TAOISM | The Art of Doing without Doing

Have you ever reflected on the word ‘doing’? ‘Doing’ points to performance, achievement, effort. It also implies that there’s a ‘doer’ who engages in ‘doing something’, and that there’s a passive element or ‘the thing that’s being done’.
But does it work that way? Is there a separation between the thing that ‘does’ and the thing that’s ‘being done’? Or is the thing that does actually what’s being done and vice versa? Ancient Taoist writers might urge us to think about ‘doing’ (and ‘not doing’) a bit differently than we’re used to. At the root of Taoist philosophy lies the idea of an all-encompassing force called Tao, from which all elements of the universe derive.
The flow of existence is something we can live by or resist. If we follow the Tao, our lives will be easy. But if we try to resist, our lives will be difficult. When we’re mainly focused on striving and straining, because we’re convinced that only through ‘effort’ we’ll get where we need to be, we may be swimming against the stream.
So, what if ‘doing’ isn’t always necessary to get things done? What if many of our actions are a waste of time and energy? What if we can take shortcuts in life if we learn how to embark on the natural course?
This video explores the paradoxical art of doing without doing (Taoism), and how we can live life the smart way (TAOISM | The Art of Doing Without Doing).
Support the channel:
✔️ PayPal: www.paypal.me/einzelgangerco
✔️ Patreon: / einzelgangster
✔️ Bitcoin: 3HQnEz1LQ4G6dqN2LdZgzc7qoJjJCyWjTC
(Donated BTC and want in the credits? Send me an email with the amount/address)
Purchase my book (affiliate links):
📘 Paperback: amzn.to/2RJYfti
💻 Ebook: amzn.to/35e23a5
Social media:
🖼️ Instagram: / einzelganger.philosophy
📰 Facebook: / einzelgangerphilosophy
Merchandise:
🛍️ Shop: teespring.com/stores/einzelga...
🛍️ Merchandise design by Punksthetic Art:
/ jrstoneart
🎵 Music used:
Silent Partner - Dinner For One
Jessie Gallagher - Spirit of Fire
Jessie Gallagher - The Sleeping Prophet
Creative Commons (attributions):
Lao Tzu statue: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Pollution: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Illma Gore: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Clock: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
00:00 - Intro
02:18 - Are we doing or being done?
05:15 - Resisting the flow of nature
08:00 - Doing without doing
#TAOISM #TAO #LAOTZU

Which Taoist scripture do you enjoy the most: the Tao Te Ching, Zhuang Zi, or perhaps Lie Zi?

[@J.R.Swish1]

I haven't read any of them yet, but I've been having a great interest in Taoist philosophy. Do you recommend Lao Tzu's work to start off, or are the other scriptures you mentioned also good starting grounds for understanding Taoism?

[@Dacademeca]

Tao te ching

[@heathernks8]

The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you Do anything but be yourself. ~ Lao-Tzu (It hangs on my wall.)🌻🎋♥️

[@tonywong3274]

Lie Zi,because the story in his book is short and interesting.

[@tonywong3274]

And Lie Zi's book have Yangzhu's view about Life,death,and fame.Which is my favorite Chapter.

[@DordeNecak]

"Thank you for watching", no, thank you Einzelgänger for delivering this message in this difficult time. Whenever I feel lost or become too stressed I just watch your videos and they calm me down and enable me to implement other perspective. So, sincerely thank you for help and guidance.

That's awesome. You're welcome then 💪

[@ChinmayK10]

Same here

[@lemenjr.7872]

👏❤️

[@benhowells2258]

Yeah, well said.. that’s how I feel too ❤️

[@jaxx-inspiregrowcreate2862]

One of my favourite quotes is - “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” -Lao Tzu

[@thaddeusvaliantlilbodhi1223]

THAT'S 1 OF MY FAVORITE'$. LAO TZU WAS~IS SO VALIANT.

[@raginald7mars408]

it also ENDS with the last step into the Abyss

[@recuerdos2457]

What do you think about ‘begin with a single step’ and ‘do nothing’?! If life will be what it is supposed to be, why bother to initiate anything??

[@Dacademeca]

"Nature Does Not Hurry, Yet Everything Is Accomplished. " - Lao Tzu

[@guillaumefaure3798]

stop copying comments please

[@raredoodah6649]

@@guillaumefaure3798 wow it's almost like he's quoting someone and therefore cannot change the comment

[@guillaumefaure3798]

@@raredoodah6649 bro he just copied the top comment come on now

[@CoolVictor2002]

@@guillaumefaure3798 likes don't do anything just shush

[@sjdnfjnj]

What does this quote even mean

[@Dacademeca]

"When I Let Go Of What I Am, I Become What I Might Be." - Lao Tzu

[@user-cr2np3ow7z]

Shut up

[@mohammadalimirzade]

exactly👍

[@QuietlyMagnetic]

Oftentimes many of us find ourselves wanting to be the 'adjective' without doing the 'verb'.

[@threethrushes]

I woke up this morning and felt like a past participle.

[@kevintucker3354]

@@threethrushes That is cool to me thanks!

[@brushstroke3733]

That's because we mistake "the prize" for what we want, when what most people are really after is the recognition and validation they receive from getting "the prize."

[@jakebrake7054]

@@brushstroke3733 right on nowhere man

[@builderbob3149]

I just had a flashback, of being in school... Nòóõöøōő... 😱

[@masterbrainscience4382]

"Care about what others think of you and you will be their prisoner." - Lao Tzu

[@alevsozer7924]

"Doing without doing requires trust. Trust that despite our inaction, change will happen, as change is nature's default. The more we seize to work against it, the more we allow the universe to take care of itself." WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT NON-ACTION, NOTHING WILL BE LEFT UNDONE. Lao Tzu

[@satnamo]

De knight of faith is a dancer with high elevation.

[@pureenergy4578]

Tell that to the landlord.

[@Dacademeca]

"Mastering Others Is Strength, Mastering Yourself Is True Power." - Lao Tzu

[@zen329]

“Knowing others is intelligence, knowing yourself is true wisdom.” -Lao Tzu

[@Dacademeca]

@@zen329 Buetiful.

[@kevintucker3354]

Conquer the self, and be the only hero.

[@mka1717]

How do you master yourself?

[@zen329]

@@mka1717 by being in total (non) control of yourself. Not letting others define you or disturb your inner peace.

[@Ubaldobritomusic]

Doing without doing: doing without the ego saying "I'm doing this". I don't think it's about not doing anything at all because things don't happen by magic. It's just about moving and doing things without thinking about it. Just flow.

[@zeinabalhasyan8148]

Exactly, it should never be about us.

[@Rogue_Yogi]

@Ubalso Brito and @Zeinobia Palmyra I so agree! I believe everyone’s True, natural state IS to be uniquely useful to their fellows and surroundings. Attachments and distractions can seem VERY convincing... but cultivating stillness naturally attunes you to “divine” inspiration!

[@fairfieldinncarlsbad2739]

how do i desire not to desire?? when you go with the flow, you are doing something. double bind :-)))

[@tinas2857]

Even when you’re doing nothing, you’re doing something. It’s not a forced action

[@jaypatil4912]

It's about getting into the flow or zone. Where you no longer force yourself to do the task rather it happens as you are into that flow.

[@Vee-hr4mg]

Nothing better than watching this under a moonlit sky. Your videos are helping me become a better person. HUGE THANK YOU! Love from the Philippines. Take care always. 🧘🏻

Thank you! Glad to hear that you're enjoying it!

[@FF-wx6zp]

I am sufi muslim , I really like taoist philosophy its very much similar to sufism . Thank you for sharing such wisdom.

[@bellyslush]

@@d.j.brompton6794 stfy

[@d.j.brompton6794]

@@bellyslush that's what I said 😘

[@kevintucker3354]

To me Taoism and the art of doing without doing is literally the beginning of understanding the man within myself, and it has nothing to do with laziness. Let that idea go.

[@canadiansoviet]

I use to come to this dilemma and now am at peace because even though I feel lazy, I still accomplish lots. Its more of dissatisfaction. To get my own peace back, I need to do something to feel satisfaction to get back to peace

[@TacticalNuke321]

“Nature is lazy, yet it’s still successful.” -Trent Drosihn

[@Diana-gt1rv]

“Doing without doing” - I really like this concept of Dao! This very good lecture brings it precisely to the point. We always try to control our lives, but I often think to myself that we have no own personal will anyway. Often things happen because they have to happen and we should just trust this process. Overthinking things is counter-productive. Relax and let the wonders of the universe play the game.

[@Negentropy.]

I found that doing without doing...makes people jealous and angry with me

[@waterflutehope]

Because you are using their efforts instead of your own/ they thought so.

[@zuetonwing]

They say I'm crazy, they say I won't be somebody. I am at peace, don't need anything else.

[@judithgilkison8604]

Because they are Ego Based People like this want to believe their way of life is the right way but they are not happy and have no true peace. We are the proof that their ways are all wrong 😌

[@mmaxxing]

I just laugh at these people

[@sage9836]

There's a story you might like about a wise man responding to a kicking horse. Basically, people tell him.that there is a horse going wild in tbe street, please help and tell them.what to do and the wise man walks down another road. its hard to apply to real life. But I like the story.

[@TheDhammaHub]

Such an interesting philosophy and so much like the concept of non-self in Buddhism. Some things result from observing the nature of things and people around us and are discovered again and again (sometimes independently)!

[@ReynaSingh]

There is unity among all things. There is no individual doer🙏🕉

[@yogawithhelen3185]

thank you when i think about dao i find peace

[@joegoodguy1123]

Man, watching these videos on Taoism really makes me think I've been a Taoist all along lmao. I've always been a go with the flow kinda person, and a while back, I used to pursue relationships until one day I kinda let go, and realized I should just focus on improving myself, and it will work itself out. And recently a wonderful woman basically fell into my arms when I least expected it. The universe will take care of me, so I will continue to move at its tempo.

[@nedakco1198]

I love your channel :) I've been alive for 17 years and your videos on Taoism are my favorite. I read the Tao Te Ching everyday during my workout and I've overcome my depression and most of my anxiety. Thank You

[@TheLastTrump]

Everybody wants to save the world, but nobody wants to help mom with the dishes

[@scudvirus2018]

😂

[@Mrbrightright]

The path of least resistance is key to effectively go in the right trajectory.

[@moseszhimo]

Finally found the excuse for my lazy ass in the couch doing nothing! Let it flow... On a serious note, you're fantastic in explaining the foreign philosophies in Western context. Thenks a lot!

[@joannaedwards6325]

Agree here. I got comfortable in my non-ambitious ness when I learned that LIFE ISN'T MEANT TO BE A STRUGGLE. Of course some things NEED to be done to maintain a certain quality of life but I remain content in acceptance while the world around me seems to be crashing through chaos toward self destruction. Us couch potatoes need to stop feeling guilty about our NOT-DOING ness and enjoy going with the FLOW. 💜✌😊

[@brushstroke3733]

Everyone around us is always encouraging us to put our noses to the grindstone. What do they have against noses? Why are they constantly demanding that we grind ours off? Is the expression trying to tell us that pushing hard to acheive our ambitions is akin to grinding our faces off, but we twist the meaning of the expression? (As we did with the expression "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" which was originally meant to imply an impossible task, but now is used to shame people who haven't acheived other peoples' ambitions for themselves!)

[@joannaedwards6325]

@@brushstroke3733 Well said. Here here. ✌

[@gunfun7772]

I love these videos. When I was in highschool, every year I barely made it by some "luck". Yet every year I knew that I would make it. I wasn't doing anything, yet my so called luck played itself out. Graduation was the hardest battle in the school years. Suddenly I got a mark which ruined graduation, so I had to take tests. This period of learning, while everyone had already graduated was the most stressful period in my life. Stressful because everyone around me was angry with me and urging to "do my best". I knew that I couldn't learn on my own without getting distracted, so i got my father to sit down next to me to enforce my studying. I graduated highschool with less effort then other classmates. Classmates who were continually urged to study hard and get good grades. Putting tons of effort into the same outcome: a piece of paper. But even in the period where I had to work my ass off to graduate I could feel deep inside that it would all work out. I subconsciously realized in the third year that I wasn't getting grades for myself, but for my parents. I got nothing out of good grades. The only thing I'd get was a "Good job, now get a 9 for maths as well". Whenever I got good grade i worked for i didn't get anything in return. This ruined my motivation to study. I forced mostly useless knowledge i to my brain to receive nothing but a few dull words or reaction. Maybe I'm just a lazy kid. Maybe I'm a genius. I don't know. But that's the past so I try to never look back or regret.

[@MichaelDavis-cy4ok]

You remind me of myself a quarter century ago. In those days people didn't get diagnosed with ADD. We just got told to focus more. I didn't graduate with spectacular grades from high school, but I did graduate. I spent most of my young life reading everything I could get my hands on. After I graduated I spent time as a missionary in Latin America, where I learned Spanish. I subsequently went from industry to industry trying out different things and finally settled in the military. I've irritated a lot of people by not being in a hurry to promote, but my ability to pick up skills and get things done is highly prized by my leadership. I'm a couple of years from retirement. In my spare time I work on cars and fix up my house, and I'm finishing up a data science degree online. I've accumulated a lot of skills that should get me very good employment on the outside. Some things it's wise to do, like graduating high school just because of the doors they'll open for you. But pay attention to your feelings. Try out different things, have adventures, and really get to know yourself before you decide on a trade or a profession. Live within your means. Then focus on learning the real skills in that career that will make you valuable. That may or may not involve degrees or certificates. You have to earn a living, but minimalism will allow you to do so happily.

[@barnes9211]

Another guy with ADHD, and this is pretty much the experience I had up until a few years ago. Just know that it's a cycle that can be broken by finding the passion that spurs you into action. For me, it was being able to help people who had no one to rely on for help. And in the span of a year and a half, I'm an almost completely unrecognizable person and I'm still only in the middle of becoming my better self. Are you lazy or a genius? You're neither - you're demotivated. Any motivated human being is something to be in awe at, we respect passion as much as we respect skill. A person who has reason to be a genius in one matter will do his best to become that, and often times will be that. A person who has reason to be lazy will, often times, be lazy. You are the things that move you, no more or less.

[@recuerdos2457]

Getting good grade to make your parents happy?!? It could be the Tao’s ‘non-self’… 🤔 like if we re in water, we will have to keep swimming or else, isn’t it?! Aimless swimming is boring, so we think of building muscle doing tricks and to obtain some fun out of it.

[@kiznyctslyer6408]

Nature also brought me here in the very right moment that I need to hear this. Thank you for this video.

[@jon6309]

This was actually nostalgic because of the fishermen story! My father was a lazy man but expected a lot of me from a child. We used to go to ponds when I was young to catch small fish. I actually applied what you said by just letting my net sit still and wait for the fishes to come to my net but he criticized me that I was lazy!

[@robmcd]

Today I dropped all my fries, I wasn’t even mad. I just thought... the universe doesn’t want me eating them and threw them away.

[@deepdiver849]

Also imagine yourself lucky enough to afford to throw them away...many people on this planet eat from trash cans...

[@J.R.Swish1]

@@deepdiver849 you're such a buzzkill... as if anyone eats from trash cans by choice... it's as if, if I drop my food on the floor and eat it afterwards, some hungry person is gonna come up to me and start clapping, because i didn't throw it away. sometimes food is ruined and you have to throw it away. if you have good food you're not gonna force yourself to eat something that can possibly make you sick. so get off your high horse please

[@deepdiver849]

@@J.R.Swish1 You didn't get my point, but thats ok, the response was not for you anyway.

[@J.R.Swish1]

@@deepdiver849 sure. Sorry for responding then.

[@diogofarias1822]

I would have ordered new ones.

[@SY-sp8uo]

Sometimes you just have to be patient and go with the flow and trust the God's plan! 💯

[@paarkour83]

This guy doesn’t seem old. I love to see our younger generation waking up. I see hope

[@jazzclubmusic8522]

Wei wu Wei... Never force anything. If you pay attention, you will know when to act and when to be. Silence the mind and LET IT COME TO YOU

[@FutureMindset]

It's important to realize that we're not the center of the universe, nor are we the only aspect of it, which may seem obvious but since we only know the universe and world from our own perspective, we tend to make ourselves seem more important than we are.

[@MatthewJohnCrittenden]

Getting out of your own way seems a decent strategy.

[@Eternalised]

Fantastic! Life is itself an activity at which we fail at times, but at which we can continue to work until the activity becomes effortless and we become one with the activity.

[@randoomly39484]

Grateful that I have found this video in a time of my life when I feel like controlling what's far from me. Thank u

[@elbengren]

"We don't control but delegate." JUST FREAKIN' DELEGATE THAT SHIT! Life knows better. I LOVE this viewpoint. Some things are not in my hands anyway, so why am I holding on and trying to solve them? I started watching these videos to get some perspective on a personal "problem", and perspective did I get. THANK! YOU! ❤

[@sambomambojambotango3961]

This information is more valuable than gold.

[@FreddieKayBeats]

Thank you for the peaceful wisdom!!! I was sitting here overthinking my next action and this video definitely brought a sense of calm relaxation to me.

[@lilil2081]

Thank you so much for sharing this 🙏 Namo Amituofo 🙏

[@thaddeusvaliantlilbodhi1223]

WE ARE EVERYTHING & NOTHING WRAPPED IN COSMIC STARDUST.

[@AsifHaq]

I think it's very important to understand the difference between letting life take its course while we play our part in it, and just plain laziness and letting it all go.

[@d.j.brompton6794]

There is no laziness, just the choice to not do. As Lao Tzsu stated: When you arrive at non action, nothing will be left undone.

[@robertbrown2395]

Well Spoken my friend! You Damn straight!

[@ananyjauhari2245]

1 one . Great work

[@thoomm]

Beautiful lesson! Thank you so much you have been my biggest source of wisdom and knowledge in this last three weeks, when going through some rough times, helping me keep perspective at all times. I binged watched each and every single video at least once some times twice or thrice in such a short span of time. Thank you again, looking forward to all your new videos. Much love

[@LaCorvette]

Thank you for breaking down these principles of philosohophy and putting them into the context of the modern world.

[@BadassMindset]

I was gonna make a video about this, but I decided to do nothing. Then you made a great video about it! Thanks.

[@betterime2912]

Comparing the state of sleep, with the state of creativity is just brilliant. Thank you for that. How often do we not start with tasks, where we know we "have to" be creative. Knowing you just have to put yourself into the right circumstances and patiently wait for creativity to hit you is way easier than trying to force it...

[@m.alcholish9401]

Thank you. Its really convincing me more, as i usually see life as energy, and nothing so different. Allowing easly and effortlessly, accomponied by trust, thats the point i get. Not forcing by action. Thank you so much. Love this ♥️♥️♥️

[@RudolphManor]

Positive Indifference Is The Most Powerful Tool In The Universe. 🤷‍♂️💯🌍

[@ladleo2989]

Dear Einzel, thank you so much. It's always a great blessing to be reminded of the great truth that you touch on here.

[@heikebock8761]

I like your lovingly made videos and pick a new one to discover every day ♥️ Taoism is so popular in our hyperactive world, I think, because people yearn for a permission to be more passive and let go, not daring to just permit it themselves as this would plainly be labeled "lazy" by other people. A respectable ancient Chinese philosophy seems a proper authority to provide the permission 🙂

[@ruthmuia2965]

When we come to appoint of non action , everything is accomplished.

[@jon5one7]

I needed to hear this today. It's got my mind peacefully pondering things.

[@noreenjenny7039]

Flow, let go, trust! Thank you ❤🙏🌹

[@samcruz9941]

I love this channel, thank you for sharing this gem.

[@MinorityMans]

This is your deepest and best Taoism video in my opinion. Almost every sentence is packed with deeper truth.

[@MaitlandAntwaun]

came across your videos sometime ago and they resonate with who I am completely I've always instinctively live the way of the Tao i actually download and watch your videos and come by to check for new videos they are quite calming and help to remind me in conditioning my mind for life and having different perspectives really great content 👍

[@rebeccashardy6717]

This perspective of "flexibility and adaptation" and letting go of trying to control others, is the answer to so much American stress, violence, depression and anxiety. Thank you.

[@truenorthaffirmations7049]

The breath of life, methodical flow!!!

[@libaicn]

I grow up in China and my early education was more on Confucius, it’s talking about more rules and mandate, defines what is wrong and what is right. I think it’s good for kids to know certain rules, but its definitely not the way that I prefer to perceive the world. Tao was introduced I recall in high school history class, Tao is very useful in terms of do without doing. It certainly does not mean doing nothing. Its more about respect the natural. As when there is no wrong, there’s no right, so you don’t mandate, you observe and let things happen. And when there’s trend on the direction of where things is going, you do by following up. Most of the times, things are not what it appears to be, also the same that what is done will bring impact, big or small, soon or later. Let it happen than mandate it to happen, if your direction is against the natural, it’s gonna hit back harder, that’s also why Taoism talking about balance.

[@calayla9037]

Came across your channel while watching Dearly Kathy's videos. Thank you so much for sharing this video. We all need this during this time 🙏

[@ZeroeGravity]

Thank you for your videos. They have been very enlightening for me, especially during the solitude of the hyped COVID panic. I feel we probably share a lot of the same Sigma qualities. You do good work.

[@saitamasensei6145]

Thank you so much for making so easy to follow videos! Having been going through a rough patch your videos have helped me a lot and I realize how it's all about perspective. The stoic mindset is a hard one to build for oneself and time consuming too, but I'm hoping with time I (and all of us) will get there. Sorry for the rant lol, just that kinda day

[@sage9836]

This is so mellow and believable. Its meeting a big need of mine now.

[@basicdose.9872]

Being part of one big happening. We are the universe. Going with the flow. Do not resist. Gladly be part of this cosmic dance. Because we're the dance. When you arrive at non action nothing will be left undone.

[@27jerry27]

Finally a philosophical view of my life...

[@gilliantracy7991]

Makes so much sense but raises so many questions!

[@TEIAfrica360]

Bumped into you. Love this!! This is what some of our team members have bn articulating. Harmony “free ride”. Love this!

[@MegaDublinguy]

Always so much food for thought in your videos!

[@EquityIncome]

Simple crisp explanation, thank you

[@benfletcher8469]

you should do a video on Proverbs and Ecclesiastes (and possibly Job), even if you're not religious, they ooze with wisdom and are rich in wonderful literature. You can learn so much from them.

[@monikatripathi4589]

Finally getting notified on time

Good!

[@mackss9468]

Excellent, this is exactly what I needed. Thank you!

[@Corrinthian_]

I love your videos on taoism and stoicism

[@Anita-wh4vr]

So powerful. Thank you!

[@jonathan_kim]

Thank you for the video

[@TheSimpleBrunette]

Thank you for reminding me to be still and trust 🙏

[@elenapana6753]

Thankyou for making 🙏🏻

[@Bobby-kc9vv]

What a beautiful philosophy..I loved it . Thank you so much 🍁

[@adrianoss.bougas3720]

So many Taoism videos... Great!

[@Nokss87]

I'm guilty of not letting life take it's course. Lord help me to BE STILL. ❤🙏🌱

[@crystalclear5098]

Thank you for sharing

[@Iam_ramankaur]

thank you for this amazing concept. I got to learn such a deep understanding of life.

[@patmureithi]

Appreciate your channel a lot. Thank You.

[@gsalemi1954]

"Easy is right. Begin right and you are easy. Continue easy and you are right. The right way to go easy is to forget the right way, and forget that the going is easy."

[@ModernFrontiersman]

ive recently found ur channel and i greatly appreciate it!!!

[@rainmanjr2007]

This was beautiful. Thank you.

[@adaymadaday7283]

If don't want to do it, don't do it.

[@saloumehrahimi3554]

Thanks so much for all you do. 🙏

[@kam7561]

Beautiful... thank you.

[@jackdell8292]

Well done...Seamless Zen like flow...

[@kerish23]

Love you, Einzelgänger! Thank you for this! ❤️

[@aonaohafa]

Hey what's the title of the manga in your profile? 😂 I REMEMBER THAT GUY CHARACTER, I read that manga a long time ago but didn't manage to finish it and lastly forgot its name..

[@justsumdude7437]

What is the definition of doing in this case? If I force myself to get up and do something, am I resisting the flow? Should I give in to the urge of playing Minecraft all day? Or is this situation exempt? And how do I know what is and isn't in the flow? Is me laying on the couch in the flow? Or would getting up and working on my goals be? Or are all these questions miniscule but purposeful in the way that, while being very small and seemingly insignificant, they are still within the flow?

[@toroyoko]

The art of going with the flow

[@zovalentine7305]

We are human beings not doings⚘

[@cosmicprison9819]

Zo Valentine Men are human doings. If they stop doing and give in to the flow of life, evolution treats them as expendable.

[@brushstroke3733]

@@cosmicprison9819 What concern do we have with evolution? Isn't it just arrogance that makes me think I am important and need to play a part and contribute my genetics to the pool?

[@cosmicprison9819]

Nowhere Man No, it's your instincts that make you think that - all genes believe they're awesome and should procreate. And if you go against your DNA dictators, they will make you suffer for it. "Arrogance" would imply that this were somehow your fault, or a character flaw of yours. But even if it is, it's one that everyone has, so that kind of nullified it again.

[@brushstroke3733]

@@cosmicprison9819 I don't think our genes have beliefs or feel that they should replicate themselves. I think evolution simply favors molecules that copy themselves most effectively overall (which includes the effectiveness of the organism that is the output of their chemical code.) I agree that we have strong instincts to survive and procreate, and that those instincts govern most of our behaviors at their deepest levels. Yet still, we recognize that we are not our bodies or the thoughts produced by our bodies that claim to be us, and thus that there is no one real for evolution to leave behind. If DNA are the real life forms, it's all a world of ATGC molecules anyway - no particular species or individuals really matter in the grand scheme. As long as some form of DNA or RNA is replicating itself, life persists. (Life came from non-life anyway, so what is non-life really?) I think we may appear expendible to a society that thinks you must be busy at all times to be of value, but that is a different issue that being expendible to nature or the universe.

[@conflectiz]

Nicely done. Thank you.

[@rahulmeena-gl3hm]

thanku you for giving this masterpiece..

[@franciscavanderpoorte7943]

Thank you!

[@VivsGym]

Thank you einzelganger for everything you do!! 🙏🏼🥲

[@lindambalz5162]

I needed this, thank you

[@nomorediets]

Aging is the best way to become more enlightened about natural ways that work. Our body has its own agenda....trust it and allow it respond in its own time (it knows what to do), and don't fight it or beat it into submission. We cling so much to stuff that doesn't serve us. 🥰

[@zedanist18]

Your voice is just super soothing