Frankly, I don't understand anything. I don't understand what the world is, how it works, why it works, what's my place in it, why I am, and who I am. I am quite ignorant about almost everything that matters. And I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one.
To students,
The biggest illusion that many of you have been living is that I know how to mentor you into well-being. The reality is that, well maybe, but I'm neither trying, nor is the system setup for you to seek your well-being. In our institutions, we prepare you for productivity and prosperity; but it is not our job to teach you - and do we have any clue - what the path to well-being looks like.
First, your well-being might threaten the existence of my institution which sometimes depends on your misery. It is always the case that institutions live on the slaving backs of their constituents. Of course the institution always tries to give back power and reach in return.
Second, I'm not even sure what well-being looks like. Is it to be rich and comfortable? Is it to find purpose in the love of others? Is it to keep winning to show that you're the best? Is it self-esteem or inner peace? Is it power or freedom?
These are really good questions that I enjoy to think about in my free time and when I do I feel like I should not have a slaving time. I realize that what we always need is freedom and purpose. And all we seek is power and goals.
So here's my proposal to you: trust yourselves. Don't believe anyone blindly. When a truth is told to you, look for it within yourselves. Ask why, even when you think you know the answer. Truly seek union in both your thoughts and your feelings: your greatest purpose is to unify. Become a loving seeker and a seeking lover.
To teachers,
First of all, let's agree that we know nothing. You have been in the illusion for longer and probably find it easier to deny the depth of our ignorance. We've taken things for granted for much too long and find it too hard to question deep beliefs about our existence.
Yet, we owe it to our mentees to be transparent about our limitations. If we pretend to know - what life is all about - what do we get in return. A false sentence of identity and superiority only aimed at dragging others along with us into the illusion. Why not inspire them to learn in search to the truth. Why impose any of our technical knowledge on fragile individuals who can grow much without us. Our only just is to create the environment for them. How? Be creative!
To parents,
You've brought your children into this world, and understandably so, you don't know why other than: it brings you immense joy. Reproduction brings us purpose because that's almost what we were made for. But how do you raise a human being that is your blood and your flesh? How do you bring them into a future you don't what it brings?
While you've brought your child into uncertainty, you equally have a responsibility to prepare them to embrace uncertainty and reduce to everyone around them. To love others regardless of who they are, because you barely know who you are.
I suggest you pay more attention to the life you extend on this earth. Everything that comes out of you infects the universe with either its toxicity or its healing power.
To myself,
Good job with the openness about topics that will only bring mess to your life. But I'm also proud of you; you're not afraid of opening up. My only problem with your letters is that they're paradoxical. You tell students to trust only themselves, and as a consequence leave them wondering whether they should trust you with that. You keep repeating that you know nothing and sound like you're all-knowing. You're inspiring me and simultaneously fill me with doubt.
I appreciate your candor, but I'm not sure I will take what you said for granted. But I guess that's your point after all.
Cheers,
Self