The Spinoza Problem

by Irvin D. Yalom

“I’m lost. You were going to explain your loss of separation. What happened to that?” “Patience, Franco. That comes next. First I’ve got to provide the background. As I was saying, to view the world sub species aeternitatis I must cast off my own identity—that is, my attachment to myself—and view everything from the absolute adequate and true perspective. When I can do that, I cease to experience boundaries between myself and others. Once this happens, a great calmness floods in, and no event concerning me, even my death, makes any difference. And when others achieve this perspective, we will befriend one another, want for others what we want for ourselves, and act with high-mindedness. This blessed and joyful experience is thus a consequence of a loss of separation rather than a connection. So you see there is a difference—the difference between men huddling together for warmth and safety versus men who together share an enlightened joyous view of Nature or God.”