The stages of man

 

 

In the beginning God created an ego – this ego is a delusion, this delusion is “I exist independent of God” – in psychological terms, the baby sees himself as an independent being and every time he cries gets his way, so he comes to the conclusion that “I am entitled” – this is why it is so difficult for a two year old (and most of us) to hear the words no (for we have been psychologically programmed towards yes) It is this very tension that is at the heart of who we are – but the goal simply stated, is to learn what should we be saying yes to – both to others and ourselves – and what should we be saying no to – both to others and ourselves (for the desire to hear yes, of the child, and most adult-children is not logical, it is the very fact that I desire it, that already my ego thinks I should be entitled)