The Third Choice
A modern philosophical concept I want to familiarize yourself with is the third choice. I deem this a necessary precept in light of the compulsive choice that modern society presents itself to its inhabitants, citizens and classes. What is often represented as a choice is disguised as a compulsion , this is often the case when one option is repulsive ,objectionable or disagreeable as it may be.
Hence, the third choice in cases of compulsion requires hesitation, reflection , abstinence or simply put DOING NOTHING.
I would like to in this regard reflect on the upcoming and past elections in Russia and the United States. Are real choices being presented to the populace. Let’s reflect on the upcoming US elections. Is the Biden Trump upcoming debacle something that most people are really interesting in partaking in ? The third choice would be an independent candidate. Then, many of the best independent candidates are perhaps excluded by the financial and electoral system in place that makes it virtually impossible for a candidate of limited means to seek the Presidency. While there is one independent candidate RFK running, I question whether he is necessarily the choice for most as an independent candidate.
This has been true in vast amounts of parliamentary and presidential elections in Europe where good candidates for the people have been blocked by a political system requiring nomination from councils or sufficient funds etc Hence, the perception of a choice is merely a snippet of actually the real potential choices were these barriers and bureaucracy tricks removed.
Over Consumption
Consumption is an inherent trait of humans and animals ,whereas humans have developed this to more extreme levels than primitive creatures. Consumption for humans expands upon merely food,shelter ,mating but delves much into lust, power , control, acknowledgement , deprivation. The person is wise to be stoic as those who’s purpose is purely to maximise consumption breed discontent on the world and/or consume themselves internally and externally.Doing either one,or the other or both.
Principal 3
Taking the easy option is often the wrong option. What do you call a person who does the same thing twice and expects a different result ? Yes,.never repeat the same practice and never take the easy option.
The art of Reflecting/ Doing Nothing or Das Nichts Tun
Rhe modern philosopher Eric Fromm and the Great Buddha teachings come to light. The later involves a huge amount of self discipline and meditation.
Eric Fromm elaborates on the idea of ‘Das nights tun ‘ the idea of doing nothing in the eyes of the common man..
Lets agree here the deed of doing nothing is often the best thing man can do and is in fact the best choice in many situations in life. By doing nothing we reserve reaction,judgment and then the necessary need to correct ourselves.
The Utilitarian Society ( Your problem is my problem)
Many of the shortcomings of modern society despite the political differences from left winged to right winged societies lies within this principle. Most societies and people are misaligned and have the wrong basis in living believing someone else’s problem is not theirs and unique to that person and they will live unaffected in their bubble of existence. This is a fundamental flaw in many societies. By solving others people’problems we in fact create the society and world we would in fact prefer.
Societal intervention is necessary in modern society.Drug addiction,alcoholism, Anti-social behavior, obscenity can all be meaningfully reduced by positive State implementation and action.
Overthinking , Meditation,Avoid coming to a Conclusion
When you come to a conclusion you do so also in your brain and wiring in your brain that later is very hard to reverse, even when you are Wrong !!! The philosophical lesson is to avoid where necessary coming to a conclusion so as to avoid the brain wiring that will then effect. At least until sometime that your analysis and perception bear realistic detail to merit a judgment.
Approximately 90 percent of your thoughts should be blocked out in calm sense of clearing the mind to avoid stress, overthinking and waster of resources. Meditation might be your answer or other alternatives!
How to achieve to State of mental Clarity , calm and clearness.
With proper practice of not meditating on unnecessary thoughts ,you will find that this will eventually come naturally,where as initially you needed to make some effort !
If you are finding it hard to achieve this State, there are a number of ways to achieve it that I can share with you.
If you have access to a sauna, sitting in the sauna for a safe period of time will clear your mind just try it.You could change this for a steam room, an ice shower or swim in a cold water as an alternative.
If you don’t have access to a sauna, a cold plunge or cold shower will have the same effect.
Exercising at an uncomfortable intensity. By exercising at an uncomfortable intensity, your body and mind will have no choice to become completely absorbed in that event.
A mental activity that requires 100 percent of your attention. This could be a computer game or traditional board game. For me that would be Chess. You will lose complete awareness of other events if you are truly committed!
Rewiring your Brain
The process of living involves the creation of countless unnecessary brain wirings that sets you up for a pre-determined life-style, way of thinking and life. It is possible rewire your brain. This would allow you to change language, countries, move from a bad relationship or start a new career or hobby.
This may take some time but a important pre-condition is to first practice mind clearing techniques I described above.