Use Your Second Intelligence

"Know Thyself" is probably one of the most famous ancient maxims. By the time Socrates came onto the scene, it was already common knowledge, having been around since the days of Ancient Egypt. This phrase was also etched into the entrance of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. Delphi was also known for its "commandments," said to be derived from the wisdom of the Seven Sages, a legendary group of thinkers, politicians, and lawmakers from Greece's early history.

@officialtjtv

A great day trip from Athens! The views from Delphi are amazing!!! Be prepared to get a lot of steps in 😉 #delfi #delphi #whattodoingreece... See more

Many of the The Delphic Maxims are still relevant today. There were 147 of them and you can read them today

Today "Know Thyself" is used as this vague phrase that self-help books and psychologists twist to mean whatever they want. This could include neuroses or psychological "conditions" that never existed in ancient times to some that seem so loosely defined they might not even be real.

It’s Hard to Know Ourselves

A significant aspect of life involves the lack of time dedicated to self-exploration due to obligations and our inherent social nature. We have to worry about work and managing financial responsibilities, which consume the majority of our day. It’s easy to fall into a mechanical existence focusing on completing tasks and ensuring bills are settled.

The remaining hours are allocated for exercise, socializing, family responsibilities, and leisure activities. It is possible to lead a fulfilling life without deep self-knowledge.

Moreover, we end up just mimicking the environment around us. It is common for people to simply emulate their surroundings. Are you familiar with the concept of Memetic Desire? Have you heard of Memetic Desire?

@lukeburgis

The philosophy that changed my life 👀 #philosophy #happiness #nonfictionbooks #thoughtoftheday #viral

Self-knowledge is valuable. The challenge lies in how to attain it. We need to move beyond abstract generalizations, we need concrete tools and approaches. I think Biofeedback is one such tool that can aid in understanding ourselves better. It provides objective data on our physiological responses, offering insights into our emotional and psychological states. We can rely on our Second Intelligence.

The Sleep Test

Let's talk about money, an important topic. For some people, it's a relentless craving, a hunger that pushes them to extremes. They just don’t feel comfortable unless they reach a certain income level. Have you ever met these people? You’ll see them in places like Manhattan.

@adamrobertbest

CNBC posted this article about a couple who makes a combined 500k a year but still feels very average. #funny #rant #money

But other people seem to be able to embrace a more minimalist lifestyle, finding contentment with less. They can sleep at night with a bank account of a few thousand dollars and no job.

So, where are you in this spectrum? It may look like our appetite for wealth appears boundless, with no clear threshold of satisfaction. Yet, just as there are optimal measurements for height, weight, and muscle mass, beyond which we appear grotesque, there exists a sweet spot for wealth. It's that delicate balance where your sleep remains peaceful, unaffected by the fluctuations of fortune. The Sleep Test is Lindy. Who is rich? One who is happy with his lot.

Our moods, bouts of anxiety, emotions and feelings are not random byproducts of evolution; they are purposeful, imbued with deep insights about ourselves, especially when we face new situations or decisions. They guide us through the labyrinth of life. They are our second intelligence.

Biofeedback, the technique of monitoring and controlling our body's involuntary functions, is a potent instrument for self-discovery. It allows us to tap into the physical manifestations of our emotions, providing a clear, tangible connection to our inner selves.

In This Newsletter

1) Use Your Second Intelligence: If we are sensitive enough we can take tests with ourselves to better know our preferences. The Envy Test, The Anger Test, The Nostalgia Test, The Lying Test, The Memory Test, etc.

2) Drugs Dampen our Second Intelligence: The dramatic rise of anti-depressants, Aderral, Marijuana and other medications dampen our bio-feedback and make it difficult to be sensitive enough to know ourselves.

Use Your Second Intelligence

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