A Course in Miracles: Based on the Original Handwritten Notes of Helen Schucman—Complete & Annotated Edition

by Helen Schucman

“It is impossible to share opposing thoughts.” T-5.VIII.5:2: “This quotation therefore emphasizes the fact that vengeance cannot be shared.” A belief of the ego cannot be shared because it makes one statement about the self and another statement about others. The ego, for instance, believes “You are the cause of my pain.” If another then seems to hold that same belief, thinking “You are the cause of my pain,” that is not sharing, but simple disagreement. If, on the other hand, someone else believes “You’re right—I am the cause of your pain,” the two people still aren’t sharing the same belief—in the sense of each holding the same belief about the self—for one sees himself as the innocent victim and the other sees himself as the guilty victimizer. Because the ego sees itself as different from others, it is impossible for any of its beliefs to be truly shared.