Have you ever read a book and automatically thought that the words on those pages were an answer, or the answer that you were looking for? Have you ever read a book and said, “Yes! I finally understand what this all means. I finally understand life, and I must dedicated myself to this mystic/guru/spiritual teacher/person who wrote these words!” I did. I read tons of books over Summer 2010, and I thought that I had found all of the answers that I was looking for. I read a little bit about life here, and little bit there, and I thought that I had all of the answers I needed. But what I really had was a pile of words and the ideas of others. I made a bunch of youtube videos–which received a lot of great comments–but I now realize that I was just regurgitating the things that I had read.
Upon realizing this, I began to speak and think with my own words. I also realized that the truth/ a sense of “enlightenment”/ waking up/ or whatever the fuck you want to call it, has to come from within. It must to come from within. That is the only way you can truly know whatever it is you are seeking. While books, and the words of these men and women, are amazing, they can only serve as a point in the right direction. Only you can truly get to wherever you are going, and this is achievable through experiencing life.
It’s as if people are receiving vicarious “enlightenment” through reading and studying the words of these people. But the absolute truth of it all, is that it all comes down to you. I write and make youtube videos in order to show the things that I have experienced, which may allow others to experience their own form of realizing whatever it is they are searching for. But I can’t experience life for you. Take a leap.
Wow, haven’t been on here in a while, glad to see your still sharing refreshing thoughts such as this one! Unfortunately, I am going to be boring and agree, though I think you perhaps underestimate how far-reaching the detrimental impacts of subscribing to someone else’s truth can be. So many influential powerful academics, political, and spirtual leaders today simply regurgitate or attempt to recycle the visions and paradigms of revolutionary thinkers (for example, those who consider themselves to be a Marxist or those who consider themselves to be a capitalist and egotist in line with Ayn Rand’s thinking). While it’s important to be aware of all of these brilliant schools of thought, you will never fully understand or appreciate these ideas until, as you say, you find it for yourself. By completely aligning yourself with the visions of another, you not only miss out on fully experiencing the beauty of discovery in life, but run the risk of becoming close-minded and contributing to ignorance.
Well said Cynthia!
Hi Matt!!
It’s been a while since I have been here as well!! I’m glad I recieved your email today!
I envy you & your travels (a good envy, not oooohhhhh how not fair HE gets to travel) & am happy for you!! I wish I was in NYC so we could talk & talk for hours!
I appreciate your thirst for Life! It’s refreshing-and so honest.
Having to experience to learn can be absolutely incredible! Being able ‘to do’ instead of just talk, speaks volumes! It can also be hurtful & devastating.
I will explain more in my First Hard Fluff writing!
Thank you Matt-if you ever make it out to California, holler!!!
Debbie