Why is life so hard?

[@Socrates5500]

Just wanted to say Mr. Dodson I haven’t been in your class in over 4 years but I still watch all of your videos thank you

[@ericdodson2644]

Well, thanks, Nathaniel. It's always gratifying to hear from my former students. So, thanks for telling me that. And thanks for taking the time to watch & listen. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@cobracommander8133]

Life being so difficult is why I decided to never had children. Why would I want to make more people suffer by bringing them in existence?

[@ericdodson2644]

Well, that's certainly understandable. It sounds like you might be an advocate of efilism and/or anti-natalism. I actually did a video on that a while back. If you're interested, here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnfdqZqQppuJmcU&ab_channel=EricDodson In any case, thanks for taking the time to watch & listen. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@kevinhornbuckle]

To diminish suffering, your own included.

[@Jaime-eg4eb]

@@kevinhornbuckle are you saying bringing kids here diminishes their suffering? The suffering that presumably doesn't exist because they haven't been born?

[@KawaiiGem]

I was just looking up a video on "why life is so hard", and this man definitely was speaking some truth.

[@endergame8267]

same

[@tannerhagen774]

I check every now and then to see if you made a video, hope you still kickin. Absolutely love everything you put out

[@nitestrikebg]

It's been a year since you have posted. Is everything okay with you health wise? Hope to hear back from you!

[@ashokverma7501]

Very good reply . Life can go easily with truth and authenticity, responsibilty and its awareness, family and friendship.

[@EntertheGam3]

I miss the hell out of your channel! Hope all is well wherever you are

[@MonaMassillonEustache]

Thank you so much, I was going through hell lately mom passed away a month before my 20th birthday, in my native country couldn’t go my dad got deported a month after that , paying college on my own. Thanks sir 🤝

[@isasadodora]

new videoooooooooooooo yeah! much needed. perfect timing as always ❤

[@ericdodson2644]

Well, thanks for telling me that, Isadora. I often think that what seem to be inexplicably perfect timing... is actually life's way of trying to get our attention, and inviting us to focus our perceptual fields a little bit differently. Anyhow, thanks for taking the time to watch & listen. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@thattimestampguy]

4:24 Quaff 6:36 Lacking Self-Awareness is a problem. 1. We run away from our faults and shortcomings. 2. We neglect responsibility for ourselves. 8:08 Lack of self-awareness perpetuates problems ad infinity. 8:52 Irresponsibly makes life hard. 9:57 Responsible people, have direction and destiny, which overcome the hardship. 10:53 Empowering 11:24 _The Seduction of False Empowerment_ - Politics 12:20 Cannot touch The Soul. 13:14 13:35 Authenticity is hard to live! 14:34 15:30 Woe to the soul held down by too much conformity. 16:12 (touching sentence that was) - Lack of Wisdom is an added barrier to life. 17:22 We can attain Wisdom, it is possible. A degree of Suffering is inevitable However, Life doesn’t have to be as hard as it seems. 18:00 I Appreciate you.

[@ericdodson2644]

Hi TimeStampGuy. It's always good to see one of your posts, especially because it's pretty obvious that you're really listening. I definitely appreciate that. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@reginapangestu]

Hope you are well Eric, we miss you!

[@DeFi-Macrodosing]

Amazing conversation. Thank you Eric!

[@ericdodson2644]

Well thanks, DFM. I appreciate your willingness to watch & listen. So, thank YOU for that. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@classicpinball9873]

I’ve been dwelling on thoughts like this recently and this is definitely a big help, thank you

[@ericdodson2644]

Cool. I often think that what seem to be coincidences in life... are actually life's way of trying to get our attention... to focus our perceptual fields a little bit differently. Maybe that's the case with your recent thoughts, and your happening to stumble onto this video. Anyhow, thanks for taking the time to watch & listen. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@E_V878]

Yay! You’re still here! I got into your lectures around 9 months ago and you hadn’t uploaded in a while at that time. Good to see you’re still sharing your thoughts with us

[@amanr6346]

Hi Eric I’m training as a Psychotherapist and your entire lecture series is absolutely fantastic, I’m especially interested in the existential aspects of things and you so wonderfully articulate these concepts! Best wishes!

[@DouwedeJong]

And then there are those that argue that an authentic self is not something that exists, it is more something you develop. And developing it from role models, family or heroes, is not a bad starting point. After all, our peer group has the biggest influence on how we develop. And we all share our ideas of what a hero is with each other.

[@ericdodson2644]

Well, I'd also say we develop our authentic selves as we go along. Part of the reason is that "discovering" our authentic selves is an experience that's deep enough and powerful enough... that it can easily alter our authentic selves. And that sets us up for the next layer of "discovery." However, all of that means that we're actually creating and re-creating our authentic selves as we move through life. And yeah, I'd also agree that role models can play an important part in that process... mostly because they can point us toward possibilities for our lives that we might not consider otherwise. Anyhow... thanks for taking the time to watch & listen, and for leaving such a thoughtful comment. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@satanickmukhuty2579]

I appreciate your ramblings and will always make time to lend my ear to them. ☺

[@ericdodson2644]

Well, thanks for that. And I always appreciate your taking the time out of your day to watch & listen... and to leave your comments, too -- as you often do. So, many thanks to YOU for that. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@mickdamick]

⁠Hey Eric, hope all is well, We’re hungry for some more wisdom 🙏

[@zacdcordle]

Thank you Eric, this was my first video by you that I have had the pleasure to watch. I appreciate your genuine thoughts and feelings on this topic and I look forward to hearing more. Take care of your Soul,

[@ericdodson2644]

Hi Zac... well, thanks for giving my channel a try. I appreciate that. And congratulations on making it to the end of the video... ha ha... And, of course, thanks for taking the time to watch & listen. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@NewYork7914]

I appreciate you taking the time to give these valuable thoughts.💜

[@ericdodson2644]

And I definitely appreciate your taking time out of your day to listen to them. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@michaelmysterious8948]

I needed to hear that, just recently became cynical and resentful, good good remembering now- personal responsibility! It's not rambling, you are so generous Dr Eric!

[@Jackely_]

I absolutely love watching your videos. ❤

[@ericdodson2644]

Well, thanks. And thanks for taking the time to watch & listen to them. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@UltimateEnd0]

Human condition is such that suffering & pain spurs on growth.

[@ericdodson2644]

Yeah, there's that, too. And in a way, pain is one of our best teachers, especially if we're willing to listen to its wisdom. Anyhow, thanks for taking the time to watch & listen. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@nitestrikebg]

Eric D., I have never had the privilege of taking your classes in person but I am glad I have the privilege to learn from you anyway. Please don’t ever stop making videos, you are helping people from all around the world!

[@tannerhagen774]

Following some of the themes in the last two videos you can perhaps explore fanaticism. Don’t have to, but I’m a subscriber so bow to my false sense of empowerment ; ) One odd thing I find that makes harder life, I work with children and families, is music they listen to and start to emulate and replicate various values that are not their own. A troubled life many feel validated in the genre of rap where anger, drugs, and disconnect are regular themes where they feel understood (not to say I don’t indulge in some beats while working out). To take a slap at self-help industry (with their good intentions) and perhaps your odd shady business guru online you can’t simply will your life to be better without some acknowledgement that “hey, life can throw a lot at you and it is painful”. This constant insistence of the positive is a clash of worldview of people who truly have and are going through hardship causing mistrust. I guess this is relating to the authenticity aspect of the video and perhaps relating to the quote “we are what we pretend to be so we must be careful about what we pretend”. I would extend that in be careful what you surround yourself with, even if it’s twinkies.

[@ericdodson2644]

Hi Tanner... Hmm... I'm sensing a linkage to your earlier comment about Hoffer's _The True Believer_ ... and yeah, I think that definitely would be an excellent idea for a video, especially since our world seems to be full of "true believers" these days. And the salutary middle seems like a very elusive thing. So, yeah, I really like that idea. I was going to do one on, "The Virtue of Laziness," but maybe your idea will go to the top of the stack. I'll have to consult the Muses, I suppose. But in any case, thanks for the really cool idea. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@tannerhagen774]

@@ericdodson2644 haha that is the link, a topic that I do think people can benefit from, I see you enjoying making such a video, and of course I would like to see your wisdom on such a subject. I also enjoy your series “the virtue of..” and laziness would be interesting as it feels like rushed world I imagine many including myself can’t seem to just enjoy not being productive once in awhile. Although there is a joke, here in Midwest anyways, about bragging about doing nothing in the weekend (joke against idea of always appearing as a busybody as a virtue). Looking forward to whatever you pump out either way, take care.

[@denniscash4072]

Thank you so much, Eric. I miss you so much.

[@ericdodson2644]

OMG, LOL, ROFL... is this Rob Cash? Where in the wide world have you been keeping yourself? Ulan Bator, Mongolia? Zanzibar? Berkeley Square? Brooklyn Heights? Am I on the right track? Well, wherever you are, I hope you're well and thriving. We're still getting down with our bad selves in good ol' Carrollton. So it goes... Anyhow, thanks for checking out my video. I'm still getting back into the swing of making them, after a long period during which my mother was hospitalized, and then passed away. Hmm... maybe I'll see you one day, if you ever pass through this area...

[@joebagadonuts-j4y]

thanks eric. i always enjoy listening to you. life's not doing it TO you, it's doing it FOR you. so stop and smell the roses, even if they sometimes smell like shit.

[@ericdodson2644]

Yeah... and the thing about shit is that it makes excellent fertilizer. I say, "Shit is underrated." Ha ha... Anyhow, thanks for taking the time to watch & listen. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@joebagadonuts-j4y]

@@ericdodson2644 much gratitude to you as well my friend. You make reality better.

[@EyinLight]

your interaction here is appreciated! thank you for sharing your wise rambling 👍🏿💫

[@Radan-e9p]

I’m honestly just waiting for a good day this constant sadness and stress just doesn’t end

[@gloriaharbin1131]

…..And I appreciate your presence in this universe as well! ❤🙏

[@ericdodson2644]

Ha ha... well, thanks. And congratulations on making it to the end of the video! And, of course, thanks for taking the time to watch & listen. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@nonefvnfvnjnjnjevjenjvonej3384]

thank you so much eric!

[@ericdodson2644]

Well, a big think-you to YOU for taking the time to watch & listen. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@SmolShippie]

I appreciate your face in this universe

[@sabrinaszabo9355]

Everything comes at a cost and I believe the suffering is the cost of awakening in this pyridoxal reality just as descending or grounding into the body is a prerequisite for ascending in consciousness. Ascension is just acquiring new perceptual dimensions

[@smurfkang57]

Thank you

[@ericdodson2644]

And a big thank-you to YOU for taking the time to watch & listen. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@docjohnson2874]

Well......OK......that was alot........I ran into myself the other day and suffered a concussion......life is not easy.....great stuff as usual....thanks

[@ericdodson2644]

Well, thanks, DJ. Yeah, running into ourselves can be a pretty traumatic experience. And I think that that's part of what makes self-awareness a challenge. Anyhow, thanks as always for taking the time to watch & listen. It's always good to hear your figurative voice, sounding over the reaches of cyberspace... ha ha... gratitude. Eric D.

[@ritabriffahealer]

I like how you explain your reasoning. Well done.

[@ericdodson2644]

Well, thanks, Rita. Ha ha... you must have followed the link I gave you on my other channel. Thanks for doing that. And thanks for taking the time to listen & watch, too. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@mistymint7983]

Beautifully said ❤

[@emy1111]

Many thanks to you Eric, I think Krishnamurti once said that freedom and responsibility are two sides to the same coin.

[@ericdodson2644]

Well, that definitely sounds like Krishnamurti. Viktor Frankl had a very similar way of expressing the same idea. Anyhow, thanks for taking the time to watch & listen. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@amargamentedoce]

I wish you were my teacher. Thank you for the videos !

[@ericdodson2644]

Well, thanks. And a big thank-you to YOU for taking the time to watch & listen. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@martindavis2295]

Gandhi famously said “ be the change you want to see in the world” I have actively endeavoured to live by this adage both as a seeker of wisdom and a trade unionist. Recently I was involved in securing a new industrial instrument for my industry which is one of the best industrial agreements in the country. We also completed a campaign which resulted in the Government granting 10 days paid leave so people can escape situations of domestic violence and abuse. Although this is a world of woe and suffering we can all make choices to improve things. Healing the world “ Tikkun Olam” in Hebrew is an option open to all of us. Wilberfirce and Pitt were instrumental in abolishing slavery in the British Empire. Elizabeth Fry started prison reform in Britain. Florence Nightingale is responsible for the modern profession of Nursing. Lachlan Macquarie initiated the reintegration of convicts back into society. All folk who got on with the job of making this “ vale of tears” a bit less tearful. Yes life can be shit but you have a choice…. Be the change!

[@ericdodson2644]

Nice. It's always great to hear from people who are really taking that approach to life. So, a moment of applause for you, Martin (clap, clap, clap). Anyhow, thanks for telling me that. And thanks for taking the time to watch & listen, too. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@dlloydy5356]

I cannot have a bad day as I know how fortunate I am to have another day. It’s our personal responsibility to to live our absolute best life in spite of the circumstances we find ourselves in.

[@christalball93_]

Last year I lost my job and was mistreated by HR, had to get lawyer and defend myself. Lawyer was an idiot had to do work for him and he thought I was crazy. I ended up winning case based on work I did providing leverage points to defend myself against false bullying accusations from HR. I ended up getting rehired by my former boss as a consultant now who says I'm the best guy in the business. I also got a full time 9 to 5 job at a big company. After applying for 1000s of jobs and being unemployed for 6 months and borrowing money off friends maxing out credit cards going on EI and driving Uber

[@leahcotton5315]

Thank you for mentioning politics. I’m currently living in a difficult local environment (oppressive to women, minorities, etc) and I tend to obsess over escaping or changing the situation. The truth is that I can’t change it right now and I need to accept that. I can be courageously myself and work to better my community and family but I also need to accept what is.

[@Breadbreadson]

Your videos are a great inspiration for this period of my life. Thank you!

[@ericdodson2644]

Well, I'm glad that you've been able to find so much value in them, and that you're able to apply them to life as you're experiencing it. Thanks for telling me that. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@scottcarabeau208]

When the student is ready… Eric, your talks have resonated with me. My beliefs control me, and these I get to choose (I believe). Why not choose those that increase the harmony in my life and decrease the suffering?

[@brunogross8759]

Great video as always, dr. D. I’ve been following you for quite some time now and I’m thoroughly grateful for your wisdom - it has inspired great changes in my personal life. Also, I have an idea that I’d like you to explore and give your thoughts on, if you find it interesting. The topic is abuse, specifically emotional abuse in families, between spouses and towards their children and how it propagates itself for generations in its many insidious variants. Best regards and keep up the good work.

[@sabrinaszabo9355]

I’m going to hypothesize what you’re going to say before I listen. Or what I would say. Life is so hard is based on perspective. It’s how we are going to approach it. I forgot who said it but change the way you look at things and the way you look at things will change. I mentioned in a comment on another video, it’s whether or not we’re going to take a battlefield approach, or a playground approach to our perspective on life. And now just to tell you I know all about these concepts, but embodying them is a different story lol

[@mayyiiieeets]

im back dr.dodson. kinda lost that's why i need to rewatch your videos. Thank youuu. u the besttt!!!!!

[@cristicristi9016]

Hi Eric, thanks alot for your videos ! They really really help view life in a wider and more complex perspective . I am going to a tough time right now, due to the fact that i might have meet the love of my life, but she lives on another continent and told me she prefers we stop it as it's too hard for her not to see me in real life (which i agree ) . It's an interesting sensation, as it's not rejection per se, but more of bad circumistances . But your videos are very enlightening and truly help me see things in a different perspective. So it goes...

[@XenosbioZ]

Was just laying about thinking of life then suddenly thought of Uncle Eric (maybe I somehow missed a new video, but I didn’t!), happy holidays!!!

[@zaburzeniaemocjonalne7025]

love your videos and effort you put in them, keep up the great work :)

[@stufromoz8164]

Cheers from Down Under

[@ericdodson2644]

Thanks... and salutations from the state of Georgia, in the good ol' U.S. of freakin' A. And thanks for taking the time to watch & listen in the land of Oz. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@freedomlifestyle8571]

Brother you nailed it

[@Cosmos_e08]

Dear Eric, I have seen some of your videos on suicide and depression. I have also seen your lectures on “The Myth of Sisyphus” and several other videos where you explain your point of view on loneliness and other difficulties that could face us through this absurdity. I must say it was a bit of relief to find this priceless channel that helped me to rethink about my own beliefs and its quality to explain deep and profound insights. I am currently suffering from suicidal thoughts. I find myself suddenly stricken by severe depressive episode. I tried to look for the reasons behind this unbearable misery. I concluded that loneliness might be the main issue that is causing all of this unnecessary suffering. I believe I have found some inner piece in accepting that life is probably inherently meaningless. Which is kind of weird. I also don’t struggle, as I see, with self-hatred. But I always find myself all alone. It is not that I am in a bad company with oneself. But rather the inability to find deep interactions with other human beings. It feels like alienation. I am turning eighteen in few months. All I have seen in my life is just suffering. I might be exaggerating. But I have seen a lot. I don’t want to dive into details but family is one of the main causes. I wrote this comment because the intensity of the emotional burden is making me drown in my own thoughts. It’s like my thoughts are eating me. I am so puzzled. It seems illogical to build your parallels of purpose that you are creating on humans. But I am always in a negative circularity of thoughts. The main pattern is that I can’t find fulfillment in life if I am all alone. I tried to myself that it is great to be in solitary and that it is a great way to dive in into the self. But it seems that I am lying about it. I know it is a matter of luck to find a lasting companionship. But I can’t stand the pain of loneliness anymore. I would like to hear from you how could I endure this indescribable amount of pain especially when you feel left behind in life. When you see others have friends and all day you are just wasting you life. Could life be meaningful without a friend or a partner. I know it is a matter of a subjective thing. But I can’t find an answer. Loneliness is like a fire within the self. It is burning me alive. And I wonder if can talk to you in person. Looking forward to hearing from you.

[@ericdodson2644]

Well, Cosmos, it seems like the main thing you're struggling with these days has to do with disconnection from other people, which in turn is producing some pretty intense sensations of loneliness & alienation. I'm also inferring from your age (almost 18) that you might be going through some challenges as you move from adolescence into adulthood. Maybe some of that has to do with moving out of your parents' house, or leaving the world of High School, or moving into a college or work environment -- basically an inversion of life as you've known it thus far. All of that can easily produce a fair amount of stress. And that, in turn, can make loneliness even harder to bear, especially since emotional connection with other people is a comforting source of support when we're moving through trying times. But let's stick with what you're describing in your comment, which is the intense sense of loneliness & disconnection. First, I'd say that very few people are constitutionally suited for solitary life. Even hard-core introverts usually need the solace of human company, if only now and then. The trick, of course, is to find the right kind of company. And that's not necessarily easy, especially if you're a different kind of human being -- someone who thinks differently, perceives differently, values different things, relates to life differently. I'm not sure if that's true in your case, but it seems like it might be. Anyhow, what that means is that constructing a social life -- finding your tribe, as it were -- is a lot more challenging, because you're probably not going to feel substantially connected to every Tom, Dick & Harry who walks down the street. And as you say, it makes socializing look easy when you see other people do it. But it seems hard when you yourself try it. The rock band Concrete Blonde (90's dinosaur band... sorry, but that's what you get for asking a Boomer) had a pretty good way of characterizing part of the dynamic. They sing, "I'm waiting for a sign from one of my kind... I'm waiting for the time to fall behind me... I'm waiting for a sign from one of my kind..." And maybe that's basically what you're doing. But the problem is that waiting isn't necessarily an easy or comfortable thing, mainly because of the painful kind of loneliness you're describing. So, then the obvious question is: What to do? I think the first thing is to realize that you're still young, and that life has a way of opening up over time -- even if it takes a while. The second thing is that you might consider making an ongoing project out of locating "your kind..." people who seem to be part of your spiritual family. One of the clues to that is feeling a fairly immediate and inexplicable sense of kinship with someone... almost like you're speaking the same native language that hardly anyone else does. So, learn to listen for that language as you move from day to day, or from moment to moment. Listen for that peculiar cadence of words and presence that carries with it a subtle intimation of kinship. And when you hear it, learn to respond accordingly. It's basically about becoming conversant in the hidden language of your soul, and the souls of the people around you. But maybe that sounds a little too weird for you (I'm not sure because I don't actually know you). But try it in whatever form feels comfortable. And if no one around you seems to be speaking that language, then the task is to learn how to wait... to wait like a stone sitting on the edge of eternity... or like a becalmed ship waiting for a favorable wind. You might watch the video I made on The Existential Art of Waiting (I think that's what I called it) if all of that seems a little foreign. But maybe the most important thing is not to lose your faith in life itself... in the fact that suffering is always a transient thing, just as pleasure is... and that life will always open its arms for us eventually, especially if we can respond to its challenges with courage and patience. Just a thought. In any case, much luck & strength to you, young dude. I suspect that you're on a difficult but ultimately worthwhile path. Eric D. P.S. Sorry about the TL;DR response.

[@Cosmos_e08]

Oh man, this reply filled my heart with some drops of hope. I really appreciate your response. It has been a long time since I asked for help and my situation was understood. I will certainly watch all of your videos when I have time and especially the one you mentioned. I will try to wait. I will try to hear that song. I hope one day I will hear it and I will answer it. But you know it easier said than done. I wish not to lose my battle against those suicidal thoughts. The weirdness here is that I know that it is not the best choice thing to do. I don’t have any reasonable justification for those ideas. I am just driven to them. What can I do other than waiting. I feel lost dude. What will happen in the future? What will I major in? What I am going to do in life? Those questions are giving me nightmares. You know that feeling when you can’t move from one complete hour. Just freezing in your place. It is just tiring to move one finger. I am in a continuous conflicts between the inability to live and the inability to die. I can’t cease to hope but at the same time I try to kill it. It is making me alive but at the same time dead. You feel like your soul is being crushed by unnecessary misery. It is painful when you don’t know what love is like. It is pretty sarcastic when you just someone else to understand your pain. But at last pain is a language he who tried only can understand. Pardon me if I am throwing random subject without any consistency but they are burning me. I am going insane. If I must be the light in my own darkness I believe I don’t have more energy. The flame is fading not because the wound has healed but because there is no fuel left. Those countless nights dying and rotting on your bed are just a waste of time. Oh God. It is always the same result. What can logic do to face emotions. Dude, is that hard when you need some help with your mental health. To be just turned down. The worst feeling is to helpless and screaming with help silently. I believe you can understand those feelings and emotions. How could I manage all of this? I cannot get out of this hole no matter how much tried. Sorry for the impulsiveness but I am just staring at my life blanking being devastated by mental health. All I do now is just staring. I might be immature or young without. And of course lack of experience plays a major role. What can you say about this? My head hurts.

[@ericdodson2644]

@@Cosmos_e08 ... Hey, Cosmos. I had a few more thoughts about your situation that may help you live through it. The first is exactly that... that what you're going through is something that life is asking you to live through. It's not your final destination Nor is it any sort of condemnation of you and your existence on planet Earth. Instead, it's really just another few difficult steps down life's road -- nothing more and nothing less. So, it's not a bad idea to treat it that way, as just another little detour along the larger journey. Doing that might help you see what you're experiencing in terms of the bigger picture, so that your immediate situation doesn't seem so hopeless & overwhelming. However, I also had a related thought about why things seem so bleak these days, and it goes like this: You're almost 18, and your family situation has evidently been, well... less than ideal (I'm getting that from your first post). At the same time, you're beset with all of the usual difficulties & uncertainties that attend moving from adolescence to adulthood. So basically, you haven't known a lot in your adolescent/adult life that *hasn't* been difficult. And in a way, that's where your age works against you... it's because you haven't been alive long enough to get to the real joys and pleasures of adult life. So you don't have that as a working reference-point to provide perspective on what you're currently going through. So, naturally, the whole thing seems pretty bleak... because that's exactly how you've experienced life thus far -- which is completely natural and understandable (by the way, you're not the first, and you certainly won't be the last). But that's also what's making things seem so overwhelmingly hopeless, which in turn is probably fueling a lot of the suicidal thinking. By way of contrast, consider my perspective... I'm 63, and so I've been through times that really sucked (sometimes for years), and times that were really great -- and a lot of times somewhere in the middle. So, I know that when life sucks (which is pretty much inevitable, at least now and then), there's always a beacon of hope on the horizon. And so, it's relatively easy to live through the times that seem sucky, because I'm thoroughly convinced that there's a lot more to life than that. And maybe here's where I can provide you with a perspective that's not so easy for you to find on your own, at least not yet. It's the perspective of having lived through around half a century of adolescence & adulthood. And it's basically this: Sometimes life will really hurt, and sometimes it'll feel really good. And most of the time, it'll be some combination of the two. So, there's nothing inherently shameful or bad about the times when life sucks. And while we're at it, here's another thing to bear in mind: Pretty much everyone pays their dues in this world. Pretty much everyone gets his share of tragedy and pain. And if you see people around you that haven't (yet)... well, just stick around. The point, of course, is that what you're going through isn't unique. It's no black mark on your soul. It's just part of the human experience... part of the trip you're on. And everyone gets their turn, even if they start out in life with a relatively easy hand to play. And finally... a word of warning: Beware of the trap of addiction, because that's a really common pitfall in adult life, especially when life gets tough. And sure, you can numb your pain temporarily that way. But in the end, it just takes more from you than it gives. The point is to *grow beyond* how life is painful, not to numb yourself to it. I'm not sure how relevant all of that is to your particular situation. But in any case, it's something to beware of, because a lot of people fall into that trap (more than you might think). And finally... the real secret is to keep putting one foot in front of the other, despite all of the convincing reasons you have not to. Anyhow, those are the thoughts I had this morning in Georgia, U.S.A. (in the southeastern part of the country). I hope it helps somehow. But if not, feel free to let it go, and find your own path. Cheers, Eric D.

[@Cosmos_e08]

@@ericdodson2644everyone gets his share of tragedy since life can be defined by one world which is suffering. Life has its own way to make us miserable and suddenly above the clouds where we see our past selves. And we see how worthwhile our battle was and its continuity will be. Life experiences certainly gave you wisdom and made you able to react through those tough times. That’s why I am telling you all of this which might be seen as a nonsense. I will try to give a clear picture on what is really happening. And I am not trying to act dramatic. This might be the first time that I really open up about my situation. I am the eldest child in a family that consists of 6 members. Me, my two brothers and sister, my father and my mother. I have lived through hell because of family conflicts and it was a really painful experience. Since the age of 8 ( as far as I remember) I was engaged in this barbaric nonsense. At the age of 10 or 11 ( roughly ) my mother took us to live in my grandparents house. Which was a disgusting situation two. We rented a house near them and I have lived there to the age of sixteen and a half. And I can’t describe to what degree I have suffered there. I can’t put it in words. The house was pretty unsuitable for habitation. And before month of me leaving to live with my father everyday it was getting worse. Really bad. Me and mother were always fighting and I didn’t want my academic performance to decline. So I left. My other brother followed me. And here I am. Living in another hell. All of my life I was pretty much neglected, emotionally abused, and depressed. I am telling you my story not because I want some empathy. I didn’t dive in details. But I believe you can glimpse a bit of what have I seen. Currently, I am in a mid-term exam period which is making me going insane. Oh man, what is the point of academic excellence now. I have been the best of my class for 3 years now and it just doesn’t feel good anymore. And after all of this misery here I am starting to lose due to the growth of a defect in my mental health. One must wait but sometimes demons win. It is not that I am comparing myself to others but really when you spend your whole adolescence miserable and suffering. When you were supposed to have some fun and have some friends. Here are you an adult. I really feel that I have wasted my potential in those fights. And addiction. I don’t why in the last two weeks I had the urge to smoke. Although it is such an idiotic thing to do. And numbness. What do you really to face this feeling of emptiness inside you. That existential hole within your soul which make you feel empty. What does a man want other than some peace. Oh man, that feeling of failing to achieve a meaningful outcome is pretty painful. I believe I could have achieved a lot if I didn’t waste all of this time. I know past is a place to learn from not to live in. What can I say. You know Eric we can’t say that life fair or unjust or can we really deny our need of someone to take care of us. Us human. Even sometimes we wish there was a God to do that. But in the end of the day you only have yourself. I am kind of really disappointed and despaired in life. My situation is not unique which gives a sense of tranquility mixed with some pain in it that others are suffering in the way you do. Loneliness is inevitable. May our wish to meet deep souls take place in the near future. May I win this battle against suicidal thoughts. By the why I sometimes imagine myself having a gun and shooting myself in the head. What a coincidence. I know it is a long comment. I appreciate your responses. Rarely to find someone understand you pain. Cheers.

[@Cosmos_e08]

Lollll. It is so long that KZbin deleted some of its content. I might delete that comment I don’t know.

[@Bobotv1000]

Dear Eric, You looking buff! Keep those Gains up!! Also: Would you think about making a video about intuition? Right now, in my life Im at a crossroad and rationally I should go away, get a new job, start a new endeavour everything I can rationally assess speaks in favour. However, I have this intuition, that I should not go, not trust this "ratio". This intuition however, is not just a feeling, I know that it itself is founded on deep insight about me and life and the value of rationality, the value of seeking new goals versus extending and investing in an ongoing project. Yeah, that's it. Thanks

[@paulheinrichdietrich9518]

Because of the 2nd law of thermodynamics.

[@ericdodson2644]

Yeah, well seeing everything as fundamentally entropic sounds like a combination of the scientific worldview I was describing, and the one that emphasizes life's aleatory nature. And yeah, it seems like life would be easier if that weren't the case. But then again, that's a pretty big leap of imagination. As they say, it might turn out to be a case of, "Out of the frying pan, into the fire." Anyhow, thanks for taking the time to watch & listen. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@MrJibsIV]

Hi Eric. I really appreciate your videos. I've been listening to them as I get ready in the mornings, and they have really been helping me to cultivate more wisdom in my life. I've also been feeling a lot more angry in general, seemingly for no reason. Do you have any insight on how and why anger manifests within us? I know thats kind of vague and broad, but I've watched almost all of your videos, and havent found anything on anger specifically. The closest I think would be your video on self hate. Anyways, thank you again, godspeed!

[@bto6721]

Always a great joy to watch your videos Eric! I have a video idea for you that you may want to explore: nostalgia. I always find it a fascinating topic. Personally, it feels like a double-edged sword, easily manipulating our thinking about the past, both the good and the bad. Which most of the time, it seems to paint our past as a series of idyllic experiences, even if we know for a fact that it was not always the case. I tried exploring this topic myself, but I would definitely love to hear your thoughts on the matter as well. Keep experiencing life! Oren

[@ericdodson2644]

Well, thanks, Oren. Yes, I think that nostalgia is an excellent idea for a video. I'll definitely put it in my mental Rolodex for the future. I think the next one will be on fanaticism, or maybe the virtue of laziness. But now nostalgia will be in the running, too. Anyhow, I hope that you're well and thriving. And thanks for taking the time to watch & listen. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@voidmonky]

Would love a new Mr Dodson talk sometime soon! 😊.

[@lowgascostsorangeman2688]

How true, how true....

[@dlloydy5356]

Hey Sir hope you’re good? I can’t agree more about your comment on self awareness. So many people aren’t aware of anything or anyone else so the chances of them being self aware!?? 🤔 any trip to a supermarket will confirm the point 😂. You should have an email in your ‘box’

[@ericdodson2644]

Hi Danny. I just sent you something to your email address. Anyhow, sorry I didn't see your comment until now. Evidently, YT isn't sending me messages for every comment, and yours fell between the cracks. Actually, I only saw it by pure chance. But in any case, my apologies for that. But yeah... self-awareness is definitely a challenge in a world like ours, which doesn't exactly encourage it (just the opposite, I'd say). Looking forward to connecting with you soon. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@dlloydy5356]

@@ericdodson2644 got it! Look forward to your people connecting to my people once the important information is agreed 😂

[@joseandrada264]

Dear Eric ¿ how about a video about stress? I'm sure you you can teach us much more about it than the usual explanation

[@mattelgin]

Thanks Eric, your insights mean a lot to me. How many pull-ups is your max these days?

[@ericdodson2644]

Ha ha... Hi Matt. It's always good to hear your figurative voice. Anyhow, I'm working with three sets of pull-ups these days. On the first one, I hit 20 pretty easily. On the second one, I have to struggle fairly hard to get to 20. About half the time I only make it to 19. On the third one, I usually get to 17 or 18, and I'm definitely red-lining. Probably my overall max is 22 or 23. But I'm also carrying around 15 extra pounds, due to a lot of crazy comfort-eating when my mother died a few months ago. So, my overall fitness is definitely affected by that. Hopefully that extra blubber will be gone by the end of the Summer. So it goes... Anyhow, as always, thanks for taking the time to watch & listen. I hope you're well and thriving. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@mattelgin]

@@ericdodson2644 Hey Eric, I'm sorry to hear that your mom died. If she was as caring as you seem to be I can imagine it is a big loss in your world. I hope through healthy portions of comfort food and your continued efforts with the pull-up bar (impressive numbers!) you keep finding your way with peace, love from others, gratitude, and soulful connection. Death/loss are the most redefining of all the life experiences for me. All is well out west, and my best wishes to you. Matt

[@George546-he5tz]

Here is how I see it. We make our own lives hard, and it is hard to accept responsibility for most. However, others make your life hard through no fault of your own and then you are expected to take and swallow it as your very own responsibility. This unfairness is what makes it really hard, especially for those who actually take responisibility. Instead of being offered any compassion we are told we need to change because of what so and so thinks, etc. So their faults are thrown back in our faces and we have to accept responsibility and pay for others faults.

[@George546-he5tz]

This one fundamental tangent is extremely egregious because it overlooks so many tropes of illness and peoples personal power and access to help.

[@Fireneedsair]

“The last messiah”;by Peter wessel zapffe is an amazing essay

[@deussivenatura5805]

Imagine having this guy as a parent or relative.

[@MarylnBowan-vg7te]

(FACTS OVA FEELINGS). If Life Is so Hard How Come So Many Idiots r Doin It

[@dwen5065]

Could you do a review of free will? There is so much determinism rhetoric out there. What really gets me is that these determinists try to sway people’s opinions which seems like towering intellectual hypocrisy. To seed the bed, I accept evolution and see evolutionary psychology as the bedrock upon which other aspects of our psyche are built. So I see our viewpoint, and will, as constrained by this evolutionary history but not totally dictated by it. ‘Free will’ may be more akin to self control (Patricia Churchland) or steering a supertanker. Maybe like Aristotle’s view of habits and destiny. The physics argument to determinism seems a bit self serving (towards physicists), too. Maybe “free” will (highly constrained) arose with consciousness? I’d love to hear your take on the subject.

[@gabrieltopan9315]

life is about growing your aura , your sould your energetic body . the biger your energetic field you are more inteligent have more memory and you are more blissfull . live foods like vegetables and fruits grow your aura , spring watter the sun and deep breathing grow your aura . helping other meditation .... love animals dont eat them

[@zen-ventzi-marinov]

I've added your book recommendations video to my playlist. Would you recommend some youtube channels you've found good/exceptional?

[@antongonzalezguerrero20]

Just discovered your channel. Very interesting and stimulating thoughts! Congratulations

[@ericdodson2644]

Well, thanks. Y muchas gracias por visitar mi canal! Agradecimiento! Eric D.

[@Overlorddz]

Would you make a video about Wittgenstein?

[@trevorgarcia4315]

I have a question Mr. Dodson. Do you perceive an increase in pessimism amongst the younger generations? Are young people predisposed to a pessimistic outlook? Do you think social media and technology have an effect on these kinds of trends? Would be interested to hear your thoughts.

[@seanragsdale7609]

Hello Eric, I am a freshman at UWG, and was wondering if you wanted to give a talk at my men’s mental health club! I’ve been viewing your work and know you love talking about philosophy and I think most people that are feeling mental troubles are lost and a good way to start is to hear something like this. I could not find any other contact information and was wondering if I could get your email or phone number, if you still use this KZbin channel of course. Thank you so much!

[@sweeterman691]

Hi Eric, have you written any books on your ramblings?

[@ericdodson2644]

No, I haven't. I've generated around 1,000 pages of text for these videos. But I've never really felt moved to cobble together a book out of that material. But on the other hand, who knows what the future may bring? In any case, thanks for taking the time to watch and listen. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@sweeterman691]

@@ericdodson2644 I hear you loud and clear.

[@haniffhaniff5764]

saving to rewatch and savor every single phrase

[@ericdodson2644]

Wow... thanks for saying that. I really appreciate people who are attentive enough to listen closely... and to *savor* ... so many thanks for being one of those people. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@darklord220]

Take care of your soul 🥺🥺🥺

[@ericdodson2644]

Ha ha... thanks. And congratulations on making it to the end of the video. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@harmanveerrandhawa841]

Hey Eric, Feel like I come back with something new every time I watch your videos. Thank you again. I was wondering if you had any thoughts on how 'real knowledge' is acquired and if it even exists? (for example Kuhn mentions science going through paradigms which means our current understanding of the world is never certain and can always be falsified?). Do we rely on empirical views of the world or a rational view of the world? How does this affect our modus vivendi? I guess a larger question is how do we take a gamble when the facts are uncertain, essentially live in a world that is an 'illusion'? Would this not lead a sort of psychological reincarnation that would force us to abandon our hubris and accept the will of the world (maybe holding loosely to our dreams, but accepting the chance of ill will? Something as psychologically provoking as death itself especiallly if our identity is tied to our hopes and dreams) Anyways, thanks again for all the wisdom you've passed on - truly medicine for the soul. Sincerely, Harman

[@RealBoyReally]

Hi Eric, I’m wondering if you would be open to a dialogue with me, to mentor me through a rough patch. I am a student at Uni of Adelaide and tomorrow is the AGM of the Disability, Illness and Divergence Association, a club of which I WAS due to become president (as far as I knew). However now it seems I am getting kicked out. Please help.

[@Bobotv1000]

Eric, are you ok ? Haven't seen you in a while

[@arczi9233]

True

[@DeFi-Macrodosing]

Hey, Eric, we miss you, man!

[@pleasedontdestroythiseither]

Where to find psychopomps?

[@ericdodson2644]

Well, they might be more common than we think. In fact, a lot of the people in our everyday world might be acting in that capacity. And that might even include us (a little creepy, maybe). Anyhow, I did a video on all of that a while back. Here's a link, if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eovSfmqBadeFmrs&ab_channel=EricDodson Anyhow, thanks for taking the time to watch & listen. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@pleasedontdestroythiseither]

@@ericdodson2644 do 'anti psychopomps' exist?

[@ericdodson2644]

@@pleasedontdestroythiseither ... Well, I'd say that anyone who interferes with another person's process of transcendence & metamorphosis is functioning as a kind of anti-psychopomp. In my mind, examples of that would include false gurus, spiritual shysters and flimflam artists, pandering politicians, manipulators and Svengali's of various sorts... basically anyone who habitually delays other people's passage toward their better destinies.

[@pleasedontdestroythiseither]

@@ericdodson2644 would you say for emergencies too? Like 'emergency psychopomps', different than 'spiritual crisis psychopomps'? But only 'emergency anti psychopomps' exist?

[@LEXICOGRAFFER]

Eric-with all respect for the excellence of your Terminator impression-it seems you've given Buddhism short shrift here just so you can hear yourself talk. Buddhists-The Buddha-said far more than "Life Is Suffering": that's only a beginning premise. It's followed by a way to end suffering: the fourfold Noble Path and the realization it leads to. That Life is hard is simply a call to Humanity to embrace a way of taking a stand in the midst of it and to become....awake.

[@ericdodson2644]

Yeah, but I talk about meditation and Buddhism so often in my videos that I thought I'd give it a bit of a rest in this one... and rely on the resplendent grandeur of my Arnold impression to fill in whatever gaps might result from doing that. After all, who wants to hear me blabbering on about the exact same thing in every video?

[@husseinmohammed8654]

Just visiting ...

[@ericdodson2644]

... this planet. Ha ha. Anyhow, thanks for taking the time to visit my channel. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@husseinmohammed8654]

@@ericdodson2644 I'm a subscriber to your awesome chanel 😎🤘

[@ericdodson2644]

@@husseinmohammed8654 ... Well, thanks for that, too, Hussein. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@jla9096]

Eh i dont know. Most people have to conform in some way or another. Society beats you down from a young age. Teaches you to comply. Whether it's a teacher, parent, manager, or some other worse things i wont mention. Its not really doable to just live your own life.

[@nononouh]

I can't psychopomp myself, and if your psychopomping is limited to videos (for youtube viewers at least), how can i get psychopomped? Saw psychopomp question, saw your thinking, but both seeking and luck haven't helped much

[@ericdodson2644]

Well, I'd say that locating a psychopomp is a lot easier if you narrow the search to people who seem to be of your own spiritual family... your spiritual brothers, sister and cousins, so to speak. And locating our spiritual brethren is mostly a matter of being open to the subtle signs and signals of it that run through our presence to one another. But, in turn, that means cultivating the kind of consciousness I'm describing in this video... a relatively serene and undistracted consciousness that's receptive to life's subtleties. But that's not so easy in a world that tries to distract us at every turn. Maybe that's part of what's happening to you, but it's hard to say definitely since I don't really know you. But if I had to give you a possible formula for locating a psychopomp, it might go something like this: (1) Do whatever you can to clear your mind and deepen your consciousness, (2) Go out into the world to encounter people, (3) Look for the subtle signs of spiritual kinship, (4) Respond in kind when you sense something like that, (5) See what happens when you make those sorts of connections. Maybe one or two will prove to have some of the qualities of a psychopomp. (6) Be ready to serve as a psychopomp for your spiritual kin, if the situation calls for it. Of course, none of that's a guarantee that you'll find a psychopomp to help you reach life's other shore. But I'd say that it's a way of increasing the odds. In any case, good luck... Gratitude. Eric D.

[@nononouh]

@@ericdodson2644 hm is there a fast track version of this? People in time sensitive situations, that aren't spiritualizable in this way? What about people being confusing? Like where can what you're talking about go wrong? On the streets or behind boardroomish doors, everything feels so subtle, more than i can feel the bottom/bass of, at first

[@ericdodson2644]

@@nononouh ... If there is such a thing, I'm not sure how to go about finding it. Hmm... maybe simply awakening to the fact that psychopomps are already around us, already inhabiting the everyday world, although our habits make it hard to perceive them as such. But that doesn't seem to be what you're asking for either, since perceptual & spiritual awakening tends to be a gradual process for most people. I guess I don't know the answer to your question... or even if there is an answer. Sorry. Eric D.

[@nononouh]

@@ericdodson2644 who were your psychopomps? Or people you sensed might be able? If psychopomp finding is slow, i wonder about places to go, so they can be considered and accessed?, versus streets and housing programs where people can get into sleepless scared cycles/trap? Need a place for soul care, and who would care about that care except psychopomps?

[@sabrinaszabo9355]

Also if you ever want to have a conversation. I would probably vomit out everything I know because there’s never really a chance otherwise. Hit me up

[@said_0mar]

thank you

[@ericdodson2644]

And a big thank-you to YOU for taking the time to watch & listen. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@gabrieltopan9315]

hard life can make you councious ... death was invented so u dont hold on to bad intentions

[@BenStevenson-c4z]

The Answer is Simple Life is a Power Struggle

[@tamarabitter2877]

Well I know I'm not perfect and I don't understand a lot of things either just some things I do but I know when things are good and not good no I'm not stupid 🙄😉😊🙄😆

[@kanyeeastlolz]

Circumlocution but still a good message

[@NeecieJames]

Why is life so hard? PEOPLE

[@joshuamartinpryce1237]

Life is hard because of demonic oppression, but the soul is generated in power and authority when connected to the person and essence of Jesus Christ himself.

[@davidohmart1336]

Life is only as hard as you let it be lifeis not suffering Life just is gid doesn't make it hard Dont let things you cant control control you If you want a good life live it

[@ericdodson2644]

Not bad advice. And thanks for taking the time to watch & listen. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@josephreynolds1220]

It’s not so bad.

[@Wtfffffffffff27462]

try being homeless. youll see how bad life is when you have zero to no opportunities in life

[@SteveJones379]

Because god didn’t want to make it easy. 😂😂😂

[@rustyshackle917]

When someone uses "God" as an explanation for anything, what it really means is they have no idea.

[@SteveJones379]

@@rustyshackle917 Yes, except that they think they definitely "know" about god.

[@alexminsky1]

@@SteveJones379 so “God”, if does exist (no evidence or reason for that though), is a dick!

[@ericdodson2644]

Yeah, well that's certainly one position on the issue. But, like I said in the video, it doesn't seem like it's a very fruitful one. The reason is that when people speak about God in that way, they're usually pretty quick to assert that God's reasons are unknowable. And that pretty much leaves us in the same muddle where we started. Instead of yielding some sort of cogent explanation that can make a positive difference in our lives, it's a little like being told, "Because I said so." Anyhow... thanks for taking the time to watch & listen. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@SteveJones379]

@@ericdodson2644 I agree. Thanks for your response! "Everything" relating to god is absent of cogent understanding. Maybe life is always hard because of time, cellular deterioration, physics, and the fact we are conscious. BTW... I have watched all your videos and I appreciate you sharing your thoughtful perspectives. ☮

[@thekidsavage4511]

Video on the death drive? or maybe the anima or animus ? hope your doing well

[@rajanramajayam]

Sir, what is the best way to contact you?. I have some questions. you are probably the best person to answer. Please advise.

[@Sheikdaddy]

Thanks for being you

[@ericdodson2644]

Ha ha... thanks. And a big thank-you to YOU for taking the time to watch & listen. Gratitude. Eric D.

[@ArthurLeywin-l6i]

Sir just wanted to contact you and thank you for your work! I just wanted you notes on the topic of albert camus if you would be kind enough to reach out or provide an email address! It would be very helpful for me. Much love and respect Rishit.