Vernon Howard says, we have it all backwards. This is a beautiful truth to be reminded of, because we often return to the thought and lie that we live in a sane world.
Vivekananda says this:
“We are all taking that which is bad for that which is good, and
that which is a dream for that which is real. Soul is the only reality, and
we have forgotten it.”
Society is built on a wrong assumption: that everyone lives sanely. People believe only what they want to believe. A clear mind is a treasure. And clear minds are lacking in our society. Clear minds are at peace all the time. If we truly want inner peace, how do we get it? “Individuality,” only the individual can arrive at what is true, and the herd (Society) can only follow each other. The following changes over time and switches often. What a mess there is on this planet. Every country is a mess. Many compromise their individuality and fall into line because everyone else falls into line. We are taught to conform. Sheep! We have all agreed to things in our lives, only later to regret them. Nobody sees the whole picture, so we have endless fighting and conflict. Society has forgotten what is truly important and only pretends to be intelligent. The appearance has become more important than the fact. If I can look good, that is enough. It’s nothing but a show. You can have such a clear mind that you see this without getting emotional or fearful. The facts are right in front of you.
Vernon Howard and Vivekananda are saying the same thing. Soul, the individual, and his individuality are the only solutions to become sane. All else keeps you confused and living in the ranks of madmen. Living close to a madman is asking for trouble. Becoming an individual keeps you sane and safe and mentally healthy.
Thoreau knew this well. His quote says plenty, “There are thousands hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root.” This quote says volumes about society and the men who make it up. Also, what is important and what is wasteful.