Journal Entry # 102
June 22nd, 2010
What gets you up each morning? What drives you to go to work day after day? What is it that you truly want? I am not talking about your physiological needs such as food and water, shelter and warmth. Once your immediate needs are met what is it we all want or desire? The answer to this question determines what you do every day. It doesn’t matter where each of us get this need we all desire it. The need has caused humanity to do terrible things and wonderful, amazing things. What does it drive you to do?
Are you familiar with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
Once each level of the chart is met the individual will try to fulfill the next level. Of course it is not straight forward like finishing a level in a video game, there are combinations but my opinion is that there is one need that seems to drive us more than any other, again once our basic physiological needs are met. That need is love / belonging, the need to be valued by others, to be important in this world.
It is our arrogance that allows religion to take root in peoples’ minds. When you are considered by a god to be special, part of the chosen this need is fulfilled. In my opinion nothing else can drive someone to do the unspeakable acts that religion does. You can apply this concept to any situation. The people in the Manson family felt this need and Charlie fulfilled it. This need drives us to do most of our daily tasks. When this need is not met we feel useless and unwanted.
If you fulfill this need within your relationships you will notice a drastic positive change in your life. A person fulfilled will accomplish amazing results. The danger happens when the change is not grounded in reality. Really this is what all religions pander to in their doctrine. You are the special one and you are always trying to find this high that it gives you.
What makes you feel important?
The other important part of this equation is that it needs to be balanced. You need to give as much as you get. If you want recognition you need to recognize others. If you want love you need to give love. I think you understand. Unfortunately most relationships from personal to global do not follow these rules. We all want to get but not to give.
The beauty that surrounds religion is that god is always willing to give you what you need. You can always feel special in gods’ eyes. It does not matter what god you worship it is always the same. The problem is the rules have to be followed. The number one rule is that it must be rooted in reality. Although your god will always seem to give you what you need it is an illusion because you really never get it you only think you do.
We all want to feel special, to be valued I know I do. That is part of why I write, compose and record music and anything that draws attention to me. Now, the problem is that sometimes we will take negative attention as well if the positive attention is not available. This is definitely a problem. Try to be balanced and give out at least as much as you want. If you can give out more. No matter what you want try and give it before you get it. If it is right and dealing with reality it will surely come back your way.
Seek the truth always
Gary David Currie
