowledge may have helped people secure material needs. But it doesn’t fulfill what they genuinely want. Regardless of how efficient life has become because of machines and technology, it won’t be half as fulfilling without connection.

Humans are social beings. It’s in humanity’s desire, their emotional heritage, to seek comfort and contentment in emotional connections. They may be blinded in feeling satisfaction through societal developments. But they will only achieve genuine happiness through deep emotional intimacy. Material developments and abundance might have aided their survival, but connection and intimate interaction with each other lead them to survival and happiness.

This connection would be easy to satisfy if people don’t have other needs. However, civilization and its laws enclose people’s decisions, reshaping what people should enjoy.

In today’s civilization, happiness occupies the lowest bar for humanity’s desire. With the need for success, landing high-paying careers is typically prioritized regardless of whether they provide happiness. Instead of seeking fulfillment in emotional connection, they’re left to find gratification elsewhere. This is where accumulating knowledge and the satisfaction derived from continuous societal development come in.

Although they don’t provide genuine happiness, people constantly seek them out because, for the very least, they’re a stand-in for the connection they can’t proactively seek.

 

Love and Happiness in the Wrong Places

This misplaced humanity’s desire for advanced knowledge doesn’t contribute to what truly matters. People shouldn’t seek progress but rather real contentment through happiness and experiencing love. The more they believe that happiness can be found in this progressiveness, the more humanity’s desire becomes insatiable, always seeking more.

People’s growing love for knowledge has made them less after true wisdom, which would make their lives flourish more. Instead of development and progression, love and experience are the primary elements to help achieve balance and harmony in the world. They’re what people need to survive longer and live happier lives. People aren’t drowning because of a lack of resources but because they’re spending their energy and time on the wrong priorities. Humans didn’t evolve because of civilization. They grew because of the community and connection they’ve built with each other.

Book Feature: Chet Shupe On The Wisdom Of Human Nature

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Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi

Did humanity make a colossal mistake when it decided to evolve from how it once was? Chet Shupe takes on how human nature has changed and developed over time in his book “Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature.”

No one can pinpoint the exact turnaround that led to humanity’s road to evolution. From primitive beings who only lived by instinct and discovered the simple joys of igniting a fire for the first time. Old folks would say, “Life was way simpler back then.”

What would life be like if humans had not created and imposed the intricacies of communication called language? How would we go on about our day if we weren’t required to be functional members of society, working our backs off capitalism?

Chet Shupe’s book emphasizes living in the present, erasing all traces of anxiety. The book also describes how language changed everything and manifested into a monotonous lifestyle we cannot escape.

The price of evolution

As history depicted, early primitive humans didn’t have specific rules and systems to follow. They go along with whatever life in nature has to offer. Food and shelter were the only basic needs that even we modern-day people prioritize.

There needs to be proof of when the interest in the future began. Still, after humans gained knowledge and used it to their advantage, that’s where civilization rose at the cost of blood and several other tragedies.

Human transformation collectively manifested in several ways – from the carvings of cave dwellers to the early civilization in Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. These civilizations became a catastrophe to the once carefree way of life, creating law and order. Along with that concept comes the price of disregarding such rules, such as the concept of “punishment.”

Literature and language were gifts that enabled man to walk the Earth and become intellectually superior to all other creations of the Earth. However, it came with various negative attributes like exploitation and greed. Those things led humanity into a series of disasters, whether natural, economic, or psychosocial.

How humans led themselves to the road of worry

Ever since man learned to read and write, we’ve had an unpleasant relationship with the future as we tend to look down on people who don’t have a clear and decided lot; and people who choose to live in the moment are often viewed with disdain.

The idea of not being able to plan for what’s to come and not guaranteeing tomorrow became one of the worst fears known to humans.

Untangling the thread of worrying about the future

It will take a lifetime for some people to unlearn the rigid structures set by society. The abilities we gained after being gifted with language may have given us ways to safeguard ourselves for the long term.

However, that’s not what we were primarily designed to live. Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature by Chet Shupe shows us how the rise of civilization over time destroys happiness. It delves deep into detail about how the covert idea of future stability and security makes life lose all its meaning.

With progress came destruction, and it doesn’t have to pertain to the inevitable “end of the world .” It can mean the constant weight of anxiety, loneliness, and desperation. These things can make people search for endless ways to be happy.

The human evolution from learning the basics of language may have increased our capacity to do many things. At the same time, it degraded our emotional intelligence and ability to have empathy. Living in the moment induces anxiety for many of us since we were groomed to think that if we don’t prepare now, we’ll be sorry later.

Chet Shupe: author and whistle-blower

Chet Shupe, out of the urgency to look into people’s connection and true nature, was born out of unity. The author goes on a journey to rediscover the wisdom of beauty and the knowledge of humanity. After suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder, Shupe lived a life of hardship and went through treatments.

Despite what happened to him, Chet Shupe thought that life made sense somehow. Due to his extraordinary experience, he began writing about medical treatments for the brain. Chet Shupe realized while writing about brain dysfunction, and he discovered that there’s also a long-running cultural dysfunction.

As a result, he tackled the intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial aspects of how humans used their intelligence to their advantage, but at the expense of simple joys. The constant pursuit of happiness became the author’s main objective in this book.