“The purpose of the discipline is to keep people from going crazy immediately thereafter.”
So, specifically you mean the scene from the Matrix where Neo, having just awakened, is about to heave on the floor and one of the others is cynically saying “He’s gonna pop! I told you he was too old.”
I enjoy “Don’t Panic” being written in large friendly letters on a manual …and nice towel. It kind of goes along with the message of “Existenz” that giving into fear is the problem (“fear is the mind killer”). I don’t recommend Existenz to the psychically vulnerable since it is a bit less than upbeat in its final ending.
“Dark City” is also a bit dark, though it does have a good ending and goes right along with “The Lathe of Heaven.” if we’re talking about various bits of entertainment that fit a certain motif. I think disturbing little things like these movies can be a bit like a hearty exercise, though.
Then again we could simply say “Row, Row, Row your boat…” and it might actually be a useful mantra at the worst of times.
So I guess the question is where does your mind go for stability when all the rugs have been pulled out from under it?
What happens when there’s not a single turtle left for the world to balance upon? I for one, could be informed that my life was simply a simulation and everything I’ve experienced “wasn’t real” to which I would respond it was real enough to me.
If I was told my loved ones were just programs, and they’d been “just designed”, I’d say they were no less lovable and valuable. I could be told I am nothing but a simulation and while it might be unnerving…. my individual existence is no less valuable and meaningful to me, while my greater/extended existence is no less connected to that greater reality than it is right now to the one we know. I’m still not just the focal point of the events, I’m also the events and everything that made them. I am an extension and that extension goes both directions.
I have to admit, while I personally feel that there are absolutely, positively, undeniably, obviously, intelligent beings other than humans in this physical reality, I wouldn’t particularly want to see an alien walk around the corner from my kitchen unannounced. I think a little slower introduction to some massive changes to our routine ideas of reality are probably best. (“Hey guys, can ya call ahead first? thaaanks…”)
Having some good mental tools for remaining calm under massive change, whatever the source, is indispensable.
While staying unhinged at all times would certainly limit the impact of world-breaking events, I don’t think that’s a viable solution. Having all our “probability” biases completely removed just isn’t workable. Having just a few of them taken out at various times, however, seems like it could be.
When it comes down to it, however, a major factor of sanity is simply the feeling of being loved by “whatever is external” whether it be family, community, the universe or God.
The only way one truly feels loved, in my experience and knowledge of neuroscience, is by giving love.
Sanity seems to wholly rest upon love. Perhaps that’s why the advice is to A) Love the Lord thy God and B) Love thy neighbor.
Sounds to me like good strategic planning for mental stability.
~ Dr. Carlos Warter, MD
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