The Comparison Syndrome (Το σύνδρομο σύγκρισης)
-From the Meletic Scrolls.
In life, it is common for us to become preoccupied with the opinions of others. We often measure ourselves against the accomplishments or possessions of others, striving to emulate what they have achieved in life. In doing so, we risk forsaking the ethics of our character and the virtues that define our true selves. This process frequently leads us to abandon our authentic nature, surrendering to the influence of our ego. It is conducive to an immoral act, according to philosophical observance. An act of senseless ignorance or an unawareness of the truth of who we really are.
In Meleticism, this issue is described as the "comparison syndrome". This syndrome is a common affliction that impacts all individuals at various points in their lives. The comparison syndrome arises from the belief that perfection is an attainable goal that is something that can be measured and obtained. However, the reality is that perfection is an illusion. The pursuit of perfection often leads to disillusionment, because we are not meant to be anyone other than ourselves. This truth, though simple is frequently ignored or disregarded by many people, who either fail or refuse to understand its philosophical importance.
The key to overcoming the comparison syndrome lies in self-acceptance. When we recognise that we are unique and incomparable to others, we begin to see the true value of our human nature. We learn that the worth of our soul cannot be measured by material wealth, nor can the value of our true self be judged by the status we hold in society. Instead, the soul finds its measure in the strength of our character, and the self is defined by the goodness of our deeds. Neither the soul nor the self can be bought or traded for superficial accomplishments.
The question then arises, why do we insist on comparing ourselves to others? What is it that drives us to seek validation in the form of comparisons, when doing so ultimately yields no meaningful results? Perhaps it is because we find comfort in the idea of being superior to others. This notion of superiority is nothing more than a false impression that is vain, superficial and ultimately futile. It is a concept that serves only to inflate the ego, but offers no lasting fulfilment. The true path to contentment lies in turning our attention inwards, focusing on the development of our internal self rather than on the external image we project.
The fact is, a person who possesses wisdom has no need for any comparisons. A wise individual understands that their worth is not contingent on the achievements or status of others. In our modern world, we see countless people who are more concerned with their popularity than with their virtues. They project a false image of themselves to the world, seeking external validation, rather than striving for the internal fulfilment that comes from the cultivation of true virtue. No external reward can offer the same satisfaction as the fulfilment of our moral character.
Modern society, in many ways, resembles this false image. We are increasingly preoccupied with the superficial and the artificial, as seen in our reliance on technology to create a curated version of reality. The truth we seek, however, is not found in these external distractions. Instead, it lies within ourselves, waiting to be discovered. The truth of our existence is tied to the fact that we are all part of a greater whole, connected through (To Ένa) or the One. Each of us bears within us our own unique truth, but it is To Ena that is the ultimate truth.
It is important to remember that To Ena should not be compared to a god. To Ena is not a god in the traditional sense; no god can be compared to its Oneness and ineffable essence. To Ena transcends the concept of a creator god. Instead of seeking salvation from an external deity, Meleticism teaches us that the power to find salvation lies within ourselves. It is through the recognition of our own inner truth that we can provide salvation not only for ourselves, but for others as well. This is the essence of our human nature, which is to seek self-realisation and to help others achieve the same objective.
When we as individuals and as a collective, strive towards this realisation, we transcend the illusory divisions that separate us. We begin to understand that life does not depend on us; rather, it operates in accordance with the laws of nature. Life flows independently of our actions, but we are still participants in the grand scheme of existence. The greatest gift we have is life itself, and yet, we only have one life to live. The question then becomes, why do we spend so much of that precious time chasing after material excellence, rather than striving for moral excellence?
The pursuit of material wealth and status is ultimately a futile endeavour. When we remove the masks that we wear of those false identities that we assume to meet the expectations of others, we can see the true value of life. We begin to see ourselves as we truly are, in the mirror that reflects our reality. This sober realisation is an important step towards understanding the nature of our existence. It is a truth that we must confront and accept if we are to move forward in life.
Life as it is revealed to us, holds many possibilities and many episodes yet to be fulfilled. We as human beings are the creators of these possibilities. It is not a god who directs the course of our earthly adventure. It is instead, our own will and creativity. To Ena breathes life into us, but it is we who breathe life into our ideas, aspirations and dreams. We do not need the validation of others to convince ourselves of our potentiality. Our potentiality is inherent in our being, and it is only by embracing this fact that we can truly unlock the power within us.
The way in which we observe and perceive the world around us shapes the course of our actions and decisions. This is why it is so important to understand the principle of Meleticism, as it provides a basis for us to approach life in a way that is grounded in wisdom. Our senses, when properly attuned help us to make intuitive decisions that lead to greater self-awareness and enlightenment. It is through these heightened perceptions that we begin to understand the deeper truths of our existence.
The first step towards this enlightenment is the recognition that the comparison syndrome is an illusion or a fabrication of the mind. It is easy to fall into the trap of trying to be someone else, and to emulate the lives of others; but the true challenge lies in being authentic and true to oneself. To overcome the comparison syndrome, we must learn to embrace our individuality, understanding that there is no greater fulfillment than living in accordance with our true nature.
Ultimately, it is not about competing with others, but about competing with ourselves and striving to become the best version of ourselves, based on our own unique strengths, virtues and aspirations. When we let go of the need for comparison, we unlock the full potentiality of our humanity, discovering the wisdom that lies within.
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