What's the point of external efforts when you're chasing after other things without understanding yourself?

Hello, questioner.

When you bring up this confusing topic, you're getting close to enlightenment!

Buddhism teaches that everything in life is temporary, that nothing lasts forever, and that true peace can only be found in nirvana.

So, the whole universe and world are like a marriage and a state of impermanence.

This means that there is no "I"!

If you think there's an "I," you're probably just being self-absorbed. It's natural to feel confused when you're not sure who you are.

Psychology tells us that the idea of "I" is a kind of

Masks and roles!

In the office, you might be a leader, an employee, or something else. If you study certain professional and technical occupations, you may belong to a technical staff, such as a driver, a teacher, a sailor, and so on. These roles have expectations and functions assigned to them by society, which is why there is a sense of comparison and differentiation.

In the office, you might be a leader, an employee, or you might have certain technical skills that make you a member of the technical staff—like a driver, teacher, or sailor. Behind these roles are expectations and functions assigned by society, which is why there is a sense of comparison and distinction.

And we're carrying the pressure without even realizing it.

From a classic psychoanalytic perspective, I'm talking about a subject personality that's divided into

Ego, self, and superego.

The ego represents our animal nature, the desire for happiness, and our greed for pleasure. The superego, on the other hand, represents the standards required by social moral norms and the "good" part of human nature.

The self is basically how our current mental activity balances the id and the superego.

Likewise, Lacan's theory of the self as a vehicle for subject desire has an "other" behind it.

This "great other" is our parents when we're young and the cultural and social rules and authorities that shape us as we grow up.

For us, it doesn't matter if life is a dream or a dream is life.

We should make the most of every moment.

If we play our part well and meet the expectations of society, we won't be lost.

Needless to say, the most important thing is what lies behind each character's expectations.

How do we show love, which is arguably the most valuable thing of all?

I'm Consultant Yao, and I'm here to support and help you as much as I can!

Good day, questioner.

I appreciate your thoughtful question, which touches on a complex philosophical or religious issue.

I'm not sure I can answer all your questions, but I'd be happy to discuss them with you further if you'd like.

You mentioned that everything in the world is in constant motion, which is truly a fascinating insight.

It is commonly believed that the sun is eternal and unchanging. However, scientific evidence suggests that the sun is in fact constantly burning itself up and will burn out in a few billion years. Similarly, the notion that the universe has always existed in its current form is also open to question. Scientific research indicates that the universe began to expand from a singularity and is still expanding.

When one realizes such a truth, it can be challenging to maintain a sense of purpose and direction. It's natural to feel a sense of loss and confusion when what we've invested in seems to have lost its meaning.

From another perspective, however, it could be said that a thousand changes are indeed very interesting. Similarly, if one were to live the same day every day and get what they want, it is possible that they might eventually become bored.

If you believe you can pursue something that never changes, I respectfully suggest that you may be disappointed because nothing in the world really stays the same. Given that reality, we can only accept it.

I believe that Zhuangzi's attitude towards these matters is very insightful. He believes that human life is finite, while knowledge is endless. He suggests that using a finite life to pursue endless knowledge may not be the most effective use of our time.

He would rather be a turtle swimming freely in the sea than be enshrined in a temple and lose its freedom. He was also content when his wife died, believing that people are originally part of nature, and his wife had simply returned to nature.

You also make a good point when you compare life to a dream. When you die, it's like waking up from a dream, and you lose everything. In a dream, it's not so important whether you're hated or loved; what matters is how you feel.

Perhaps we could also view life as a journey. It may not be necessary to pursue anything in particular. We come to this world simply to experience it, to witness the ever-changing and wonderful world around us, and to embrace the joy and meaning in each day.

I believe we are originally part of nature. I think we can connect with the world with our hearts and feel everything in this world. I think this is what a person can do in a lifetime.

My name is Haru Aoki, and I would like to express my love for the world.

Dear Landlord, I hope you find this information useful.

From your description, I understand that you have a deep comprehension of yourself and the world around you. You recognize that the body is not the self, thoughts are not the self, and emotions are not the self. They are all in a state of flux, as is everything else in the world. This is a highly insightful understanding because the only constant in the world is change. The self is not our body, thoughts, or emotions because these will change, but the self that experiences these changes has always been there and has not changed.

The landlord is now uncertain of his identity. He is unsure of what he represents, yet his child persistently pursues a constantly evolving concept. He believes this pursuit is futile. Furthermore, you perceive this situation as a dream. In this dream, what differentiates a person who is universally disliked from one who is universally loved?

It appears that you are experiencing some confusion and uncertainty regarding the decision at hand.

Please find below a summary of my thoughts on the matter.

Regarding the concept of the self.

Perhaps, instead of defining ourselves by what we are, we can define ourselves by what we are not. As you previously stated, the self is not our body, not our thoughts, and not our emotions.

What, then, is the true nature of the self? I once heard a senior consultant posit that the self is not a discrete entity, but rather a kind of constant algorithmic synthesis.

Similarly, the operating system of a computer is not a discrete entity, but rather a combination of the functions performed by each program during operation.

In your dreams, you can synthesize that absurd self of yours, you can become another gender, or even another creature, and you will still think that is "me." You can become a king or nobleman, and you will still think that is "me," even if all the absurd things happen, all the unbelievable things happen.

However, at the time of the experience, there is still a 100% belief that it is "me."

Once you grasp the concept that the notion of an unchanging "I" is a fallacy, you will find that all problems are solved. By understanding this principle, you will also grasp the concept of "impermanence." This means that all living things, including our bodies, emotions, consciousness, and thoughts, cannot remain in a state of eternity.

The reality is that what we see, hear, and perceive is constantly changing and cannot be constant. This is akin to the growth and withering of trees, the flow and change of mountains and the universe, and the formation and destruction of planets.

Everything is in a state of constant flux.

Consequently, when we examine our own lives and those of our colleagues with the concept of impermanence, our suffering will be significantly reduced. This is because a great deal of suffering stems from our desire to cling to a certain normality. For instance, we may wish to remain young forever, to have a perpetually happy marriage, to have obedient children, to remain healthy forever, or to become wealthy forever.

Therefore, it can be seen that when there is a stubborn adherence to a specific norm, suffering arises. It can also be observed that the inner "I" is in a state of constant formation and change.

Many individuals are preoccupied with fortune-telling, believing that their fate is predetermined. However, it is not necessary to be attached to the status quo, as one's own "destiny" is also subject to change. By developing oneself and acquiring a deeper understanding of the laws governing oneself and the world, one can rewrite their own destiny.

It is also possible to conclude that all suffering arises from attachment. The first type of attachment is to a desired state, which is characterised by a fear of loss or a desire to maintain that state indefinitely. The second type of attachment is to the idea that there is a constant, solid "I" in the world.

This "I" also drives the desire to possess, the fear of loss, the pursuit of improvement, the assertion of rights, and the pursuit of happiness. When this "I" arises, attachment follows, and the desire to preserve and normalize it causes suffering.

Accordingly, accepting the impermanence of life allows one to approach the uncertainties and changes inherent to it with a more balanced mindset.

2. Should one aim to be disliked by all, or to be liked by all?

Are you aware of this fact? In fact, you are already aware of it. Your thoughts can be changed. We have the ability to choose what to believe. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to choose, would you prefer to be someone who is disliked by everyone or someone who is loved by everyone?

It is challenging to maintain an absolute stance on this matter, as there will always be individuals who hold positive and negative sentiments towards us. However, the crucial aspect is our self-perception. When we have a positive self-image, we are better equipped to handle external feedback, as we have already established a positive baseline.

In this regard, I am reminded of the debate between "human nature is fundamentally good" and "human nature is fundamentally evil." In fact, both perspectives have merit.

1. Human nature has a kind side, and we are willing to offer praise and support to others without being judgmental.

Have you observed that children are eager to applaud for others? This is due to the presence of a benevolent aspect in human nature. When we praise others and applaud for them, our body releases dopamine, which creates a sense of happiness. Lei Feng was willing to sacrifice himself to help others, and he derived immense satisfaction from this act. He believed that "giving someone a rose leaves a sweet smell on your hands."

Therefore, genes encourage us to appreciate and help each other, which is beneficial to our evolution. Given that everyone has shortcomings and needs to cooperate with others to overcome challenges and prevail over adversaries,

2. Human nature also encompasses a competitive aspect.

Darwin's theory of evolution posits that the fittest survive. Without competition and comparison, there is no incentive for improvement.

As we mature and gain a broader perspective, we recognize the prevalence of competition and comparison in society. We often find ourselves aligning with the prevailing trends and succumbing to the anxiety of comparison. When we observe others excelling, we may experience feelings of inadequacy and even threat.

This is a normal occurrence, but it is possible to make better decisions. We can choose to engage in activities that promote inner peace. It is not necessary to gain the approval of everyone, but it is important to avoid actions that will cause others to dislike us.

It is important to remember that you already possess the answers you seek within yourself. I would never initiate any action that could harm another individual, but if someone else were to do so, I would take steps to protect my personal boundaries. Additionally, I would strive to assist others in any way I can, deriving satisfaction from the act of giving and the sense of value it brings.

The outcome of life is ultimately the same. Rather than focusing on the result, it is more beneficial to enjoy the process. This allows us to explore ourselves and discover the beauty and meaning of life, which is what makes us human beings so unique.

It is important to focus on the aspects of your life that you can control, such as your own thoughts and actions. At the same time, it is essential to accept and submit to the things you cannot change, such as the laws of nature and the actions of other people. By doing so, you will be better able to manage your resources and focus on the aspects of your life that you can influence.

As you progress, you will gain a clearer understanding of your direction and purpose in life. During this journey, it is essential to persevere, embrace experiences, and strive to become the best version of yourself.

The above is for your reference only. Best regards,

Good morning, host!

The question the host is pondering is a thought-provoking one. Perhaps many people don't think about it in this way, but just live for the sake of living.

The landlord's question also prompted me to reflect on the fundamental questions of what our lives and efforts are all about.

Life is not necessarily short or long. Perhaps the excellence, success, happiness, joy, and peace we pursue

In reality, life is more about challenges, setbacks, difficulties, pain, anxiety, and unease.

In this world full of contradictions, we tend to live as though we are having one dream after another, which seems to last forever.

When our life comes to an end, it would be interesting to speculate on what kind of experience and scene it will be. Perhaps, as a human body, there is really no way to know.

When we are born into this world as human beings, it could be said that every minute and every second of our experience is our life.

Ultimately, we are responsible for our own choices, and we must accept the consequences of our actions.

Ultimately, it is up to each of us to decide whether we like it or not, and to accept the consequences of our actions.

Everything is connected in a cycle of cause and effect.

If you're looking to improve your academic performance, it might be helpful to consider studying hard every day.

If you're looking to improve your health, it might be helpful to consider ways to control your mouth and move your legs.

If you aspire to achieve financial independence and personal freedom, it would be prudent to work diligently and earn a living commensurate with your abilities.

I believe that everything is the result of the seeds I have sown.

It is important to remember that the body is aging, and that the body is not the self. Just as a body is something that changes, the mind is even more so. There is no fixed and unchanging thought, and it is also changing, not the self. Emotions are also changeable. Everything that can be called the self is constantly changing.

Everything is in a state of constant flux, and nothing remains static. It is our responsibility to be true to ourselves in the midst of change.

Embrace the surprises and unexpected twists that come with change, as this is the only constant in our world.

I wish you a happy life!

I am June, and I send you warm regards! I hope you will accept my warm regards and my love for you and the world!

Hello, questioner. Your confusion shows you're aware.

We will explore who we are. We have been curious since we were aware of ourselves. We ask, "Where do I come from?" As we grow older, we become confused about who we are. Then we enter a period of chaos and search and explore constantly.

At first, we think our actions are all about us. This can make us feel powerless, misunderstood, and rejected. But this is just a part of us.

We then explore further. When we are misunderstood and powerless, we feel angry or sad. We need to spend some time with ourselves and experience the moment of being with ourselves. At this moment, we can still see that our feelings are also part of me.

We then explore further. In response to this feeling, we want our own view of the matter, that is, our point of view. This often comes from our beliefs.

Our current point of view is still part of us.

We then explore. When we see our point of view, it is easier for us to have expectations of others. In this process, we need to develop a strong skill: taking responsibility for our expectations. My expectations are my business.

We then explore where expectations come from. This is good awareness. We try to connect with ourselves on a deeper level. We think about common human desires like love, acceptance, safety, and equality.

We'll come back to see what we want.

Then we see the longing and become curious because I'm still confused. We need to spend more time connecting with ourselves, nature, and the world. We will be surprised to discover that my life is rich and full of spirituality and vitality. I am a unique self, a unique manifestation of life energy from the universe.

Hope this helps.

Hello!

Host:

I am Zeng Chen, a heart exploration coach, and I am so excited to connect with you! I have carefully read your post and I can feel from the content that you have been exploring yourself. At the same time, I also noticed that you have bravely expressed your confusion and actively sought help on the platform, which will undoubtedly help you better understand and know yourself and find yourself!

I'm really excited to share my observations and thoughts from the post with you, the original poster. I think they'll help you to look at the issue from a more diverse perspective!

1. Story

In the post, the original poster made an interesting observation. They said that while the body is getting older, it's not who they really are. It's like the mind, which is also constantly changing. Thoughts come and go, and emotions are ever-changing too.

It seems that the host has a fascinating perspective on the self!

This story reminds me of something Mr. Cong from Fei said in his book, It Turns Out That Understanding Is More Important Than Love. In the story, Mr. Cong from Fei and a friend are discussing what the "true self" is. The friend believes that the true self is someone who is not proactive, not assertive, not competitive, and shy. At this time, Mr. Cong from Fei tells him a story that really gets the friend thinking!

This story is about an amazing person who grew up in a country where the official language is Chinese. He believes wholeheartedly that speaking Chinese is the real him, so he's determined to be true to himself. When he meets an American, he discovers that the language barrier is insurmountable, but he's undaunted. He's ready to embrace the challenge of communicating with people in English. So he thinks that he is "different from the Americans," and he's excited to show them what he can do!

However, he also finds it painful not to communicate with Americans because he needs to do so for work. The good news is that if he communicates with them, he can lead a better life! The only downside is that he will no longer be his original self. So he has always insisted on being himself.

My friend thought it was hilarious and was curious about the connection between language and identity. He said that when you use English, you're still you at your core!

But at this time, Mr. Cong also said that there is no difference in personality! Many people feel introverted, and that's okay!

Embrace your shyness! It's who you really are. And while extroversion and optimism are great qualities, they're not who you really are either.

This is actually a kind of self-imposed restriction on oneself, which is something we can all relate to! He believes that the one with principles is me, and the one without principles is also me.

Guess what? The introvert is me, and the extrovert is also me. My essence has not changed; I have simply mastered an additional personality.

I have just added some more content to myself, and it feels great!

I'm so excited to share all these new thoughts with you! This story has really opened my mind and I hope it will do the same for you.

2. Who am I?

This may be the ultimate pursuit of a soul, and different people may have different views. What is mentioned here is the concept of the "iceberg principle" proposed by Satir, which is an absolutely fascinating idea!

This concept mentions the "I." It is believed that this "I" has two meanings. From the surface, the "I" refers to a person's self-awareness and their own identity, which is really fascinating!

This is usually a social role, which is great because it means we get to play different roles in different situations! For example, I am an employee, a boss, etc.

And then there's the other level, which is the philosophical and spiritual level. This is where we start to question our own souls! It's a very complicated but also very exciting level!

However, our understanding of ourselves often comes from our childhood. When we were young, we didn't have enough knowledge or ability to understand ourselves, but we were lucky enough to have the feedback from our caregivers to help us understand ourselves!

And it's from this place of love and acceptance that we internalize this feedback in our hearts, which forms our initial understanding of ourselves, that is, who I am!

I really hope this helps and inspires you!

Hello, question asker! I'm thrilled to answer your question.

The author's self-statement describes changing bodies, changing emotions, and thoughts that cannot be fixed. Everything seems to be changing, and it's a fascinating process! The author is confused and wonders if it is worth pursuing something that is constantly changing. What is the difference between being loved and being hated? I would love to discuss these with the author!

Everything changes, but the essence remains the same—and that's something to celebrate!

Everything changes! Some things change more than others, but everything has a life cycle. People go through the stages of birth, aging, illness, and death. These are the laws of nature, and nothing is set in stone!

But here's the amazing thing: no matter how things change, how people change, some things inside are unchanging. For example, no matter how things change on the outside, the basic elements that make them up, at the atomic level, are the same. Even if it breaks down, its molecular structure is not very different!

It's incredible how our bodies and minds evolve and change as we go through life. No matter how we grow and change, we always have the amazing ability to see! And our bodies remain constant, with bones supporting us through it all.

2. People are also constantly evolving, which is really exciting!

The human body and mind are also constantly evolving and will never remain the same, which is really exciting! Everyone has different perceptions from an early age, and their developmental needs are also different, so they can never remain the same.

The human body and mind are constantly evolving! As a child, you need care in infancy, food intake and tasting in childhood, recognition from friends in adolescence, and self-awareness in puberty.

The questioner is aware that he is constantly changing, and his thinking is constantly changing too! This is all down to human psychological development, which is an amazing process!

3. Things are changing, but the original intention remains the same!

What is the questioner's own pursuit? Does he or she have a goal? I'm excited to find out!

Perhaps the goals pursued in the past are also constantly changing with the development of the times, right? So, let's explore the original intention of the questioner in pursuing his goals!

Why do you want to pursue this goal? It would be great to know what the questioner's original aspiration is!

Has the questioner himself held on to it? Absolutely! If the questioner has held onto his initial intention and knows what he is chasing after, there's no way he'll change his initial intention!

It doesn't matter what changes come your way, as long as your heart stays true to itself! Even if your circumstances shift, your inner compass will always guide you to the right path.

I really hope my answer helps the questioner!

Hello, host!

Yesterday, we discussed the ambiguity and incompleteness of the self-concept. We must now add a dynamic fluidity to this. Asking what one is is challenging enough. We refuse to stop there and want to know more.

Question 2 associations

The question of the self—who is causing one's own headache and fatigue and asking why one is suffering—has truly baffled God.

Two thousand years ago, some human groups chose to believe that God said to mankind that he is the creator of the universe, that we are his creatures, and that the purpose of our lives is to glorify him. Such thoughts and beliefs have influenced the foundation and development of Western civilization. Many generations have trusted in him, listened to his words, and completely surrendered their lives to him.

Everything we do is in God's will. We serve God, and that is the meaning of our existence. We do not worry about why we are doing something. We know that we are serving God.

I am certain that there are other ways for humans to solve this question and resolve this worry in a similar way. However, not everyone is willing to choose to believe that the existence of the Creator and the meaning of our existence is to glorify Him. This is why I say that this question has stumped God.

Some philosophers, like you, have the courage to pursue this question and are relentless in seeking answers. For example, Nietzsche said, "God is dead." You can imagine how extraordinary the answers these great philosophers would give, leaving believers in God speechless.

I can say with confidence that question 2 has a solution, even if it is not yet clear what that solution is.

There is one thing I am certain of: your unique "I" as a subject that knows yourself and the world. As an actor, you have the freedom to choose how to define the meaning of your existence, just as you have the freedom to choose how to define yourself (what kind of person you want to be).

I am aware that there are scholars who oppose this view and believe that so-called free will is just a misunderstanding of ourselves. However, experimental studies in brain neuroscience on the "choice button" prove otherwise. When you think you are autonomously choosing which button to press, your brain's electrical signals show that you are mistaken about your "choice." The brain has already chosen the button you will "choose" before you realize and make a decision about which button to choose.

This means that the self is nothing more than our delusions. If this is true, then who determines the brain's electrical activity?

This experiment is proving that God controls everything.

I am not in a position to answer these questions. I have made a choice in the present: I believe in the existence of human free will. Even the Bible's Genesis story is written in the chapter where God gives humans free will.

I believe that it is precisely because human beings have free will that it makes sense to ask about the meaning of self and existence. If everything is not of our own choosing, then our entire life would be just a dream, as you said.

If it's a dream, what's the difference between being disliked and being loved? The answer to "What's the point of doing anything in a dream?" isn't about the two dreams. It's about having no choice about what dream you want. This has nothing to do with whether you like it or hate it, whether you know yourself or not, whether you feel your existence is meaningful or meaningless.

I choose to believe in the idea of existentialist philosophers: existence is meaning.

I will restate this analogy from a previous answer: a pen exists because it has a use/function for humans. Its existence comes from its value/function, which precedes its existence. Humans are different.

Human existence precedes value/function. Just like every atom in the vast universe, existence is value. They exist before value/function, and so does the human being.

Value/function is a "human-centered" perspective: whether something is useful to people. The universe probably never cares what value/function people have for it.

It just exists, and existence itself is meaningful. Your miserable human nature is not satisfied with this, because you exist before your free will (you were just thrown into this world without being asked for your consent), and it is really not easy for you to continue to exist.

We chase after too many things just to exist. We suffer and develop many values and functions to do so. Our existence is meaningless because we have become tools for others. The introverted era brings this feeling even more strongly.

You define what kind of self you want and what meaning you want to feel in your existence. Believe in the existence of free will. It is a ray of hope in the miserable and desperate plight of mankind.

That's it. The world and I love you.

Hello, host.

I've seen lots of answers, and the first two are pretty long-winded, talking about what self is from a very broad perspective. So I'm not going to go into these more abstract and huge things.

I'm interested in how you use words. When you said, "My feeling is..." and used the word "feeling," it made me think about how we talk about the self. It's not so much about defining the self, but about how we feel about ourselves.

It seems like you want to understand yourself and know what your self is like. But you also seem to think that if you want to know, it has to be something that can be known, not something that keeps changing. So I want to ask, do you think that "change" and "self" cannot coexist?

Do you think the "self" is a constant?

I don't think so. The reality I accept is that "self," or to put it another way, "myself" or "I," is a constantly changing thing.

But that doesn't affect my understanding of it. I just understand it in a wider context.

I need to understand my body at a certain moment, how it will change, and what it will become after the change. I need to understand my thoughts and emotions, what they were in the last moment and what they will become in the next. I need to be aware of myself all the time, adapt to changes in myself, and be aware of every part of myself. This is how I understand myself.

This is also the case for reality, where change is constant. But that's not the point. The point is that you feel such a reality is unnecessary to pursue or do and has no value.

I'd like to ask you why you feel that way.

You brought up dreams, which is an interesting point. In a dream, it really doesn't matter what happens, but this is reality, and it just feels like a dream. I'd like to ask, do you remember the last time you felt incredibly real?

I've read your question and I'd like to ask you, the questioner, what kind of feeling you had when you asked it.

Are you feeling angry, confused, or in pain?

Do you think you might have your own answer within yourself?

In any case, I can tell you're asking this question with a good attitude. I admire that. It's also become a driving force for me to give you my answer.

I'll answer your question in two parts:

1. How can someone really get to know themselves?

Understanding yourself is all about looking inward and exploring your own thoughts and feelings.

I call this self-awareness. To maintain it, you need to learn to be alone, for example, to have a private space of your own, to empty your mind, to see yourself, to see your emotions, feelings, and needs.

You gradually become more at peace with yourself, and then you start to connect with your surroundings. I saw a quote from the movie The Grandmaster that sums this up nicely: "See yourself, see the world, see all living beings."

2. How can we live a meaningful life in the face of constant change?

It's widely accepted that knowing your worth is one of the most important things in life.

In the real world, people tend to prioritize material pursuits, individualism, and hedonism over spiritual pursuits and collectivism, and they often value hard work less than they should.

In other words, the trend for people born in the '90s and then the '00s is to value money and social status more highly, to value personal interests more highly when choosing a career, and not to want life to be too hard, but to learn to enjoy life.

Every era has its own trends.

I believe the meaning of my life is something I define for myself.

For instance, if you prioritize material pursuits and work hard to improve your quality of life, that's what your life is about.

If you value spiritual pursuits, you'll value life experiences and be diligent in reading and thinking. That's what your life is about.

*Ultimately, you are the only one responsible for your own life. This is how you can become the master of your own life.

I hope you live your life to the fullest. The world and I love you!

You're at a crossroads, feeling helpless. The traffic lights and sea of people and cars are distressing you.

Your question reminds me of The Secret.

"Things aren't always what they seem. You're not always who you think you are."

– Jane Fraser

If you don't understand yourself, your efforts are meaningless. It's like when a lot of people see someone running, they run too; when others are watching, they push their way in.

When we want to buy something and find too many similar products, we get anxious.

When we're caught up in chaotic thoughts, it feels like a mess. It's actually the result of pessimistic thinking.

The river is neither as shallow as Uncle Ox said, nor as deep as the little squirrel said.

Imagining the scenery on the other side is just that: imagination. Go and do it, take action, climb the mountain, starting with the path at your feet. Each step is real, and the scenery will be different with each ascent.

You might sweat, but you'll be happy.

Growing upwards and towards the sun is the meaning of life. The process of becoming fully alive is meaningful.

Ask why more often. Everything is changing. Take advantage of favorable circumstances. Life is wonderful because of change and diversity.

Get out of the swamp of thinking. Plan a little. Allow for deviations and spaces. Correct them and start anew.

Subtract from your ideas and add to your actions. Let combat bring out your potential.

I can't explain it more or people will think I'm trying to sell the book.

Hello, I've read your question and I can help. You've been searching for yourself, but you don't know which part is your own, and you're still searching, right? I'm also searching. I'm Anemone, a trainee psychological counselor, and I'll help you interpret yourself.

—Who am I?

My body is aging, and it's not happening the way I want it to.

I don't want to think outside the box.

– My emotions are also changing. This is not what I want.

?‍♂️I am me. I ask myself this question: who am I and where did I come from?

I was brought into this world by my parents. At that time, I could do nothing but cry. I started borrowing money to get my mother's milk and my father's embrace. If I had not been born, none of this would have been necessary. However, I could not control my own birth. I also had to borrow money from my parents to become strong and capable, so that I could repay the debts I had borrowed.

I haven't paid off my debts yet, and it's clear that my body isn't even mine anymore. It's getting old, and his needs are getting bigger and bigger. He needs a partner, he needs care, and if he's not happy, he'll throw a tantrum. He'll complain about this pain here and that stiffness there. You have to accompany and care for him. You don't want to earn money to pay off your debts, and up to now, his needs are getting higher and higher. He wants a comfortable environment and quality companionship. This exhausts you. You haven't paid off even a single cent of the debt you owe your parents, and it's not enough to cover the cost of this body getting old. If you don't take care of your body, what will you use to pay off the debt you owe your parents?

You need to stop thinking outside the box. You can go wherever you want, but the income from this body is not enough to support the extravagance of the mind. Not only can't you pay off your debts, you're borrowing more and more. This mind wants to enjoy life every day, the sunshine and the beach, barbecues and beer, but the body is so useless that it can't control the enjoyment that the mind brings. He says he's old when he's old, and it's not right if this is loose and that is tight. It's too troublesome to spend money on repairs, and the mind doesn't even want to play with the body anymore. He wants to fly solo, but that's just a dream.

Emotions are changing. The body can't play anymore, the mind has gone off with someone else, and only emotions are left. Emotions are boring. The body can't support him anymore, and the mind doesn't comfort him either. So he gets angry and throws things around. But it still doesn't work. He's bored, so he needs company. The body is old, the mind has run away, and emotions and the body can't be put together. Dream on if you want, but don't pay your debts. You have to wake up from your dreams. Body, mind, and emotions, they're inseparable. Even in their dreams, they have to be together, whether it's a beautiful dream or a nightmare. You have to wake up and face reality. You have to take care of your own food, clothing, and shelter. This is reality, this is life. Have a good dream, everyone reconciles, and continue to support each other and move forward. Have a nightmare, and the wicked will be punished by the wicked.

You decide.

I know the world loves you, and I love you too. Thank you for showing me how to find myself.

Hello!

The question is full of deep philosophical thinking, which reminds me of the book "Infinite Games and Limited Games." I bet the questioner will really connect with the original author.

"What difference does it make what you do in your dreams?" This quote reminds me of the movie "The Shawshank Redemption," and the words of my lifelong spiritual guide, Andy: "Hope is the best thing there is. No one can take that away from you, no matter how hard they try."

No matter what you're going through, always believe in hope.

I really believe that the best way to put this into practice is to read! That way, you can build up all that lovely knowledge in your brain and make it your own unique wisdom.

You mentioned the movement of mountains, which I thought was a lovely idea! Once when I was in pain, I explained through the crustal movement of geology that as long as I overcame the pain, a series of majestic mountains would be built in my mind, towering and continuous.

You brought up some great points about machines, wood, and stone, which made me think of the Paleolithic era, the Neolithic era, the era of cold weapons, and so on. It's amazing how technology keeps evolving, and we humans are always pushing the boundaries of what's possible. But at the heart of it all, we still have that kind and gentle side that never goes away.

Overall, it seems like you're looking to dive deeper into some topics and sort out your thoughts.

I'd love to share some of the general principles from the ethics manual for psychological counseling with you: good deeds, fairness, respect, integrity, and responsibility.

It's so important to remember that knowledge is connected. If you want to keep your mind safe and happy, it's a great idea to think about it in a deeper way.

I really hope that the questioner can find their own beautiful understanding through writing.

I just want to say, "Bravo to you!"

Dear host, I am grateful for the opportunity to respond to your invitation.

The response is somewhat lengthy, so it will be divided into two parts. Please allow me to restate the question in a manner that aligns with my interpretation of the original inquiry:

Question 1: "I am uncertain as to my identity." Restated as "What is my self-concept?"

Question 2: "I am uncertain as to the purpose of these endeavors." Restated as "What is the meaning of my existence?"

I would like to interject and offer a few additional remarks. In my view, the question of the host's "self" represents a pivotal point in the history of philosophy. Initially, it would appear that philosophers were more preoccupied with machines, wood, stones, and mountains. However, as their understanding evolved, they shifted their focus to humans.

It is regrettable that I have never had the opportunity to pursue a comprehensive course of study in philosophy. Consequently, I am unable to respond to your question from the perspective I would have wished to adopt.

Nevertheless, despite the contributions of numerous eminent philosophers to the field of human cognition, it seems unlikely that humanity will ever be able to provide a definitive answer. In this response, I can only offer my own fragmented insights and thoughts, based on my limited mental capacity and knowledge, for the landlord's reference.

Should I employ any philosophical or psychological jargon in my response, it is due to the necessity of drawing upon a vast array of knowledge, the result of which may be the inadvertent integration of my own understanding and improper citations. I request your vigilance in this regard.

The question of association regarding Question 1

The concept of the "self" is formed in the pursuit of understanding the essence of the self. It is based on the fact that humans have self-awareness, which can be understood as the ability to perceive the difference between oneself and the outside world.

While philosophers may be primarily concerned with the self and consciousness of humans, psychologists have also investigated these concepts in animals. One notable example is the red dot experiment with gorillas, which demonstrated that when a gorilla can see its own forehead red dot in a mirror, it will use its finger to poke the red dot on its forehead instead of the red dot it sees in the mirror. This confirms that gorillas possess self-awareness, indicating that they can distinguish between a "me" that is different from external stimuli. However, it is unclear whether gorillas would engage in introspective questioning, such as "Who am I?" or "What is the self?"

It is currently believed that only humans are capable of posing such questions.

This question is posed using the symbolic system that is unique to humans, namely language. The self is a concept that is expressed in language, and it is a product of human thought. It can be said that the self is the foundation on which thought relies. In other words, the self is a concept that is related to the concept of "myself."

In psychology, a concept is defined as the reaction of the human brain to the essential properties of objective things. This reaction is marked and recorded in words, which allows us to view the "self" as a reflection of the essential properties of the objective existence of the human mind.

The concept of the self then becomes so complex that it is difficult to ascertain its true nature. The question of what constitutes the self itself implies that the self has become an objective entity, open to observation. This observation, however, is conducted by the very entity that is being observed, which introduces a paradoxical state of having no subjective self at all.

Accordingly, when attempting to describe what it means to be self, it seems that we must divide the "I" into at least two distinct parts. One may be conceived of as the initiator, implementer, and experiencer of eating, drinking, defecating, sleeping, and playing. The other may be regarded as the person who is aware of, interprets, judges, reflects on, and regulates one's inner and outer activities.

In theory, there are as many definitions of the self as there are different perspectives on exploring the human self. For example, Freud created the concept of "id, ego, and superego" to describe the psychological "self," and the meaning of "ego" is not the same as the host's question.

Psychology textbooks offer a more comprehensive definition of the self, encompassing the individual's perception of their physical, psychological, interpersonal, and social roles. Despite its extensive scope, this definition remains vague and incomplete.

In regard to question 1, it is necessary to acknowledge the limitations of the current understanding of the self. While the question may appear to have a solution, it is not a definitive answer, but rather a point between a solution and no solution.

I would like to add a few more details here. The human understanding of oneself is dependent on the relationship between oneself and the external world. The self can be conceptualized as the interpretation of the feedback information received after connecting and interacting with the external environment, including other individuals and objects. This process can be likened to the act of determining the identity of an object. To do so, one may apply various forms of disturbance, such as observing the object under different lighting conditions, touching it with one's hands, or subjecting it to temperature changes. The resulting information emitted from the interaction between the disturbance and the object provides insights into the object's identity. This process can be described as an observational approach.

The answer to the question of what an object is is the interpretation and description of the information that the object provides. This information is received and distinguished by humans, for example, through the creation of devices that can receive and distinguish infrasound waves that cannot be heard.

The difficulty in identifying oneself is also due to the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our relationship with the external world. The information that is reflected back to us when we interact with the external world is also dynamic and ever-changing. This process allows us to gain self-knowledge and construct our identity, as humans possess free will and the capacity to choose how to interact with the external world, which distinguishes us from objects.

This choice is, on a micro level, about selecting an angle to gain insight into one's true identity. On a macro level, it is about determining one's desired future self. The process of self-awareness and self-construction is an ongoing endeavor that extends throughout one's lifetime.

The preceding argument is incomplete.

The world and I express our love for you.

Hello, questioner!

I commend you for having such thoughts and awareness!

This is a difficult question to answer.

There is no answer.

I'd be happy to share my thoughts with you.

Let's explore it together.

1. The illusion of self.

The book The Nature of Self states that

The self is a brain illusion.

The self is constructed by others and the environment.

As you said, the self is constantly changing.

You are confused.

You don't know who you are, but you're still chasing after what's always changing.

The question of the search for the self undoubtedly troubled other people at some point.

Many people have given many different answers.

We certainly have our own answers.

I am more concerned about:

You can still live a good life after understanding yourself.

Read the book The Nature of Self if you want to know more.

2. Don't overdo it with the self-analysis.

This is my personal opinion, and I stand by it.

When we can't find a self-consistent perception of the self for the time being, we must refrain from excessive self-analysis.

Naturally, everyone has a different standard for what constitutes excessive self-analysis.

It is not excessive as long as it does not affect our normal lives.

This is a process of discovering a new self or pursuing self-knowledge.

You can also live out the divine nature, as stated in "Change Starts with the Heart."

If it makes you feel like you've lost control or you only see illusions and can't settle yourself, stop over-analyzing.

When we get stuck on an idea, it is often an illusion.

Use your own thinking for your own good and understand yourself, and you will be happier.

3. Change and happiness go hand in hand.

You said, "If it really is a dream, what's the difference between being someone everyone hates and being someone everyone loves?" I firmly believe there is a significant distinction.

If this assumption is correct, as we explain in the interpretation of dreams, then dreams are imaginary while feelings are real.

It's like being someone who is disliked and someone who is loved. The feelings we get can be completely different.

We are all in an environment and interacting with others.

We must gain a sense of control and happiness in our dreams.

This is the meaning of self-knowledge and self-growth.

We can change ourselves, and we can construct a whole new self-perception.

Like yourself and the world. Dream of being happy and making others happy.

External efforts are always important.

What we firmly believe in and are willing to do is often more important than the result itself.

What we firmly believe in and are willing to do is often more important than the result itself.

External efforts and understanding yourself can and should complement each other.

It's not mutually exclusive.

We can and should work hard while understanding ourselves.

When pursuing other things, you must decide whether you care more about the result or the process.

What do you want to pursue for yourself?

Listen to your inner voice.

You hear your inner voice. Affirm it.

If we pursue it blindly just because of the influence of others, it will only make us unhappy.

But what we really want to pursue for ourselves brings nourishment.

Our feelings and behaviors have changed, and we need to recognize that.

Just share these.

Best wishes!

My dear,

The concept of emptiness is a fundamental tenet of Buddhist philosophy. It is posited that existence is devoid of inherent substance and form, both in the temporal realm and the afterlife. From a purely physical or material standpoint, this notion leads to a lack of clarity in one's pursuits and a lack of clarity about the self. When one considers the span of existence, the poem's assertion that "Dust to dust, ashes to ashes, pure in heart, you come and go..." becomes a reality. The essence of life, therefore, is not to cling to existence but to embrace it. This is in contrast to the notion of seeking to remain in the material world, which is seen as a form of attachment. Instead, the spiritual world is experienced as a form of existence, rather than a mere possession or ownership.

Life is a one-way trip. The decision to embark on this journey and the precise moment of its conclusion are beyond our control. Even the direction of travel and the locations of scheduled stops are challenging to regulate. We embark on this journey alone, encountering various situations along the way. Some are predetermined, some are sudden, some are carefully planned, and some are the result of fate. Most of us are carried along by the flow of people, moving forward passively or actively. There are pioneers who blaze a trail through difficulties, there are privileged people who enjoy the fruits of their labor, there are those who chase after car exhausts and keep running non-stop, and there are those who stroll slowly and kill time. Life is full of variety.

It is not possible to know the thoughts and expectations of those involved, and it is similarly unfeasible to expect others to comprehend the rationale behind one's decisions and actions. Nevertheless, the fact remains that we are all engaged in a journey, and the steady flow of life continues uninterrupted.

The Zhuangzi's depiction of a butterfly has prompted reflection on the nature of nothingness and reality. What, precisely, is the distinction between these two concepts? Prior to engaging in the enduring debate between philosophy and Buddhism, it may be beneficial to first ascertain the implications of this inquiry for our daily lives.

It is of course important to determine whether something is true or false, to judge its ownership, to find out the ins and outs, and even the past and future. This is because it is the knowledge of the law and the nature. However, for most people, it seems more important to find out how to apply this law or nature to guide their lives. This is akin to the difference between axioms and theorems in mathematics. Axioms do not need to be proved, while a significant proportion of the exercises on the exam paper require the application of axioms and their derived theorems to carry out various verifications.

Our lives are a process of gradual progress through repeated life verifications. The results of the exercise verification will be displayed in the form of a score or ranking after the paper is handed in, while the verification of life is revealed slowly from various dimensions, including fame, status, wealth, cognitive behavior, and how to get things done.

An excessive focus on the distinction between nothingness and reality is akin to an overzealous pursuit of axiom verification, while neglecting the various verification processes. This approach can result in a misguided prioritization of concepts, leading to flawed conclusions. Conversely, a more comprehensive examination, incorporating diverse verification techniques, can yield more accurate insights.

In lieu of seeking external sources for gratification, it is imperative to return to one's intrinsic self. This entails the attenuation of greed, anger, and ignorance pertaining to external material desires, and an attunement to the intrinsic value of one's existence. Through this process, one may discern that the original state, though seemingly simple, is in fact a reflection of a deeper beauty that has been obscured by the accumulation of details. These details, when subjected to a process of repeated refinement, gradually reveal a subtle elegance that has been present from the outset. The notion that every individual possesses the potential to become a future Buddha is a profound one. It suggests that the experiences encountered in the present will inevitably be fulfilled and validated in the future. This implies that expectations, when grounded in a commitment to hard work and a keen attention to detail, will inevitably manifest in due course. However, when one becomes fixated on fantasies or the pursuit of immediate, tangible rewards, it can result in a narrowing of one's perspective. Ultimately, this may lead to a sense of isolation, as the world becomes increasingly limited to what can be seen.

The reason why each individual's perception of the world is unique is not only a function of their perspective but also the extent to which they are engaged with their surroundings. When we observe the world through our eyes, we perceive it as a finite entity within our line of sight. However, when we engage with the world through our hearts, we begin to perceive it as an infinite entity.