"Homo erectus" learned to control fire 1.5 million years ago. For today's city dweller, fire has become something familiar and safe, like the tiny flame in a lighter or a gas stove.
The true meaning of fire is only recalled when a disaster strikes, like the recent wildfires in California. One is overcome with a sense of encountering the numinous — a sacred awe and terror.
Arrogant politicians displayed negligence and carelessness. Fire taught its lesson — every phenomenon has a dual nature. Especially one that, according to myth, humanity either stole or received from the gods.
In much the same way, Western culture has trivialized and undervalued the sacred fire within each of us. In the past, people built safe relationships with it through rituals and ceremonies. Modern man has almost returned to the Paleolithic, facing the elements alone without any means to protect himself.
It’s no surprise that more and more people suffer from mental disorders, addictions, depression, mania, and phobias. If you ignore the flame, you’re guaranteed to suffer burns or frostbite.
What is this Fire? Carl Jung introduced the concept of the Self. The Self is the source of energy and meaning, the center of the personality, encompassing both the conscious and the unconscious. Many cultures had their own equivalents: Atman, Tao, Guardian Spirit, the Image of God, the Philosopher’s Stone, and many others.
The imbalance in the world is deepening. People continue to develop technologies to control atoms and bytes, but at the same time, they are losing the ability to control themself.
What should you do? Rebuild your relationship with the Fire within you.
Sincerely yours,
-Alexander
About me:
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.
How can I help you?
If you've long been trying to understand what is limiting you and/or your business and how to finally give important changes a push, then The Catalyst Session is designed specifically for you. Book it here.