Do you legit want to have a want to have a conversation with me about philosophy? If you do, coming at me with bullshit is a hell of a way to get started. His whole point of there is nothing you can do to make yourself better is not somethimg I agree witb. But then you need to consider what is better for one may not be better for another. We all have our own paths. Perhaps being better at lifting is something one considers to be a worthwhile goal, or perhaps managing a temper might be another. There are skills one can learn for both and both in the eye of the individual are paths to self improvement. To simply be as he suggests is one thing and has value, there is always value in self reflection or in just observing but what do you do once you see what us going on? How does what you see make you feel? Is it just? Can it be better? Whats your part in it? Does it even matter? I'm no expert in anything.
Woah a thought! He never says you can't make yourself better - he says the whole "self-improvement" movement is a hoax that directs you only to look inward, "flawed" self trying to improve "flawed" self, instead of also looking outward at who you surround yourself with, your environment, etc. The self is part of larger system and viewing yourself as part of the larger whole is how you can improve yourself. You are your surroundings. Change them, change yourself.
I agree what has value is in the eye of the beholder - each has their own path and the value they stake on said path, but what he says is to take into consideration that said path needs to be treaded with deep consideration as it may be a terrible one take and one that degrades the self instead of improving it.
He says "buddhists know self improvement is a hoax", he goes in ti say if you knew there was nothing you could do to make yourself better then that would be a relief. Further, through observation and I infer acceptance things take care of themselves and you can embrace your true nature. Its a very " que sera sera" attitude that doesn't jive with me.
As to what you say about changing surroundings, yes thst would have an impact on an individual. Thats why they tell alcoholics to stop hanging out with their drinking buddies.
While I respect the buddhist outlook there are some things that cant be incorporated because we live in the physical realm. Buddhism is about detachment from suffering. To end suffering you must accept much of the world as it is and detach from it in general. Which is great if you are only trying to ascend. But impractical for many.
(post is archived)