There is an ancient parable: two people on horses overcome a steep climb. The horses are tired, exhausted and can barely move their legs. Finally, halfway up the climb they stop and can no longer go further. One of the riders, without hesitation, thrust spurs into the sides of his horse. The animal rushed forward and fell to its knees. The second rider dismounted and raised his horse's head so that it could see the end of the road. The animal, which had previously looked only at the dust and stones under its feet, saw a clear sky and a lawn with lush grass at the top of the hill. This picture gave the horse strength, and she overcame the climb.
This parable in a simplified and visual form shows that it is possible to overcome any obstacles in life only having a specific end goal in mind. At the same time, one must not be like Buridan’s donkey. The poor fellow died of hunger because he could not decide which of two haystacks he should eat.
Rice. The ultimate goal - do you have one?
Very often, people just cannot choose one thing and rush between “feeding troughs”. A person loves cakes and at the same time dreams of losing weight. These two attitudes are in no way consistent with each other. If you eat cakes all the time, then being slim is out of the question. But losing weight means giving up your favorite treat. To resolve this situation, you need to change one of the settings. For example, completely give up cakes. But for such a desire to work, you must have an ultimate goal. This . Then everything should work out.
A clear and distinct goal is necessary in all areas of life. You need to pass the exam and then forget the material. Or you need to remember this material for a long time, since it will be useful in later life. In each of these cases, training tactics will have characteristic differences.
If only passing and a good grade are important, then during preparation for the exam you can outline only the main semantic connections. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to bother yourself with small facts and details. The main thing is to have only a general idea of the subject.
But when the material to be submitted is needed, then, accordingly, the entire preparation process will become different. You will have to scrupulously delve into every detail, find out all the nuances and little things. After all, only in this case can you acquire complete and deep knowledge.
If the final goal is distant, but formed quite specifically, then all activities must be subordinate to it. In this case, actions and motives will be meaningful and logically verified. But life without a goal gives rise to an absolutely useless existence. A person “rolls” through life like a tumbleweed. Months, years, decades go nowhere.
Alas, there are a lot of such people. They live by the principle that the curve will take you out. But very often she takes things to the wrong place. You can generally find yourself at a “broken trough”. But this usually happens after many years. Therefore, nothing can be corrected. It is impossible to return the lost years, and all that remains is to regret the aimless life lived.
To prevent this from happening, you need to have some kind of goal. Her achievement always sums up the years lived. There can be several goals, but they must follow each other. But each achievement must pave the way to the next. Only such a purposeful existence can bring.
You can achieve a lot in life by achieving your goals. The main thing here is not to deviate from the chosen path and not to doubt the favorable ending. There are not so few people who live by this principle. Most of the time they don't become great. But next to them, even suspicious and nervous people calm down and begin. This happens because purposeful individuals emanate a special aura that gives not only to them, but also to those around them.
The goal of a task for the person solving it is given in a conceptual form that abstracts from the immediate specific content of the task being presented. The content of this concept is as follows: 1) Black’s king must occupy a position where it does not have access to any nearby square; 2) white pieces must control all squares directly adjacent to the black king; 3) White, after some transformation of the situation, must threaten Black’s king (check); 4) Black's pieces, no matter what actions were performed on them, could not eliminate the threat to Black's king. The totality of the listed characteristics is a set of requirements for a variety of final situations (in this problem there are 11 of them).
It should be noted that in order to make a decision, the subject does not consider all formally possible final situations, but only some of them, the most probable.
One of the conditions under which the goal must be achieved is also formulated in conceptual form: the goal is achieved in two moves, including three transformations of the situation (three half-moves). Moreover, the first and third transformations are transformations dependent on the person solving the problem, the second is independent , predicted for the enemy.
In the class of problems under consideration, there is only one objectively correct (first) dependent transformation of the situation or action, which prepares the achievement of the final goal, and for each predicted action for the enemy, there is also necessarily only one objectively correct dependent transformation that directly realizes this goal (the principle of uniqueness solutions to chess problems). The immediate goal of the subject's activity when solving a problem is to transform the situation in such a way that it is possible to achieve the final goal. Whether this transformation is truly correct will naturally become clear during the implementation of subsequent transformations. It follows that the concept of “checkmate” unambiguously defines the properties of the second proper transformation of the situation; it is only necessary to identify specific carriers of these properties, while the properties of the first (preparatory) need to be found, and then the carriers themselves must be selected.
In the process of studying conditions, the form of reflection of both the goal itself and the conditions changes. The form takes on a practical, concrete character: checkmate by Black should be declared not only in two moves, but also under the condition that the sb square is controlled, for example, or under the condition that the remaining squares of the mating zone are controlled by White.
searching for a solution to the problem. The specific content, or, more precisely, the degree of completeness of the identified conditions, determines the effectiveness of the subsequent search for a solution to the problem. Indeed, during the initial examination of the situation, the following characteristics of knight e4 were revealed to the subjects: “he controls the fields of the mating zone c5 and d6”; “blocks the threat to Black’s king from the queen g2.” However, the subjects were not disclosed to another, rather significant characteristic of this element: “The knight blocks the action of the black rook in relation to Kp b4.” The lack of identification of this characteristic was the reason for considering erroneous (ineffective) actions with this element - moving the knight to another square in order to realize the influence of the queens on the black king. Such an action is objectively erroneous, since its implementation leads to a threat (check) to the white king from<Ш4. Только после того как испытуемый раскрыл указанную характеристику коня, рассмотрение действий с ним в этом направлении было прекращено.
In the analysis of conditions, a certain pattern is observed, arising from the characteristics or parameters of the final goal. Indeed, first of all, at the stage of the initial examination, the subject examined the position of the black king. This examination, apparently, corresponds to the requirement of controlling all fields close to the black king and making it impossible for him to enter any field. On the other hand, the subject did not identify at this stage the characteristics of the elements that would satisfy such parameters of the final situation as the implementation of threats to the black king and possible defenses from them by black. In other words, in research activities aimed at revealing the actual conditions, there is a certain phasing, corresponding to the parameters of the final situation. Apparently, we can conclude that already at the stage of the initial examination of the situation, activity is regulated by the content of the final goal.
Finally, in the construction of research activities it is necessary to note another important fact. The point is that the characteristics of the elements that form the conditions of the task in terms of their significance (or value in terms of achieving the final goal) are not equivalent. Indeed, such an element, for example, the knight b5, controls two squares of the mating zone (d6 and d4), and the bishop h2 does not block a single square from this zone - the black rook is now under its threat, i.e. the named element is not directly associated with achieving the final goal.
Analysis of experimental materials showed that the most significant characteristics of elements from this point of view receive a higher subjective assessment of the subject. In particular, this situation is confirmed by data on emotional activation (it is known from literary sources that one of the most important functions of emotional activation is the assessment of certain
properties of elements or actions with them). Thus, five seconds after considering the characteristics of horse b5 (“he simultaneously controls the fields of the matte zone d6 and d4”) at the level of touch and their reflection in speech, a galvanic skin response (GSR) equal to 2.8 kom arose. The presence of an emotional assessment is also confirmed by the data of verbal reasoning (“... aha-aha! ... here - d4, d6 - occupied,” i.e. blocked by a knight), which has a clearly expressed emotional connotation.
Such characteristics of elements that represent a certain transformation of the situation also receive a pronounced subjective assessment. Thus, one of the meanings of the black king “he can occupy the square sb”) in this situation in terms of achieving the final goal, as can be seen from the position (see Fig. 13), is more significant than other meanings of the same element. It turned out that it was the value indicated here that was emotionally assessed (a reaction of 2.7 com occurred 1.5 seconds after it was reflected in speech, which was preceded by consideration of this characteristic at the level of tactile activity), while none of the others the immediate eight characteristics of the black king did not receive an emotional assessment.
We observed a similar picture with regard to the characteristics of the black rook (“it can take the e4 knight and declare check to the white king”). It follows that the characteristics of the elements that are most significant in terms of achieving the goal, identified in the process of research activities, also receive a higher subjective assessment of the subject. The significance of such properties of elements and their corresponding assessment, as will be seen a little later, is not accidental; on the contrary, it plays a large role in the subsequent search for a solution to the problem.
A characteristic feature of the activity at the described stage is the identification of such values of elements that are not associated with certain transformations of the situation (threats to the black king, defense of the latter with “your pieces”), i.e., the activity actually lacks elements of planning “own” actions and predicted actions for the enemy. In those cases when such actions are nevertheless considered (for example, actions for the enemy were predicted: “The king can go to the square sb and the rook f4 can take the white knight and declare check to the king b4”), they, as it turned out, have a rather large importance in organizing the further search for a solution to the problem. Finally, the process of forming the final goal does not end at the stage of the initial examination of the situation, but continues at other stages, although it has specific features. At the same time, this process throughout the search for a solution occurs at two subordinate levels: non-verbalized and verbalized. In our case, the non-verbalized level is characterized by data from tactile and emotional activity (directly recorded by the galvanic skin reaction
tion); the verbalized level is described by the data of speech reasoning and also by emotional activity (the intonation side of speech, its emotional intensity, the presence of interjections, exclamations, etc.).
An analysis of the literature and the data of this study shows the different roles of these levels in constructing problem-solving activities. Thus, already the initial examination of the situation takes place mainly at the tactile level (at this level, 22 interactions between elements were established, while only 9 of them were reflected in speech; the inverse relationship was not observed; moreover, two interactions turned out to be emotionally colored, considered as level of tactile activity and in speech). However, tactile search is built, as has been shown, in accordance with certain parameters of the final situation arising from the set goal, i.e., there is speech regulation of the course of tactile search. The characteristics of the elements, established at a non-verbalized level, reflected in speech and receiving an emotional assessment, as it turned out, also act as regulators of the further search for a solution to the problem.
In connection with the above, we will analyze the further process of forming the final goal, which is already carried out at other stages of searching for a solution, stages of forming specific attempts to solve the problem, finding a solution and proving it.
The specificity of the formation of one of the final situations at the stage of considering specific attempts to solve is that the search, unlike the initial examination, is built in accordance with those parameters of the final situation that were not taken into account before, namely: the organization of specific threats to the black king and the prediction of possible retaliatory actions for the enemy, with the goal of protecting the named element from white pressure. Consideration of such actions presupposes corresponding transformations of the initial situation, and these transformations were carried out in all four attempts.
It should immediately be noted that each action with an element considered by the subject transforms the initial situation in such a way that one of the specific aspects or properties of the final situation, the central element of which is the black king, is examined. For example, in the initial one of the characteristics of the situation is the defense of the black king with the pawn f5 from the rook h5: the pawn blocks the action of the rook in relation to the king (this characteristic of this element was not considered during the initial examination of the situation.) Such characteristics of the final situation (in our case - “the king is protected from the influence of the rook by the white pawn”) we will consider as indirect, since they are mediated by specific elements (here, the f5 pawn). These characteristics are revealed and can be revealed only under the condition of a certain transformation of the situation. Indeed, in the first attempt, the subjects
The action with the f5 pawn (moving it to the f6 square) is not considered, as a result of which Black’s king is under the influence of the h5 rook. This action explores, as you can see, a specific characteristic of the black king - to be under the influence of a certain element (interaction: f5 - Kpd5 - f5 - Lb5), as a result of which this characteristic turns from indirect to direct. Or another example. In the second attempt, the subject considers an action with the c2 pawn (moving it to the c4 square), where one of the properties of the final situation is also examined (Black's king is under threat - check - pawns from the c4 square - interaction: c2 - c4 - Kpd5) *. Here, too, there is a transformation of an indirect characteristic into a direct one. This characteristic of the final situation is mediated by field c4, which, along with figures, is considered by us as an element of the situation that has certain meanings.
The formation of the final situation is carried out not only through dependent transformations of the situation determined by the subject, but also as a result of actions predicted for the enemy. Thus, in the above two cases, the same characteristic was studied - the possibility of the king leaving the square. More precisely, one and the same characteristic turned out to be a significant characteristic as a result of studying several values of this central element, since other actions for the enemy were predicted (and not just the one indicated), such as, for example, the impossibility of the king leaving for neighboring squares eb, d6, e4, since they are controlled by White's pieces.
The objective values of the elements examined during the transformation of the situation reveal the correspondence or non-compliance of the situation being transformed each time with the parameters of the final situation. In the above cases, it turned out that the resulting situations did not correspond to one of them, namely: the requirement to control the fields of the matte zone was not satisfied. The fact that the characteristics of the transformed situation do not coincide with the required characteristics for the final situation acts as a mechanism for regulating the further process of formation of the latter; First of all, the search in the considered directions is stopped and at the same time a direction for the formation of actions is determined that would eliminate the previously identified discrepancy. This, apparently, is where the regulatory function of the final goal manifests itself at the stage of forming specific attempts to solve the problem.
The actions with elements analyzed by the test subject are not equal in significance; some of them get more
1 Professional or higher level than our subject (1st category), chess players can point out to us the “illegality” of the subject’s actions in considering the moves f5 - f6 and c2 - c4, since each of them leads directly to check, which qualifies as incorrect when solving chess problems, and he would have to abandon them as ineffective. However, the need to consider these actions, as we will see later, resulted from a specific purpose.
Rice. 14. The emergence of emotional activity during the development of the meaning of the nf5 element
high subjective assessment. Returning to the previously highlighted actions, we can note the following: those actions that in their meaning turn out to be associated with the characteristics of the final situation are verbalized and emotionally colored. Previously, it was shown that the action with the f5 pawn realizes one of the requirements (a threat to the king) of the indicated situation; it is precisely this (of all the highlighted meanings of this element - the pawn is defended by the rook; it itself supports the g6 pawn; it can be captured by the f4 rook) turned out to be verbalized and emotionally charged (Fig. 14). Moreover, such associated actions with elements are recorded in the structure of the activity and are used, as will be shown, in situations that require the execution of these actions.
Thus, a characteristic feature of the activity to form the final situation at this stage of searching for a solution to the problem is the consideration of actions that transform the situation. In this case, each time the characteristics of the situation that develops as a result of such a transformation are compared with the required parameters of the final situation, on the basis of which the degree of correspondence between the transformed and the final situation is established, and until a solution to the problem is found, a certain discrepancy is always recorded, expressed in the specific characteristics of an individual element of the situation (uncontrollability of the Sat field, for example). As the analysis of experimental data has shown, such characteristics (or properties of the situation) are assessed in a special way by the subject and, at the stage of proving the solution found, are subject to priority verification. Finally, another important fact should be noted regarding the organization of the search for the formation of the final situation.
The fact is that the process of forming it at the stage of considering attempts to solve it turns out to be quite unsystematic:
Not all possible actions in the presented task that are actually necessary for the final formation of the final situation and resulting from the totality of its parameters are studied, but only a part of them. Thus, at this stage, in various combinations from among the objectively necessary ones, actually three actions with elements determined by the test subject and four actions predicted for the enemy were analyzed, while at the stage of proving the solution found, the number of both increased, with three dependent transformations and one predicted non were considered by the subject, apparently due to their insignificance or due to impracticability in the final situation.
This implies the following: at the stage of forming attempts to solve the problem, on the one hand, unnecessary in relation to the final situation of action - they are not included in its content; on the other hand, this situation is not yet fully formed, since Some actions with elements actually included in it are not analyzed. The final situation is fully formed only at the last stage of solving the problem (proof of the solution found). The process of forming the final situation here is distinguished primarily by its systematic consideration of actions with elements.
The immediate result of the first three attempts was the departure of the black king to the sb square, since the actions taken by the subject to solve the problem did not correspond to one of the characteristics of the final situation - control of the mating zone fields. In this regard, the subject takes an action immediately aimed at controlling the specified square - the move with the rook e8 on the c8 square is considered, which leads to finding a solution to the problem in the fourth attempt. At the stage of proving the solution found, the subject is predicted to perform a series of actions for the enemy, which, although they change the situation each time in a special way, there are always actions (for White) that lead to a solution; they seem to follow from the essence of those predicted. (After all, objectively, for a predicted action in a situation where a solution has been found, there is only one action with an element that directly realizes the goal, i.e., the predicted and response actions are uniquely connected). In this case, actions that previously received the highest subjective assessment are used.
As a result of such transformations, new situations arise each time, differing from each other in characteristics or properties determined by a specific action. At the same time, despite their differences, they all satisfy the parameters of the final situation.
Establishing each time the correspondence of the resulting situations with the required characteristics of the final one, as shown by the analysis of experimental data, is emotionally colored. In this case, an emotional assessment takes place regardless of whether the actions used here were previously emotionally colored or not.
Rice. 15. The emergence of emotional activation during a change in the operational meaning of an element LI
Thus, it has already been shown that earlier actions with the pawns f5 and c2 were emotionally assessed. When using actions with the same elements at the proof stage, an emotional reaction also occurs that does not exceed the previous value. However, in cases where the test subject is considered new actions necessary to prove the decision, the emotional reaction in absolute value increases sharply: a drop in skin resistance of 9 kohms is registered (Fig. 15). The development of the meaning of the black rook accordingly changes the content of the final situation formed by the subject. Indeed, if previously, according to the subject, in the final situation it was possible to protect the king from the actions of the queen, then as a result of studying the meanings of the rook, this characteristic of the final situation is removed. The final situation now includes such characteristics as control of the eb square by moving the e4 knight to c5, and declaring checkmate with queen g2. It should be noted that the fact of the occurrence of quite significant emotional activation reflects the process of changing the content of the final situation. Throughout the search for a solution to the problem, the objective meaning of the final situation (or requirements for it arising from
The stated goal - declaring checkmate to the black king in two moves) does not change; in the course of studying the properties of the elements and based on the development of their operational meanings, the meaning of this final situation changes for the subject, as follows from the analysis.
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It is necessary to distinguish between the final goal and intermediate goals. Achieving the ultimate goal is tantamount to satisfying a need. Sometimes the realization of this goal is accomplished in an ideal plan rather than in practice. This happens when, for example, a person is involved in a collective activity. While performing some part of a common task, he mentally traces the entire process to the end, right up to the final result. Even in the case when some links of this process escape attention, the result of the common cause, or at least that part of it that a person claims in advance, still comes into view.
Intermediate goals include those set by a person as a condition for achieving the final goal. Thus, the proof of a lemma in mathematics is undoubtedly the goal of the action; but this is not the final goal, but an intermediate goal; the final goal is the proof of the theorem for the sake of which the lemma was proved. More examples: an artist, making sketches of a future painting, pursues an intermediate goal; a parachutist, preparing for a jump, carefully packs his parachute, during which he achieves a number of intermediate goals, while his final goal is the jump itself, etc.
Considering complex types of activities, one can notice that the achievement of the final goal is mediated by many intermediate ones, with the final goals being put forward first, and those that must be achieved first being put forward last. The art of organizing activity is determined largely by a person’s ability to move in thought from ultimate to primary goals, and in action - in the opposite direction: from primary ones, through a chain of intermediate ones, to final ones.
The process of goal setting is referred to as goal setting. A special psychological problem arises from the birth of a new goal, which begins a series of intermediate ones. Such goals are called “supra-situational”, rising above the initial requirements of the situation. By offering the subject a series of similar tasks, one can see how some participants in the experiment, instead of solving the problem again each time, try to find a general principle for the solution, forming a new goal. Putting forward a new goal, however, does not mean that a new motivation for activity is being formed. We are talking only about expanding or deepening the target perspective of activity while maintaining its general focus.
Neither the motivation of an activity nor its goals could be embodied in its result if a person did not use certain tools to transform the situation in which the activity takes place.
Instrumental basis of activity The process of carrying out activity involves the use of certain means by a person in the form of all kinds of devices, tools, tools. A compass, a brush, a computer, a word spoken by a doctor to a patient or a teacher to a student - all these are examples in the broad sense of tools of activity. The organs of the human body also fall into the category of such means: ultimately, all operations carried out externally are associated with the motor activity of the individual himself.
It is hardly possible to overestimate the importance of the process of mastering the means of carrying out activities. In some psychological concepts, the development of the “toolkit” of a person’s relationship to the world is identified with the processes of socialization - the transformation of the individual as a natural being into a social being. No matter how you feel about such a view, it is obvious that the development of personality is unthinkable without a person’s mastery of socially developed means of carrying out activities.
When using certain tools, a person thoughtfully or automatically relies on his existing ideas about how to act with them and apply them. Each such representation can be considered as an internal formative of actions performed on the external plane. The set of such internal constituents characterizes what can be called the instrumental basis of activity. Another name for the instrumental basis of activity is the word “competence”, often used recently; and this concept, in turn, in most works of pedagogical orientation is revealed as knowledge, abilities, skills.
Goals and means.
“Let's start by drawing a clear line between the ultimate goals that give meaning and meaning to life! and the means to achieve them. So, money will never be the final goal, it does not mean anything in itself, but serves as a means to help achieve the final goal, which has unconditional value for us. Few people think about the fundamental difference between ends and means, but without recognizing this difference, peace of mind cannot be found. Funds are needed only to acquire what we truly respect deep down in our souls. For a cheerful, balanced person, this is the desire for self-expression and the desire to earn the love and approval of others.
The only attitude in life in which the means and the ultimate goals practically coincide is hedonistic. For her there are no other goals than pleasure (the joys of fine cuisine, the passive enjoyment of art, travel, nature). I am not judging anyone, but only making a distinction between introverted and extroverted means of achieving goals. Whether we admire, share the pleasures of a gourmet or an esthete, or remain indifferent to them, their goals are always introverted, “closed” in themselves. A chef, a musician or a sculptor experiences a completely different pleasure: they passionately desire to create and earn the love of those to whom they give their creations.” Hans Selye, Stress without distress, M., Progress, 1979, p. 84-85.
Nearest and Distant Goals.
Immediate goals |
Distant Goals |
Immediate goals promise immediate gratification; associated with immediate gratification |
We must honestly answer ourselves what we want from life. |
Often driven by the desire to express themselves. |
Philosophical, religious and political ideals have long served effectively man in his search for a distant goal to which he can devote his whole life. It eliminates painful doubts that lead to stress when choosing and taking actions. |
They do not accumulate and form an ever-increasing reserve of strength and happiness. These types of rewards cannot be saved. Their only trace is pleasant memories. |
The fruits of this labor should not be fleeting in order to continuously accumulate throughout life (otherwise the goal would not be distant). |
As a rule, do not require special training |
Requires hard work (otherwise the goal will not contribute to self-expression) |
A distant target illuminates a constant path for all life. |
Hans Selye, Stress without distress, M., Progress, 1979, p. 85-87.
The conscious purpose of man according to Hans Selye
“Conscious goals - true and imaginary, can be classified into four groups:
1. Bow before the strong. Appease God. To faithfully serve the supreme power (king, queen, prince), who embodies and symbolizes the fatherland or homeland. Serve your country. Loyalty to the political system, whatever it may be (democratic republic, monarchy, etc.). Strive for the good of the family, sacrificing oneself for the sake of the spouse and children: “Let them have what we did not have, or let them do what was not available to us.” Unbending and unwavering commitment to a code of honor. These codes themselves are different in different cultures, and sometimes directly opposite. An English gentleman of the old school, a religious fanatic (saint) and a member of the mafia act completely differently, strictly following their codes of honor.
2. Howl strong. Strength for its own sake. Glory, applause from the masses, receiving generally accepted signs and symbols of high status. Security, which is often achieved through the acquisition of strength and power. This desire usually becomes dominant due to a deep and often painful feeling of insecurity. .
3. Give joy. Selfless philanthropy, the gift of artistic and scientific creativity, caring for children, kindness to animals, the desire to heal, in short, the desire to help others without any ulterior motives. Donate a million dollars to charity or give a handful of nuts to a monkey at the zoo.
4. Receive joy. All of the above types of motivation overlap each other and give joy only when they are satisfied. But there still remains a person to whom all these motives are alien - a true hedonist who seeks only pleasure. He lives for today and does what promises the greatest pleasure immediately, this minute. He doesn't care whether it comes from sexual intercourse, poverty, drinks, travel, contemplating works of art or demonstrating his strength and power, allowing him to have the last word, even if he knows that he is wrong.
“Bowing to the strong or being strong are long-term goals. Whether it’s good or bad, you can be guided by them all your life. Giving joy and receiving joy—such goals provide immediate satisfaction. Although all these goals are conscious, some of them are based not on the laws of nature, but on tradition and on faith in the official scale of values.”
Final goal.
“It seems to me that the ultimate goal of a person’s life is to reveal himself most fully, to show his “spark of God” and to achieve a feeling of confidence and reliability. To do this, you first need to find the optimal level of stress for yourself and expend adaptive energy at a pace and direction that corresponds to your innate characteristics and preferences.
Inherited internal factors play an important role, predetermining not only the optimal level of stress, but also the weakness of certain organs that are more vulnerable under intense stress. Of course, everyone born into the world should have equal opportunities, but everyone has a unique mind and body. Therefore, a biologist cannot accept the much-quoted and misinterpreted statement from the American Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal...”
Whatever goals we strive for, the connection between stress and goal achievement is so undeniable that it is hardly worth talking about it at length.Mental stress, failure, uncertainty, aimless existence - these are the most harmful stressors. They often cause migraines, peptic ulcers, heart attacks, high blood pressure, mental disorders, suicide, or just a hopelessly unhappy life.
Neither immediate nor distant goals are the true ultimate goal, which would serve as a beacon and measure of all our actions. In my opinion, we should strive for the fact that we ourselves -and not the surrounding societyWe consider it worthy. But we must, at all costs, avoid collapse, humiliation or failure. There is no need to get carried away, aim too high and take on impossible tasks. Everyone has their own ceiling. For some it is close to the maximum, for others it is close to the minimum of human capabilities. But within the framework of our innate data, we must do everything we are capable of, strive for the highest mastery. Not perfection - because it is unattainable. Making it your goal means dooming yourself to distress and failure in advance.Achieving excellence is a wonderful goal, and it also brings favor, respect, and even love from others.Many years ago I rhymed this philosophy. It may sound trite, but when something threatens my peace of mind or doubt arises about the correctness of my behavior, I remember two lines that help me: Strive for the highest of available goals for you. And don’t get into a fight over trifles.”
Hans Selye, Stress without distress, M., Progress, 1979, p. 88-90.
On the path of spiritual search, one of the first questions to arise is the meaning of existence. Against this background, there are many teachings and religions that try to lift the veil of the mystery of birth and death, reincarnation and the process of evolution of consciousness. The idea of the ultimate goal of existence as merging with the One God and dissolving in the worlds of the Absolute is becoming increasingly heard. Eternal stay in paradise, blissful peace or disembodied soaring in the higher spheres are promised by many metaphysical concepts, which entails some contradictions with the universal laws of the Universe. Peace is the antithesis of life. And life is an impossible phenomenon without the eternal interaction of dualities. Therefore, the very stopping of the mind and the freezing of consciousness in the sphere of passive existence contradicts the principles of the active creative and dynamic principle that gives birth to the world as such.
The world is like a looping algorithm of birth, fall, evolution and rebirth. Beyond the dynamic processes of emanation of lower spheres from higher ones; outside the subsequent ascent of the mind in the opposite direction - to the Primary Source, continuous nothingness prevails: dark matter and dark energy, existing only hypothetically, like an invisible mathematical universe, unmanifested and unobservable. Only the emergence of consciousness, its statement of its own existence “I Am” revives dual opposites with its ray, forcing them to interact, thus generating in their proportions an infinite number of forms - reflections of the One. This creative act is the action and manifestation of spirit in matter. But what is the dissolution of consciousness if not the renunciation of the highest gift - the ability of conscious creation through conscious choice?
In the Kabbalistic system of the Tree of Sephiroth, two paths of ascension are depicted. Sephira Keter and Sephira Daath are two possible conditionally end points of existence. Dissolution is the merging of individual consciousness with Sephira Kether, which is the return of the spirit to the abode and source without accompanying creation. Thus, the energy that has become the raw material for the creation of individual consciousness returns to its cradle, followed by splitting into bricks in order to create a new individuality that has nothing to do with previous incarnations. In fact, the consciousness that has returned from the dense spheres to the original center is subject to liquidation here. This is falling asleep and sleep in which there are no dreams.
Another Sephira on the Tree is the sphere of Daath, which is Knowledge. It is hidden, and its position is displayed as if in another dimension. Sephira Daath lies on the edge of the abyss, embracing the world of emanations of the One, but also the world of manifestation. In the reality of the original tree, cosmology describes this sphere as a black hole gaping at the event horizon. This is the very metaphysical limit beyond which it is impossible for a being to look in an ordinary state of consciousness. In another dimension, outside the original universe, a black hole, from which nothing comes, but everything falls into it, is the new Primary Source, from which everything manifests itself. Beyond this limit of the abyss lies another Sephira Kether, the essence of which is the conscious mind, which has passed through all the stages of ascent and accumulated enough experience to organize a new birth and a new Big Bang, as physicists call it.