Be Your Own God! Self-Reliance is the key, page 1

posted on Jul, 23 2009 @ 12:06 PM

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Be your own God! No not blame anyone for your situation... for there is none to blame.

This is what I have learned from life. Evidently Emerson came to a similar conclusion...

In 1841 Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote an essay titled "Self-Reliance"

I have quoted many pieces of it below, and if you would like to read the full thing, please visit the link above.

Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist.

Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.

There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion; that though the wide universe is full of good, no kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till.

To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, — that is genius. Speak your latent conviction, and it shall be the universal sense; for the inmost in due time becomes the outmost,—— and our first thought is rendered back to us by the trumpets of the Last Judgment.

These are the voices which we hear in solitude, but they grow faint and inaudible as we enter into the world. Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members. Society is a joint-stock company, in which the members agree, for the better securing of his bread to each shareholder, to surrender the liberty and culture of the eater. The virtue in most request is conformity. Self-reliance is its aversion.

Virtues are, in the popular estimate, rather the exception than the rule.

What I must do is all that concerns me, not what the people think. This rule, equally arduous in actual and in intellectual life, may serve for the whole distinction between greatness and meanness. It is the harder, because you will always find those who think they know what is your duty better than you know it. It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.

A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do. He may as well concern himself with his shadow on the wall. Speak what you think now in hard words, and to-morrow speak what to-morrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict every thing you said to-day. — 'Ah, so you shall be sure to be misunderstood.' — Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood? Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh. To be great is to be misunderstood.

Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.

Amagnon

posted on Jul, 23 2009 @ 12:31 PM

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Certainly self reliance is a state of mind, but the practical application is of interest to all in difficult times.

If you can secure water (a water tank at your house is a good idea), shelter, clothing, food and security - then you have physical self reliance - and that is going to be a great virtue in coming days.

HunkaHunka

posted on Jul, 23 2009 @ 02:02 PM

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reply to post by Amagnon

Self reliance also helps to avoid difficult times for all...

These are some ideas that many have forgotten.

So many look to blame others for this and that... all responsibility lies solely within.

cindymars

posted on Jul, 23 2009 @ 02:20 PM

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reply to post by HunkaHunka

I agree 100%.
I call it being Self Soverign as far as Spiritually.
I am responsible for everything that happens in my life to me, period. No blame.

Physically I do my best but use public utilities for water and electric.

thisguyrighthere

posted on Jul, 23 2009 @ 02:29 PM

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Having only yourself to blame eventually hits a wall. Sooner or later you slam head first into the big wall that is government and unless you are willing to choose prison/death or choose not to want/will that which government doesnt want to permit you want/will there is little else you can do excersizing personal fault be it at or without.

I guess you could always argue it is a persons fault for not being happy to wear their chains. Sounds like burying your head in a pillow and thinking of happy thoughts during a rape.

edit for tags

[edit on 23-7-2009 by thisguyrighthere]

djr33222

posted on Jul, 23 2009 @ 02:42 PM

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reply to post by thisguyrighthere

True, the evil actions of few can harm many innocents. But, it is a person's duty to watch over their own souls.

I like this quote from the movie Kingdom of Heaven:

"You see, none of us chose our end really. A king may move a man, a father may claim a son. But remember that, even when those who move you be kings or men of power, your soul is in your keeping alone. When you stand before God you cannot say 'but I was told by others to do thus' or that 'virtue was not convinient at the time.' This will not suffice. Remember that."

[edit on 23-7-2009 by djr33222]

thisguyrighthere

posted on Jul, 23 2009 @ 02:46 PM

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reply to post by djr33222

If by "soul" you mean treating others as I would want to be treated then my "soul" is in check. If you mean "soul" as in some afterlife where I'll be able to make up for the share-cropping servitude of this life than I'm less than appeased. I'm sure the promise that being dead would bring great pleasures has pacified many in chains. It must be my fault for not believing that and taking solace in it.

djr33222

posted on Jul, 23 2009 @ 02:59 PM

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reply to post by thisguyrighthere

Sorry, didn't mean to respond to you directly. But, when I say soul I'm always referring to the intuitive definition.

I can also see that your one of those who believe redemption exists in the here and now. I agree.

[edit on 23-7-2009 by djr33222]

HunkaHunka

posted on Jul, 23 2009 @ 03:09 PM

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reply to post by thisguyrighthere

In the end, you control your subjective experience and interpretation of the world (soul). Whether you be a man in chains, a simple farmer, or a tycoon, it makes no difference.

Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.

[edit on 23-7-2009 by HunkaHunka]

Ophiuchus 13

posted on Jul, 23 2009 @ 03:24 PM

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We are too imperfect to be our own gods

thisguyrighthere

posted on Jul, 23 2009 @ 03:25 PM

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reply to post by HunkaHunka

Yeah. Nothing is quite as manly as being hauled off to jail for choosing to live free. One could always be killed in a standoff type situation I suppose. That's pretty manly, right? Closing your eyes and pretending government isnt there with their prisons, troopers and guns to fence you in is all fine and good until you rub up against the fence. Then what? Choose your manly way to go down, prison or death.

I'm guessing Emerson didnt have to pay property tax or at least didnt mind paying property tax.

Seems to me the trick of it all is convincing yourself that the box you are permitted to live in by government is the known universe for all intents and purposes is where the happiness is.

Sound like he's just trying to cinvince a bunch of people to be happy with the lie.

HunkaHunka

posted on Jul, 23 2009 @ 07:18 PM

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Originally posted by thisguyrighthere
reply to post by HunkaHunka

Yeah. Nothing is quite as manly as being hauled off to jail for choosing to live free.

What are you talking about? I live free everyday. Get up when I will, do what I will, go wherever I will.

One could always be killed in a standoff type situation I suppose. That's pretty manly, right?

I'm still not sure how this is relevant.

Closing your eyes and pretending government isnt there with their prisons, troopers and guns to fence you in is all fine and good until you rub up against the fence. Then what? Choose your manly way to go down, prison or death.

The self-reliant man accepts the cost of being thus. But rarely does the self reliant have issues with others as he blames no man for anything.

I'm guessing Emerson didnt have to pay property tax or at least didnt mind paying property tax.

Here is a quote about Emerson

His support for abolitionism late in life created controversy, and at times he was subject to abuse from crowds while speaking on the topic. When asked to sum up his work, he said his central doctrine was "the infinitude of the private man."

Methinks he understood a thing or two about government.

Seems to me the trick of it all is convincing yourself that the box you are permitted to live in by government is the known universe for all intents and purposes is where the happiness is.

Sound like he's just trying to cinvince a bunch of people to be happy with the lie.

Sounds to me like you didn't read the essay. Honestly, if you look at what you are writing, it's pretty obvious you didn't even read what the man wrote.

DrMattMaddix

posted on Jul, 23 2009 @ 07:26 PM

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Originally posted by thisguyrighthere
reply to post by HunkaHunka

Yeah. Nothing is quite as manly as being hauled off to jail for choosing to live free. One could always be killed in a standoff type situation I suppose. That's pretty manly, right? Closing your eyes and pretending government isnt there with their prisons, troopers and guns to fence you in is all fine and good until you rub up against the fence. Then what? Choose your manly way to go down, prison or death.

Whatever OP intentions were... I noticed the headline and HAD to click into this.

My first thought even before your posts, 'thisguy'; my thoughts were ... how about BE a MAN first then real men won't look like God's to you.

When you grow a spine, preferably teenager or soon there after, the man takes hold from within, as countless philosophers and other brainy dudes have written about through the millennia... Even 'dating' masters like David DeAngelo will help you get your 'inner game together'.

Then it won't seem so much like you are a God. Just a good man (as long as you temper all behavior with honour.)

God creates from nothing; kinda like the Federal Reserve... Well, they aren't really gods; they just think that they are... at least they want YOU to think so ... LOL

djr33222

posted on Jul, 23 2009 @ 08:10 PM

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reply to post by DrMattMaddix

Of all the thoughts I have on this subject I will just say that you pretty much nailed it. Nothing more.

thisguyrighthere

posted on Jul, 23 2009 @ 08:14 PM

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reply to post by HunkaHunka[/I]

I read it. It soundscdepressing. Like an admission of defeat. He says it's all fine and good to be surrounded by guards and imbiciles as long as you put on a happy face and think happy thoughs. Speak your mind politely but don't expect change. At least not until you're dead.

You're "free" in a limited capacity as long as you aren't late on your tithes to the king and don't step on the kings land or hunt the kings deer. You're free in the box so kindly granted you by the king which can be shut down at any given moment for any given reason. You can't be free as long as there is a master hovering over your head 24/7 wielding the power of life and death. There is a ceiling to natural freedom and much much lower ceiling to the freedom permitted in this man-made box we've all been born into.

HunkaHunka

posted on Jul, 23 2009 @ 08:36 PM
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Originally posted by thisguyrighthere
reply to post by HunkaHunka

I read it. It soundscdepressing. Like an admission of defeat. He says it's all fine and good to be surrounded by guards and imbiciles as long as you put on a happy face and think happy thoughs. Speak your mind politely but don't expect change. At least not until you're dead.

You're "free" in a limited capacity as long as you aren't late on your tithes to the king and don't step on the kings land or hunt the kings deer. You're free in the box so kindly granted you by the king which can be shut down at any given moment for any given reason. You can't be free as long as there is a master hovering over your head 24/7 wielding the power of life and death. There is a ceiling to natural freedom and much much lower ceiling to the freedom permitted in this man-made box we've all been born into.

Then you didn't read it. He mentioned nothing of tithes, as a matter of fact he left the church.

I don't think you even read the article. So you are pretty much just rebelling against a phantasm.

Indeed he speaks against the very same that you speak against...

The objection to conforming to usages that have become dead to you is, that it scatters your force. It loses your time and blurs the impression of your character. If you maintain a dead church, contribute to a dead Bible-society, vote with a great party either for the government or against it, spread your table like base housekeepers, — under all these screens I have difficulty to detect the precise man you are. And, of course, so much force is withdrawn from your proper life. But do your work, and I shall know you. Do your work, and you shall reinforce yourself.

And by work he means your true will. Not what others demand of you.

I recommend you read it, as it sounds like you would indeed enjoy it.

[edit on 23-7-2009 by HunkaHunka]

BaronVonGodzilla

posted on Jul, 23 2009 @ 11:32 PM
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Originally posted by thisguyrighthere
Sounds like burying your head in a pillow and thinking of happy thoughts during a rape.

edit for tags

[edit on 23-7-2009 by thisguyrighthere]

I agree, I am all for self reliance but there are plenty of times where someone else is to blame.

It seems like you would rather blame yourself for the world's evils than charge the evil doers themselves.

Originally posted by thisguyrighthere
reply to post by HunkaHunka

Yeah. Nothing is quite as manly as being hauled off to jail for choosing to live free. One could always be killed in a standoff type situation I suppose. That's pretty manly, right? Closing your eyes and pretending government isnt there with their prisons, troopers and guns to fence you in is all fine and good until you rub up against the fence. Then what? Choose your manly way to go down, prison or death.

Seems to me the trick of it all is convincing yourself that the box you are permitted to live in by government is the known universe for all intents and purposes is where the happiness is.

Sound like he's just trying to cinvince a bunch of people to be happy with the lie.

I agree again with this.

It's truly nothing personal against you, HunkaHunka, and I can see that you are trying to say, it's better to rely on yourself than on others. I agree. But sometimes you must rely on others the same way that sometimes, you are not the cause of the evil in the world, but you must react to it one way or another.

Unfortunately there are very few ways that, as thisguyrighthere said, don't reult in prison or death or a life confined to a hospital bed as a vegetable.

[edit on 23-7-2009 by BaronVonGodzilla]

Originally posted by HunkaHunka

Originally posted by thisguyrighthere
reply to post by HunkaHunka

I read it.

Then you didn't read it.[edit on 23-7-2009 by HunkaHunka]

I read it, and I disagree with you. So maybe he read it too?

[edit on 23-7-2009 by BaronVonGodzilla]

iulslion

posted on Jul, 24 2009 @ 06:12 AM
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I like the quote but I don't know where your logic comes from when you say be your own god...its this kind of thinking that has ruined our world. Realize that you must think for yourself, have your own thoughts, control what comes in to your mind, but always remember you are not God.

thisguyrighthere

posted on Jul, 24 2009 @ 06:32 AM
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Originally posted by HunkaHunka
Then you didn't read it. He mentioned nothing of tithes, as a matter of fact he left the church.

Tithes=taxes. Church=government.

I didnt mention a church, I mentioned a king=gov.

HunkaHunka

posted on Jul, 24 2009 @ 10:18 AM
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Originally posted by iulslion
I like the quote but I don't know where your logic comes from when you say be your own god...its this kind of thinking that has ruined our world. Realize that you must think for yourself, have your own thoughts, control what comes in to your mind, but always remember you are not God.

You are the only one responsible for your reality. You are your own creator.

And so is everyone else.

When you are your own God, then you have anger for no one including yourself, you have love for everyone including yourself.

And most importantly, your beliefs become fluid... they can change from day to day, just like Emerson mentions in this essay.

And not to mention Jesus mentioned in the Sermon on the Mount.

The religious believe in a God outside of themselves, The Atheist believes in Science, the Self-Reliant believe only in themselves...

[edit on 24-7-2009 by HunkaHunka]