On Transcendence

Dear friend,

Today I'm exploring the human need for transcendence. I invite you to accompany me in this journey.

The need for transcendence lies in our desire to connect with something greater than ourselves.

This need may have evolved as an evolutionary adaptation, serving as a coping mechanism that helps humans deal with the uncertainty and fragility of life and existential threats by providing comfort and security through belief in something greater.

Is it the need for transcendence a divine legacy? It might be, but it also might be the result of our limitations.

If so, our need for transcendence brings us positive and negative outcomes.

Positive Outcomes

I.      We experience higher levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and subjective well-being.

II.    We feel good. We experience reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

III.  We feel it's our duty to help others. We participate positively in our society.

IV.  In the positive side, transcendence promotes social cohesion, cooperation and unity by fostering a shared sense of community and purpose. It also inspires creativity and innovation by driving us to push boundaries, and provides a framework for morality and ethics, guiding conduct and promoting social harmony.

These positive conclusions reinforce the idea that transcendence may have conferred humans an evolutionary advantage by enabling cooperation for the collective good.

Negative Outcomes

1.     You may become a dogmatic person.

2.     You may become a fanatic.

3.     You may become a runaway dreamer. You may disconnect from reality and neglect of responsibilities and relationships.

4.     You may tend to feel superior to the rest of us mortals.

5.     You may want to become a martyr. The desire to sacrifice oneself for a cause, which can be harmful to the individual and those around them. Your need for transcendence may make you strong, in a sense, but also vulnerable to cults and exploitation. The need for transcendence makes individuals susceptible to manipulation by charismatic figures promising shortcuts to enlightenment.

6.     You may neglect the physical world, physical health, relationships, and material responsibilities, potentially resulting in the neglect or abuse of others.

7.     You may develop unrealistic, unattainable expectations, which can lead to disappointment, disillusionment, and despair when they go unmet.

8.     You may decide to avoid social activities and silently accept everything, which halts your critical thinking, creativity, and progress.

9.     You may develop an overemphasis on individualism, prioritizing your own pursuit over collectivism, leading to a neglect of your social responsibility and the collective well-being.

We could mitigate these negative consequences on our transcendental journey by promoting critical thinking, empathy, and a better understanding of the human condition.

I would love to read your comments and then your thoughts on this so thought-provoking subject.