That movie helped spark an interest in philosophy for me. The fact that my dad has a PhD in the subject left it’s mark as well. Since then I’ve read and listened to a variety of deep thinkers in an attempt to learn more about myself and the world.
“In this situation, I could choose action A or action B. Action A would be best for my own comfort and happiness. Action B would be best for other people’s comfort and happiness. I choose action A (or B).” I could drive by someone struggling with a flat tire or stop to help. I could keep my place in line or offer it to the parent behind me struggling with a young child. I could spend unexpected extra money on myself or on someone in need.
So remember The Matrix. Consider your possibilities as you go through the day and make conscious choices. If you do, you’ll take another step toward Becoming Yourself.
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Below are a few quotes that inspired this post. While they make reference to spiritual things, I think the insight into our human condition they provide can be helpful to us all regardless of our belief system. To sign up for Richard Rohr’s daily email visit cac.org.
“The death instinct always comes from people who are unconscious, unaware, and indeed do not know what they are doing. Now we can hear Jesus on the cross and know why he said, “Forgive them, Father, they don’t know what they’re doing” (Luke 23:34). When we love, we do know what we are doing! Love, if it is actually love, is always a highly conscious act. We do evil when we slip into unconsciousness.”
Richard Rohr on Thérèse of Lisieux, Part II – Wednesday, October 4, 2017
“Thérèse came to know the depth of her self-centeredness, the extent of her God-inspired desires, and the role and significance of her thoughts, acts, and feelings in the spiritual life. Thérèse had a great self-confidence in her ability to be honest with herself and an enormous intuitive capacity about the ways of human and divine love. Under the microscope of prayer, in her self-awareness, she came to learn universal truths about love: how love originates, how it is nourished or blocked, and how it grows. Her life became a microcosm of love, her teaching, a school of love.”
Joseph F. Schmidt, Walking the Little Way of Therese of Lisieux: Discovering the Path of Love (The Word Among Us Press: 2012), 33-34
“I understand so very well that it is only through love that we can render ourselves pleasing to the good Lord, that love is the one thing I long for. The science of love is the only science I desire.”
Thérèse of Lisieux, Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux, translated by John Clarke (ICS Publications: 1996), 187-188
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This blog really speaks to my spirit! I have always tried to do this. Thanks for sharing,Matt. This REALLY brings clarity for me. GOD BLESS!
Thank you so much for sharing that Emily! I'm really glad that this is connecting with you in a helpful way. Thanks for your encouragement. I'm glad to have you along for the ride :)