Higher Reality, Escapism and the Unsatisfied Life

[32k]

On the topic of higher reality (a reality more "real" than the reality perceived from the senses) it seems that it has its roots in Escapism; which has its roots in dissatisfaction. I mean to say that those who appeal to a notion of a higher reality are perhaps unsatisfied with the way things are in this perceived reality. To illustrate:

A person is born > has many experiences > perceives some experiences as favorable and others as less or unfavorable > dwells on these experiences > from these experiences forms a perception of life (for example, "Life is a journey") > decides whether life is worth living or not > decides life is more suffering than it is bliss > cannot handle this and so forms a philosophy founded on the idea of a higher reality with a better outcome than the perceived reality.

I accept the possibility that this is not always the case with those who appeal to a higher reality, although it seems to be.

Would it be right to asses those who aspire to a higher reality as people who just plain hate life the way they perceive it? And, is appealing to a higher reality the only solution for those who are unsatisfied with their perceived reality?

 

[Gadarene]

Would it be right to asses those who aspire to a higher reality as people who just plain hate life the way they perceive it?

I'd agree with you. It isn't always the case, but it does seem to be the case quite a lot of the time.

Everyone involves themselves in escapism of some form, but only some insist their escapes are actually real.

And, is appealing to a higher reality the only solution for those who are unsatisfied with their perceived reality?

Nope. Coping mechanisms for dealing with actual reality can be taught as an alternative.

 

[Paradoxum]

"Religious suffering is, at one and the same time, the expression of real suffering and a protest against real suffering. Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.

The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is the demand for their real happiness. To call on them to give up their illusions about their condition is to call on them to give up a condition that requires illusions. The criticism of religion is, therefore, in embryo, the criticism of that vale of tears of which religion is the halo.

Criticism has plucked the imaginary flowers on the chain not in order that man shall continue to bear that chain without fantasy or consolation, but so that he shall throw off the chain and pluck the living flower." ~ Marx

 

[dysert]

"Religious suffering is, at one and the same time, the expression of real suffering and a protest against real suffering. Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.

The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is the demand for their real happiness. To call on them to give up their illusions about their condition is to call on them to give up a condition that requires illusions. The criticism of religion is, therefore, in embryo, the criticism of that vale of tears of which religion is the halo.

Criticism has plucked the imaginary flowers on the chain not in order that man shall continue to bear that chain without fantasy or consolation, but so that he shall throw off the chain and pluck the living flower." ~ Marx

Are you quoting Marx just for fun, or do you believe the same things?

 

[Paradoxum]

Are you quoting Marx just for fun, or do you believe the same things?

I think it is a nice quote and relevant. Really I think there are a number of reasons people believe in religion.

 

[dysert]

I think it is a nice quote and relevant. Really I think there are a number of reasons people believe in religion.

Ok. I was going to say that if religion were truly an opiate you'd think I'd feel better ;-).

 

[GrowingSmaller]

Elsewhere I thought that is God consciousness is meant to enhance self consciousness, maybe it is the God concept "mixing" with our sense of who we are and calming us in a positive fashion. By relying on God the self too becomes the "rock of ages".

 

[Paradoxum]

Ok. I was going to say that if religion were truly an opiate you'd think I'd feel better ;-).

Legalise (at least some) drugs

 

[Archaeopteryx]

On the topic of higher reality (a reality more "real" than the reality perceived from the senses) it seems that it has its roots in Escapism; which has its roots in dissatisfaction. I mean to say that those who appeal to a notion of a higher reality are perhaps unsatisfied with the way things are in this perceived reality. To illustrate:

A person is born > has many experiences > perceives some experiences as favorable and others as less or unfavorable > dwells on these experiences > from these experiences forms a perception of life (for example, "Life is a journey") > decides whether life is worth living or not > decides life is more suffering than it is bliss > cannot handle this and so forms a philosophy founded on the idea of a higher reality with a better outcome than the perceived reality.

I accept the possibility that this is not always the case with those who appeal to a higher reality, although it seems to be.

Would it be right to asses those who aspire to a higher reality as people who just plain hate life the way they perceive it? And, is appealing to a higher reality the only solution for those who are unsatisfied with their perceived reality?

A very Nietzschean assessment.