the fear of truly living

Summary

This script delves into the profound fear of living fully, drawing on insights from Maslow's self-actualization and the concept of Jonah syndrome. It explores how fear of the unknown and the Absurd can hinder personal growth, leading to a life of illusions and isolation. The narrative challenges viewers to confront their deepest fears, suggesting that embracing uncertainty and sorrow can lead to a life free of fear and full of passion. It concludes with a call to live in the present, finding love and freedom beyond the constraints of thought and past experiences.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Art can inspire a sense of potential and fearlessness, prompting a desire to overcome personal limitations.
• 🔄 The fear of living fully often stems from a fear of losing control or being overwhelmed by the world's complexity.
• 🧠 Maslow's concept of self-actualization suggests that individuals can achieve a heightened perception of truth and beauty, leading to personal growth.
• 🐋 'Jonah syndrome' is a term used by Maslow to describe the fear of embracing one's full potential due to the perceived intensity and stress it may bring.
• 🌐 The existential fear of living fully involves recognizing the impermanence of life, the inevitability of death, and the insignificance in the grand scheme of the universe.
• 🧱 We build mental 'walls' or schemas to protect ourselves from the harsh realities of life, which can eventually imprison us and limit our experiences.
• 🤔 The fear of truly living is often a fear of detaching from our illusions and facing the vulnerability of existence without the comfort of our established beliefs.
• 🔮 Existentialists view living fully as embracing the Absurd, which means acknowledging the lack of inherent meaning in life and the universe's indifference.
• 🌱 Krishnamurti suggests that fear is rooted in thought and that true living involves accepting sorrow and uncertainty, rather than trying to control or predict them.
• 🌟 Living without fear means living in the present, embracing each moment as new and not being constrained by past experiences or future expectations.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video script?

The main theme of the video script is the exploration of the fear of living fully, delving into why people might be afraid of realizing their full potential and the psychological and philosophical implications of such a fear.

What does the script suggest about the fear of living fully?

The script suggests that the fear of living fully is rooted in the fear of losing control, the overwhelming nature of the world, and the fear of detaching from the illusions and beliefs that have shaped our identities since childhood.

What is Jonah syndrome as mentioned in the script?

Jonah syndrome, as mentioned in the script, is a term used by Maslow to describe the fear people experience when faced with the task of living fully and realizing their potential, often because they feel they are not strong enough to handle the greatness within them.

How does the script relate Maslow's self-actualization to the fear of living fully?

The script relates Maslow's self-actualization to the fear of living fully by suggesting that self-actualized individuals perceive the world and their potential more clearly, which can lead to a heightened sense of awe and beauty but also to the fear of the overwhelming nature of existence.

What role does the concept of existential despair play in the script?

Existential despair, as discussed in the script, is the realization that life may be futile and that our search for purpose and truth is met with the silence of the universe, leading to a fear of fully engaging with the world as it is.

How does the script connect the fear of living fully to our childhood experiences?

The script connects the fear of living fully to childhood experiences by explaining that as children, we build walls or schemas to protect ourselves from the brutality of the world, and these walls become ingrained as we grow older, leading to a fear of returning to the vulnerability we experienced as children.

What does the script say about the relationship between thought and fear?

The script posits that thought is grounded in seeking certainty, and fear arises when we are confronted with the unknown or the future, which thought cannot predict or control, leading to a sense of insecurity and the desire to cling to the past.

How does the script interpret Krishnamurti's view on love and sorrow?

The script interprets Krishnamurti's view that love is a passion without sorrow, and sorrow stems from our involuntary encounters with the harsh realities of the world. It suggests that by accepting sorrow rather than trying to outthink it, we can experience a form of passion and live fully in the present.

What is the significance of the 'blinkist' reference in the script?

The 'blinkist' reference in the script is a sponsorship mention, indicating that the app provides summaries of non-fiction books, allowing users to consume content efficiently and gain insights from various perspectives, including those discussed in the script.

How does the script suggest we can overcome the fear of living fully?

The script suggests that we can overcome the fear of living fully by accepting and sitting with our sorrow, detaching from our thoughts, and living in the present without the need for a future or tomorrow, which allows us to live without fear.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 The Struggle with Self-Actualization and Fear of Living Fully

This paragraph delves into the complex relationship between experiencing art and the subsequent emotional journey. It starts with a moment of inspiration from art, leading to a temporary sense of fearlessness and potential. However, this is often followed by a loss of focus and a return to fear, which is metaphorically described through quotes about the fear of falling from great heights. The narrative then shifts to discuss the concept of self-actualization as per Maslow's hierarchy, where individuals may fear reaching their full potential due to the overwhelming nature of life's truths. This fear is termed 'Jonah syndrome,' highlighting the human tendency to avoid the intensity of living fully. The paragraph also touches on existential themes, such as the fear of losing control and the overwhelming nature of both the inner and outer worlds, which can lead to a sense of existential despair when confronted with the universe's indifference.

05:03

🧱 The Walls We Build: Defense Mechanisms and the Fear of Vulnerability

Paragraph 2 explores the psychological mechanisms humans develop to protect themselves from the harsh realities of life. It begins by discussing how individuals build metaphorical walls to shield themselves from fear and uncertainty, which initially provide a sense of security but eventually become restrictive. These walls evolve into ideologies and schemas that isolate the mind from the world's brutality, leading to a state of self-imposed confinement. The paragraph also discusses the existential fear of being fully alive, as it awakens the anxiety of death and annihilation. It contrasts this with the need for security and the tendency to avoid the vulnerability that comes with being truly alive. The influence of thought on fear is examined, with the argument that thought, while attempting to protect from the world's harshness, also creates a dependency on certainty that leads to fear of the unknown. The paragraph concludes by suggesting that true living involves embracing uncertainty and the present moment, which can mitigate the fear associated with the future.

10:05

🌟 Embracing the Present: Overcoming Fear Through Acceptance

The final paragraph emphasizes the importance of living in the present to overcome fear and sorrow. It discusses the role of thought in creating a continuous loop between past and future, which can lead to a lack of presence in the current moment. The paragraph suggests that by detaching from this constant rationalization and fear, one can experience a state of living without the burden of the future. It introduces the concept of 'dying to live,' which means letting go of the future to live fully in the present. The paragraph also touches on the idea of love as a passion without sorrow, suggesting that true love comes from accepting the world's reality, including the pain and loss that it brings. The narrative concludes with a call to live without the fear of the future, which is only possible by accepting the present moment and the experiences it brings.

Keywords

💡Self-actualization

Self-actualization, as mentioned in the script, is a psychological term first introduced by Abraham Maslow, which refers to the highest level of human growth and self-fulfillment. It is the realization of one's full potential and the continuous drive for personal growth. In the context of the video, self-actualization is tied to the idea that individuals may fear reaching their full potential due to the overwhelming nature of life's challenges and the fear of losing control. The script references Maslow's concept to explain why some people might be hesitant to fully embrace their capabilities and live life to the fullest.

💡Fear

Fear, as discussed in the script, is an emotional response to perceived threats or danger. It is portrayed as a barrier that prevents individuals from fully realizing their potential and living life without constraints. The video suggests that fear of the unknown, fear of failure, and fear of the Absurd can inhibit self-actualization. For instance, the script mentions 'Jonah syndrome,' a term used to describe the fear of embracing greatness and the overwhelming nature of life's challenges.

💡Existentialism

Existentialism is a philosophical theory that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and the existence of the individual prior to essence. It posits that individuals define their own meaning in life. In the video, existentialism is used to explore the fear of living authentically and the直面 of confronting life's inherent absurdity and the inevitability of death. The script references existentialist thinkers to argue that fully embracing life requires confronting the Absurd and living without illusions.

💡Absurd

The term 'Absurd' in the script refers to the concept of life's inherent lack of meaning or purpose, as proposed by Albert Camus. It is the conflict between the human tendency to seek meaning and the universe's indifference. The video uses the concept of the Absurd to illustrate the fear that arises when individuals are faced with the realization that their search for purpose may be futile, leading to existential despair.

💡Illusions

Illusions, as used in the script, refer to the false beliefs or misconceptions that people hold about themselves and the world. These illusions provide a sense of security and control but can also prevent individuals from experiencing life authentically. The video suggests that the fear of letting go of these illusions and facing the raw reality of life can be a significant barrier to self-actualization.

💡Anxiety

Anxiety, in the context of the video, is the uneasiness and fear that arise from the anticipation of future events, particularly those perceived as threatening or uncertain. It is depicted as a mechanism that keeps individuals confined within their mental constructs and routines, preventing them from fully engaging with life. The script implies that anxiety is a response to the fear of the unknown and the fear of losing the comfort of familiar illusions.

💡Repression

Repression, as mentioned in the script, is a psychological defense mechanism where the mind pushes away or unconsciously excludes certain thoughts, feelings, or memories that are too uncomfortable or threatening. The video discusses how repression allows individuals to live in a world that is overwhelming and incomprehensible by filtering out the full impact of reality, thus providing a sense of control and predictability.

💡Krishnamurti

Jiddu Krishnamurti, referred to in the script, was a philosopher and speaker who is known for his views on psychological freedom and his rejection of organized religion. His ideas are used in the video to discuss the nature of fear and the possibility of living without it. Krishnamurti's concept of living in the present moment and his views on the role of thought in creating fear are central to the video's exploration of how to overcome the fear of truly living.

💡Sorrow

Sorrow, in the script, is the deep emotional pain that arises from loss or disappointment. It is contrasted with fear as a more immediate and direct response to life's hardships. The video suggests that sorrow can be a catalyst for change, prompting individuals to confront their illusions and live more authentically. Krishnamurti's perspective on sorrow is used to argue that embracing rather than avoiding sorrow can lead to a deeper, more passionate engagement with life.

💡Love

Love, as discussed in the video, is presented as a profound emotional connection that is free from the pain and sorrow that arise from life's challenges. It is suggested that true love, as described by Krishnamurti, is only possible when one is free from the fear and sorrow that come from confronting life's realities. The video implies that love is a state of being that allows for full engagement with life, unencumbered by the illusions and defenses that typically govern human relationships.

💡Blinkist

Blinkist is mentioned in the script as a sponsor and is described as an app that summarizes key insights from a wide range of non-fiction books. It is presented as a tool that can help individuals consume books more efficiently, allowing them to gain knowledge and new perspectives without the time commitment required for reading full books. The mention of Blinkist in the script serves as an example of how technology can facilitate personal growth and learning, which aligns with the video's theme of self-actualization and overcoming fear.

Highlights

Experiencing great art can inspire a momentary realization of one's potential and courage to face life's challenges.

The fear of living fully is often captured in quotes suggesting it's easier to fall from a lower height or that our deepest fear is our own power.

The concept of self-actualization as per Maslow involves a heightened perception of the world's truth, leading to personal growth and flourishing.

Maslow's term 'Jonah syndrome' describes the fear of embracing one's full potential due to the overwhelming nature of greatness.

The fear of living fully may stem from a fear of losing control and facing an incomprehensible and unmanageable existence.

As children, we develop mechanisms to protect ourselves from the overwhelming nature of the world, which later become our ideologies and schemas.

Existentialists view living fully as confronting the Absurd, accepting the inevitability of death, and the insignificance of our actions in the universe.

The fear of truly living may be rooted in the fear of detaching from the illusions that have shaped our identity since childhood.

Krishnamurti suggests that fear is grounded in thought, which seeks certainty but is inherently future-oriented and uncertain.

The past can be an unsatisfactory crutch, limiting our present experience and causing fear when it's used to predict the future.

Living without fear involves accepting sorrow and living in the present, rather than being controlled by thoughts of the future.

Krishnamurti proposes that love is a passion without sorrow, which can only be experienced when we stop trying to control our experiences.

The video discusses the importance of living without a future-oriented mindset to truly experience life without fear.

The video is sponsored by Blinkist, an app that offers condensed versions of non-fiction books to enhance reading efficiency.

Blinkist allows users to engage with deep ideas and concepts despite having a busy schedule, as demonstrated by the host's engagement with Krishnamurti's work.

Blinkist's user-friendly features, such as Spaces, encourage social reading and sharing of book insights among friends and family.

The video offers a 25% discount on Blinkist's annual premium and a seven-day free trial for new users.

Transcripts

I experience a great piece of art

something inspirational and for a moment

I see the potential within me I feel

fearless and experience the courage to

truly take on life I find myself willing

to tackle everything that has ever held

me back

and then I lose focus I strain my back I

experience a small setback or as is

often the case I feel a strange fear I

secretly don't want to live fully

this sentiment is captured in several

cheesy quotes such as it's easier to

fall from the first floor than the

penthouse suite or our deepest fear is

that we are powerful beyond measure such

phrases drift into the sigma grind set

region of the internet where isolation

and self-discipline are championed as

ingredients to the good life in which

one becomes a fully self-actualized self

I think anyone truly living fully would

quickly abandon this sort of view seeing

the impermanence and lack of fulfillment

in constant work and material

acquisition but these quotes offer us an

interesting point nonetheless it is

within this strange fear of becoming who

we felt we always should be that is

holding us back why are we afraid of

living fully

through looking at Maslow's

self-actualization we can better

understand this fear the self-actualized

experiences as sort of being cognition

where one's perception to the truth of

the world previously concealed by our

schemas and ideologies is suddenly

heightened from this Maslow suggests

that such an individual sees the world

in all its awe and Beauty consequently

they sense their own inner potential and

begin to flourish in their relationships

and in Creative projects

however Maslow was aware of the fear we

may experience in taking on this task of

living fully he even had a name for it

Jonah syndrome we are just not strong

enough to endure more it is just too

shaking and wearing so often people in

ecstatic moments say it's too much or I

can't stand it or I could die Delirious

happiness cannot be born for long our

organisms are just too weak for any

large doses of greatness

[Music]

it is a fear of losing control of having

our existence become incomprehensible

and unmanageable both the inner and

outer world is overwhelming and as

children we are as Becker puts it

natural cowards we quickly find ways to

protect ourselves from this

overwhelmingness

the great Boon of repression is that it

makes it possible to live decisively in

an overwhelmingly miraculous and

incomprehensible world a world so full

of beauty majesty and Terror that if

animals perceived it all they would be

paralyzed to act

other thinkers have considered this fear

also for example in Camus encounter with

the Absurd the individual is suddenly

placed in a world divested of light and

illusion and can now see the futility of

their existence they realize that their

lifelong cry for purpose and Truth is

met only with the cold Silence of the

universe as Becker puts it it places a

trembling animal at the mercy of the

entire Cosmos to see the world as it

really is may result in existential

Despair and the sense that one is truly

lost

what then is the sphere of truly living

if we are to take the existentialist

perspective it is the fear of seeing the

world as it is to no longer deny the

fact that everything Fades that death is

inevitable and that no matter what you

do it simply does not matter in the face

of the vast and incomprehensible Cosmos

it is this brutal Insight that we will

struggle for 80 years or less in our

small little corner of the universe

bickering and fighting and yearning all

for it to be less than a footnote in the

history of humanity let alone the

universe itself

full humanness means full fear and

trembling

is this fear of truly living grounded in

confronting the Absurd who is to say

that we even know what such an

experience would feel like or is it more

to do with the fear of detaching from

our Illusions the things that have

composed us since we were kids as Ortega

wrote man uses his ideas to frighten

away reality we Scurry along into a

world of pure abstraction and attempt to

solve the mystery of existence through

thought

from childhood we noticed the delicacy

of our minds in contrast with the

brutality of the world somebody rejects

us somebody dies our parents moods shift

rapidly and so to protect ourselves we

build a wall this wall gives us

something to cling to whether it is a

belief about ourselves or the world

eventually as we grow older these walls

become more refined manifesting into

ideologies and schemas our mind

increasingly isolated from the brutality

of the world finds itself imprisoned by

that which initially served as its

guardian we become aggressive towards

anything that threatens that that we

cling onto and it is our deepest fear

that is to return to this vulnerability

[Music]

the irony of man's condition is that the

deepest need is to be free of the

anxiety of death and Annihilation but it

is life itself which awakens it and so

we must shrink from being Fully Alive

this is one of the most tragic elements

of our existence we imprison ourselves

in these walls

yes we live securely and comfortably we

don't question our daily routines but we

also become ever more susceptible to any

destabilizing Force as our minds weaken

within the protection of our own

thoughts anxiety Keeps Us in check it

tells us that uncertainty is pain and

that living fully will destroy us and so

we rarely travel beyond our own thoughts

here I find the words of krishnamurti

incredibly relevant As He suggests fear

is grounded in thought the same thought

that guards us from the brutality of the

world without Illusions thought has done

this because it always seeks certainty

and must achieve certainty at all times

however there is also the future the

future and thought have a tumultuous

relationship

thought wants certainty and the Future

No Matter How well planned is always

unknown confronted by the unknown

thought draws the future into the past

the past at least is certain and so one

can make predictions based off of their

past they can say this happened to me in

childhood so this will happen in the

future this can also work with pleasure

something good happened yesterday and so

thought projects the past into the

future hoping to recreate the same

conditions

in both pleasure and fear there is a

continuity wherein thought brings the

future into the past however there will

always be fear the past is not always a

correct measuring tool for future events

and the mind knows this and has

previously stated living in the past

heavily restricts someone it tells them

that the world already is a certain way

it tells them that they are already a

certain way we then become restricted by

our thoughts and aware of the inadequacy

of finding any certainty in the future

we feel fear rather than a solution the

past becomes an unsatisfactory and

repressive crutch this is evident in

trauma victims who struggle to see a

world or a sense of self in which their

past is not also the present and future

and so they are constantly reliving

horrific experiences

[Music]

krishnamurti asks can a mind and a heart

that remembers the hurts the ins insults

the things that have made it insensitive

and dull can such a mind and heart Know

What Love Is

what is love according to him love is a

sort of passion without sorrow sorrow

stems from those moments in which we

have confronted the reality of the world

it is the pain we fear most the product

of involuntarily encountering the world

as is a loved one was taken from us we

were rejected sorrow hurts and so we

tend to distract ourselves in thought

fear is our attempt to control sorrow if

we can predict it maybe it will lessen

the pain but according to krishnamurti

when we remain with our sorrow when we

accept it rather than attempt to out

think it we experience a sort of passion

instead of trying to out think we simply

feel we sit with it it is simply a new

moment among many here we live fully in

the present

this is reflected in the words from Das

when you didn't have a framework when

you didn't have a somebody-ness you were

just a part of the universe and there

was no fear one has to have self-concept

to be afraid and when an organism is

functioning instinctively in a scene as

an infant each change in the homeostasis

each change in the balance of the

situation is just a new moment it's just

a new moment to which it responds

ironically a certain amount of initial

anxiety or fear is necessary to live

fully it's a sign that we are drifting

from our Illusions into uncertainty

it's an act of courage and if we remain

silent so that tomorrow ceases to exist

we notice that the fear tied to the

Future begins to fade away the sorrow

Fades away through detaching from our

thoughts from this constant attempt to

rationalize and silence our fear we find

out what it means to die to die is to

Simply live without a future without a

tomorrow and as krishnamurti writes to

find out what it means to die is to live

without fear

[Music]

thank you

[Music]

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