Two principles have been used to govern us for as long as there have been human societies.
First, Divide et Impera (“divide and conquer”). Division is a technique used to dominate and control a group of people. Turning individuals against one another makes the overall group less likely to resist.
Second, “the principle of authority”: people are more likely to believe in the edicts of someone or something they see as authoritative, trustworthy, or superior.
Whether employed by organised religions, governments, armies, multinational corporations, even manipulative individuals, these two principles are very effective tools for controlling us.
Even within us, these same principles apply: each one of us is divided and therefore weak, a seething confusion of conflicting desires, thoughts, feelings, and states. Each of us licks the boot of some authority we choose to accept as dominant, an ideology, an -ism.
Just as we are manipulated from without by forces that take advantage of us by dividing us and convincing us of their superiority, we are likewise controlled from within. These two forces, one external and imposed, the other internal and unobserved, hold us in bondage.
The alliance between outer dark powers (i.e. those groups that exercise control over our global political/social environment, and that are constantly defining our views and ideals) and our personal inner dark side (which lives in each and every one of us) is what keeps the world in a state of slavery.
However, this is starting to change. Consciousness is awakening. More and more of us are questioning these outer and inner worlds, and this search is leading us to discoveries about them both that can help change and improve them.
We will not free ourselves from slavery with an external revolution mired in the same violence and materiality that has subjugated us for so long. The only real, lasting, positive revolution must take place internally. We cannot hope for unity and peace in the world until we have made ourselves whole inside, and thereby know true peace. The shadowy, dishonest, hypocritical authority of the established order can only be defeated by bringing light and honesty into ourselves.
We will truly be free one day, when our thoughts, feelings, and actions come from unconditional love for one another and all the other beings of Mother Earth.
