Immunity is a battle between ‘me’ and ‘not me.’ Our brains and bodies are designed to be entirely egocentric. Genes are self-interested because they ensure their own survival. If I don’t exist, then there is no one else and no love. After all, loving others is an extension of loving myself. If there ’ s a distortion or immaturity in self-love, even when loving others, it can leave a scar, and that wound leaves a scar on me again. The victim consciousness forgets this mechanism. Just as immunity is vital for physical health, it’s equally crucial in mental health or religion — the immune system against self-love must remain strong. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
Paradoxically, one of the reasons for Rome’s demise was that it kept winning wars. Victories expanded the empire’s territory, and the risks increased proportionally. Men, primarily middle-class men, volunteered as soldiers; the larger the territory, the longer the wars lasted, and the longer it took for them to return home. The women who remained at home were forced to borrow labor and became indebted to the nobility. Eventually, the women were sold into slavery, and by the time the men returned, their families had disintegrated. People don’t betray because they’re evil, but because it increases their risk. If the territory you’re in grows, you might reconsider your loyalties to the organization. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”