Few people have the imagination for reality. —Goethe
Finding ourselves at the perennial crossroads of illusion and reality most of our species today are too deluded to make the choice that will take them away from catastrophe toward a sustainable and joyous life. For example, romanticism is a very seductive and destructive meme.
What’s wrong with romanticism you might ask? Well let’s find out. First, the definition. Romanticism was an artistic and intellectual movement that originated in the late 18th century and stressed strong emotion, imagination, freedom from classical correctness in art forms and rebellion against social conventions. Behaviors associated with romanticism then, are reactions and like all reactions are a source of pain and suffering.
Unfortunately, many people in the Global Village today are swallowing a myriad variety of psychological and chemical poisons. Learning to distinguish toxic beliefs from a life affirming worldview is a good place to begin. What follows is a “signpost” that lists some of the beliefs, behaviors and values which would help guide our choices for each direction.
DYSTOPIA UTOPIA
Reductionism Translation – Transformation – Transcendence
Intellect Solitude – Simplicity – Silence
Romanticism Compassion – Beauty – Gratitude – Happiness
Reactions Responses
If you are a romantic it would behoove you to click on the link below
Nor hath Love’s mind of any judgement last;
Wings and no eyes figure unheedy hast;
And therefore is Love said to be a child,
Because in choice he is so oft beguile’d.
–Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Insight # 112: The life of the law has not been logic; it has been experience. —Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes
Link:
- Romanticism in this blog and in print in The ABC’s of Simple Reality: The Encyclopedia of Self-Transformation, Vol 2 (2018), page 186, by Roy Charles Henry.
