I have a rich inner emotional life. It is mostly anxiety, true, but it is also other things. I have looked at the swirls of cottonwood fluff in the air, and felt sublime joy. I have cried over the beauty of finally understanding a particular equation. I get angry at perceived injustices, and I can be grumpy but accepting of perceived inconveniences. I can smile at someone else's happiness. I experience schadenfreude; and find it embarassing that I do.

I have a deep inner monologue. I often ruminate over the petty, it is true. And I often obsess over personal faults, concerned that I did not say the right thing the right way. I have arguments in my head, where of course I am always right. But I also think about the nature of symbols in our language, and what they mean for us as a species. I can look at my cat, and know that it can never understand calculus; and then wonder what truths I can simply never understand because of the limitations, not of who I am, but of what I am. I think about what it means to be human. I build moral systems, choosing axioms and first principles, and try to draw conclusions.

Today I was thinking that I have not met very many people who I think I could have conversations with these things about. But I also realised, that if I met myself, I could not have these conversations with myself, because I have no voice. I do not know how to open myself up, to share and be shared. I do not know how to put my inner experiences to words that others will find meaningful. Likewise, I barely know how to be -still-, and to absorb when someone else opens themself to me.

When faced with another, I only know how to look at the outside of things. Maybe that is all any of us can do. But I cannot help but think that it is possible to read accurately between the lines, to see the blurred edges, and to connect with one another, and fully take part in the shared human experience.

I have no voice, and I do not know how to listen.

Beyond individual selves, we delve into the shared human experience, our interconnectedness, and the fundamental questions of our collective identity.

The Collective Question: Beyond the "I" to the "We"

We've spent a lot of time exploring the "Who am I?" question, but today, let's zoom out and consider: Who are we? It's a question that takes us beyond our individual selves and into the realm of our shared humanity, our collective identity, and our interconnectedness.

The Shared Human Experience: Common Threads of Existence

Despite our differences, there are fundamental experiences that unite us as humans. We all experience joy and sorrow, love and loss, hope and fear. We all grapple with questions of mortality, purpose, and belonging. Exploring these shared experiences helps us understand who we are as a species and fosters a sense of connection.

The Social Self: Identity in Relation to Others

Humans are inherently social beings. Our identity is shaped by our relationships, our communities, and the cultures we inhabit. We define ourselves in relation to others – our families, our friends, our social groups. Who we are is profoundly influenced by our interactions and the roles we play within these social structures. Understanding this social dimension is crucial to understanding our collective identity.

The Interconnected Web: Recognizing Our Shared Fate

In an increasingly interconnected world, the question of who are we takes on a global dimension. We are all inhabitants of the same planet, facing shared challenges and opportunities. Our actions have ripple effects, impacting others across borders and generations. Recognizing this interconnectedness is essential for fostering a sense of global responsibility and shared purpose.

The Quest for Meaning Together: A Collective Journey

The search for meaning is not solely an individual endeavor. We often find meaning in our connection with others, in contributing to something larger than ourselves, and in working together to create a better world. Who we are is defined not only by our individual pursuits but also by our collective aspirations and shared values.

The Ongoing Exploration of Humanity: Embracing Diversity and Complexity

Ultimately, the question of who are we is a vast and complex one. There is no single, definitive answer. It's an ongoing exploration of our shared humanity, our diverse cultures, and our evolving understanding of our place in the cosmos. It's about embracing our differences, celebrating our commonalities, and continuing to strive for a deeper understanding of ourselves as a collective.

Featured Quote:

"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience." - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

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additional tags:

Who are we, human identity, collective identity, shared human experience, interconnectedness, social self, global community, meaning together, human connection, human purpose

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Blog Disclaimer:

The content on this blog reflects the author's personal views and for general information only, not professional advice. We're sharing perspectives, and you're responsible for how you use this information. We're not liable for any outcomes. Think of this as a conversation – your insights and actions are your own.

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The Meaning of Life Podcast

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TMOLPODCAST

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and another, and another. 

and though  I saw everyone walking in, it didnt click till now. 

shared experience. not alone.

right.

this is why I like coming here. or go to the library rather than stay at home.