Why Pascal Was Right | Benefits of Being Alone

Summary

This video explores the profound notion by French philosopher Blaise Pascal that humanity's problems arise from an inability to sit quietly alone. It suggests that solitude can reveal the mind's dysfunction and the ego's reliance on external validation. By practicing stillness, one can access a peaceful refuge within, leading to a deeper consciousness and a more profound realization of being. The video encourages embracing silence and mindfulness to find inner peace and tranquility amidst life's chaos.

Takeaways

• 🧘‍♂️ The script emphasizes the importance of being able to sit quietly alone in a room, suggesting it's a test of one's character and a source of peace.
• 🌪 It posits that solitude can reduce interpersonal relationship problems, but the use of phones and social media can reintroduce these issues.
• 📵 The video suggests that phones can be a source of suffering by stimulating interpersonal relationship problems and negative interpretations of social interactions.
• 🤔 It highlights that the mind seeks stimulation and can create a sense of guilt and restlessness when left undisturbed, indicating a dysfunction in the absence of external stimuli.
• 🧘‍♀️ Sitting alone without distractions is beneficial for self-realization, revealing the mind as an incessant troublemaker that feeds off problems.
• 🌟 The script discusses the concept of 'being' as distinct from the ego, which identifies with the material world, and encourages tapping into this state of being while sitting alone.
• 🏞 It suggests that true fulfillment is not found in external seeking but in the acceptance and presence in the now, as explained by Eckhart Tolle.
• 🧘‍♂️ The video encourages the development of a stable inner space and calm mind, which is vital for maintaining peace in a busy world.
• 🤝 It argues that being able to be still and calm alone is essential for healthy interpersonal relationships, as it prevents the escalation of conflicts driven by ego.
• 🛌 The script references Seneca and Marcus Aurelius to argue that the mind needs relaxation and acceptance of the present moment for clarity and peace.
• 🌱 It concludes that the ability to sit quietly in a room alone is a profound practice that can anchor one in the simplicity of the present moment and provide an inner sanctuary of peace.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented by the French philosopher Blaise Pascal in the video?

Blaise Pascal's main argument is that all of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone.

How does the video suggest one's room should be perceived?

The video suggests that one's room should be a sacred place and a calm refuge from the storm of the outside world.

What does Alfred Adler propose about the nature of problems?

Alfred Adler proposes that all problems are interpersonal relationship problems, which are reduced when one is alone unless influenced by social media.

How does the video describe the impact of social media on our perception of problems?

The video describes social media as a source of suffering because it stimulates interpersonal relationship problems, leading to negative interpretations and a focus on problems.

What is the benefit of sitting alone without distraction according to the video?

Sitting alone without distraction is beneficial to one's character as it allows the mind to have less stimulation, leading to a realization of the mind's dysfunction and the ability to experience peace.

How does the video explain the mind's reaction when not being stimulated?

The video explains that when not stimulated, the mind tries to convince you that you have many things to do and can't afford to sit quietly, making you feel guilty, fidgety, and uptight.

What does the video suggest is the true nature of the 'you' that desires to sit quietly?

The video suggests that this 'you' is consciousness itself, the being in human being, separate from the ego that identifies with the world of form, people, places, and objects.

According to the video, what is the collective mind-based consciousness of humanity built upon?

The collective mind-based consciousness of humanity is built upon the mind's default mode of seeking, worrying, and doing for the sake of future fulfillment.

How does the video describe the importance of sitting quietly in a room for interpersonal relationships?

The video describes sitting quietly in a room as vital training for interpersonal relationships, as it helps one to be still and calm, which is necessary to not feed off each other's egos during conflicts.

What does the video suggest is the ultimate means of relaxing according to Marcus Aurelius?

The video suggests, as per Marcus Aurelius, that the ultimate means of relaxing is to do less, which includes sitting quietly in a room and training oneself to relax without stimulation.

How does the video relate external silence to inner silence as explained by Eckhart Tolle?

The video relates external silence to inner silence by stating that just as external noise is the mind's thinking, external silence is the inner silence, which can be experienced by being fully present and aware.

Outlines

00:00

🧘‍♂️ Embracing Solitude for Inner Peace

The first paragraph explores the idea that humanity's problems originate from an inability to be alone with oneself. It suggests that solitude can be a sanctuary, free from the chaos of the outside world. The script mentions that social media can exacerbate interpersonal issues, leading to unnecessary suffering. It emphasizes the importance of sitting quietly without distractions to reveal the mind's dysfunction and the ego's tendency to create problems. The paragraph concludes by highlighting the benefits of being present and the realization that true peace comes from within, not from external circumstances.

05:02

🌱 Cultivating Inner Stillness for Personal Growth

The second paragraph delves into the concept of finding peace and joy in solitude. It posits that the mind thrives on problems and that true tranquility can only be achieved by sitting quietly and being still. The script discusses the importance of being calm in one's own company as a prerequisite for maintaining composure during interpersonal conflicts. It references the teachings of Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, advocating for mental relaxation and the practice of acceptance to achieve a state of inner silence. The paragraph concludes by emphasizing the profound impact that embracing stillness can have on one's life.

10:03

🌌 Observing the Present Moment for Mindfulness

The third paragraph focuses on the practice of mindfulness and the observation of the present moment. It encourages the viewer to pay attention to their inner body and emotions, to rest in the current state without being swayed by thoughts. The script suggests that by being the 'Watcher' of thoughts, one can achieve a state of inner silence similar to the external silence that surrounds us. It concludes by urging the viewer to take a moment to 'just be' before moving on to the next activity, highlighting the importance of this practice for maintaining a sense of peace and awareness.

Keywords

💡Solitude

Solitude refers to the state of being alone, without any company. In the video's context, it is presented as a sacred and necessary condition for introspection and self-realization. The script suggests that true problems arise not from being alone but from the inability to be content in solitude, as exemplified by the distraction of social media.

💡Interpersonal Relationship Problems

Interpersonal relationship problems are conflicts or issues that arise between individuals in their social interactions. The script posits that these problems are exacerbated when one is not in solitude, as the absence of direct human contact can lead to overthinking and negative interpretations of social cues, such as unreturned messages or perceived social comparisons.

💡Consciousness

Consciousness in the video is described as the inherent awareness that exists beyond the ego and the physical world. It is the 'being' in 'human being,' which is distinct from the ego that identifies with the external world. The video encourages viewers to tap into this consciousness while sitting alone, as a means to achieve inner peace and self-understanding.

💡Ego

The ego, as mentioned in the script, is the part of the self that is identified with the material world, including people, places, and objects. It is the aspect of the self that seeks validation and can create problems when it is not being stimulated or when it feels threatened, such as during conflicts in interpersonal relationships.

💡Mind-based Consciousness

Mind-based consciousness is the collective mindset of humanity that is driven by seeking, worrying, and doing for future fulfillment. The video suggests that this mode of consciousness is unsustainable and leads to a constant cycle of dissatisfaction. It contrasts this with being present and at peace in the moment.

💡Inner Peace

Inner peace is the state of mental and emotional calmness that the video associates with sitting quietly in solitude. It is accessible at any moment and is independent of external circumstances. The script implies that inner peace is a natural state that can be rediscovered and maintained through conscious presence.

💡Presence

Presence in the video refers to being fully engaged in the current moment, without being distracted by thoughts of the past or future. It is the state of being that remains with the individual even after standing up from solitude, allowing for a calm and focused approach to life's activities.

💡Acceptance

Acceptance, as discussed in the script, is the act of embracing the present moment in its entirety, without resistance or judgment. It is a form of relaxation that allows for a deeper experience of consciousness and peace, as opposed to the superficial relaxation provided by external distractions.

💡Stimulation

Stimulation in the context of the video is any external influence or activity that engages the senses or the mind, such as using a phone or watching TV. The script argues that constant stimulation can lead to a dependency that prevents true relaxation and self-reflection.

💡Mental Position

A mental position is a standpoint or belief that one holds about oneself or the world, which can become a source of conflict when challenged. The video suggests that identifying with a mental position can lead to defensiveness and the inability to accept one's fallibility.

💡Inner Space

Inner space is the metaphorical term used in the video to describe the internal world of thoughts, emotions, and awareness. Having a stable inner space is crucial for maintaining a calm mind and achieving a state of relaxation and peace, as emphasized by the script.

💡Stillness

Stillness in the video represents the quietude and tranquility that can be found within oneself when sitting alone. It is the antithesis of the mind's incessant chatter and is achieved by observing one's thoughts and sensations without judgment or attachment.

Highlights

Blaise Pascal's quote about humanity's problems stemming from an inability to sit quietly alone is explored.

A room should be a sacred, calm refuge from the outside world's chaos.

Alfred Adler's theory that all problems are interpersonal relationship problems is discussed.

The impact of social media on exacerbating interpersonal relationship problems is highlighted.

The idea that phones can be a source of suffering by stimulating relationship issues is presented.

Sitting alone without distraction is beneficial to one's character and reveals the mind's dysfunction.

The mind's tendency to create problems and the importance of recognizing it as an incessant troublemaker.

The distinction between consciousness and the human ego, and the importance of tapping into being.

Eckhart Tolle's explanation on the temporary and superficial satisfaction derived from external seeking.

The concept of retreating from the collective mind pattern for achieving inner peace.

The ability to access the peaceful refuge within oneself at any moment, regardless of the situation.

The importance of being still and calm during interpersonal conflicts to avoid ego-driven reactions.

Seneca's advice on the necessity of mental relaxation for improved cognitive function.

Marcus Aurelius's argument that doing less leads to tranquility.

The superpower of relaxing without external stimulation and its significance in well-being.

Eckhart Tolle's view on acceptance as a form of relaxation that brings peace and consciousness.

The profound impact of Pascal's words when they resonate with personal experiences.

The practice of being the watcher of thoughts to enhance present moment awareness.

The final suggestion to take a moment to 'just be' before ending the video, emphasizing the importance of presence.

Transcripts

the French philosopher bless Pascal said

that

all of Humanity's problems stem from

man's inability

sit quietly in a room alone

in this video I'll be seeing if bless

Pascal was right

one's room should be a sacred place

a calm Refuge from the storm of the

outside world

the psychotherapist Alfred Adler

proposed that all problems are

interpersonal relationship problems

when you are alone

these problems are reduced

unless you take out your phone and go on

social media

now you have problems

that person who hasn't messaged you back

that person who seems to be having a

better life than you

that person whose text message can mean

many things

but you decide to only focus on the

negative interpretations

your phone can be a source of suffering

because it stimulates interpersonal

relationship problems

but if you put the phone away

you realize you have no problem

you are simply sitting quietly in a room

alone

sitting alone without distraction is

beneficial to one's character

the mind has less stimulation

so it'll try to convince you that you

have many things to do and you can't

afford the time to sit quietly

sitting alone brings out the mind's

dysfunction

when all you are doing is hitting the

mind will make you feel guilty fidgety

and uptight

it won't leave you alone in fact you

aren't alone you have an annoying

roommate you can't stop making you feel

guilty and worthless

sitting alone brings out the worst of

your mind and gives space for you to

have a profound realization

you realize that the mind is an

incessant Troublemaker it feeds off

problems and when it isn't being

stimulated it lashes out

this means the mind isn't a friend

your mind wants you to worry and stress

about the future and beat yourself up

over the past

but all you want to do is sit quietly

who is this you

this you is consciousness itself

you are the being in human being

the human part is the ego the part that

identifies with the world of form

people places and objects

when you are sitting alone

tap into being

and drop the human

in a busy world that has been built from

the collective mind-based consciousness

of humanity

seeking out things is the mind's default

mode

but as Eckhart Tolle explains

nothing out there will ever satisfy you

except temporarily and superficially

but you may need to experience many

disillusionments

before you realize that truth

retreating from this Collective mind

pattern of seeking worry and doing for

the sake of future fulfillment

we'll bring peace into your life

you don't have to arrive anywhere

you have already arrived this is it

of course you will stand up and do

things sooner or later but your presence

will stay with you

you can make plans for the future

but you can make those plans fully in

the now

when the storm of thinking has passed

sitting quietly in a room

can give you a taste of being

and if you sit quietly often

you will remember instinctively that you

have that peaceful Refuge inside you

it has nothing to do with being alone in

a room the piece you experience of a

quiet mind is accessible to you at any

moment

when you're in a traffic jam waiting for

the bus or walking to school or work you

can take a few moments to rest in being

feel the aliveness of your inner body

and listen to The Silence that is ever

present behind even the loudest sounds

this access to being is the only thing

that can keep you sane in a Mad World

you are either sitting standing or lying

down somewhere

wherever you are and whatever you're

doing this is a basic truth

the Mind likes to complicate things but

this realization can anchor you into the

Simplicity of the present moment

you are either outside or in a room

and you are sitting standing or lying

down

isolate the moment you are in to just

this in a room sitting

the peacefulness and joy of your being

can blossom

there are no problems

your mind creates problems

haven't you noticed that when one

problem is dealt with another one

instantly appears to take its place

the mind is fueled by problems

but there is no problem in being

sitting on your own is vital training

for interpersonal relationships

if you can't be still and calm when on

your own how can you be still and calm

when conflict arises in an argument with

another you feed off each other's Egos

and react continuously you identify with

your mental position

you believe you're always right because

your mind can't afford to be wrong

if you are wrong your mental position

comes Crashing Down

and the illusionary self you believe in

will collapse

a fully conscious person doesn't

identify with the self

as Eckhart holler explains

you can't have an argument with a fully

conscious person

end quote

it is vital to have a stable Inner Space

and a Calm Mind

Seneca explained that the Mind must be

given relaxation it will rise improved

and sharper after a good break

just as Rich Fields must not be forced

for they'll quickly lose their fertility

if never given a break

so constant work on the Anvil will

fracture the force of the Mind

constant work gives rise to a certain

kind of dullness and feebleness in the

rational soul

end quote

this relaxation Seneca refers to isn't

when you watch the TV have a bath or

listen to music

if these things are done unconsciously

without full attention in the present

moment these forms of relaxation are

means of blocking the voice in our head

see my video the background static for

more on this

you can have a bath consciously

and these forms of relaxation can be a

means of resting in being

but no external thing should be relied

upon to relax

otherwise most of the time we aren't

relaxed which is detrimental to our

well-being

Marcus Aurelius argued

if you seek tranquility

do less

end quote

therefore sitting quietly in a room is

the ultimate means of relaxing

it trains you to relax without

stimulation

which is a superpower

this relaxation consists of acceptance

of the present moment

whatever form it takes

as Eckhart Toller explains

acceptance looks like a passive state

but in reality it brings something

entirely new into this world

that peace a subtle energy vibration is

consciousness

end quote

therefore bless Pascal was right

all of Humanity's problems stem from

man's inability

to sit quietly in a room alone

when these words resonate they can have

a profound impact on your life

so next time you enter your room sit

down and be quiet for a few minutes

listen to The Sounds outside the window

but pay particular attention to the

silence these sounds emanate from

these gaps of Silence enhance your inner

Stillness Eckhart Toler explains that

the equivalent of external noise

is the inner noise of thinking

the equivalence of external silence is

inner silence

look around your room

without labels and judgments from the

mind the objects in the room appear new

and fresh

everything is still and silent

and notice that these objects are within

the space of your room

without the space there would be no room

in fact

your room is mostly empty space

just like the silence

Echo Toller explains that a great

silence face holds all of nature in its

embrace

it also holds you

end quote

as you pay attention to the external

world you can also pay attention to your

inner body

are there any unpleasant emotions or

aches and pains

hold them gently in your attention

surrender to them as they are what is in

this moment

fill your hands your feet is there a

light tingling in your toes your fingers

where is the problem in this moment

can you rest in this state without

listening to the thoughts in your head

be the Watcher of the forts they come

and go just like the sounds you listen

to

treat them just like sounds

part of the contents of experience

you don't believe the sound of a car is

you

they don't believe a fault is you

the more you take this quiet time alone

the better you will be at resting in

present moment awareness

when this video ends before you get up

and do something

take some time to be

just be and see how you feel

it only takes a moment