"Beyond Conventional Wisdom"

  

                BEYOND CONVENTIONAL WISDOM

                                 (Questions and Answers)

                                                           Albert Amao Soria

        

I came across this article in some old files saved on a flash drive, which I wrote as an explanation for my book “Beyond Conventional Wisdom.” I find it very relevant and actual, even though it was written Dec. 27, 2006, 18 years ago. The article contains the foundational ideas I expanded upon in my later books. Although it was never published, I believe it deserves to be shared to explain how my main ideas have evolved over time and come to fruition in my subsequent works. I think that those who follow my work will benefit from reading it. 

1. In a nutshell, what is the book about? 

The core concept that underpins these essays is the challenge to the so-called “conventional wisdom” that governs most aspects of our lives. Many of the ideas embedded in this 'conventional wisdom' are in conflict with reality. As we grew up, we were not given a choice to select our religion, moral values, or beliefs; we were ignorant and incapable of discerning what to believe or not; hence, we accepted as accurate what our parents, teachers, mentors, religious leaders, and the dominant culture class imposed on us. As children, we believed everything adults told us, and this formed our personal creed, our faith, and our outlook on life. This outlook on life (creed) is so deeply ingrained in our minds that it shapes our destiny.        

The text explains that human beings often exist in two simultaneous worlds. One is the external universe (EU), which is the shared reality we experience on Earth and in space. The other is the personal universe, referred to as "Your Own Universe" (YOU), which is the world created in our minds based on the beliefs and teachings passed down by our parents and teachers. These two worlds often conflict with each other and cause problems in our lives.

The book "Beyond Conventional Wisdom" critically examines the role of mass media in shaping our beliefs and behaviors. It suggests that people have a natural tendency to uncritically accept and pursue what is dictated by "conventional wisdom" from their mentors, teachers, parents, societal culture, and the mass media. The book delves into how big companies spend a significant amount of money on advertising and promotion to create needs and make us believe that their products are necessary for our happiness. They also create commercial holidays like Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, Mother's Day, Grandparent’s Day, Halloween, and so on, in order to make their products essential to every holiday celebration, contributing to the modern "consumerist society." Mass media advertisements are based on specific psychological principles and appeal to people’s unconscious feelings and emotions to persuade them to buy things they don't need, neglecting their spiritual needs.

Consequently, it is imperative to break herd mentality and base our outlook on life on coherent principles according to the laws of nature and reality. These essays will give the readers key ideas for reflection to enhance their awareness in life and facilitate their personal self-exploration for self-fulfilling inner discovery.     

2. What is the Paradox of Life? 

The fundamental paradox of life is that humans seem to live in two different worlds, which pull them in two directions: the imaginary life, called Maya, and the real Inner/Spiritual world. Mystics, sages, and masters of life tell us that our world is in perfect harmony. We may ask, if the universe is in perfect harmony, why is there so much misery, sickness, injustice, and suffering in the world? Why do few people have too much wealth, and the majority have too little?

The paradox of life is that an ordinary person may not understand the apparent inequalities and contradictions in the world until they experience a higher level of understanding. These contradictions and inequalities are necessary for human awareness development. A materialistic person trying to understand this paradox is like a mouse trying to know how Albert Einstein's mind works. The wise ones, the real initiates, understand that things in the world are precisely as they should be. The Law of Polarity will always be present in life for the sake of physical manifestation in the three-dimensional world, and these contradictions, limitations, and sufferings are necessary for testing and developing human consciousness. Refer to the essay "The Adversary and the Redeemer," which is part of a book. 

3. What is the Greatest Philosophical Paradox? 

Ever since humans gained the ability to think, they have pondered questions about the origin of life. This has led to the development of two main branches of philosophy: Materialism and Idealism. Materialism asserts that the world consists solely of physical matter and energy, and our understanding depends entirely on sensory evidence. Idealism, on the other hand, posits that a Supreme Being created everything, which forms the basis of many religions. A metaphysical approach seeks to reconcile this paradox by suggesting that everything in the world, including matter, is an expression of an unseen "Something" that permeates the entire universe. This substance has been referred to under various names, such as Spirit, One Force, and Universal Life-force.

The book aims to address enduring questions using modern scientific and philosophical speculations. These questions include: What is the purpose of our life? What is reality? What is the difference between Spirit and matter? What is the role of man in the arena of life? What is faith, and do we need it to live in this life? What is fear, and how does it differ from faith? Is there any point of connection between science and religion? The book also examines the fallacies and deceptions on which many esoteric and occult doctrines are based. 

4. Is there a Meaning of Life? 

Many secular and religious books have been written explaining man’s purpose in life, while others deny the existence of a purpose in life. In this book, we try to explain this dilemma through personal experience, seeking a meaning of life in many philosophical, metaphysical, and esoteric schools.   

 The above questions have been crucial to the author’s intellectual and personal development. The author's university education was essentially materialistic, which contradicted his Catholic background. During this search, he became familiar with Marxist/Leninist theories, learned about the basic ideology of Marxism/Engels/Leninism, and delved into the works of G. Hegel, K. Marx, F. Engels, V.I. Lenin, and L. Trotsky. The author's initial, naive idea was to strive for global equality and justice, aiming to mitigate injustice and poverty in the world.

However, materialistic theories were found to be insufficient in solving the world's economic and social problems. Moreover, materialistic knowledge did not fulfill the author's search for spiritual meaning. This led the author to explore various occult and mystical schools, including Freemasonry, Qabalah, and Rosicrucianism, as part of his ongoing spiritual evolution.

            The author's exploration of the meaning of life and search for answers provides readers with insight into the author's evolving ideologies. It is important to note that these ideologies are not dogmatic or narrow-minded but open to rational and scientific knowledge. The author's intellectual development involved a dialectical process, leading to convictions based on reliable and verifiable knowledge in metaphysical and scientific realms. The author followed René Descartes' Methodic Doubt throughout this journey, as outlined in his book "Discourse on Method." It is essential to consider that modern philosophy and science share the foundation of this approach. According to this notion, all theories and customary beliefs must be rigorously tested using reason and scientific demonstration. The author hopes his discoveries and clarifications will aid readers in their personal and spiritual development. As the Bible advises, "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). 

5. Are Science and Religion opposites to each other?

      Throughout our civilization's history, there has been a conflict between science and religion. We used to believe that religion was divine inspiration holding infallible wisdom. However, in the early twentieth century, the new understanding of the natural world brought about by the discoveries of quantum mechanics overturned rigid forms of rationalism that claimed observation through the physical senses was the only way to know reality honestly. This modern view of our world is more open to ideas of truth and reality than the strict rationalism of the past. These essays aim to break free from ancient superstitions, such as fortune-telling and "secret knowledge" purportedly held by esoteric organizations, rather than revive them.  

In the early 20th century, two prominent physicists, Albert Einstein and Max Planck, both received the Nobel Prize in physics. They significantly altered the scientific principles on which the prevailing science was based at that time. Albert Einstein introduced the theory of relativity and his renowned equation E=mc², demonstrating the equivalence of matter and energy. Shortly afterward, Max Planck delved into the nature of reality and pointed out that the basis of reality is consciousness. In his Nobel Prize acceptance speech, he stated: "There is no matter as such. All matter originates and exists only by virtue of a force which brings the particles of an atom to vibration and holds this minute solar system of an atom together." He further posited, "We must assume behind this force the existence of a conscious and intelligent mind. This mind is the matrix of matter."(The highlight is ours).     

 Likewise, at the very beginning of the twentieth century, new scientific discoveries in the field of Biology, such as the decoding of the human genome, have demonstrated that all creatures in the world, from simple ameba to the most complex human beings, have a common ancestor. In other words, all animals, such as mice, insects, rats, or human beings, originated from one common source. The Esoteric and occult sciences go further as they maintain that everything in the universe, including mountains, rocks, plants, stars, galaxies, animals, and man, has an origin and lives in the mind of One Supreme Being.     

7. Is the Dialectic Method a new scientific tool? 

King Solomon once said, “There is nothing new under the sun,” a sentiment demonstrated in the thought-provoking essay "The Dialectic and the Hermetic Philosophy." The proponents of dialectical materialism, Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, and Vladimir I. Lenin, claimed that their ideas were not new but had roots in ancient Greek philosophy that dates back more than two thousand years. Dialectic, they argued, is the science of universal connections. However, the notion of the dialectic principles was expressed in the small book "Kybalion." The authors of this tractate who identified as Hermetic Initiates, asserted that their teachings were passed down in secret temples and institutions thousands of years ago. In this book, they extensively expound upon the seven Hermetic principles. These principles align with the laws outlined in dialectical materialism, as discussed in the abovementioned essay.

The Dialectic, as well as the Hermetic Principles, considers everything in the universe in their mutual conditioning and interdependency, whether in the material, emotional, or spiritual realms; it deals with general laws of the development of nature, society, and the process of thinking. It holds the view that the world does not consist of permanent and fixed objects but rather is in a permanent change and eternal movement. To know this conception is fundamental to understanding the true nature of things in the physical and spiritual realms.     

7. What are the Fundamental Laws of the Dialectic?

      According to materialism, the fundamental laws of the Dialectic are as follows:

a) The law of Universal Interaction stresses that everything is interconnected and mutually dependent. Nothing exists in isolation.

b) The law of Universal Movement expresses that everything in nature, society, and human thinking is always in movement and change, a process of growing and dying. The Dialectic does not consider nature quiet and still but subject to permanent movement and constant modification as something renewing itself and in continual renovation.

c)  The law of Co-existence of Opposites (also known as the unity of the contraries) is the source and cause of motion and development. This is the essence of the Dialectic method. The Dialectic criterion is that the objects and phenomena of nature carry implicit contradictions, which in turn are complementary to each other.  

d) The law of Double Negation postulates the criterion that the objects and phenomena of nature carry inside them their own contradictions, and the struggle between them constitutes the inner making of their transformations. Therefore, the process of development is the result of the contradictions inherent in the object. It is the conflict between opposite tendencies that makes things grow, develop, and decay. 

e)  The law From the Quantitative to the Qualitative Changes is the principle that postulates that the sum of an innumerable number of small quantitative changes during a period of time can produce qualitative changes. It shows that the development of any phenomenon is the result of continuous small, unnoticed, and progressive alterations. 

8. What is the contribution of this book?

To clarify and dispel fundamental beliefs incorporated in the so-called "Conventional wisdom." One of the fundamental contributions of this book is the proposition of the Qabalistic Dialectic Method to resolve most of the paradoxes of life. In Qabalah and Hermetic and Occult science, the thinking process is essentially dialectical. It considers that all things are interconnected and interdependent. It acknowledges the oneness of life as it is expressed in the apparent duality of the external world. All these apparent paradoxes have a point of conciliation and reveal a transcendental truth on a higher order of knowledge.

The dialect method can also be applied to metaphysical matters. For instance, in the Old Testament, the Hebrew word Yod-Heh-Vav-Heh (the Tetragrammaton), a four-letter noun יהוה, stands for the generic name GOD. It is formed by four consonants, has no pronunciation, and is not rendered into any language. 

According to the American Qabalsit Paul F. Case, the Tetragrammaton יהוה is a Hebrew verb meaning “to be.” Its true significance is "That which was, that which is, that which will be." This demonstrates the eternal immanent substance that permeates and sustains everything in the universe. The Sacred Word encompasses the past, present, and future, transcending time, space, and movement. Additionally, God gave another name to Moses: אהיה, EHYEH, which is translated as “I AM.” Modern explanation of the name אהיה, EHYEH reveals that the correct rendering is “I Shall Be,” representing "I am becoming." This insight is crucial for our exposition, as these two terms express an indwelling presence in the progression of change and becoming. This essence of the Qabalistic Dialectic Method considers the universe and everything in it as being in an eternal process of transformation and becoming.  

9. How this book is related to the so-called Aquarian Age 

          As we begin the Aquarian Age, modern science, notably quantum physics, has concluded that the universe and everything in it are made up of energy. Some physicists have suggested that this energy is ultimately composed of waves of light. Ancient wisdom further asserts that this Universal Energy or Force is conscious, omnipresent, and omniscient. This idea aligns entirely with the Hermetic Principle of Mentalism, which states that the entire universe is alive in God's mind.

The upcoming Golden Age is expected to be marked by knowledge, light, and human solidarity. During this time, a gradual shift in human consciousness will occur, altering our perception of reality beyond the limitations of the three-dimensional level. Delving into the implications of the Aquarian Age is beyond the scope of this book, but for a detailed and comprehensive study, one can refer to my book titled The Dawning of the Aquarian Age. 

10. How would the reader benefit from reading this book? 

The essays aim to inspire readers to reconsider their misconceptions and false beliefs about life. Even individuals who identify as agnostic, atheist, or undecided in their beliefs will find intriguing ideas to reassess their views on life and the universe. For example, an atheist or agnostic must believe in something that commands their respect and loyalty, something beyond the present moment; in denying the existence of a higher power or absolute, they implicitly acknowledge its existence because one cannot deny something that does not exist. Some scientists are now suggesting the existence of a superior mind that governs the universe. In this way, these essays offer a platform for readers to engage in discussions and contemplate age-old questions about their existence on Earth and the meaning of their lives.

Modern science has rejected old-fashioned ideas and beliefs that were once considered accurate. We often trust what we see and rely on our logical thinking, but this can lead to deception and problems in our lives. Since the Enlightenment, our understanding of the world has drastically changed. Advancements in science and technology have allowed us to gain deeper insights into our world and the universe beyond. New scientific discoveries have disproven many old beliefs that were once unquestionably true.

In this collection of essays, the reader will find a coherent and logical way to reconsider untested beliefs and assumptions about life and the universe. They are the result of profound reflections on shared beliefs, erroneous religious assumptions, and negative patterns that hinder individuals from living a fulfilling and successful life. Additionally, some essays address psychological, religious, and spiritual uncertainties that many people seek to resolve. In this sense, the book can be seen as a tool to aid readers in their personal journey of self-discovery, helping them unlock their full potential. 

11. What is the concept of the Oneness of Life?  

This collection of essays draws from various philosophical, metaphysical, materialistic, and religious beliefs to offer a unique perspective on life. Our exploration and pursuit ultimately affirm the interconnectedness of all life and the unity of humanity. According to Jesus Christ, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:40) and “I and the Father are One” (John 10:30), beautifully conveying the concept. Science is beginning to acknowledge the possibility that the world is a mental creation, and Quantum Physics is now proposing the interconnectedness of everything.: John Richardson states “No matter what we do, we can never be separated from Being. No matter what we think, we are never alone. And no matter how we feel, our projection of having a separate and personal free will is always a by-product of the secondary collapse.”

Philosopher Herbert Spencer postulated the existence of an “infinite and eternal energy from which all things proceed”; this statement concurs with the Hermetic principle of Mentalism as well as modern Physics, such as Quantum Physics. That is to say, the universe is mental or “mind stuff.”

The practical and concrete application to our daily life of the conception of the oneness of life and brotherhood of human beings boils down to the injunction: Love your neighbor as yourelf.

For more information, visit the following websites: www.amazon.com/author/amao

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  Monroe Twp., NJ, July 12, 2024

  Albert Amao S.

“The Art of Deception Is the Rule of Life” is a thought-provoking and controversial work by the esteemed author Albert Amao Soria. Drawing on his extensive knowledge and experience, the author argues that human progress has been propelled by deceptions, fakes, forgeries, and fallacies, which he terms 'noble lies.' These lies encapsulate hidden aspirations that spur individuals to action and serve as ideal behavioral models for future generations.

As individuals, we are inherently driven to construct narratives or 'noble lies' that infuse our lives with significance and direction. These narratives transcend our immediate reality, offering a sense of transcendence. Without these stories, our impetus for advancement would diminish. These “noble lies” are the brainchildren of visionary storytellers, inspiring us to enhance the human condition.

Quantum physics has validated two metaphysical concepts that are central to this book's thesis: consciousness is the foundation of reality, and humans live in a world of illusion - a virtual reality. This concept, known as 'Maya' in Buddhist philosophy, is a key element in the author's argument about the role of noble lies in human progress. The universal life force, according to the author, motivates humans through these lies to seek progress, set new goals, and expand their horizons in all aspects of life. Without progress, humankind would perish.

The Declaration of American Independence is often cited as a classic example of a noble lie. Despite lacking any cosmological, metaphysical, or scientific basis, it states that all humans are born free and have the same rights. This declaration helped create the world's most powerful and wealthy nation, where freedom of speech, thought, and religious organization is respected. However, it is important to note that the signers of the Declaration of Independence were landlords and slave owners who knew that not all humans were born free and did not have the same privileges.

This compelling book is now accessible in various formats, including e-book, softcover, and hardcover, on popular platforms such as Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and other leading online booksellers.   

                                      

            

Discovering Your Purpose in a Meaningless Life©

 

“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher.
“Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”

(Ecclesiastes 1:2, KJV)

 

Are you feeling lost and unfulfilled in life? Discovering your purpose in a seemingly meaningless existence can be daunting, but it’s not impossible. With the right mindset and tools, you can unlock your true potential and find true meaning in your life. Don’t settle for a life without purpose - take the first step towards a more fulfilling life today.

Have you ever wondered about the reason for your existence and how you ended up where you are now? Apart from religious beliefs, the most crucial question for any sentient being is “Who am I?” and “What is my purpose in this world?” And where do I fit in this world?” However, adding another vital question to this list is essential: “Why do you want to live under these conditions?”

The question of whether life has meaning when it has no purpose is one that many people have pondered. Albert Camus famously posed the question of whether life is worth living, given its absurdity and incongruences. He wondered if the desire to live is an unconscious or conscious impulse, an innate instinct, or an external force. Others, often religious leaders and theologians, believe we are placed in this world for a specific reason. This question leads to a dichotomy between the will to live and the will to die. The crucial point is that we are here, moving, acting, and existing. This is the ultimate concern.

At some point in our life, we would confront the meaning of our life, especially when facing personal struggles. Some philosophers and scientists who focus on worldly knowledge and technology argue that life is meaningless, originated by chance and necessity, and will continue this way. Similar ideas were expressed by thinkers such as King Solomon and Arthur Schopenhauer. The virtual reality theory suggests that our lives could be predetermined and that we may be trapped in a matrix-like existence, similar to the Platonic Cave. While there may be some truth to these ideas, the question of the purpose of life remains unanswered.

The concept of self-awareness dates back to ancient times when humans began to reflect upon and give meaning to their experiences in an attempt to understand the world around them. The wonders of the universe, such as the sunrise, sunset, and countless stars in the sky, left them in awe, and they felt that their understanding was inadequate in explaining these phenomena. As a result, they attributed religious significance to them.

In his book A History of Religious Ideas, Mircea Eliade argues that consciousness cannot exist without attaching meaning to man’s experiences and impulses. The discovery of the sacred is closely linked to the consciousness of a meaningful world;[1] for ancient people, being human meant being religious, as everything they did was considered holy. Eliade concludes that awareness of the sacred is an essential part of consciousness, not merely a stage in its development. [2]

The beauty of life resides precisely in probability and apparent randomness because it gives humans the capability to exert their creative power to make their lives meaningful. We are already here on planet Earth; we cannot withdraw from it, claiming that life has no meaning.

            The saying “Knowledge is Power, and Ignorance is Bliss” is common. This leads us to question whether it is better to live in blissful ignorance or seek wisdom through personal experiences to lead a more meaningful life. Many people tend to focus solely on fulfilling their physical and sensory needs, like eating, working, sleeping, and engaging in recreational activities that satisfy their senses, neglecting their spiritual needs. As the Master of Nazareth once said, “Man does not live by bread alone...” Thus, humans need not only physical nourishment but also intellectual and spiritual sustenance.

Modern science has revealed that we live in an immaterial universe. Quantum mechanics has emphasized that atoms consist of spinning immaterial energy vortices, which are essentially pure light that appears and disappears. This discovery has led scientists and philosophers to confirm the metaphysical principle that the entire universe is an expression of universal consciousness. While humans are but a small fragment of this consciousness, we possess the power to shape our social circumstances.

According to quantum mechanics, reality is fluid and shapeless until observed by consciousness. At that point, the various possibilities collapse into one specific outcome. This happens when consciousness, through awareness and intention, selects a particular manifestation from the latent probabilities.[3]

It is crucial to be aware of our social environment to shape the course of events in our lives effectively. The more aware we are, the better equipped we become to shape our future consciously. Unfortunately, many people lack knowledge about self-control and the process of conscious co-creation. This leaves them feeling disoriented in their daily lives, believing that external forces govern their experiences. The key to regaining control is to have a clear purpose and a thorough understanding of the process, which helps us protect ourselves against randomness and chance. Therefore, we must thoroughly know our goals to remain in control and shape our experiences.

The ability to exercise free will is dependent upon one’s level of awareness and self-control. Free will entails conscious choice, which is only possible when one is mindful of the options available at a particular moment. If there is no awareness, then the capacity to independently choose a specific action is null. Tom Campbell, a physicist at NASA and consciousness researcher, believed that consciousness arises from the capability of choice and free will. He defines consciousness as “awareness that makes choices.”

Various religions and philosophies have approached the question of the meaning of life from different perspectives. Buddhism’s first noble truth asserts that life is inherently filled with suffering. The Jewish faith contends that human misery stems from Adam and Eve disobeying God’s commandment. Christians believe suffering is a means to redemption and a better life (heaven), while other religions advocate for resignation and humility.

The truth of the matter is there is no inherent “meaning of life.” It is up to individuals to make their own lives meaningful. The problem arises when people assume that a higher power or someone else will provide them with a purpose for their existence, which is a flawed assumption. Instead, the more appropriate question to ask is whether the struggles and pains that humans experience in life hold any significance. Moreover, it is a misconception that life must be free of hardship and suffering. In fact, spiritual growth and self-development are often the result of enduring pain and adversity. That is why many spiritual teachers contend, “Suffering is the path to wisdom.”

According to the Master of Nazareth, “The Kingdom of heaven is within you.” It is up to each individual to create their reality rather than the other way around. However, in order to tap into this inner power, one must first become aware of it. Otherwise, external influences such as the mass media and social or cultural circumstances will shape our reality unconsciously. My book, “Awaken the Power Within: In Defense of Self-Help,” offers compelling evidence that “All the power that ever was or will be” lies within one’s grasp. Spiritual masters and mystics of all faiths have long known this truth. For instance, the early Catholic Church father, Clement of Alexandria, stated that “he who knows himself knows God.” This statement is self-explanatory.

I have a theory that could help answer the age-old question about the purpose of human existence. The physical reality, which is considered “Maya” or “illusion,” serves to test our ability to distinguish between life’s dichotomies, such as what is beneficial or detrimental to our personal growth.s Thus, it gives us the opportunity to tap into our creativity and inner potential rather than being controlled by external forces. As homo sapiens, our aim is to strive for progress, bettering ourselves, we improve our collective consciousness. These ideas are central to my book, Awakening the Power Within, which explores the notion that life comprises a collection of experiences contributing to our consciousness expansion.

Although life may seem devoid of inherent meaning, humans have the faculty to assign meaning to our experiences. Doing so sharpens our intelligence and helps us gain wisdom, ultimately developing our potentialities and making us akin to gods. It’s important to break away from the herd mentality and prioritize individuality while recognizing the interconnectedness of life and sharing love with others.

Precisely, as discussed in my book A Solution to a Pointless Life, religions are noble myths created to give life meaning and aid in the early stages of human consciousness development. The purpose of existence is to increase awareness and expand consciousness, eventually leading to Homo Deus (man-god) status. Let’s remember what the Serpent of Wisdom advised to Adam and Eve: “You shall be like God” (Gen. 3:5)

Science has yet to answer specific questions, such as where ideas come from and the role of free will. This raises a philosophical paradox: Do humans have free will to determine their future destiny? Based on my experience, I affirm that humans have free will to some degree. However, biological conditions, level of education, family, and social constraints impose limitations. As humans develop their power of self-control and awareness, they gain more ability to exert free will. Wisdom acquired through experience and education, whether academic or self-taught, along with the practice of meditation, reflection, and further learning, enhances our capacity for free will.

Free will is closely linked to our ability to exercise self-control, maintain awareness and accumulate experience. To put it in simple terms, a person who has developed these personal attributes can be compared to someone standing atop a mountain with a clear view of the vast “field of life.” On the other hand, someone who lacks these abilities can be compared to someone standing at the base of the mountain, with a limited view of what lies ahead and at the mercy of the blind forces of destiny.

Again, the purpose of human existence is to give meaning to a meaningless life, to enhance awareness, and to expand consciousness. Those who develop these personal attributes have the ability to control the negative consequences of external influences and use good times for their well-being and success.

We must recognize that we can shape our own reality, but we must first become conscious of this ability. Otherwise, we may fall victim to external influences such as mass media and societal norms. In my book, Awaken the Power Within, I delve into the idea that we hold all the power we need to create our reality.

I propose a thesis that could potentially answer one of the most fundamental questions of human existence. As individuals (unit of consciousness), our task is to work towards progress and the well-being of all human beings in order to evolve our collective consciousness. Every single action we take has an impact on our species. Rather than being controlled by external forces, we have the opportunity to develop our inner potential and creative power through this physical reality. The underlying idea is that life is a series of experiences that provide us with wisdom, ultimately leading to the expansion of our consciousness. This, I believe, is the true purpose of human existence. Let it be done.

                                                             Albert Amao Soria, Ph.D.

Resources:

- “Does Live Have a Purpose?” Blogger.com/Midwest Book Review: https://midwestbookreview.blogspot.com/2020/02/blog-post.html

- “Regain the Power Within You.” Wordpress.com: https://albertamao.wordpress.com/

- Albert Amao Soria, Awaken the Power Within, Tarcher/Penguin, 2016

- Albert Amao S., A Solution to a Pointless Life, AuthorHouse, 2023

---

[1] Mircea Eliade, A History of Religious Ideas: From the Stone Age to the Eleusinian Mysteries, trans. Willard R. Trask. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1978), xiii. Emphasis Eliade’s.

[2] Ibid.               

[3] Refer to my book Awaken the Power Within (New York: Tarcher/Penguin, 2016).

Review of the book "A Solution to a Pointless Life"

 Here is an excellent review by well-known author, Von Braschler.

                                            

"Albert Amao's new book, A Solution to a Pointless Life, is probably his greatest effort yet. This book is packed with valuable nuggets of information from every relevant source, from the New Thought Movement to Existentialism, Oriental religions, the Judeo-Christian tradition, philosophy, psychology, mythology, and mysticism.

Here is a sociologist who has seriously considered the question of the meaning of life and humanity’s eternal quest for finding the purpose in living. His careful analysis of this quest through the ages brings the reader to a comfortable conclusion, albeit a challenging one.

In searching for a positive direction in people today, he laments the way political and religious organizations have left people feeling powerless and the way materialism has filled people with false illusions and false beliefs. He posits how our inability to find a purpose in life has led to neurosis. He pivots toward celebrating life as a beautiful learning opportunity that allows people to develop their inner potential. To fulfill one’s special purpose in life, he says, is to manifest your inner power. Striving to achieve life goals with determination awakens your innate psychological and spiritual powers.

Our long journey challenges us to learn and grow in consciousness, we are told, and that is the only real thing in the universe. As we return to life source, we add to this expanding universal consciousness. This consciousness has been called by many names, including spirit, universal soul, life force, Brahman, Elohim, and God. The point of living, then, is to become aware of this universal consciousness and consciously participate in the creation process with it. Humans are on the planet Earth, the author suggests, to develop and raise their level of conscious awareness. The primary purpose of all human existence, then, is to actively participate in awakening universal consciousness.

The depth of this author’s scholarship in sorting through common and diverse threads in philosophies, religions, and science is most impressive. He walks you through both European and Latin American Existentialism and the American New Thought Movement. He analyzes everything from the Gilgamesh Epic to the Wizard of Oz. He delves into the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Gita. He considers the quest in Jainism and Buddhism. He dives into Hebrew and Christian thought. He plows through quantum physics, metaphysics, and psychology.

Areas of particular interest to me in this book include the author’s thoughtful contrast of Existentialism and the New Thought Movement, his analysis of the Book of Job, his treatment of the life journey as a pathless land, and the conclusion that expanding consciousness is all there really is or ever will be. Best of all, he sees a big role in this huge universal consciousness for each and every one of us as a co-creator. "

Von Braschler, author of Ancient Wisdom Scrolls: Past Lives.

A Solution to a Pointless Life

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monroe, NJ, July 12, 2023

Albert Amao Soria

                                               

"A Solution to a Pointless Life: Spiritual Self-help for Personal Development" is an inspirational book by the renowned author Albert Amao Soria. It aims to motivate readers to uncover their passions and inner strengths and to use these to achieve their goals in life. The book acknowledges that traditional religions have disempowered and displaced human Inner-Power; as a result, many seek alternative avenues for their spiritual outlet instead of conventional religious institutions, usually seen as oppressive and inflexible in their creeds. It tackles this issue by drawing on religious, existential, sociological, philosophical, and popular wisdom - all tested by personal experiences.

This book is unique because it addresses the social problem of "existential anxiety" outside of religious contexts, providing readers with a better understanding of their role in the evolution of human consciousness. It empowers readers to tap into their inner power and offers psychological and metaphysical tools to "improve their lives." The author emphasizes that humans should take control of their own power and become active co-creators of their personal and social environments, leading to the betterment of humankind.

"A Solution to a Pointless Life" is a valuable resource for those experiencing existential emptiness during times of ideological and spiritual crisis. The author highlights essential aspects of human personality for self-exploration, self-evaluation, and self-discovery, taking readers on a journey to find the meaning of human existence. Ultimately, the book asserts that the destiny of humans is to become homo-spiritual beings.

A Solution to a Pointless Life is now available in Ebook, softcover, and hardcover versions at amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and other online booksellers. 

 

 

 

 

In Defense of Self-Help and Self-Initiative

 

Book Reviews 2020 - Theosophical Society in America

                   Awaken the Power Within: In Defense of Self-Help
Albert Amao Soria
New York: TarcherPerigee, 2018. 287 pp., paper, $16.00.

Finally someone arises to call out the hucksters and frauds who promise to make you rich, make you wise, make you whole, and make you over. Albert Amao, PhD, is just that man. He is a sociologist, author, and national lecturer for the Theosophical Society in America. His recent book casts a shadow over false saviors while examining some of the most effective elements of self-help practice from traditional esoteric thought.

Hucksters in self-improvement are nothing new, Amao complains, but they continue to pop out of nowhere with promises to take away our pain, worries, and confusion, announcing themselves as New Age messiahs. Typically they disguise themselves as authors, workshop leaders, teachers, or life coaches who offer self-help to misguided souls.

Amao’s book suggests how many teachers and healers in the so-called self-improvement arena will simply dumb down ancient insights and attempt to repackage them in a diluted form for mass marketing.

 Amao debunks many of these attempts, outlining what has worked and not worked in the history of self-help. He distinguishes modern self-help culture from earlier mystical and occult movements and shows how we got to the current interest in the power of positive thinking.

Real growth, understanding, and transformation, Amao argues, come only from deep within you. The Indian sage J. Krishnamurti famously said that truth is a pathless land that everyone must negotiate personally. That is the hero’s journey of self-discovery.

Amao’s earlier work, Healing without Medicine, published by Quest Books in 2014, offered a similar message. Real healing comes from within you. Spiritual unfolding is uncomfortable, like peeling away layers of skin, but only you can do it. The answers are all inside you. The truth is there too. And you will find your true inner self along the way.

As Amao sees it, you won’t typically hear any of that from the snake-oil sales agents who offer to make your transformation easy, bring you instantly to self-realization, and grant you enlightenment in a few easy lessons.

Yet this popular self-help culture has become a pervasive social system worldwide and a staggering $12 billion industry in the United States alone. There are more than 300,000 self-help books available on Amazon.

The hidden harm Amao sees in this market is the blind faith people often place in seminars, books, and tapes. Self-help gurus tell them that redemption comes by empowering themselves with a new life script, as provided in the books, CDs, DVDs, and workshops they sell. Discouraged customers blame themselves when the material doesn’t deliver promised benefits. Thus the effects can be detrimental, and the self-help program can do much more harm than good.

Amao believes that a pattern of powerlessness plagues many people. From early childhood, they have been disempowered and indoctrinated with false ideas about their true nature by parents, mass media, and conventional wisdom. Over time, these acquired ideas of disempowerment become part of a personal belief system, and they subconsciously create a wrong self-image. Moreover, Amao says, some religious organizations create a sense of guilt in people.

Amao counters that quantum physics and metaphysics demonstrate how humans are creators of their own reality and destiny. As William James wrote, “Man alone, of all the creatures on Earth, can change his own pattern. Man alone is architect of his own destiny.”

People are responsible for creating their own reality with their thoughts and beliefs, Amao argues, and they are the only ones who can take back their power and correct whatever isn’t working for them. With that in mind, Amao’s book offers a deeper perspective on the culture of self-help and self-improvement. It empowers individuals to rely on their own inner voices for authentic self-empowerment and self-reliance.

In Defense of Self-Help is well worth exploring for anyone serious about self-empowerment and would be a welcome addition to professional libraries as well.

Von Braschler 

Von Braschler is a Life Member of the Theosophical Society and author of several books on consciousness, including two forthcoming works on conscious thought forms.

The Apocalypse of the Aquarian Age

                                                      Book Press Release

                 Author Tells Readers Why the “End-of-Days” Should Not Be Feared

                                                 

Dr. Albert Amao Soria releases new book The Apocalypse of the Aquarian Age (An Essay on the Cycles of Time, Religion and Consciousness)

EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Apocalyptic assumptions have long been a stronghold in pop culture. These sensationalistic theories were fueled with the arrival of the year 2012 and the Mayan calendar. It’s a trend that author Albert Amao has noticed and taken issue with.

He writes that the purpose of his book is “To counteract the wild sensationalistic and reckless speculation regarding the advent of an apocalyptic catastrophe where only the chosen ones, members of a certain religious denomination, will be saved.

First of all, he states, the word “apocalypse” should be understood in his original Greek sense, meaning revelation, disclosure of new knowledge, or reality. He believes that there is a huge conspiracy propounded by false religious “prophets” and some New Age writers who have misinterpreted the signs of the arrival of the Golden Age for the end-of-days.” Mr. Amao, who has spent his career studying metaphysics and Hermetic philosophy, has detailed his position in his new book, The Apocalypse of the Aquarian Age (An Essay on the Cycles of Time, Religion, and Consciousness). He debunks the philosophies of his adversaries, breaks down the faulty conclusions of their hypothesis in his new book, and shows readers why a worry-free heart is the most logical conclusion.
“Modern psychology, neuroscience, and epigenetics have demonstrated beyond any shadow of a doubt that man can bring about harmful outcomes with his intentions and expectations. This mental energy is magnified to its utmost degree by the tremendous power of mass thinking that can lead to the creation of self-fulfilling prophecies. The idea is to neutralize the effects of this negative thinking with the truth that there is no such thing as the end-of-days. If there is any, as Jesus Christ already admonished, nobody knows it, neither the date nor the hour. Thus, there is nothing to worry about.”

In The Apocalypse of the Aquarian Age, Mr. Amao illustrates that the world is at the threshold of a transitional period from the Age of Pisces to Aquarius. He also shows readers what to expect from such a transition and what new concepts of God and religion will result.

“This book,” says the author, “attempts to answer these questions based on well-researched sources complemented and endorsed by cosmology, archeology, psychology, religion, Near East studies, and mythology, among other scientific disciplines.”

This book is available at Amazon.com, AuthorHouse.com, and bookstores nationwide.