Through the consciousness of logic we are able to extend ourselves beyond the point of reflex and mechanism. We extend beyond what we define as “animal” as the distinction between Pavlov and his dogs reflects. It is by logic and memory that we are allowed to function in this manner of expectation. Too often it is our wants and desires that dictate our actions. It is only through pressure and time that we are forced to oblige or resist. If we are to allow our passions, unchecked by reflection, to determine our actions, we are no longer “in control of conduct”.

We, unfortunately, no longer dwell purely in the realm of function and practicality. We instead exchange monetary currencies in lieu of social courtesies. This exchange empowers passion and distances the delusional self from reality. The sense of security that money provides allows the delusional rich man to govern from afar. The transfer of wills is power; it is the willingness of a will to not-will. It is the relinquishing of control to something other than your “self”. The strong interplay between power, money, and the deluded-self creates a gap, separation, or distinction between the problems that concern people on opposite ends of the same spectrum. The soul who becomes conscious and finds itself entitled to power and money, and the soul who becomes conscious and finds itself in a position of powerlessness and destitution are concerned with entirely different sets of problem. This gap arises fundamentally, and if we continue to obey our wants and desires or follow without reflection it will persist. Sartre explains this quite simply, “man first of all exists, encounters himself, surges up in the world – and defines himself afterwards”. We must remember that we are not confined to how we are defined by birth; the soul of each person is a reflection of their choices and actions at every singular moment.

We must recognize that this difference between people exists by no fault of our own, and remember that it exists at every moment in order to see beyond it. We must remove ourselves from the world of conventions, labels, and roles if we hope to narrow the gap that inherently exists. We mustn’t allow it to perpetuate. This process begins with the ability to recognize truth. It then needs to be received by an open mind where it must then remain at the center of our consciousness. If we do not actively listen to our “self” and continue to act without consciousness, then we become subjected to fate. If we are able to remove ourselves from this cycle of thoughtless chasing and grasping then our minds will be open to truth and we will realize the liberating power in being our own centers of gravity.