The Diffidence of a God among Men

 Is diffidence next to godliness?

What does the phrase to be a god among men even mean? Is it having power and authority over other people? Does it entail being wise and knowledgeable? If so, can a god among men be kind and compassionate? But what if we got the job description all wrong? What if allowing yourself to be degraded, robbed, deceived, and exploited was the true indicator of the strength needed for this position?

Friedrich Nietzsche in his book Beyond Good and Evil argues that the traditional concept of god is one of power and domination. In his writings, he theorizes that this concept is harmful and destructive. But is there another way to think about godliness?

In Nietzsche's  (1886) writings, he suggests that we should think of godliness as a kind of diffidence and that the truly godly person is one who is not afraid to be vulnerable. They are the ones who are willing to allow themselves to be hurt because they know that they are ultimately indestructible.

Nietzsche (1886) suggests that this kind of diffidence is not weakness but it is actually the strength that comes from knowing who you are and what you believe in. 

"The tendency of a person to allow themselves to be degraded, robbed, deceived, and exploited might be the diffidence of a god among men" (Nietzsche 1886).  It is the willingness to be vulnerable, to be hurt, and to be exploited, in the name of something greater than oneself.

Nietzsche (1886) believed that this path was ultimately rewarding and the path of the truly godly 

References

Nietzsche, F. W. (1886). Beyond Good and Evil. Hayes Barton Press. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/L-999-71494

 

The Waiting Place

 

The waiting place is a metaphor for a state of limbo or uncertainty. It is a place where we feel stuck and unable to move forward. We may be waiting for something specific, such as a job offer, a medical diagnosis, or the birth of a child. Or, we may be waiting for something more general, such as a change in our circumstances or a sense of purpose in life.

The waiting place can be a difficult place. It can be frustrating, lonely, and even depressing. We may feel like we are wasting our time or that we are not good enough to move on. However, the waiting place can also be a time of opportunity. It can be a time to reflect on our lives, to learn and grow, and to make changes that will help us move forward.

• Accept your situation. The first step is to accept that you are in the waiting place. This does not mean that you must like it, but it does mean that you must take it as your reality.
• Identify your goals. Once you have accepted your situation, you can identify your goals. What do you want to achieve once you move from the waiting place?
• Take action. Even though you may not be able to move forward immediately, you can still take action. This could mean setting small goals, learning new skills, or changing your life.

Be patient. It takes time to move on from the waiting place. Don't expect everything to change overnight. Keep taking small steps forward; eventually, you will reach your goals.

The waiting place is not a destination. It is a journey. It is a time to learn, grow, and prepare for what comes next.

 

The Psychology of Dogmatism

Dogmatism is the attitude of holding one's beliefs as true regardless of any evidence to the contrary. Dogmatic people are often unwilling to consider other viewpoints or to change their minds in light of new information. They may be intolerant of opposing views and may try to force their beliefs on others.

Dogmatism is a complex phenomenon with a number of psychological underpinnings. Some of the key factors that contribute to dogmatism include:

• Need for certainty: Dogmatic people often have a strong need for certainty and predictability. They may be uncomfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty, and they may be drawn to beliefs that offer a sense of order and control.
• Fear of change: Dogmatic people may fear change and uncertainty. They may believe that their beliefs are the only way to live a good life, and they may be reluctant to consider alternatives.
• Low self-esteem: Dogmatic people may have low self-esteem. They may believe that they are not smart or capable enough to think for themselves, and they may rely on external sources of authority to tell them what to believe.
• Need for social approval: Dogmatic people may have a strong need for social approval. They may be afraid of being rejected or ostracized, and they may conform to the beliefs of their in-group in order to gain acceptance.

Dogmatism can have a number of negative consequences. It can lead to conflict, intolerance, and stagnation. It can also prevent people from learning and growing.

There are a number of things that can be done to combat dogmatism. One is to encourage people to be open-minded and to consider other viewpoints. Another is to teach people how to think critically and to evaluate evidence. Finally, it is important to create an environment where people feel safe to express their own beliefs, even if they are different from the majority.

Here are some tips for reducing dogmatism in yourself and others:

• Be open to other viewpoints: Be willing to listen to and consider other people's beliefs, even if they are different from your own.
• Evaluate evidence: Learn how to think critically and to evaluate evidence. Don't just accept things at face value.
• Be respectful of others: Even if you disagree with someone, it is important to be respectful of their right to their own beliefs.
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  Create a safe space: Encourage people to express their own beliefs, even if they are different from the majority.

Dogmatism is a complex phenomenon, but it is one that can be overcome. By understanding the psychology of dogmatism and by taking steps to combat it, we can create a more open-minded and tolerant world.