No title provided

Noah Sanchez7 said:I'm not sure if we're on the same page. It’s like one of those classic American soap operas, kind of like "Days of Our Lives."
I watched a few episodes, and it's the perfect example of what I was trying to say about Scott Sanders2.

Thanks for the help..

Yeah, that's the one.
I wasn't trying to be mean or anything, but—trips to Hawaii, all that constant drama—what else is there to conclude? 😁

George Jackson5 said:I hear you loud and clear. (By the way, I'm George Jackson5—I don't usually post much unless I'm introducing myself).
But honestly, the sooner you make up your mind, the better... at least you won't be stuck on this emotional roller coaster every single day. And hey, nobody is saying you won't still be able to do whatever the hell you want.
Drugs might seem like a blast for a little while, but eventually, they just consume you. It stops being fun... it actually becomes as miserable as it can possibly get.
So, how exactly do you plan on getting off the wagon?

Exactly, I'm fully aware of that. I spend every waking moment trying to find that final answer, that moment where I can say, "This is me, and this is how I'm going to live."
It reminds me of those lyrics from a band back in my hometown: "To be the same, to be special, to be free, to be just my own self!"

I'm quitting the blockers. This is probably my fifth attempt at getting clean, though the first four times weren't even my choice—it was just pressure from my family.
Now, I've decided to go clean, at least until I can finally stand on my own two feet and show everyone, "See? I can do it," before heading back to my destructive ways.
Whatever. I guess I'm just a destructive person.

northernsailor said:So, there’s this growing narrative suggesting that the urge for social change is somehow fueled by drug use. Personally, I don't buy it. If anything, I’d argue the opposite: drugs are more likely consumed by those entitled "daddy's boys" who have nothing better to do than chase pure hedonism because they lack the mental capacity to actually contemplate radical shifts in global structures or ways of thinking. It's just mindless indulgence.
I suppose fifty years ago, it was all about that raw Rock n' Roll energy, but today it seems to have shifted toward whatever the current "vibe" is. I haven't spent much time in those circles, so maybe I'm just rambling here. 😲
I'm not trying to contradict you, Noah Sanchez7...

Just another person born in the wrong era, I guess. But thanks—as my friend would say, "stay frosty." For now, I've had quite enough alcohol, haha. It really makes you wonder what people are willing to do just to alter their state of mind, if only to spend a couple of hours living in the kind of world they wish actually existed...

On a side note—I'm genuinely impressed by your writing style and how you process things. I'm currently wading through a decent psychology textbook for an essay, and honestly, I could see you being cited in there for good reason.👍

Best,🙂

Look, I don't know if I can truly call myself my father's son, but the truth is, he's been gone for seven years now. Maybe I'm more like my mother—and maybe I've just been spoiled.
One thing to keep in mind is that I wasn't using drugs just to run away from my problems—though, if I'm being honest, maybe that was part of it. Mostly, though, I used them to sharpen my focus, helping me study better and really perceive the people and situations around me.
Marijuana basically sharpens your senses fivefold and speeds up your brain by five times. I’ve been there myself.
Since this involves Horse, it’s more of that specific vibe. I felt like I was being labeled a junkie, so I might as well just wrap things up with Horse.

I don't know. I feel like I used drugs to dive headfirst into some dark, secret side of humanity that I was never meant to see. It’s the kind of truth that leaves you feeling disgusted and terrified, completely shattering every dream you ever had about yourself, your family, or anyone else. It felt like trading away all my beautiful illusions just to face the brutal reality of what’s actually out there.
I've learned some things that I never expected to find out—like the fact that we're on our own. We really are all alone. It’s actually pretty eerie.
I definitely wasn't thinking that three or four years ago.

Noah Sanchez7 said:Look, I don't know if I can truly call myself my father's son, but the truth is, he's been gone for seven years now. Maybe I'm more like my mother—and maybe I've just been spoiled.
One thing to keep in mind is that I wasn't using drugs just to run away from my problems—though, if I'm being honest, maybe that was part of it. Mostly, though, I used them to sharpen my focus, helping me study better and really perceive the people and situations around me.
Marijuana basically sharpens your senses fivefold and speeds up your brain by five times. I’ve been there myself.
Since this involves Horse, it’s more of that specific vibe. I felt like I was being labeled a junkie, so I might as well just wrap things up with Horse.

I don't know. I feel like I used drugs to dive headfirst into some dark, secret side of humanity that I was never meant to see. It’s the kind of truth that leaves you feeling disgusted and terrified, completely shattering every dream you ever had about yourself, your family, or anyone else. It felt like trading away all my beautiful illusions just to face the brutal reality of what’s actually out there.
I've learned some things that I never expected to find out—like the fact that we're on our own. We really are all alone. It’s actually pretty eerie.
I definitely wasn't thinking that three or four years ago.

Just a classic case of being misunderstood by someone who is perpetually misunderstood, haha.
You know I didn't mean anything by it... I'm just a mama's girl myself, but since it's such a common expression, I suppose I might have misused it.

Did you start using once you realized the world was a mess, or did the drugs open your eyes to realize the world was already a mess?
And do you think you wouldn't have seen it clearly without them?

Later.🙂

Noah Sanchez7 said:Addressing Scott Sanders2..

Let’s be real here. I don't care for bickering; I prefer actual debates conducted on a civilized level.
Here is my take on you. You are one of those people—and there are plenty of them in this country—who follows the established, "mainstream" path. You seem like a perfectly well-adjusted individual. Honestly, you don't even have a "real" problem; you're happy, content, and living in total harmony with the world around you.
I don't hate people like you, but I find them a bit frustrating because they seem limited.
Why?
Because I believe people like that don't ask themselves questions. Don't get me wrong. I'm not talking about everyday inquiries. I mean the deep stuff. Things like: who am I, where am I, and why am I here? What is the quality of the universe outside of me versus the universe within me?
People like you truly don't have issues, which means you aren't the kind of person I look to for conversation. If I wanted to talk to someone like that, I'd just step out onto a sidewalk in Chicago and stop the first stranger I see to chat about the weather, the Dow Jones, or when the next administration takes office.
I belong to the other group—the ones asking those heavy questions, many of which might not even have answers, which is where the problem arises.
My main reason for being on this forum is precisely that: I am searching for answers. Various things have tripped me up along the way, leading me to a point where I am struggling.
I am here to find people in similar situations so we can complement one another; it's a mutual benefit.
YOU don't fit into that group. And it isn't that I wouldn't want to be in your shoes—it's that I know I couldn't be. If I were born again, I would choose this same path.

To be clear, since you don't have a problem, you don't have much to discuss with me.

Enjoy yourself.. 👍

Look, here's the thing... I honestly regret that this whole discussion turned so emotional, though I suppose it might have been avoided if you hadn't gone on a tear insulting everyone in your very first post, but maybe it's best if we just move past it... Debating people who already agree with you is a waste of breath anyway, so perhaps the two of us could actually have an interesting conversation if you could just manage to lay off the insults...

Look, I don't hold any real hatred for people like you, but there is a certain level of irritation that sets in because I can't help but feel how limited everyone truly is...
Why does it always end up this way...
It’s because I don't think people like that ever actually stop to ask themselves anything... Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about the trivial stuff, but those deeper questions, like who am I really, where am I standing, and why am I even here... What is the quality of the universe outside of me versus the one within...
People like that really don't have any issues, and honestly, I don't go looking for them to talk to... because if I did, I'd just end up stepping out onto the sidewalk and stopping the first person I see to ramble on about how nice the weather is, what the Dow Jones is doing today, when we might finally get a new administration in DC...
I suppose I belong to that other crowd, the ones constantly chasing those deeper questions... though maybe some of them just don't have answers, wherever they might be hiding... Everything feels like it’s just circling the drain lately... nothing ever really changes, does it?.

You tried to piece together some kind of character profile without having any actual facts to go on, and honestly, I suspect you approach everyone else with that same constant, judgmental streak...
This idea of being "limited" is pretty subjective, because if we’re going to throw that word around so loosely, everyone else is going to look restricted from where you're standing... maybe it's just easier to agree that we're all just judging everyone else's boundaries...
I honestly think you’re giving yourself far too much credit by assuming you can interpret someone else's mind... there is absolutely no way you know what kind of questions I'm actually grappling with, yet just because I mentioned my trip to Hawaii, you've already constructed this entire cinematic narrative about who I am and slotted me into some convenient little stereotype. It feels like a pretty shallow and narrow grasp of human psychology, and frankly, I won't even dignify that patronizing "you think shallowly while I think deeply" attitude of yours with a response...

The main reason I even bother showing up to this forum is because I started out looking for some actual answers... but after hitting so many dead ends along the way, I’ve just ended up in a bit of a rut...
I'm just looking to connect with people navigating similar circumstances... maybe we could find some common ground where everyone walks away with something to gain...

I’m actually on this forum for the exact opposite reason... I'm not here to hunt for an echo chamber or find some group of like-minded souls to validate me, but rather to engage with people who see the world through a completely different lens, just to get a sense of their logic and what they actually value in life...
I don't particularly care to dwell on why we're both hanging around this forum or what our personal beliefs might be, though I could certainly dive into the points you were making... But you have to realize that you need to be prepared to sit there and listen to someone who isn't following your particular script, because this isn't some kind of support group, it's just a place for discussion...

slyskipper7 said:I hope you don't get worked up, but this seriously sounds like a script from a bad soap opera.
Stop the drama and the anger over forum posts... save that energy for real life.

What exactly are "average people"? Some local daytime TV show?
As for the drama and the anger... I'm not sure if I was being dramatic or not, though I certainly wasn't angry, I just have a low tolerance for baseless judgment and I reacted to that. Harsh insults don't really get under my skin, but everyone has their own triggers... if a guy from Texas gets worked up about someone heading to Hawaii, then I get worked up when people start hurling insults for no reason. It's just part of being human...

P.S. thankfully, I still have plenty of positive energy left for my real life... 🙂

George Jackson5 said:You have to fight for what you believe is right, whether you’re trying to change the world or just standing up for your own principles.
But whining about it while you let yourself fall apart? That’s just pointless...
A friend of mine once told me—he’s gone now, an overdose—that nobody would even remember him in a month once he was dead.
I fought my way through addiction, and I don't think that means I've settled for some mediocre, half-hearted existence. I still live life on my own terms, and if anyone wants to judge me or spread rumors... well, that's their problem.

... yeah, and fighting for whatever actually makes you happy, too. For me, happiness is the only real driver in this life, and everything else is just a byproduct of doing what you love...

But there’s no point in whining while you slowly destroy yourself along the way...
A friend of mine once told me—he's gone now, an overdose—that nobody will even remember me a month after I'm dead...
I fought my way through addiction, and I don't think that meant accepting some mediocre, hollow existence. I still live exactly how I want to, and if anyone wants to judge or gossip about it, that's their own damn problem...

Your friend was right, though people probably wouldn't have remembered him even if he'd lived a perfectly straight life, just like nobody's going to remember me or Noah Sanchez7... Maybe we'll be remembered if we leave something behind for others to use, whether it's spiritual or material... But you're right, everyone should live on their own terms. That's how I live, and from what I can tell, that's how Noah Sanchez7 lives too. I don't judge how other people live, but Noah Sanchez7 does. You say that's his problem, and it is, as long as he doesn't start meddling in other people's business, though I'm not saying he has...

I tend to be one of those people who doesn't judge, but instead tries to understand why everyone else is so different...

Noah Sanchez7 said:Exactly, I'm fully aware of that. I spend every waking moment trying to find that final answer, that moment where I can say, "This is me, and this is how I'm going to live."
It reminds me of those lyrics from a band back in my hometown: "To be the same, to be special, to be free, to be just my own self!"

I'm quitting the blockers. This is probably my fifth attempt at getting clean, though the first four times weren't even my choice—it was just pressure from my family.
Now, I've decided to go clean, at least until I can finally stand on my own two feet and show everyone, "See? I can do it," before heading back to my destructive ways.
Whatever. I guess I'm just a destructive person.

The truth is, you don't actually want to quit. Addiction has become your way of rebelling, your way of making a statement. Just be yourself, be unique, be free—without all the nonsense.
I went cold turkey and it never even crossed my mind to pick it up again. Try doing that and see if the urge even hits you.
Besides, YOU have to be the one who wants to quit. Family pressure, proving people wrong... it's all just noise. 👎

Here I am again. I’m feeling a bit more upbeat today. I see people actually participating and reading the posts here, so I felt compelled—on my own accord, obviously—to jump in and voice my opinion. Naturally, it differs from everyone else's, since this is supposed to be a discussion.

Since I’ve read every single post on this topic—it really grabbed my attention—I’ve formed an opinion I want to share. I’m also calling out anyone else who has been lurking and reading from the very beginning.

Noah Sanchez7
Respect for starting this thread, but mostly respect for speaking up. Honestly, I find it hard to believe that a 21-year-old who openly labels themselves an addict can have such a fully developed perspective.
First thing that hits me: isn't that just the drugs talking?
On the other hand, I completely get what you were saying about those fake people—the ones who groom themselves, dress up, and put on a massive act just to pretend they belong where they are.
I’m just like those people. And just like Scott Sanders2, I deal with it because I live in this world and I have to play by certain social rules just to survive.
I work. I deal with people. You can't work in a corporate office if you don't laugh along, if you aren't dressed properly, or if a woman isn't groomed and wearing makeup.
If I wasn't like that, what would I even do? Where would I work? HOW would I survive??? I have no idea.
As for spiritual life, you're absolutely right there.
But do you honestly think all those people you described don't have a spiritual life? On the other hand, they do; they just keep it to themselves, because at the end of the day, it's nobody else's business.
That's just who I am.

And you want to know what else?
I’m the type of person who, as you put it, will drink until I'm blacked out. Sometimes a person needs that—to just blow off steam. But damn, tomorrow is a new day. You have to live. You have to eat (you didn't mention how you even feed yourself, for that matter), and don't you need money for that???

Look, you made some valid points, but generalizing people isn't going to help you, and it won't help anyone else either.
Who gives a damn about you?
Who gives a damn about whom? It's the exact same thing...

Don't be like that. Don't hold onto that mindset. Believe me, you're only making yourself miserable. At the end of the day, we're living in this world, regardless of what era it is.
And your internal reflections are none of anyone's business but your own.

Man, there are way too many posts here for me to reply to everyone individually right now.
We should all agree on one thing: I’m talking about spirituality. Honestly, I’m not even sure if that’s the right word for it. What I really mean is an openness to one's inner self—being open with yourself first, and then extending that openness toward others and the world around you.
It doesn't really matter whose bread I'm eating, because my focus isn't on material things. To answer the question: I'm eating bread that I didn't earn myself. I'm currently a student and don't have a steady job, though I pick up odd jobs here and there.
The fact that I don't eat the bread I earned basically throws my entire philosophy out the window, but whatever.

Since we're talking about being open with ourselves, I have just one question for everyone.
Do you feel even the slightest change within yourself the moment you step out the door?
How different does it feel when you’re just hanging out at home versus that exact moment you step out the door?
I'll tell you this... that moment exists. It might not happen right away, but it’s out there, and not everyone realizes it.
And what exactly is that moment? It’s that specific instant where you put on a mask, almost like sliding into an invisible suit.
Is that what they call the superego? I wouldn't know. Honestly, it doesn't even matter. What actually matters is...
It’s all about that specific moment—the point where you cease being who you were. You transform into a creation of your own mind, designed specifically to project the version of yourself you want the world to see.
Designing an environment—well, a hundred years ago, you would have been wearing a different kind of invisible suit, just like 300 years ago, and again in the future. It'll always be different.
And where exactly do you all fit into this whole mess?

Most people either don't get it, or they do and just shrug it off like, "Eh, that's just how things are." I’m telling you, it's definitely not normal.
I think I expanded my consciousness in a way that might not have been the best idea, using psychedelics like marijuana and LSD. To be clear, I didn't start using drugs because I was struggling; it was actually the opposite. I was perfectly happy and content with myself when I first started.
How did I expand my awareness? Some people call it meditation. Personally, I’d just say I stopped. Like becoming a zero. No activity... Just being there, observing everything—mostly watching people and the situations they find themselves in.
I've started scanning my own thoughts. It’s actually quite simple: a thought pops up right before an action, you just pause instead of reacting immediately, and then you take a moment to really examine what that thought was all about.
First, identify the need. Second, determine how you respond and why you choose that specific reaction. Third, define the payoff from your action. You can even apply this logic to something as simple as an Average Joe grabbing a bottle of water.
I won't bore you any further with that...

Let's be honest with ourselves first; after all, who else can you truly be open and sincere with if not yourself?
Scott Sanders2, what was your actual reason for heading out to that island? Just wanted to clear the air—I don't actually hate people who travel there, if you took it that way.
What’s your motivation for wearing makeup and dressing up for work? Once you answer that, the most important thing is: do you actually feel comfortable in it, or does getting ready feel like a chore?

Just to be clear, I’m not trying to provoke anyone or start any trouble. I truly want everyone here to be genuinely happy; seeing you all stay positive and spread good vibes really helps me out, too.
Everyone is lying. What can I even do? The world is a mess, and there’s nothing I can personally change. But honestly, I think a lot depends on every single one of us. If we could just flip that negative energy into something positive, the world would be a much better place to live.

I don't want to overstep. Just so we're clear—before any critics jump in to say I’m acting like a know-it-all or lecturing anyone—I'm not trying to be superior. I’m just reflecting on human psychology and how people behave. I have no desire to put myself above anyone else.
I think that, in a way, I'm just chipping in. The development of human consciousness is the foundation for everything; it’s the core of our very existence. Even if I'm off base, I actually welcome any fact-based criticism—it helps me make sure I'm not just stubbornly insisting that I'm right when I'm actually wrong.

Just one more thing... I have this vision of paradise, an Eden, and it’s not something meant for the afterlife—it's something we should experience right here on Earth. Honestly, I don't see eye to eye with the traditional Christian view on this. I don't think Eve actually messed things up for us; if anything, it was the opposite. I believe God knew exactly what He was doing when He forbade the fruit. He knew she would take it, and that’s exactly what He intended, because human curiosity is a beautiful thing.
If that story captures the heart of everything, then our fundamental duty is to see this whole "exile from paradise" through to the end.
I believe the answer, the actual solution, lies in that single moment when you step out of your house and experience a subtle shift. If we could just get rid of the masks, the pretenses, the constant grooming, and all that superficiality, we would finally be free. We’d be free with one another, and love would take over, bringing Eden back to us..

Noah Sanchez7 said:Man, there are way too many posts here for me to reply to everyone individually right now.
We should all agree on one thing: I’m talking about spirituality. Honestly, I’m not even sure if that’s the right word for it. What I really mean is an openness to one's inner self—being open with yourself first, and then extending that openness toward others and the world around you.
It doesn't really matter whose bread I'm eating, because my focus isn't on material things. To answer the question: I'm eating bread that I didn't earn myself. I'm currently a student and don't have a steady job, though I pick up odd jobs here and there.
The fact that I don't eat the bread I earned basically throws my entire philosophy out the window, but whatever.

Since we're talking about being open with ourselves, I have just one question for everyone.
Do you feel even the slightest change within yourself the moment you step out the door?
How different does it feel when you’re just hanging out at home versus that exact moment you step out the door?
I'll tell you this... that moment exists. It might not happen right away, but it’s out there, and not everyone realizes it.
And what exactly is that moment? It’s that specific instant where you put on a mask, almost like sliding into an invisible suit.
Is that what they call the superego? I wouldn't know. Honestly, it doesn't even matter. What actually matters is...
It’s all about that specific moment—the point where you cease being who you were. You transform into a creation of your own mind, designed specifically to project the version of yourself you want the world to see.
Designing an environment—well, a hundred years ago, you would have been wearing a different kind of invisible suit, just like 300 years ago, and again in the future. It'll always be different.
And where exactly do you all fit into this whole mess?

Most people either don't get it, or they do and just shrug it off like, "Eh, that's just how things are." I’m telling you, it's definitely not normal.
I think I expanded my consciousness in a way that might not have been the best idea, using psychedelics like marijuana and LSD. To be clear, I didn't start using drugs because I was struggling; it was actually the opposite. I was perfectly happy and content with myself when I first started.
How did I expand my awareness? Some people call it meditation. Personally, I’d just say I stopped. Like becoming a zero. No activity... Just being there, observing everything—mostly watching people and the situations they find themselves in.
I've started scanning my own thoughts. It’s actually quite simple: a thought pops up right before an action, you just pause instead of reacting immediately, and then you take a moment to really examine what that thought was all about.
First, identify the need. Second, determine how you respond and why you choose that specific reaction. Third, define the payoff from your action. You can even apply this logic to something as simple as an Average Joe grabbing a bottle of water.
I won't bore you any further with that...

Let's be honest with ourselves first; after all, who else can you truly be open and sincere with if not yourself?
Scott Sanders2, what was your actual reason for heading out to that island? Just wanted to clear the air—I don't actually hate people who travel there, if you took it that way.
What’s your motivation for wearing makeup and dressing up for work? Once you answer that, the most important thing is: do you actually feel comfortable in it, or does getting ready feel like a chore?

Just to be clear, I’m not trying to provoke anyone or start any trouble. I truly want everyone here to be genuinely happy; seeing you all stay positive and spread good vibes really helps me out, too.
Everyone is lying. What can I even do? The world is a mess, and there’s nothing I can personally change. But honestly, I think a lot depends on every single one of us. If we could just flip that negative energy into something positive, the world would be a much better place to live.

I don't want to overstep. Just so we're clear—before any critics jump in to say I’m acting like a know-it-all or lecturing anyone—I'm not trying to be superior. I’m just reflecting on human psychology and how people behave. I have no desire to put myself above anyone else.
I think that, in a way, I'm just chipping in. The development of human consciousness is the foundation for everything; it’s the core of our very existence. Even if I'm off base, I actually welcome any fact-based criticism—it helps me make sure I'm not just stubbornly insisting that I'm right when I'm actually wrong.

Just one more thing... I have this vision of paradise, an Eden, and it’s not something meant for the afterlife—it's something we should experience right here on Earth. Honestly, I don't see eye to eye with the traditional Christian view on this. I don't think Eve actually messed things up for us; if anything, it was the opposite. I believe God knew exactly what He was doing when He forbade the fruit. He knew she would take it, and that’s exactly what He intended, because human curiosity is a beautiful thing.
If that story captures the heart of everything, then our fundamental duty is to see this whole "exile from paradise" through to the end.
I believe the answer, the actual solution, lies in that single moment when you step out of your house and experience a subtle shift. If we could just get rid of the masks, the pretenses, the constant grooming, and all that superficiality, we would finally be free. We’d be free with one another, and love would take over, bringing Eden back to us..

The stuff regarding that Unknown probably won't catch your interest—I just enjoy traveling, exploring new places, and meeting new people... that’s what makes me feel alive. And since I'm doing things that actually bring me happiness, I don't spend much time second-guessing myself. I honestly thought you’d latch onto that example about the car I mentioned, because to me, it was a perfect illustration of that social pressure you used to talk about... the kind of pressure where I felt like I "had" to conform. As for shaving, well, I'm a guy, and dressing sharp for work is just part of the job. To put it in your terms, I bought the car and that suit from the boss just so I could earn the money needed to fund my own interests. Whether it's comfortable or not, I feel better in a well-tailored suit than I would in ripped jeans or a formal tuxedo... the burden is buying the suit, not wearing it...
If you have questions, feel free to ask, but let me explain why I felt compelled to reply to your post in the first place... I’ve developed this deep-seated allergy to prejudice, to people judging someone else's values, to tribalism, narrow-mindedness, and spiritual stagnation... my philosophy has always been pretty simple—live and let live. In that initial post of yours, I caught glimpses of those exact things, though perhaps I misread the situation, but it seemed like you were busy condemning anyone who didn't fit into your specific worldview. Maybe you used those insults just to stir the pot and get a reaction, which I can respect, but then you doubled down by saying you just "can't stand" those other people. To top it off, you asked if I was a Jew, and that whole bit about how "everyone in your group is an idiot, except for the exceptions" reminds me of that tired, mainstream rhetoric where people claim everyone from a certain background is a monster, barring a few outliers... it’s honestly exhausting dealing with such shallow, closed-off, and intolerant perspectives. I don't expect the world to applaud my way of life any more than I expect them to applaud yours, but I’ve managed to reach a point where I can respect people regardless of their identity, their beliefs, or what they hold dear. It might sound a bit sentimental coming from me, but I tend to get worked up when I run into someone I perceive as being that intellectually limited—not that I'm labeling you, as I could easily have misinterpreted your opening remarks... I imagine you’ve dealt with your fair share of people judging your own lifestyle and your own self-destructive tendencies, so maybe you’ll eventually understand where I’m coming from...

I don't want to get caught up in this anymore... I should probably just add that because of all those bitter voices waiting to claim I'm acting like a know-it-all or lecturing them, I'll clarify that isn't my intention; I’m simply observing the nuances of the human psyche and how people behave, and I have no desire to position myself above anyone else or anything of the sort...

I think everyone here is ultimately searching for some insight into human nature... You laid out your situation quite clearly, which added a lot to the conversation. While those initial prejudices, insults, and tired stereotypes probably weren't necessary, I'm glad you're part of this forum and sharing your particular philosophy...

Noah Sanchez7 said:Man, there are way too many posts here for me to reply to everyone individually right now.
We should all agree on one thing: I’m talking about spirituality. Honestly, I’m not even sure if that’s the right word for it. What I really mean is an openness to one's inner self—being open with yourself first, and then extending that openness toward others and the world around you.
It doesn't really matter whose bread I'm eating, because my focus isn't on material things. To answer the question: I'm eating bread that I didn't earn myself. I'm currently a student and don't have a steady job, though I pick up odd jobs here and there.
The fact that I don't eat the bread I earned basically throws my entire philosophy out the window, but whatever.

Since we're talking about being open with ourselves, I have just one question for everyone.
Do you feel even the slightest change within yourself the moment you step out the door?
How different does it feel when you’re just hanging out at home versus that exact moment you step out the door?
I'll tell you this... that moment exists. It might not happen right away, but it’s out there, and not everyone realizes it.
And what exactly is that moment? It’s that specific instant where you put on a mask, almost like sliding into an invisible suit.
Is that what they call the superego? I wouldn't know. Honestly, it doesn't even matter. What actually matters is...
It’s all about that specific moment—the point where you cease being who you were. You transform into a creation of your own mind, designed specifically to project the version of yourself you want the world to see.
Designing an environment—well, a hundred years ago, you would have been wearing a different kind of invisible suit, just like 300 years ago, and again in the future. It'll always be different.
And where exactly do you all fit into this whole mess?

Most people either don't get it, or they do and just shrug it off like, "Eh, that's just how things are." I’m telling you, it's definitely not normal.
I think I expanded my consciousness in a way that might not have been the best idea, using psychedelics like marijuana and LSD. To be clear, I didn't start using drugs because I was struggling; it was actually the opposite. I was perfectly happy and content with myself when I first started.
How did I expand my awareness? Some people call it meditation. Personally, I’d just say I stopped. Like becoming a zero. No activity... Just being there, observing everything—mostly watching people and the situations they find themselves in.
I've started scanning my own thoughts. It’s actually quite simple: a thought pops up right before an action, you just pause instead of reacting immediately, and then you take a moment to really examine what that thought was all about.
First, identify the need. Second, determine how you respond and why you choose that specific reaction. Third, define the payoff from your action. You can even apply this logic to something as simple as an Average Joe grabbing a bottle of water.
I won't bore you any further with that...

Let's be honest with ourselves first; after all, who else can you truly be open and sincere with if not yourself?
Scott Sanders2, what was your actual reason for heading out to that island? Just wanted to clear the air—I don't actually hate people who travel there, if you took it that way.
What’s your motivation for wearing makeup and dressing up for work? Once you answer that, the most important thing is: do you actually feel comfortable in it, or does getting ready feel like a chore?

Just to be clear, I’m not trying to provoke anyone or start any trouble. I truly want everyone here to be genuinely happy; seeing you all stay positive and spread good vibes really helps me out, too.
Everyone is lying. What can I even do? The world is a mess, and there’s nothing I can personally change. But honestly, I think a lot depends on every single one of us. If we could just flip that negative energy into something positive, the world would be a much better place to live.

I don't want to overstep. Just so we're clear—before any critics jump in to say I’m acting like a know-it-all or lecturing anyone—I'm not trying to be superior. I’m just reflecting on human psychology and how people behave. I have no desire to put myself above anyone else.
I think that, in a way, I'm just chipping in. The development of human consciousness is the foundation for everything; it’s the core of our very existence. Even if I'm off base, I actually welcome any fact-based criticism—it helps me make sure I'm not just stubbornly insisting that I'm right when I'm actually wrong.

Just one more thing... I have this vision of paradise, an Eden, and it’s not something meant for the afterlife—it's something we should experience right here on Earth. Honestly, I don't see eye to eye with the traditional Christian view on this. I don't think Eve actually messed things up for us; if anything, it was the opposite. I believe God knew exactly what He was doing when He forbade the fruit. He knew she would take it, and that’s exactly what He intended, because human curiosity is a beautiful thing.
If that story captures the heart of everything, then our fundamental duty is to see this whole "exile from paradise" through to the end.
I believe the answer, the actual solution, lies in that single moment when you step out of your house and experience a subtle shift. If we could just get rid of the masks, the pretenses, the constant grooming, and all that superficiality, we would finally be free. We’d be free with one another, and love would take over, bringing Eden back to us..

No, we aren't constructs of our own minds; we are products of our environment, plain and simple.
From birth onwards, it's all predetermined... the trouble starts when we begin questioning why we were molded that way. That's where the discontent creeps in. To suggest we are creations of our own minds would be a joke so ridiculous it would leave people speechless.

I suspect you'll change your tune once you're standing on your own two feet... and it'll sting if your boss at the firm demands you wear an expensive suit. Because a suit doesn't actually make the man... and you'll put it on and grin from ear to ear because you're the only one who knows what's really going on inside your head. You'll need the money for groceries or, well, other necessities. Terry Anderson10 put it perfectly.

Not that I'm suggesting you should bottle up your thoughts... back in the day, people like you used to laugh at philosophers, and now we find ourselves quoting their words.

Cheers.🙂

Does anyone else—and I mean everyone here, not just Noah Sanchez7—find it fascinating how this whole country acts like one massive stage where we’re all just playing parts? Personally, I feel like I’ve been cast in some sort of tragicomedy, haha...
When I really sit back and think about it, it's actually quite profound. Of course, the fact that everything has spilled over the edges of our little bubble is just the flip side of the coin...
I honestly wish I could be a slightly better actress than I am at times...

Best,🙂

Scott Sanders2 said:The stuff regarding that Unknown probably won't catch your interest—I just enjoy traveling, exploring new places, and meeting new people... that’s what makes me feel alive. And since I'm doing things that actually bring me happiness, I don't spend much time second-guessing myself. I honestly thought you’d latch onto that example about the car I mentioned, because to me, it was a perfect illustration of that social pressure you used to talk about... the kind of pressure where I felt like I "had" to conform. As for shaving, well, I'm a guy, and dressing sharp for work is just part of the job. To put it in your terms, I bought the car and that suit from the boss just so I could earn the money needed to fund my own interests. Whether it's comfortable or not, I feel better in a well-tailored suit than I would in ripped jeans or a formal tuxedo... the burden is buying the suit, not wearing it...
If you have questions, feel free to ask, but let me explain why I felt compelled to reply to your post in the first place... I’ve developed this deep-seated allergy to prejudice, to people judging someone else's values, to tribalism, narrow-mindedness, and spiritual stagnation... my philosophy has always been pretty simple—live and let live. In that initial post of yours, I caught glimpses of those exact things, though perhaps I misread the situation, but it seemed like you were busy condemning anyone who didn't fit into your specific worldview. Maybe you used those insults just to stir the pot and get a reaction, which I can respect, but then you doubled down by saying you just "can't stand" those other people. To top it off, you asked if I was a Jew, and that whole bit about how "everyone in your group is an idiot, except for the exceptions" reminds me of that tired, mainstream rhetoric where people claim everyone from a certain background is a monster, barring a few outliers... it’s honestly exhausting dealing with such shallow, closed-off, and intolerant perspectives. I don't expect the world to applaud my way of life any more than I expect them to applaud yours, but I’ve managed to reach a point where I can respect people regardless of their identity, their beliefs, or what they hold dear. It might sound a bit sentimental coming from me, but I tend to get worked up when I run into someone I perceive as being that intellectually limited—not that I'm labeling you, as I could easily have misinterpreted your opening remarks... I imagine you’ve dealt with your fair share of people judging your own lifestyle and your own self-destructive tendencies, so maybe you’ll eventually understand where I’m coming from...

I don't want to get caught up in this anymore... I should probably just add that because of all those bitter voices waiting to claim I'm acting like a know-it-all or lecturing them, I'll clarify that isn't my intention; I’m simply observing the nuances of the human psyche and how people behave, and I have no desire to position myself above anyone else or anything of the sort...

I think everyone here is ultimately searching for some insight into human nature... You laid out your situation quite clearly, which added a lot to the conversation. While those initial prejudices, insults, and tired stereotypes probably weren't necessary, I'm glad you're part of this forum and sharing your particular philosophy...

You claim not to like prejudice or people who hold it. You accused me of forming an opinion based on some projected movie in my head. That isn't true. I formed an opinion based on the information you actually provided here on the forum. It's exactly how you formed your impression of me. Nothing more than that.
Regarding divisions, believe me, we are completely in agreement there. Proof enough is that on this forum, I identify with the US rather than any other side.
You correctly concluded that I started the topic to "create sparks," but if you had read a bit closer, you would have seen I was talking about mood swings; I gave an example of waking up with the phrase "straight, there is no other way," and by evening being the complete opposite. I added that I was writing a post that evening...
And rest assured, I am not judging, though I admit I do judge—you can consider that my flaw. As for your trip to Hawaii to experience different cultures and such...
Again, don't get hung up on terms like Hawaii or Mercedes-Benz, because that wasn't my point. I was referring to people who pursue those things for the wrong reasons...

northernsailor said:No, we aren't constructs of our own minds; we are products of our environment, plain and simple.
From birth onwards, it's all predetermined... the trouble starts when we begin questioning why we were molded that way. That's where the discontent creeps in. To suggest we are creations of our own minds would be a joke so ridiculous it would leave people speechless.

I suspect you'll change your tune once you're standing on your own two feet... and it'll sting if your boss at the firm demands you wear an expensive suit. Because a suit doesn't actually make the man... and you'll put it on and grin from ear to ear because you're the only one who knows what's really going on inside your head. You'll need the money for groceries or, well, other necessities. Terry Anderson10 put it perfectly.

Not that I'm suggesting you should bottle up your thoughts... back in the day, people like you used to laugh at philosophers, and now we find ourselves quoting their words.

Cheers.🙂

I hear you on some points, but I disagree that it's unchangeable. It shouldn't be "well, my environment made me this way, so deal with it." That isn't who you are—it's just what was forced upon you. The desire to shed that imposed identity and find your true self is what some call "awakening," and it's a difficult path that many avoid simply because it's hard.

northernsailor said:Does anyone else—and I mean everyone here, not just Noah Sanchez7—find it fascinating how this whole country acts like one massive stage where we’re all just playing parts? Personally, I feel like I’ve been cast in some sort of tragicomedy, haha...
When I really sit back and think about it, it's actually quite profound. Of course, the fact that everything has spilled over the edges of our little bubble is just the flip side of the coin...
I honestly wish I could be a slightly better actress than I am at times...

Best,🙂

It's actually kind of charming in the end. Just like how Johnny says at the end of the movie: "I'll be just another freak in the kingdom of freaks."

I wanted to say one more thing, but my focus right now isn't even at a 9 out of 100.

goodnight

Good grief, what on earth are you doing awake at this hour?!!!

Noah Sanchez7 said:I hear you on some points, but I disagree that it's unchangeable. It shouldn't be "well, my environment made me this way, so deal with it." That isn't who you are—it's just what was forced upon you. The desire to shed that imposed identity and find your true self is what some call "awakening," and it's a difficult path that many avoid simply because it's hard.

It's pretty obvious... nothing is truly unchangeable; some things are just harder or easier to shift, right?
I am my own living proof. I used to be incredibly pessimistic, skeptical of everything, and generally guarded—just a bundle of negative traits. I've changed. It wasn't a sudden overhaul, but it was a gradual process (and I'll try not to jinx it by saying too much, lest I slip back into old habits)...
That doesn't mean my core philosophies have shifted entirely; those old views are still there. However, I can at least say I approach certain problems differently than I did before. My surroundings played a significant role, certainly. By observing others, I evolved. Now, I find myself trying to help a friend who is currently stuck in the same rut I once occupied. Not through some intensive therapy session—that's not really my forte—but through more indirect means...

Best,🙂

northernsailor said:It's pretty obvious... nothing is truly unchangeable; some things are just harder or easier to shift, right?
I am my own living proof. I used to be incredibly pessimistic, skeptical of everything, and generally guarded—just a bundle of negative traits. I've changed. It wasn't a sudden overhaul, but it was a gradual process (and I'll try not to jinx it by saying too much, lest I slip back into old habits)...
That doesn't mean my core philosophies have shifted entirely; those old views are still there. However, I can at least say I approach certain problems differently than I did before. My surroundings played a significant role, certainly. By observing others, I evolved. Now, I find myself trying to help a friend who is currently stuck in the same rut I once occupied. Not through some intensive therapy session—that's not really my forte—but through more indirect means...

Best,🙂

I've realized that hating on others is just exhausting..

By the way, I really love your signature. Lots of it.