In the Realm of the Prophets: How the Meek Can Inherit the Earth

Self-interest is human nature but because we're social beings, there can be a problem with how it sits with the soul and consequently can compromise human flourishing. I believe the optimal state of human actions are those that promote others as it also promotes one's self. Put another way, what's best for human biology is a society that reflects what I call the cross-cultural divine law of reciprocity, to love others as you love your self. As stated elsewhere, I believe such an existence to be compatible with the principles of a market economy.

The problem may not be self-interest so much but one's worldview that lends itself to self-justification of that self-interest. No one actually sees the world in its entirety yet we all have an 'idea' of the world that determines our actions. The problem comes as this 'idea' of the world is inextricably tied to our sense of self. Furthermore one's 'idea' of the world can be formed by an ideology that can be in conflict with the soul.

We can attain a sense of self through two means, though usually through some variation of both: comparison to others, or to a cultural ideal; or, through contribution to a greater collective. The former is problematic while the latter often fails to receive recognition and monetary compensation; consequently, our society is currently afflicted by some degree of demoralization.

Through vision, or projection of the soul, or primal soul, we can tell the human story from beginning to end. By drawing on the mythos and framing it poetically yet truthfully and interjecting the arts, we can tell the human story, in its diversity of forms, to induce the human spirit.  By telling the human story you enable the individual to awaken to the truth that affirms one’s sense of self derived from contribution as the appropriate foundation toward human flourishing for both the individual and society.

The problem comes with those whose sense of self is overly derived through comparison to others, that is , on the weak foundation of pride. Through the disparaging of others, for example, can falsely prop up one's sense of self, or group identity, probably to enable justification of their own actions. Those person's would have to undergo a painful adjustment to their sense of self by confronting the shameful truth. Yet its only painful because of the pride; the realization of the truth sets one free, so to speak, by awakening one's sense of self derived on the true foundation of contribution to the greater end.

However hypothetical or specualtive this line of reasoning may be, I'm suggesting it checks out with Christ's teachings, as follows:

"For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5).

My interpretation of "meek" being a disposition of love and humility but not passivity. For more in depth reasoning about the process I've described above, readers can turn to past blogs, particularly from May 17 to July 4, 2010 as I describe the poetic genius as it reflects the course of human evolution.