The Voice in Your Head Isn't Your Own - Ego

[Olga]

The Greatest Enemy Hides Where You Least Expect

Julius Caesar once said, "The greatest enemy will hide in the last place you would ever look."

Let's consider this wisdom as we explore the concept of absolute control over another person. Imagine being able to direct someone's actions as if they were a character in a game, following your commands without question, 24/7. How could one achieve such dominance? Violence, threats, and blackmail are crude and unreliable methods. Eventually, the person would rebel and unleash their hatred upon you.

Instead, the key is deception. A subtle, skillful trick, like a needle or a microchip. You need to infiltrate their consciousness and make them believe that you are them. Once someone thinks they are acting in their own interest, they will go to any lengths. Here's how it’s done.

If you truly wish to learn how to gain unlimited power over another being's will, brace yourself. The knowledge comes with immense responsibility and moral dilemmas. Ready? Let's dive in.

Start with a child, ideally around the age of two, and use a mirror. Before this age, children laugh and point at their reflection, thinking it's another child. But around two years old, they begin to recognize themselves in the mirror and wonder, "Who is that?" This moment is crucial. Be there, feel the weight of the moment, breathe in, and quietly say, "It's me." From then on, never stop talking. Comment on everything around you, be constantly present, overwhelm them with words from the moment they wake up to when they go to sleep. Your voice should become their sleepless torment, their primary advisor, until they believe your voice is their own. Then, they will do whatever you say.

But why do humans need facts, scientific facts? Because we want views and attention. Let's discuss what separates us from cats: documents, mobile phones, shoes? Not necessarily. It's our second signaling system. According to Nobel laureate Ivan Pavlov, brain signals are divided into two types: the sensory system (first system) and the conceptual system (second system).

The first system, shared with animals, is about sensory perception. It’s how we experience the world through our senses, forming a silent model of reality in our brains. For instance, the sound of a neighbor drilling instantly becomes a perceived noise in our consciousness.

Humans developed the second system, which uses symbols to represent reality. This system allows us to think abstractly and communicate complex ideas, like drawing a mammoth on a cave wall to indicate a hunting spot. Those who mastered this abstract thinking thrived, leading to better cooperation, organization, and the preservation of knowledge. This second system is crucial for our art, science, and advanced technologies.

You can observe your second system at work through your inner monologue. Try not thinking about anything for a moment. This constant inner dialogue can make us unhappy, as shown by research indicating that a wandering mind is an unhappy mind.

Studies have found that we spend about 47% of our waking time lost in thoughts unrelated to our current activity. This wandering drains our happiness and attention from the present moment, replacing real experiences with an endless loop of internal chatter. This phenomenon, known as rumination, can lead to anxiety, stress, and even physical health issues.

Our inner voice often gravitates towards negativity, feeding on fears, anxieties, and self-criticism. This negativity bias is an evolutionary trait, helping us anticipate and avoid dangers. However, the brain doesn't distinguish between real and imagined threats, causing unnecessary stress from mere thoughts.

The internal monologue can disrupt our relationships, focus, and overall well-being. It’s like having a commentator constantly chattering in our minds, distracting us from the actual game of life. Yet, this voice isn't entirely us. It’s our ego, a construct of our second signaling system trying to define and assert itself.

From an early age, we learn to associate ourselves with social approval and achievements, driven by the dopamine rewards these bring. This quest for validation and identity can become an endless chase, fueled by our ego's insatiable need for recognition and superiority.

Our possessions, beliefs, and even our internal monologue are tied to our sense of self. This identification extends to our material and social status, with the ego constantly seeking to bolster its sense of worth through external symbols.

Yet, the true self is more than these constructs. It exists in the present, beyond the internal chatter. By recognizing the ego's voice and its limitations, we can start to disentangle ourselves from its grip and live more fully in the moment.

In conclusion, understanding and managing our internal monologue is key to a happier, more focused life. By noticing when our thoughts drift and questioning the voice's motives, we can regain control and align our actions with our true needs and values.

My Final Thoughts

The exploration of the inner monologue and ego is fascinating and deeply relevant. It highlights how our thoughts can both shape and distort our reality. By becoming aware of the incessant inner chatter and its impact, we can strive for a more mindful and present existence. This awareness can lead to better emotional health, more fulfilling relationships, and a greater sense of control over our lives. Recognizing the difference between our true selves and the constructs of our ego is a crucial step towards personal growth and happiness.