Separateness is the root cause of every anxiety and unhealthy addiction we’ve ever had. Separation is an illusion. Unity is the reality.
This quote delivers a profound message about the intrinsic interconnection among all beings, events, and aspects of life. At its core, it proposes that feeling separate or isolated from others and the world around us is a significant source of anxiety and unhealthy behaviors. It's this sense of separateness that often fuels fear, loneliness, and an unquenchable thirst for something to fill the void, leading to various forms of unhealthy addictions and destructive behavior patterns.
The quote further emphasizes that this feeling of separation is a fallacy. It's not the fundamental truth of our existence, but rather an illusion shaped by our perceptions and beliefs. In reality, we are all part of an interconnected web of life, sharing the same basic essence and subject to the same natural laws.
In a world that often appears divided and fragmented, this quote offers a different lens: one of unity and interconnectedness. It advocates for the understanding that our actions and thoughts don't exist in isolation, but rather they ripple outwards, affecting others and the world at large. This unity is not just metaphysical; it's also about empathy, shared experiences, and recognizing our shared humanity.
This idea beckons us to drop the illusion of separateness, and instead embrace the reality of unity. Doing so could alleviate the anxieties born from perceived isolation, encourage healthier habits, and foster a more compassionate and cohesive society.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
There are numerous historical examples that illustrate the message of this quote. One profound example can be found in the events surrounding the Cold War, specifically the Berlin Wall and its eventual fall.
After World War II, Germany was divided into two countries, East Germany (under Soviet influence) and West Germany (under Allied influence). This division was symbolized most potently by the Berlin Wall, a physical embodiment of the ideological and political divide between the communist east and the capitalist west. The Wall separated families, friends, and communities, causing immense anxiety and distress on both sides.
The conditions under East German rule were oppressive. The government's heavy-handed approach led to numerous unhealthy behaviors and addictions as people sought escape from their reality. This was evident in the increased rates of alcoholism and drug use in East Germany. Many people risked (and often lost) their lives trying to cross the Wall, driven by a desperate desire for freedom and connection.
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 is a vivid demonstration of the quote's message. As the Wall fell, the illusion of separateness dissolved. Families and friends were reunited, and a wave of joy, relief, and unity swept across the country. The reunification of Germany in 1990 signaled a return to unity, healing many of the wounds that the artificial separation had inflicted.
In a larger sense, the end of the Cold War led to an era of increased global cooperation, as the rigid ideological divide that had characterized the post-World War II era began to soften. This moment in history underscores the reality of unity over the illusion of separation. It's a powerful illustration that separateness can cause anxiety and unhealthy behaviors, while unity brings healing and peace.
However, it's important to note that unity doesn't always mean agreement or erasure of differences. It implies recognition and respect for our shared humanity, regardless of our differences.
* If you're looking for more inspiration to help you on your personal development journey, you may want to check out my extensive list of SMART goals. This page is packed with thousands of different goal ideas that can help you set new aspirations and reach higher heights in your life. Personally, this page helped me to create my own 100 life goals list, which I pursued for over a decade.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
