Conflict Vs. Self-Reflection.

[Phil]

Let’s get to the very bottom of why people argue, debate, fuss, fight etc with each other ostensibly for years on end rather than focusing inwardly such as with introspection, self-realizing and therein allowing effortless changes to diet, adopting the practice, consciously creating etc.

 

GPT:

People argue, debate, and fight with each other for various reasons, including differences in beliefs, values, and perspectives. These conflicts often arise from a desire to defend one's beliefs or to prove oneself right. Additionally, some people may engage in such behaviors as a way to seek validation or to assert dominance. On the other hand, focusing inwardly, such as through introspection and self-realization, requires effort and willingness to confront one's own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It involves a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, which can be challenging and uncomfortable for some individuals. Therefore, instead of turning inward, some people may find it easier to externalize their frustrations and engage in arguments and conflicts with others.

 

 

 

Please say that again with extreme brevity & precision. Keep that theme for all responses to come. Thank you.

 

GPT:

People argue because of differences in beliefs and a desire to defend themselves. Focusing inwardly requires effort and confronting one's own thoughts and behaviors.

 

 

 

What does ‘confronting one’s own thoughts and behaviors’ look like? What is the most efficient way to see this ‘for one’s self’, and to dispel it & unveil the truth of the peace, happiness & love they actually are?

 

GPT:

Confronting one's thoughts and behaviors involves being honest with oneself about one's motivations, biases, and patterns of thinking. The most efficient way to do this is through introspection, meditation, therapy, or self-reflection practices. By examining our thoughts and behaviors without judgment, we can uncover underlying beliefs and emotions, leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of peace, happiness, and love.

 

 

 

Thank you.

 

GPT:

You're welcome. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

 

 

 

What might the experience of so called life be like, without any of the arguing, defending of an illusory self, etc? How might this feel?

 

GPT:

Life without arguing or defending an illusory self could feel liberating and harmonious. It might involve a sense of inner peace, authenticity, and connection with others. Without the constant need to prove oneself or engage in conflicts, individuals could experience deeper empathy, compassion, and understanding in their interactions. Overall, it could lead to a more fulfilling and contented existence.

 

https://chat.openai.com/share/4e09c467-8e91-480a-ab83-a47a17632341

[Joseph Maynor]

I sense a fear of conflict in this on some level.  Why is conflict bad?  This seems to lean toward a preference of order in the order vs./and chaos duality.  Oftentimes it's through chaos that better order emerges.  People have conflict in their shadow.  They want to control.  They want order.  Look at that one.  That factors into ego vs./and shadow too.

Edited February 15 by Joseph Maynor

[WhiteOwl]

2 hours ago, Joseph Maynor said:

Why is conflict bad? 

Why do you want to waste your time (with conflict)? 

What do you want to get out of the arguments you just made? 

 

Does the conclusion "Conflict is good" "Conflict is bad" "Conflict is neither good or bad" clarify anything in direct experience or is it all just thoughts?

Edited February 15 by WhiteOwl

[Phil]

2 hours ago, Joseph Maynor said:

I sense a fear of conflict in this on some level. 

Fear is an emotion. Emotion is of interpretation and is felt directly. 

2 hours ago, Joseph Maynor said:

Why is conflict bad? 

Before asking why conflict is bad, please use the quote tool as to where it was said conflict is bad. 

2 hours ago, Joseph Maynor said:

The interpretation arising seems to lean toward a preference of order in my order vs./and chaos belief.  Oftentimes it's through chaos that better order emerges.  I have conflict in my shadow.  I want to control.  I want order.  Look at me.  That is ego and shadow.

What introspection looks like. 

[MetaSage]

Conflict seems to be unavoidable. Disparity in self-agendas.

 

Intellectually, it makes total sense that conflict isn't wanted. In day to day life, it occurs regardless.

 

Live closely with someone for a certain amount of time and conflict will tend to arise in one form or another, unless the relationship is kept incredibly superficial.

[MetaSage]

Sharing from AI:

 

The tendency for people to engage in arguments, debates, and conflicts, often for extended periods, rather than focusing on introspection and self-improvement, is a multifaceted issue that encompasses psychological, sociological, and evolutionary perspectives. Here's a closer look at some of the key factors involved:

Psychological Factors

Cognitive Biases: Human cognition is prone to a range of biases such as confirmation bias, where individuals favor information that confirms their preexisting beliefs. This can lead to entrenched positions and resistance to change.

Emotional Investment: People often become emotionally invested in their beliefs and viewpoints. This emotional attachment can make it difficult to consider alternative perspectives, leading to arguments and conflicts.

Identity and Beliefs: For many, their beliefs and opinions are closely tied to their sense of self and identity. Challenges to these beliefs are perceived as personal attacks, prompting defensive reactions rather than introspective consideration.

Sociological Factors

Group Dynamics: Social identity theory suggests that individuals derive part of their identity from the groups to which they belong. This can lead to an "us vs. them" mentality, driving conflict and reducing the inclination for self-reflection.

Cultural Norms: In some cultures, debate and confrontation are seen as positive ways to engage with ideas and forge social bonds. This cultural context can discourage introspection in favor of outward expression of disagreement.

Social Media and Communication: The structure of social media platforms can exacerbate conflicts through echo chambers and anonymity. These platforms often reward engagement through controversy rather than contemplation and understanding.

Evolutionary Factors

Competition for Resources: Evolutionarily, humans have competed for resources, leading to conflict. This competitive instinct can manifest in modern contexts as arguments and debates over ideas and beliefs, not just physical resources.

Status and Hierarchies: Human social structures have historically been hierarchical, with status often achieved through dominance in conflict, whether physical or intellectual. This can drive individuals to engage in arguments as a means of status-seeking.

The Path to Introspection

The shift towards introspection and self-improvement requires overcoming these deeply ingrained tendencies. It involves cultivating awareness of one's own cognitive biases, emotional triggers, and the sociocultural factors that influence behavior. Strategies to promote this shift include:

Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices that increase self-awareness and the ability to observe one's thoughts and emotions without immediate reaction.

Education on Cognitive Biases: Learning about cognitive biases and logical fallacies can help individuals recognize these patterns in their own thinking.

Encouraging Empathy: Developing the ability to understand and share the feelings of others can reduce conflict and promote more inward reflection.

Promoting Dialogue: Encouraging open, respectful dialogue rather than debate can help shift focus from winning an argument to understanding different perspectives.

Ultimately, the move from external conflict to internal reflection is a personal and collective journey that requires effort, education, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about oneself and society.

[Joseph Maynor]

3 hours ago, MetaSage said:

Conflict seems to be unavoidable. Disparity in self-agendas.

 

Intellectually, it makes total sense that conflict isn't wanted. In day to day life, it occurs regardless.

 

Live closely with someone for a certain amount of time and conflict will tend to arise in one form or another, unless the relationship is kept incredibly superficial.

This is how I see it too.  Marriage (or sustainable relation) requires tolerating wobble in the order vs./and chaos duality.  This is why emotional mastery is so important to develop.  

[Phil]

@Joseph Maynor

27 years very happily married, and as the one you’re referencing as having ‘mastered emotions’… when there is self-reflection, there is no intellectualizing, and therein, no conflict. 

[Joseph Maynor]

@Phil I like your initial post, I actually understood it.

[Phil]

@Joseph Maynor

Thanks. Appreciate your input as well.

Show me a knower, understander or intellectual, and I’ll show you a single person or a tumultuous marriage. 

[Joseph Maynor]

@Phil We've all had our moments (including you) when we've opposed someone and offered our criticism.  This isn't to be put into the shadow, but there's a step back that can be had and I appreciate you helping me realize that.  That ability to step back is key but you have to have somewhere to land when you step back or else you step right back into some form of ego.  I get this now.  You step into the Infinite.

Edited February 18 by Joseph Maynor