the game

Spinoza saw humanity between two concepts: passion and freedom.  The following chart appeared in a class on Spinoza (taught by Metin Sarfati) in February 2020.

In the 21st century, Humanity is searching for answers.  I hope this chart helps guide the journey within.

 NB: Please do not expect to digest this chart quickly.  Take your time to discover.  

 1. Notice that at the top of the circle the concept "passion" with the particular definition "whatever enslaves".  For the purposes of understanding this chart, accept the fact that "enslavement" can be a consequence of "passion."  

 2. Notice that at bottom of the circle the concept "freedom" with the particular definition "discovery of consciousness."  The more we understand the rules of the universe, the higher is our consciousness, the less we fear.  

 3. Notice the concepts immediately to the left & right of "passion."  They are “deceiving with pleasure/false gratification” & “deceiving with a Creator”; here, what I mean by Creator is an instrumentalized version of God...used as a weapon to enslave the masses.

 4. Notice the concepts immediately to the left and right of "freedom."  They are "scientific singularity" and "universality" (acceptance of all differences as they are.) 

 5. Notice the direction expressed by the line on the left: moving from lower levels of cognitive dissonance to higher levels of cognitive dissonance.  Authoritarian politicians instrumentalize concepts in order to enslave the masses.  The history of this process is probably thousands of years old.  

 6. Notice the direction expressed by the line on the right: moving from lower levels of alienation to higher levels of alienation.  When authoritarian politicians instrumentalize concepts in order to enslave the masses, they alienate them from themselves, they move them away from their very essence.  One more time, the history of this process is probably thousands of years old.

 7. Now, look at the arrows to the left and right, by scanning the circle from top to bottom, and then from bottom to top.  This chart is not a finished product.  I hope to update it in time as I digest it and also as I receive feedback from readers, friends, colleagues.  The relative location of the arrows could be different at the end of this process.  Also, the labels can change somewhat in time.

 This is an unfinished product.  Any feedback is welcome. 

 I hope it becomes a tool for each one of us to be able to recognize what authoritarian leaders are doing and distance ourselves from their ways….so that we walk from emotional/intellectual/instinctive enslavement towards “true freedom.”

 Remember how the word `freedom` was used by the Nazi regime at the gates of the camps.  In other words, authoritarian regimes will use any tool to hide their real intentions.