Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 85

How Can We Subjugate Ourselves to a Different Opinion?

There are concepts of “following the majority” and “following the individual.” In spirituality, it is stated that we must “follow the individual.” This means following an individual who is truly unique, singular, and exceptional among humanity, or within a large group of people, someone whose opinion and knowledge we respect. In such a case, we disregard the majority and only regard that individual. We become indifferent to millions of other people and what they might say or think, and focus solely on what this unique and exceptional person says.

For example, millions of people once believed in certain laws that were once widely accepted. Then someone like Albert Einstein came along and said, “No, the laws are different.” Those millions of people could not comprehend the strange things he was saying about the warping, stretching, or even resetting of time, and the distortion of space. The familiar foundation beneath their feet was swept away, leaving them suspended in midair. While the masses could not understand, this unique and exceptional individual stood firm in his perspective, a perspective that was indeed innovative, solid, and advanced, although not yet widely accepted, even if it was true. Then, I choose to follow him. How? Above reason, because I too am part of the crowd. If I were like that unique and exceptional individual, the question of whom to follow would not even arise. I would not need to follow anyone. But if I am pursuing a spiritual path, I must follow the unique and exceptional individual, even though he stands alone, because he is great.

We can understand this idea intellectually. However, we need to find the strength to translate this understanding from the intellect into action. We might know that a certain singular and exceptional individual who stands firm in his perspective is correct. Where, then, can we draw the strength to join him? After all, the masses, driven by their reasoning, oppose him. How can we join him against public opinion? It is said that this is possible by the principle of “One who adheres to the great becomes great.” However, we still wonder how to achieve this and begin, step by step, to seek the way to adhere to that great one.

Related Material:
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 84
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 83
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 82

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