Growth Online > Knowledge Base > Personal/Spiritual Growth > Social Influence Social Influence on the Individual (Inner-Directedness, etc.)   Introduction to Page The True Psychological and Spiritual Individual Pioneering Individuals Personal Growth through Social Interaction Social Supports | Miscellaneous     INTRODUCTION TO PAGE (top)   In this section of the Growth Online Knowledge Base, we present our original thoughts, as well as links to our original articles on the Personal Growth topic of "Social Influence on the Individual." (If you wish, you can see our other Personal Growth categories.)   THE TRUE PSYCHOLOGICAL & SPIRITUAL INDIVIDUAL (top)   The True Psychological Individual | The True Spiritual Individual   The True Psychological Individual (topic)   Becoming True Individuals We become true individuals socially only when our social values and actions are determined by our own distinctive judgment and values. When we look around us and at ourselves, we find that nearly all we say and do is in conformity with the beliefs and behavior of other members of our family, community or nation. The clothes we wear, the food we like, our habits, our choice of education and career, the way we greet friends or strangers, our codes of conduct, our judgments of other people, our sense of superiority or inferiority to others which depends on their relative wealth, class, education or caste – all these indicate that we are not distinct social individuals in the true sense. We compensate, of course, in many ways to convince ourselves and others of our uniqueness by affirming our favorite food, colour, dress, author, singer, actor, sportsman, etc. But these are only skin deep appearances. Individuality is not a surface difference. It is born and emerges from deep within us. (MSS)   Directing Our Lives from Our Own, No the Social Conception To evolve is to move away from the influence of the society around us, including taking our cues from it, and instead direct our lives from within ourselves, from our own self-conception. Sometimes this as known as being "inner-directed" rather than "outer-directed." Inner-directed people have a far greater scope for achievement in life. Ironically, such an individual is more likely catch the new emerging will of society. Social vs. Individual Character, and Accomplishment Social Character -- One person may fit in well within the social conventions of the time; another may not. If the person who fits in well with the social conventions has the skills, knowledge, energy, organization, attitudes, values, and aspirations in life, he can accomplish fully within the constraints of the social environment in which he partakes. We can say that this individual has a developed social character. He is one with the social aspirations, goals, rules, functionings, etc. of the social institution he partakes in. (Whether he makes full use of this environment is a separate issue.) Assuming the society around him allows for it, a person with social character can establish his own business, raise a family, and accomplish a substantial work in the society. On the other hand, if an individual with social character also has a noble or weighty character, he may even be able to accomplish to the level of becoming a philanthropist or a CEO.  Individual Character -- On the other hand, the individual who has developed individual character has the potential to accomplish at a far greater level. This person thinks for himself (i.e. "beyond the box"), which in turn opens far greater vistas, and a greater scope for accomplishment, achievement, and success. That's not to say that he rejects the society he is a part of. On the contrary, he has fully absorbed and assimilated the present social environment and its conventions and ideas. The difference is that he has taken these a step further by personalizing, individualizing them with his own values, attitudes, and energies. An example of this would be Steve Jobs when he first developed Apple. There his desire to make a computer that people were not afraid of or intimidated by to use, was something that went beyond conventional wisdom. Other examples are Fred Smith, founder of Federal Express, and Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon. The person with individual character rises to the level of his personal ideals and values; values such as being flexible, open-minded, and resourceful; demonstrating character that might not normally be associated with society or the social institutions in which he partakes.  Social vs. Individual Character's Ability to Accomplish Those who have social character can accomplish fully within the norms and constraints of society. Those who have individual character think beyond the norms of society and develop infinite potential for accomplishment. Untitled Ignore the society; function from your own self-conception. Slave to Social Convention Too many people are slaves to the outer social environment and its mores; doing what is expected; or going through life living out a thoughtless, routine, follow-the leader, somehow animal-like existence. Psychological Efficiency is To See the Outer from Within Not to be determined by the outer circumstances but being able to determine them from inside is a measure of psychological efficiency, which is far superior to social effectiveness. (MSS) The True Psychological Individual The true psychological individual not only has the courage to look within and to change himself, but he has the capacity to completely think for himself, not being influenced by the social herd. The Adventure of Spirit in Life To go against the falsehood that lies in the family, to stand aloof from the falsehood inherent in society, and to overcome the falsehood that is surely there in ourselves, is the adventure of the seeking of Truth, i.e. of Spirit in life.  (Paraphrase of MSS) The True Individual -No two individuals carry the same fingerprint; the response to any situation is not the same for any two individuals. Each man is unique in what he is. The personality of the individual is Individuality. In less developed societies, men have more of the common character. In advanced cultures, individuality is better formed. Nothing achieves as Individuality. -The Individual achieves most, his very best, when he breaks out of the group. -Individuality is fostered and nourished by self-confidence, self-esteem, self-respect, self-awareness, privacy, independence, self-reliance, etc. What emerges in the Individual is the Spirit of the person or the Spirit of the capacity of the person. -In the best sense, the concept of Individuality means exclusive concentration of a person on himself so that his endowments will reach an acme. (MSS) Several Criteria for Becoming a True Psychological Individual Here are several social-related criteria by which one can evaluate one's self in being a true psychological individual:   1. An individual thinks for himself and forms his own opinions of every social and national issue. He accepts an idea because he understands it to be right, not because it is spoken or endorsed by socially-important people or generally believed by others. 2. An individual decides what is right on the strength of his own mental judgment, not on the basis of what others think and say, and he does what he knows to be right, not what others do or approve. 3. An individual relies on himself rather than expecting others to support him and accepts from others only what is due to him. 4. An individual judges himself in terms of what he knows himself to be as a human being, not on the basis of his wealth, occupation, status or what others say or think of him. 5. An individual respects the individuality of those who disagree with him. When others criticize him, an individual takes it as the other person’s personal opinion and impartially evaluates the truth of the criticism, rather than taking it as an abuse that evokes his anger, defensiveness or resentment. Becoming an individual is the highest human achievement short of spiritual realization, the most direct path to highest accomplishment in life. (MSS, slightly altered)     Darcy's Change to a Psychological Individual in Pride and Prejudice While the story is rich with insights into life and human nature, the most striking theme is the subconscious transformation of Darcy from a social character into a psychological individual. Darcy makes a progress in consciousness at the psychological level akin to that achieved in yoga at the spiritual level. He renounces the false or artificial sense of self-importance he derives from his social position and seeks to become a true, generous and self-giving person worthy of Elizabeth’s personal admiration. He  gives up social values in favor of human values. Darcy becomes a true psychological individual in the sense that he no longer relies or depends on society to define what is good or reputable. He not only changes his behavior, giving up that which was offensive to Elizabeth, but goes to the other extreme of completely reversing it by embracing that which was previously repulsive to him. So real and great is his change of consciousness, that he acquires the magnanimity to accept a vulgar Mrs. Bennet, a wanton Lydia and a rogue Wickham as his own relatives and refuses to acknowledge, even to himself, their past sins or present unworthiness.   Darcy’s individual transformation becomes a catalyst for social evolution in England. By his own life and actions, he bridges the gap between the classes that was bridged only by the guillotine in revolutionary France. He is a representative pioneer whose actions usher in a future of greater freedom and equality for his countrymen. (MSS)   The Emergence of the True Individual Beyond the Collective Mass -Mankind is a collective mass. Its first step of progress is the emergence of the Individual. -Martin Luther was a symbol of the individual soul awakening. [Man threw off the tyranny of the church and kings.] -Democracy is the institution that symbolized that awakening in politics. -It's further expression is the rational Individual in public affairs. -Its height is the Spiritual Individual coming into his own and becoming the leading light in the world. The twenty first century has this mission. -Today, in any field, including science, the voice of the Individual is not heard. The reputed members, the presiding organizations, are the deciding factor today, i.e. society is still a collective entity, not yet an individual phenomenon. The IDEA has not gained importance on its own. -The Spiritual Individual, having discovered himself, goes on to discover the universe. [his universal self through his spiritual self. (MSS extracts; with our comments)   Man Should Realize His Own Value as a Psychological and Spiritual Individual Man does not see the VALUE is his, his own. To whomsoever he gives that value, his value rises. Coming nearer home, it is MAN who is the unit of the society. The value of the society today is the value each individual gives to the society. In reality, society looms large in his imagination and is oppressively sitting on his psychological life. It is time Man realises his value, his value to the society, comes into his own, becomes an Individual, and sheds the artificial value he has for the society. Should Man discover himself as a Spiritual Individual, he must first discover himself as a Psychological Individual who can act on his own. To do that, he must overcome the phobia of the society which haunts him as a dark shadow. It is Man the individual, the pioneer, who should lead the society, not the society the individual. For anyone to make it in social life, to make a mark, this inversion is essential. (MSS) The True and the Spiritually True Individual Recently the state of California bet on the future of stem cell research in the United States, while most other states hedged their bets for what they considered moral and other considerations. California looked out into the world of possibilities and perceived that this new technology had great promise. Most others were unwilling to make the commitment for a variety of reasons. Rather than listen to the herd (of states), California thought the issue through and made the decision to move forward. As she has done countless times in the past, California thought for itself, rather than follow the pack. As a result, infinite benefit has followed for her and the world in a plethora of domains of life -- including environmentalism, the personal computer, the Internet, biotechnology, the human potential movement, and many others. The 21st century has been marked as the era of the True Individual – i.e. the age where people truly begin to think for themselves. This Individual is no rebel, taking to his own position simply to part with the herd, but is rational and balanced; open to and perceiving the myriad sides of any issue. As a result, that person takes to truth-filled decisions and actions that tend to attract positive outcomes. By making rational decisions based on the multiplicity of truths -- rather than guarding a single truth related to that issue -- that person is far more likely to have an array of facts and insights at his disposal that enable him to rise to the heights, show a particular genius in a field, or be creative in ways unknown in that field.  Whereas the 20th century saw the emergence of the Common Man, the 21st opens the way for this True Individual. Utilizing that earlier-gained freedom, this new person chooses to go further and be rational in the extreme -- thinking for himself beyond the herdal view; seeing all sides of an issue, excluding none; and making judgments that flow from the true truth of things. The emergence of such individuals will not only open the way for accelerating insight, knowledge, and accomplishment, but portends an evolutionary leap for humanity. And yet, to truly perceive the myriad of truths surrounding any object of inquiry requires a consciousness that is open -- that is truth-seeking in the extreme. That capacity however is not readily available when one lives at the surface of life. At that level, one tends to focus on the superficial and mundane; to what is pleasing rather than what is necessary; to what corroborates our own limited opinions, instead of what is true. As a result, we miss out on the preponderance of insight and knowledge that can lead us in the right direction. Or, to put it another way, surface living -- dominated by the auditory and visual inputs from the world around us -- leads to limited perspectives, miscalculations, and error-prone decisions and actions that thwart success and achievement in life. And yet, if one is centered in a deeper consciousness within – in mental and emotional silence; as detached “witness” looking out on the world – then we will be far more receptive to what is unfolding around us; to the wider possibilities in the environment; to the insights and position that others have to offer. As a result, we will have the necessary knowledge to make the right decisions that attract powerful positive outcomes; accelerating both accomplishment and happiness in life. This movement toward a deeper consciousness within that is able to open to vast knowledge and insight is another hallmark of the emerging True Individual. In addition, the way this new person absorbs that knowledge is quite different from the ordinary human method. Not only is information absorbed and processed into ideas and understanding through the normal channels of rational and logical thinking, but it also descends into this person through illuminations and intuitions of thought. Because our consciousness is deeper, wider, and more open, we continually develop new insights; continuously arrive at “aha moments” -- as a myriad of intuitive and revelatory knowledge-experiences enter our minds from the universal planes. As a result, we are able to acquire a many-sided, deep, penetrating knowledge of any matter, which becomes the basis for very right behavior and action in life. This ability to attract knowledge and truth in a flash from the universal domains of life is another hallmark of the True Individual. Yet another dimension of this person is that he or she is constantly creating the new and the dynamic. Through a calm poise, that perceives a many-sided knowledge; through a persistent openness to the life’s possibilities, the True Individual is opened to the portals of creativity -- enabling him or her to become the dynamic leader, the ultra-artist, the pathmaker to future realities, the visionary who carries others into a most unexpected future. As this individual moves deeper still to the True Self – i.e. to the Evolving Soul within -- the descent of truth-knowledge and these spontaneous eruptions of creativity will only accelerate. In fact, whereas the True Individual derives his power predominantly by opening to the myriad of possibilities before him, the True Spiritual Individual opens the doors to the vast array of possibilities of the universal and cosmic planes. The more this person encounters his Soul and True Self, the more knowledge rushes in from the heights; the more creative possibility reveals itself; the more positive outcomes to situations rush to his doorstep. Thus, if I want to know the solution to a problem, I center myself in the deepest depths within, aspire for the solution, and offer it to the Higher Power. As a result, answers quickly, if not instantaneously, pour in from all quarters, as I am able to engage those higher planes directly. At that point, I am not only miles beyond the limited view of the herd, but I have even surpassed the multiplicity of truths that I can garner from my own personal vantage point. I now have a direct, continuous link to the highest planes of consciousness, with the infinite possibilities it continually offers. As a result of these developments, I am no longer just the True Individual, but I have entered the realm of the True Spiritual Individual. The question then is how can we make this somewhat abstract vision of our future real and concrete? We can begin the process of becoming a True Individual by considering any issue that comes before us from all possible sides. As our mind focuses on a subject matter, we should actively seek to know as many sides as possible, while giving up our tendency to focus solely on our own dogged viewpoint or limited perspectives. By taking this approach, we will constantly absorb the necessary knowledge that will enable us to live more dynamic and successful lives. The second step we can take to become a True Individual is to develop a deeper center of consciousness. We can begin to do this by moving our central focus away from the surface of life – from the visual and auditory influences of the surface of life that impinge on and overwhelm our thought processes. Through concentration, meditation, and other means of drawing our focus inward, we are able to shift to a deeper center of awareness from which we are able to perceive the wider possibilities, the multiplicity of truths unfolding around us. As a result, we begin to become free thinkers -- unfettered by the influence of the social imperative; unshackled from our ego sense that is attached to one position at the expense of others; unburdened by our wanting, limiting attitudes and opinions. Through this deep basis, we deep insights continually unfold, we perceive issues from a variety of sides, enabling us get at the heart and essence of any matter. We do so not only through rational, logical thinking, but also through descents of knowledge from the universal planes of life.  As a result, we become free thinkers, dynamic creators and great accomplishers, which in turn energizes us in the extreme -- filling us with deep delight and joy in being alive. By taking these steps, we have the opportunity to partake in a noble experiment. We have the chance to be forerunners of a new type of person, whose existence is not determined by the outer conditions and influences of life, but by one’s inner status and being. By taking up this golden opportunity, we can become the pioneers of the 21st century, the pathfinders of tomorrow -- helping humanity take the next decisive, evolutionary step.   Self-Directed in the Mental Stage of Society We Live In (a) Who we are is greatly effected by the society we live in. In this mental stage we are greatly influenced by the communications, technologies, and other developments that are reflective of the mental stage of social development. (b) We are a product of the endowments that society provides for us. (c) We are how we relate to the society; that is whether we are self-directed or socially influenced and directed. Self-directed is a higher poise, potentially enabling for infinite accomplishment and joy.   Roark's Self-Directedness and Non-Reaction are Spiritual-like Qualities A novel [The Fountainhead] with an architect as a hero was published in 1947 in Britain, written by a Russian immigrant [Ayn Rand] who became an American citizen. It became a success and ran through twenty impressions and still remains a worldwide best seller. Howard Roark is an architect who is devoted to architecture. It is his entire life. He sees a building as a whole gaining an integrity of its own. The society hounds him out of existence. The society does not exist for Roark. He passes through hell, works in a quarry as a day labourer but awaits for Life to Respond. The long awaited Response comes late in life, but when it comes, it comes in all its splendour and richness.   How the fraternity of architects treats him, how the unthinking social mass disowns him, how much he suffers are all in character – what every pioneer or sage has undergone without exception. What is exceptional is Roark does not react, does not even respond to defend himself. He hardly notices what is being done to him. It was not as if reaction arose in him and he suppressed it. No reaction issues from inside. Even Yudhishthira says that though he does not express his anger, anger does issue from inside. Roark does not react, does not seek any reward for his work and is utterly truthful. All of these are spiritual qualities. The Rishis are known for their curses. How many Rishis can rise to the level of Roark’s equality is a question. He who does not react is one who rises above the Mind, as reaction is a characteristic of Mind. Individuality is precious. Non-reacting equality is its hallmark. (MSS) Howard Roark, a True Individual and Personality In Ayn Rand's the Fountainhead we see one individual, Howard Roark, expressing his true individuality by truly thinking for himself, not going with or being swayed by the herd. We can say that such a person is in contact with his inner Personality and True Self, as opposed to others who rely on the social imperative. When that inner force is weak though true, society will crush him and his ideals. If it is strong as it was in the case of Roark or a Churchill or a Gorbachav it can change the course of the domain they influence. How many of us think for ourselves, instead of being determined by the herd around us, the social view, the collective views expressed by media and popular culture? How many of us seek to know the true truth, the many sided truth, instead of the part and convenient truth. The true Individual in that sense is spiritual because he seeks the full object of knowledge that limited mind cannot perceive. Limited, normal mind perceives an exclusive truth, whereas the logical and better-still illumined and intuitive mind are powers of spiritualized mind that seek the inherent truth in the object of inquiry. There is knowledge by identity with the object. There is no separation between the knower, the knowing, and the known.  The influence of the social herd clouds that identity, as does the divided mind we normally live through. Trust in Self vs. Society The individual's trust in himself is superior to his trust in the society. Social trust is horizontal, trust in oneself is vertical. (MSS) The True Individual The True Individual is the soul spark of that person that can flourish in the world, capable of attracting the infinite potential of life. If society opens itself and supports not only the economic fulfillment of Man, but also the psychological and spiritual development, then She will be an existence more worth being born into. Man will be born into the Vast Boon of this wider and deeper social framework. That potential True Individual can then look around and sense the society fully supports his attempt to be fulfilled at all planes -- physical, vital, mental; as well as the spiritual. He will feel encouraged to explore the psychological richness of life. He will also feel that connecting to the spirit within and the spiritual Force above is a natural part of being human; that in fact society encourages it. That will enable him to move within to the depths, to the very soul, which will give him an overwhelming power to invoke good fortune for himself, as well as the society around him. By being psychological and spiritually encouraged, the True Individual will create infinite benefit for himself and the world around him. At that point the individual and the society move into a state of hyper progress and personal and societal growth, which is evolution, that can culminate in transformation of life on earth to a New Way of Living. Several Levels of True Individuality There are various levels of “individuality” in life that we can identify, including some that you may not be familiar with. When a person is self-reliant, we know he is exercising his individuality. The same when an individual becomes an entrepreneur. In a nation like the United States, self-reliance and the entrepreneurial spirit are the hallmarks of a society that values individuality. It is the cause of her great material success, and has greatly contributed -- along with the constant refreshing of her immigrant population -- to her position (for better or worse) as world leader. The 20th century saw the emergence of the Common Man. As a result, now any individual could secure the rights and privileges once reserved for the aristocracy of previous times. That opportunity was made available through society because of the complementary developments of democracy, individuality, and the ascent of more human values. Later in the century -- especially in Europe and America -- the new-found power of the commoner began to mature into individuality of purpose.  The 21st century will surely continue to embrace this individuality for all peoples throughout the world. It will be a great boon for anyone who takes up the opportunities born in society’s that value that individuality. However, the emerging century is not merely for the ascendance of this commonly understood version of individuality, but also for those who come to know and express what I call true individuality, experienced by the True Individual. The True Individual does not follow the herd. He seeks the truth of things from within himself, considering all parts of the whole of any subject of inquiry, and comes to a rational decision that he perceives to be the right one. He is not influenced by family nor society, but in the inherent truth of that which he pursues. An example of the True Individual is Howard Roark in novel The Fountainhead. He seeks no social reward, nor to follow any fixed political or social philosophy, but only to seek the full spectrum of truths in his own field in which he works (architecture), and then based on his wider understanding is able to acts in ways that are rational and right. That is an example of true individuality, as expressed by a True Individual. How then can one come to express such a lofty status? Interestingly, the ability to become a True Individual is tied to one’s capacity to become a true spiritual individual. The ability to see the multiplicity of truths in things is the ability to see from the perspective of a witness consciousness, from the perspective of inner stillness of thought and emotion so that he can see all sides of things. Centered in spirit, especially in the Soul within, one develops the witness consciousness that enables true thinking, insight, and decision-making. It is helpful, maybe even critical for becoming the emerging True Individual. Now let us look at it from the other direction. It may be hard to imagine at first, but individuality can also have a dark side. For example, the European mind that prides itself in self-thinking, is not only skeptical, argumentative, and rebellious, but it also rejects the Eastern mind that appears to it a superstitious, when, in fact, the spirituality contained there harbors a deeper form of individuality.   Likewise, the United States -- the bastion of the Common Man and then the first form of individuality -- is unwilling to join the rest of the world in its movement and inner quest towards World Unity. Asserting its power born of material wealth, America shuns the wider harmony and Oneness that is emerging, as it carves out its greater self-interests at the expense of the whole. Like the rebellious, intellectual European mind, the American disconnect from World Unity will reverse itself as they meet with dead ends in their current pursuit of knowledge, opportunity, and possibility. We already see that in science, religion, psychology, and education. Eventually, out of the True Individual will emerge the True Spiritual Individual, whose Uniqueness will be based on one’s capacity to gain access to Spiritual Power in life. There one develop within one’s own self, i.e the True Self and Soul, the capacity to continually attract the infinite potential of life -- overcoming limits of space and time, causality, and possibility. Life comes to us when and how we want it, even as we subscribe the deepest spiritual values of self-givingness, tolerance, harmony with others, etc. That ultimate power and delight of being enables one to become the Master of life -- generated from within, from the solitary confines of one’s own spiritual Self. It is to rise to an ultimate form of Individuality in life. The Pure Spiritual Right Over the Social Right We should seek the true Right, not the social Right. We should avoid the Social Right or Wrong and find the pure spiritual Right, and further to supramental, truth consciousness Right.   The Social Right and Wrong are like opposing enemies or rivals examples of contradictions that are complements; and thus can learn from one another. (Paraphrase of MSS) The Internet and the Emerging True Individual Many think of the Internet as mere technological marvel -- a form of organization that is simply an extension of the electronic products and services that came before it; in particular, the computer and various communication devices. However, the Internet is more than that. It is an outer form and expression of our individual need to explore, discover, and achieve in life. It is a social structure that allows our individuality to ripen by connecting us the wider knowledge and wisdom of society so we can thrive and fulfill our deepest aspirations in life. If the Internet is an indicator of new developments in the “support systems” of society, the individual himself is also undergoing a fundamental change. First of all, his life is becoming more oriented around his mind – i.e. he is becoming more mental. Because he is more educated, because he is more aware of the world around him, and because is more conscious of his ability to direct the course of his life, his mental bent is in ascendance -- i.e. it is becoming the true leader of his being. As a result, he perceives that he truly has the inner resources -- the knowledge and power -- to become anything he so chooses. One way this inner-directed person fulfills his deepest aspiration is by making full use of the information and knowledge available to him. As it turns out, the Internet serves this function perfectly well, as it supplies an infinite supply of facts, ideas, and insights to support his ever-deepening aspiration for self-knowledge, individual expression, and greater success. Though the Internet is an outer vehicle, still it serves an inner need -- as this vast organizational system provides truths from every segment of society so that the individual can consciously choose the future direction of his life. In addition to this mental bent that fosters a truly conscious inner-driven existence, a second contributing factor to Man’s increasing individuality is the availability of ever-greater levels of freedom in life. Unfettered by the demands of the old hierarchical order, unrestrained by old, outworn moralities and customs, the individual feels free, even compelled, to explore the vast array of possibilities available to him. This person perceives that he has full independence to become anything he puts his mind to. Once again, the Internet serves him well by providing a vast array of knowledge that he can choose from: that meet his own particular needs and interests so he can reach his maximum potential. Thus, the Internet enables his freedom to mature into ever-increasing levels of fulfillment in life. A third fundamental change the individual is going through -- one not readily perceived by society, since it is more subtle and difficult to fathom -- is that he is beginning to move out of his essential Ignorance. By that term, I am not referring to the ignorance of the poor farmer or the individual who is without education, but to an intrinsic unconsciousness that is there in every person at birth: that we inherit simply as humans. There are a number of ways this essential Ignorance expresses -- including an ignorance of our fundamental makeup, i.e. the parts and planes of our being; an ignorance of what purpose we serve in life; an ignorance of the laws and principles by which life operates; and an ignorance of the higher domains of life, including the spiritual; to name a few. As a result, we tend to live a divided existence; cut off from the knowledge that would otherwise enable us to live truly conscious and infinitely successful lives. One particular way our Ignorance takes shape has to do with the very way we perceive reality. If we examine how humans comprehend the world around them, we see that we tend to perceive only a small part of any issue or matter, rather than the multiplicity of factors that make up that object. Dominated by our fixed habits, our virulent attitudes, and our hardened opinions, we tend to guard what little we know of a matter, and shun the wider and deeper knowledge available to us. Holding on to our limited perceptions, we make faulty assumptions that lead to error-prone, misbegotten behaviors and actions that result in difficult, pain-filled lives. Our emerging individual, on the other hand, breaks out of these limitations, embracing the wide variety of truths, including the multiplicity of details, as well as the essence that make up the Whole of any matter or concern. From this vantage point, he is armed with the right and necessary knowledge that enables him to succeed abundantly in life. Again, the Internet, with its vast array of information and knowledge, serves him well, as it provides a more integrated, many-sided view of things. Thus, the Internet is a social power that forces us out of our false, limited view, and gives us the opportunity to embrace a fuller, more balanced, integral knowledge. In essence, we are moved from a limited subjectivity to a deep and wide objectivity rooted in truth. As a result, we have the necessary wisdom to redirect the course of our lives, and fulfill our fondest hopes and dreams. Over time, the Internet could even mature into something unprecedented in the world: a shared fount of profound Intelligence that anyone could tap into in order to navigate life’s challenges, opportunities, and mysteries. As a result, the inquiring individual can know at any moment in time the precise direction to take to attract the greatest results in the shortest period of time with the least effort. In this way, the Internet becomes an instrument and vehicle for our greatest efficiency in life. Over time, individuals can contribute their own unique insights to this oracle-like organization of Intelligence -- expanding and enriching it ad infinitum. Eventually the Internet can mature into a fundamental pillar of existence that serves to educate us about the true nature of life so we are empowered to reach the stars. As we look out at the arc of our human existence, of the progress we have made over the millennia, and, in particular, the rapid changes in human consciousness that are occurring today, it seems only right that this self-empowered, inner directed, highly conscious new type of person should appear. The emergence of this True Individual is the logical consequence of everything that has come before -- an extension of our past progress to the future. Because of the freedom we have acquired, because of our ever-increasing mental bent, and because of our yearning to know the many-sided, true truth of things, there is a compulsion of Nature to produce the next iteration of human life. In parallel and concord with these developments, we see a powerful new system of society taking shape -- the Internet --, which is serving this New Individual’s needs in the extreme. Together they indicate that a new form of human existence is forming that is at once dynamic, creative, and spiritual in nature. It is a sign of the next stage of human progress: our evolution into a New Way of Living.   The Internet and the True Individual -The True Individual is inclined towards a multi-sided view of things. Does not the Internet overcome Ignorance in that it gives evidence of these varying sides, encouraging multi-sided, true-individuality thinking? The Internet is thus an instrument for the development of the True Individual.  -That is the essential significance of the Internet. It is an organization to evolve individuality. Each is in all, All is in Each. False Social Condemnation of Harry Potter In the fourth episode, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, we see the falsehood of society at work, when he is mistakenly ostracized by the student body for being picked to represent his school in a tournament held there. The student body believe that Harry has somehow allowed himself to be selected in order to elevate himself for his own greater glory, when in fact he had no hand in the selection. Despite their condemnation, he persists and lives out his truth and performs in the tournament. We even see a humorous life response in the course of these events. His best friend joins the herd and rebukes him as well. However, just before a ball is to be held at the school, the friend receives what he believes to be an effeminate-looking coat that his parents have sent him to wear at the dance. That causes him great embarrassment, since he must wear it in front of all of his peers at the ball. It is a negative response to his irresponsibility in joining the student body's ostracizing of the innocent Harry Potter. His social condemnation of Harry attracts the coat which in turn brings social condemnation of others upon him. Harry meanwhile continues to live out a life of psychological and physical courage, showing that he is a true personality and individual, unfettered by the false accusations of those around him. Those Individuals Eager to Adopt Social Opinion; who Look up to the Rich & Powerful There is another phenomenon of man being eager to adopt the social opinion. At one level it is man’s love of the group. At another level it is out of fear. Man feels safe when he is with the group, inside it physically under its protection. Out of such an attitude man loses his self-respect and becomes squeamish. The snob is born there. He is detestable, even disgusting. He looks up to the rich man, the man in power. In the company of an important politician, his body involuntarily shrinks in size, hands fold on the breast, a smile lights his face announcing his adoration of the great man. When he talks of rich people, his voice drops, his movements become as if he is in the presence of those men. His adoration is complete. It is really submissiveness. He announces his total absence of personality. (MSS)   The Inspired Leader Who Sees Beyond the Social Collective The inspired leader acquires the skills, attitudes and values of the social collective but does not allow their attitudes or expectations to limit his vision, aspirations or actions. He becomes a true vital individual who acts on the society expressing his individual inspiration rather than acting out the social formula. He becomes a leader like Gandhi. (MSS) Balancing Act Towards Social Environment Around Us We must be truly open to others, concerned for others, tolerant and open to their ideas and suggestions; and yet on the other side we must be directed in life by our inner consciousness rather than the blinding social influence around us. It is a balancing act on a razor's edge. Challenging Social Assumptions An individual can overcome limited perception in society, by not following the belief in his or her own work. Inevitability of recession, the fact that we can only grow 5%, inflation is inevitable, etc. are all examples of beliefs that we accept. These and others can be overcome by ignoring them in our actions, policies, strategies, etc. List 20 common assumptions, question them, and see which ones can be ignored in the road we take in business and work.   Overcoming Limiting Personal, Socially-Accepted Beliefs Attracts Positive Life Response Individual's have limiting beliefs that may be partial or fully untrue. Any effort to understand and overcome the limiting belief attracts positive responses form life. The limiting belief may be one's own, or one accepted by society. Ultimately it is what one believes that determines. That being the case if one does not accept that there has to be cycles of recession after boom, or that there must inevitable be inflation, or that the sales of one's products is not determined by exchange rates and prices, or that if a failure in that industry such as technology or the Internet means he has to fail when he is in that industry, then one becomes one's own determinant of the reality; and life responds positively in kind. "You become you believe you can become" Bhagavad-Gita.   What Society Passes to the Individual, & What He Can Be Beyond This Influence -Act – Activity – System – organisation – institution – culture – collective sensitivity – Individual sensitivity – (Physical, vital, mental) is a continuous chain. -Society passes social organization to its individual members in terms of values, attitudes and sensitivities at the physical, vital and mental level. The person who expresses these attributes is expressing a social endowment not an individual one. His sensitivity is an acquired expression of the collective will. His insistence on cleanliness, punctuality, honesty, loyalty are characteristics of the society internalized. Their becoming individual traits take sit to perfection as well as impersonalisation. -The individual absorbs the social endowment but is not limited by it. -The inspired leader acquires the skills, attitudes and values of the social collective but does not allow their attitudes or expectations to limit his vision, aspirations or actions. He becomes a true vital individual who acts on the society expressing his individual inspiration rather than acting out the social formula. He becomes a leader like Gandhi. The genius acquires all the knowledge and though processes of the society but does not permit his thought processes to be circumscribed by them. He moves back from the collective inheritance to the individual capacity for thought and opens to inspiration and intuition from above. In that measure he becomes a true mental individual. He becomes a genius. Beyond that is the spiritual individual who is not limited by the formulas or realizations of the past but is moved by an original inspiration from the soul. (MSS-GJ)   Society is Vital, Irrational Because society is vital (i.e. emotional), not mental it acts in irrational, harmful ways. If you only observe the current political state in your community this will become clear. Rationality and truth is cast aside in the name of excitement, prejudicial thinking, expediency, popularity; as currents and  movement of error, of part knowledge mistakenly taken for the whole of truth takes root and moves throughout the land. Thinking for one's self based on unbiased truth with an openness to all sides will serve an individual well in such an environment. It requires a bit of mental courage and toughness, but it will enable insights of truth that will one day prevail.     Man Should Change Circumstance, Not Man Change with the Circumstances -The Spirit is for spirited men who do not change with the changing circumstances.   -Man should be MAN to receive it as Spirit or prosperity. For that, he should be one who determines the circumstances, not one who changes when the circumstances change. (MSS, extracted)   Illusion of Overcoming First Generation's Limitations We think we have overcome a limited trait, habit, attitude, belief, interest, sentiment, value, of our parents, but if we look just a little closer, or a little deeper, we will see that we are expressing the same things in new or different ways.   Hamlet as Symbol of Emergence of the Mental Individual in the Human Collective Hamlet represents the beginning of a new phase in the evolution of Western society – the birth of thinking mind and the emergence of mental individuality in the human collective. Instead of immediately seeking to revenge his father’s death, Hamlet begins to contemplate the nature of human existence. He perceives the pretense and falsehood of society. He becomes conscious of his own personal defects. He comes to question the very purpose of life and action. All this is possible, because the thinking mind has been born in Hamlet and that mind is giving shape to his individuality. … Hamlet is a symbol captured in fiction of a real historical phenomenon that was occurring at the time the play was written – the collective development of thinking mind and mental individuality in Europe. (MSS)     Also See Thoughts on Self-Reliance, Entrepreneurship   Also See Thoughts on the Emergence of the True Individual in Society Also See Thoughts on How the USA Demonstates Individuality Also See Thoughts on the Emergence of a True Personality     The True Spiritual Individual (topic)   The True Spiritual Individual Beyond, [the true, or true social individual] there is the spiritual individual who transcends the limits of the physical, vital and mental. The spiritual individual is not bound by the physical limitations, social pressures or mental horizons of his day and age, not bound even by the limits of karma and ignorance. He lives in the knowledge and freedom of the spirit and is inspired and moved by that liberated consciousness. In India, the sannyasi has been the real leader. The rishi or yogi was the spiritual individual who imposed his spiritual inspiration on society in the guise of religion which was accepted by culture. The explorer, the pioneer, the inventor, the entrepreneur, the social reformer, the political revolutionary, the thinker and the sannyasi are examples of individuality at the physical, social, mental and spiritual level. As isolated occurrences, they have appeared in all ages and all parts of the world. But only recently have the traits of true individuality begun to emerge as a widespread characteristic in the general population. It is the power of this emerging individuality that has transformed society over the past few hundred years, revolutionizing the social, political and economic life of humanity. It is the energy, resourcefulness and initiative born of individuality emerging in the masses of humanity that have made America prosperous and are now spreading prosperity around the globe. The individual is not only the leader and instrument of social progress, scientific knowledge and spiritual liberation. He is the leader and instrument of the world’s spiritual evolution and the key to the ultimate divinization of life on earth. (MSS) The Spiritual Individual Eventually, out of the True Individual will emerge the True Spiritual Individual, whose Uniqueness will be based on one’s capacity to gain access to Spiritual Power in life. There one develop within one’s own self, i.e the True Self and Soul, the capacity to continually attract the infinite potential of life -- overcoming limits of space and time, causality, and possibility. Life comes to us when and how we want it, even as we subscribe the deepest spiritual values of self-givingness, tolerance, harmony with others, etc. That ultimate power and delight of being enables one to become the Master of life -- generated from within, from the solitary confines of one’s own spiritual Self. It is to rise to an ultimate form of Individuality in life. Man Should Realize His Own Value as a Psychological and Spiritual Individual Man does not see the VALUE is his, his own. To whomsoever he gives that value, his value rises. Coming nearer home, it is MAN who is the unit of the society. The value of the society today is the value each individual gives to the society. In reality, society looms large in his imagination and is oppressively sitting on his psychological life. It is time Man realises his value, his value to the society, comes into his own, becomes an Individual, and sheds the artificial value he has for the society. Should Man discover himself as a Spiritual Individual, he must first discover himself as a Psychological Individual who can act on his own. To do that, he must overcome the phobia of the society which haunts him as a dark shadow. It is Man the individual, the pioneer, who should lead the society, not the society the individual. For anyone to make it in social life, to make a mark, this inversion is essential. (MSS) Untitled Very few are centered in the spiritual mind, where one experiences knowledge in silence, light, illuminations, vision, and intuitions of the complete object of knowledge within us. The supermental plane of complete oneness and identity lies beyond and is our ultimate possibility. Perhaps only literally a handful have ever lived there. The True and the Spiritually True Individual Recently the state of California bet on the future of stem cell research in the United States, while most other states hedged their bets for what they considered moral and other considerations. California looked out into the world of possibilities and perceived that this new technology had great promise. Most others were unwilling to make the commitment for a variety of reasons. Rather than listen to the herd (of states), California thought the issue through and made the decision to move forward. As she has done countless times in the past, California thought for itself, rather than follow the pack. As a result, infinite benefit has followed for her and the world in a plethora of domains of life -- including environmentalism, the personal computer, the Internet, biotechnology, the human potential movement, and many others. The 21st century has been marked as the era of the True Individual – i.e. the age where people truly begin to think for themselves. This Individual is no rebel, taking to his own position simply to part with the herd, but is rational and balanced; open to and perceiving the myriad sides of any issue. As a result, that person takes to truth-filled decisions and actions that tend to attract positive outcomes. By making rational decisions based on the multiplicity of truths -- rather than guarding a single truth related to that issue -- that person is far more likely to have an array of facts and insights at his disposal that enable him to rise to the heights, show a particular genius in a field, or be creative in ways unknown in that field.  Whereas the 20th century saw the emergence of the Common Man, the 21st opens the way for this True Individual. Utilizing that earlier-gained freedom, this new person chooses to go further and be rational in the extreme -- thinking for himself beyond the herdal view; seeing all sides of an issue, excluding none; and making judgments that flow from the true truth of things. The emergence of such individuals will not only open the way for accelerating insight, knowledge, and accomplishment, but portends an evolutionary leap for humanity. And yet, to truly perceive the myriad of truths surrounding any object of inquiry requires a consciousness that is open -- that is truth-seeking in the extreme. That capacity however is not readily available when one lives at the surface of life. At that level, one tends to focus on the superficial and mundane; to what is pleasing rather than what is necessary; to what corroborates our own limited opinions, instead of what is true. As a result, we miss out on the preponderance of insight and knowledge that can lead us in the right direction. Or, to put it another way, surface living -- dominated by the auditory and visual inputs from the world around us -- leads to limited perspectives, miscalculations, and error-prone decisions and actions that thwart success and achievement in life. And yet, if one is centered in a deeper consciousness within – in mental and emotional silence; as detached “witness” looking out on the world – then we will be far more receptive to what is unfolding around us; to the wider possibilities in the environment; to the insights and position that others have to offer. As a result, we will have the necessary knowledge to make the right decisions that attract powerful positive outcomes; accelerating both accomplishment and happiness in life. This movement toward a deeper consciousness within that is able to open to vast knowledge and insight is another hallmark of the emerging True Individual. In addition, the way this new person absorbs that knowledge is quite different from the ordinary human method. Not only is information absorbed and processed into ideas and understanding through the normal channels of rational and logical thinking, but it also descends into this person through illuminations and intuitions of thought. Because our consciousness is deeper, wider, and more open, we continually develop new insights; continuously arrive at “aha moments” -- as a myriad of intuitive and revelatory knowledge-experiences enter our minds from the universal planes. As a result, we are able to acquire a many-sided, deep, penetrating knowledge of any matter, which becomes the basis for very right behavior and action in life. This ability to attract knowledge and truth in a flash from the universal domains of life is another hallmark of the True Individual. Yet another dimension of this person is that he or she is constantly creating the new and the dynamic. Through a calm poise, that perceives a many-sided knowledge; through a persistent openness to the life’s possibilities, the True Individual is opened to the portals of creativity -- enabling him or her to become the dynamic leader, the ultra-artist, the pathmaker to future realities, the visionary who carries others into a most unexpected future. As this individual moves deeper still to the True Self – i.e. to the Evolving Soul within -- the descent of truth-knowledge and these spontaneous eruptions of creativity will only accelerate. In fact, whereas the True Individual derives his power predominantly by opening to the myriad of possibilities before him, the True Spiritual Individual opens the doors to the vast array of possibilities of the universal and cosmic planes. The more this person encounters his Soul and True Self, the more knowledge rushes in from the heights; the more creative possibility reveals itself; the more positive outcomes to situations rush to his doorstep. Thus, if I want to know the solution to a problem, I center myself in the deepest depths within, aspire for the solution, and offer it to the Higher Power. As a result, answers quickly, if not instantaneously, pour in from all quarters, as I am able to engage those higher planes directly. At that point, I am not only miles beyond the limited view of the herd, but I have even surpassed the multiplicity of truths that I can garner from my own personal vantage point. I now have a direct, continuous link to the highest planes of consciousness, with the infinite possibilities it continually offers. As a result of these developments, I am no longer just the True Individual, but I have entered the realm of the True Spiritual Individual. The question then is how can we make this somewhat abstract vision of our future real and concrete? We can begin the process of becoming a True Individual by considering any issue that comes before us from all possible sides. As our mind focuses on a subject matter, we should actively seek to know as many sides as possible, while giving up our tendency to focus solely on our own dogged viewpoint or limited perspectives. By taking this approach, we will constantly absorb the necessary knowledge that will enable us to live more dynamic and successful lives. The second step we can take to become a True Individual is to develop a deeper center of consciousness. We can begin to do this by moving our central focus away from the surface of life – from the visual and auditory influences of the surface of life that impinge on and overwhelm our thought processes. Through concentration, meditation, and other means of drawing our focus inward, we are able to shift to a deeper center of awareness from which we are able to perceive the wider possibilities, the multiplicity of truths unfolding around us. As a result, we begin to become free thinkers -- unfettered by the influence of the social imperative; unshackled from our ego sense that is attached to one position at the expense of others; unburdened by our wanting, limiting attitudes and opinions. Through this deep basis, we deep insights continually unfold, we perceive issues from a variety of sides, enabling us get at the heart and essence of any matter. We do so not only through rational, logical thinking, but also through descents of knowledge from the universal planes of life.  As a result, we become free thinkers, dynamic creators and great accomplishers, which in turn energizes us in the extreme -- filling us with deep delight and joy in being alive. By taking these steps, we have the opportunity to partake in a noble experiment. We have the chance to be forerunners of a new type of person, whose existence is not determined by the outer conditions and influences of life, but by one’s inner status and being. By taking up this golden opportunity, we can become the pioneers of the 21st century, the pathfinders of tomorrow -- helping humanity take the next decisive, evolutionary step. Man Should Change Circumstance, Not Man Change with the Circumstances -The Spirit is for spirited men who do not change with the changing circumstances.   -Man should be MAN to receive it as Spirit or prosperity. For that, he should be one who determines the circumstances, not one who changes when the circumstances change. (MSS, extracted)   The Adventure of Spirit in Life To go against the falsehood that lies in the family, to stand aloof from the falsehood inherent in society, and to overcome the falsehood that is surely there in ourselves, is the adventure of the seeking of Truth, i.e. of Spirit in life.  (Paraphrase of MSS) True Individual Man is an individual being and a collective being. When He moves to the variety of aspects of Spirit, he becomes whole True Self, as the True Individual Spiritual Being, even as he becomes a Universal Being. His fulfillment is his True Individuality while carrying out the dictates of the Universal Intentions in the cosmos. Both -- the True Individual and the Universal Intent -- fulfill the Spiritual Divine Indent. i.e. the Transcendent Intent through their lives on earth. The True Individual Who Is the Spiritual Individual It is better that that [True] individual is the Spiritual Individual who invokes the Spirit and lives by that Spirit. (MSS) The Spiritual Individual The Spiritual Individual, having discovered himself, goes on to discover the universe. [I.e. his universal self through his spiritual self. -editor] (MSS)   See Additional Thoughts on the Spiritual Individual (the true personality)       PERSONAL GROWTH THROUGH SOCIAL INTERACTION (top)   Personal Growth through Social Interaction Normally we think of personal growth as something just that -- an individual process. Here we see that it includes a social process. Through the given realities we come upon, we confront our own limitations. Life itself can be said to be a field intentionally created to further our own advancement. The field of life contains a Force that we are obliged to come in contact with that forces us to change our limited views and capacities. Life wants to progress, and so demands that we do as well. This is an element of the character of the Oneness of life that we are inextricably are a part of. It can be said to be the process by which higher levels of organization is brought to society -- helping perfect it, integrate it, make it truth-filled. The process helps us fulfill our individual purpose, which fulfills the Universal purpose, which in turn fulfills the transcendent purpose. The dance of life that we experience is the expression of the will of the divine. We have free will whether or not to participate. Participation is growth, evolution, and transformation. If we can see our lives from that perspective, we will be more eager to participate in the life-cosmic dance, becoming an instrument of that upward movement. We will also begin to have the Divine view of things. It can be a true glimpse, vision of the nature of Brahman.   SOCIAL SUPPORTS (top)   Availing the Social Boons Money movement and Internet are examples of the social boon we are given at birth. We must learn to understand and then appreciate all of the social boons we are give. More importantly we need to make use of them. If the world moved from its 50% absorption of the resources now available to 100%, many of the scourges (disease, poverty, ignorance) and other problems of the world could be eliminated very rapidly. Another way of saying this, is that there is plenty of infrastructure out there now that we don't perceive, understand, appreciate, and make use of. Money and Internet are two of these. Untitled The individual in his growth tries to avail of the opportunities created by society. The opportunities for individual accomplishment are determined by what the society permits. The maximum is determined by what society sanctions. The minimum is determined by individual capacity. Individuals who fall below the social minimum socially perish. In rare instances, individuals try to outreach the society and the society puts up resistance.   Individual capacity is determined by the skills, attitudes, beliefs, values, character and aspirations of each individual. The availability of social opportunities and the ability of the individual to avail of them combine to determine the ultimate outcome.   Acts get completed when there is the requisite individual strength and the sanction of the society. (MSS)   Availing the Boon When Time changes into something positive, still the society, law, and family have to do their bit for us to avail of the boon. (MSS)   India, Nations of World Must Avail of Opportunities of Society by Passing Laws, Change Attitudes Now is the time for such a wave of Prosperity to start and gradually spread over all countries, because Time is on our side, Life is benevolent, and Society is compassionate. As we passed an act abolishing untouchability [India] and offering concessions to those who were oppressed, to avail of this great BOON of God present in the atmosphere of the earth, laws have to be passed and attitudes of various societies should change.   Community Brings Rationality Community can make man more rational, as when a parent disciplines a child.   Feeling Gratitude to Society One should be grateful to the society for all the modern conveniences, technologies, and these comforts. (Paraphrase of MSS)   MISCELLANEOUS (top)   Untitled Society opposes the good idea when it is not an accepted routine. (Paraphrase of MSS) Social Environment, People Assist in our Divine Purpose Everything around one's self, and every person, whether by association and union or by strife and opposition, assists one toward his divine purpose. Everything hence is an avenue for one's development; or "All life is yoga," a way to develop one's capacities and being. Untitled One must be true to and proud of one's ideal; willing, not avoiding the origin of inspiration, the ideal beneath one's action. It is nothing to shy away from, or be ashamed of, or concern of social reproach. Giving strength to the ideal gives it force of power. (Paraphrase of MSS)   Insincerity to the origin of the knowledge renders the knowledge ineffective. (MSS)   Traits of Succeeding Generations Biological and psychological rules about the succeeding generations are worth considering in our context to know where we have fallen into their trap. Traits become more pronounced in the next generation. They reverse as a subconscious complex. The next generation sticks to the same trait in a sublimated fashion under the impression of having given it up. They follow the earlier generation in another walk of life. The truth is the succeeding generation can change ONLY to the extent the society has changed. When moving from the social surface to the psychological depth, one can SEE he is exactly in the mould of his own family in one way or another. (MSS)   Our Reaction to a World Crisis -The intensity of a world crisis forces individuals of consciousness to go deeper within to overcome corresponding vital reactions and emotions; to discover deeper and more varied truths that can help the world situation. -Like an illness or an emotional problem, the more intensely negative you relate to a world problem, the more it gets aggravated. When you withdraw your focus, events take a course more positive relative to your position. It is another example of inner-outer correspondences, as well as our capacities and relationships to the world as universal beings. -All of the worst attributes of society are correspondingly there in the individual. Thus, one way out of the misery of society can be accomplished by the individual who removes the related limiting aspects through his own evolution and transformation. On Eliminating Quarreling Amongst Friendly People Often of people of low culture who like each other quarrel as a form of understanding one another better. This is the quarreling of individuals who have a vital (i.e. emotional) relationship, as opposed to the conversational interaction of people who have a mental relationship. After the quarrel, there is understanding, and then reconciliation. However, the tendency to quarrel remains. Getting over such a relationship requires a certain patient understanding or humility or goodness to speak out and say, ‘‘Well, I was hasty. It was unpardonable on my part.’’ This appears to be a small gesture between friends or relations, but it is significant. Once this is done, quarrel of this particular description may not arise again or at least for a longer time than usual. To realise one’s defects is introspection. To express it to the offending individual is cultured behaviour. (Paraphrase of MSS)   To Be Categorized   I   Social Evolution The Individual & the Collective There is NO question of the individual separating himself from the collective. All that he can do is to have an evolutionary relation with the collective. (MSS)     I Individual and Society On the Importance of Social Skills, and Its Development through Spirit What we know as good manners, the social scientist will term social skills. Manners are the major part of these skills. In today’s atmosphere of public life, these skills acquire a premium. Persuasiveness, presentation, presence of mind, alert attention, agility in movement, observation of others, adjusting to their viewpoint and, finally, accomplishment go with social skills. Manners, character and personality play a very large part in such an achievement. We can witness two extremes. One who is endowed with all the knowledge and strength of character for a certain achievement is unable to enter the field of achievement for want of social skills. Another who has all the aspects of these skills having absolutely no knowledge, fully achieves in spite of being a shallow character. In international meetings, these things are much in evidence. Parents who have taken great efforts to educate their child well, must take similar efforts to readjust him to society. Reliance on the Spirit not only enables the conversion, but ensures that the DEFECTS become STRENGTHS. (MSS, extracted) I III Social  Individual Individuals Developing All Their Skills in Order to Avail of All of the Social Achievements The Individual in the mass should be so developed in all skills as to fully avail of all the social achievements before the society can evolve further. (MSS)   The True Social Individual A spirit of adventure, entrepreneurship and social independence are characteristics of the social individual. (MSS) Self-Employment that Allows for Idealism When you have to earn them yourself, you become part of the social existence that can support an income. That organisation is not idealistic and will not permit idealism in one of its members. One’s idealism can survive his employment if he is not employed under another person. Self-employment can give a certain freedom, which is unavailable under salaried employment. He should be of better stuff. (MSS) On the Vital Worship of a Leader Unformed vital personalities are ready to adore the first dominant person they meet. They look for a leader. When one comes their way, they are ready. In such a population, hero-worship thrives. Such people easily switch over from one leader to another. All that they want is someone to worship, adore, hold up as an ideal. The longing heart finds an adorable ideal, not necessarily that there is something to be adored. (MSS) Truth We must give up our morality, our ethics, our social conventions, our worshiping, our rituals, our faith in limited material, scientific knowledge of the surface, and aspire for one great thing -- Truth. Only this will rapidly bring the future into the present. Idealism is Born of Spirit when it Survives Employment & Marriage We are idealistic in youth. Gaining employment and marriage releases us from our vision and idealism. Idealism that survives both of these landmarks is an idealism that is born in the Spirit. In the measure one is rooted in the Spirit, the Spirit offers him a job that does not interfere with his idealism. The same Spirit gives him a wife who lets him follow his ideal. (MSS, somewhat paraphrased) Withdrawal of Praise Moves One to Truer Self "When a man receives praise or rewards, he replies unconsciously and silently, 'Thank you for telling me who I am. I was worried about my identity until you affirmed it.' Then, when the crowds drift away, in creeps the emptiness he thought he had escaped. At this point he can either give way to depression, or he can begin to see his error, which opens the way for something far beyond his usual sense of self." (The Daily Guru)     TO BE CATEGORIZED &nb