The Basis of Things

“Vanity of vanities; all is vanity.” – Solomon

“Morality is the basis of things, and truth is the substance of all morality.” – Gandhi

If vanity, bred from morality (selflessness and selfishness), is the foundation of human behavior, then what underpins morality itself? Here’s a proposed chain of things:

Vanity\Morality\Desire\Influence\Knowledge\Imagination\Conciousness+Sense Organs+Present Environment

  • Morality is rooted in desire,
  • Desire stems from influence,
  • Influence arises from knowledge,
  • Knowledge depends on imagination,
  • Imagination is shaped by our sense organs reacting to our present environment,
  • And all of this depends on how conscious we are of these processes.

"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.” - Albert Einstein

The more open-minded we are to outside influences, the richer and more detailed our imagination becomes. Love plays a key role here—it influences our reasoning, compassion, and empathy. A loving mind is more willing to consider new perspectives (e.g., a divorcé changing your father’s identity after finding a new partner). This openness enhances our ability to imagine ourselves in someone else’s shoes and understand their experiences.

Instinct vs. Reason: A Choice Between Barbarism and Logic

When someone strikes us, retaliating appeals to their primal instincts—the “barbaric mammal” within us. But choosing not to strike back—offering the other cheek instead—engages their higher reasoning and self-control. This choice reflects the logical, compassionate side of humanity.

Observing Humanity’s Unique Potential

If we observe humanity objectively, we see beings capable of imagining and acting on selflessness to an extraordinary degree—far beyond any other known species. Whether or not one believes in God, this capacity for selflessness is unique and profound.

What if we stopped separating our knowledge of morality (traditionally associated with religion) from observation (associated with science)? What if we viewed morality through the lens of observation alone? Religion often presents morality in terms of divine influence or an afterlife, but this framing can alienate people. By failing to make these ideas credible or relatable, religion risks stigmatizing concepts like selflessness or even belief in a higher power.

The Potential for Good Amidst Evil

Humanity has always had the potential for immense good because of its ability to perceive good and evil. Even after centuries of selfishness or suffering, this potential remains—just as humans once dreamed of flying or creating democracy before achieving them.

As Martin Luther King Jr. said: “We can’t beat out all the hate in the world with more hate; only love has that ability.” Love—and by extension selflessness—is humanity’s greatest strength.

“They may torture my body, break my bones, even kill me. Then, they will have my dead body; not my obedience!” - Gandhi

“Respect was invented, to cover the empty place, where love should be.” – Leo Tolstoy

“You are the light of the world.” “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” - Jesus, Matt 5:14, 48

“The hardest to love, are the ones that need it the most.” – Socrates

In summary, humanity’s capacity for selflessness is unparalleled. By combining observation with moral reasoning—and grounding it in love—we can unlock our greatest potential for good.

(Credit for this top shelf version of my original write-up goes to user TG here on Lemmy.)