It may seem strange that the most illuminated men and women who have walked the earth have also caused the most consternation in the consciousness of humanity, but when you look at the situation in the right light, it makes perfect sense. Allow me to explain.
The world we have is the product of decisions that we have made collectively over the course of history. Some say that the world was once perfect and that the consciousness of man fell while others claim that we are the product of powerful evolutionary forces which are guided by natural selection. Either way, we have what we have now – our current baseline – as a result of the accumulated pattern of man’s history on the planet.
There is a force at work in human consciousness popularly called “status quo bias.” Status quo bias is a cognitive bias and it is defined as “an irrational preference for the current state of affairs.” In a nutshell, status quo bias affects human decision-making whenever the status quo replaces truth as the dominant point of reference. Any change from that baseline, the status quo is perceived as a loss, regardless of its actual effect.
This bias is the foundation upon which the saying: “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t” is poured. It is part of the reason why deep, lasting change in the national framework rarely works out without dramatic and often violent revolution. It also goes a long way in explaining why people go from one bad relationship to the next.
Back to the point I was making in the beginning of this post (the most illuminated people who have walked the earth tend to cause the most consternation in the consciousness of man), it is clear that when the underlying convictions held to be true in the status quo are shown not just in words but through demonstration in living to be false, all hell breaks loose.
The status quo is well-defensed. When the status quo is based on an untruth, those who rationalized it and made something irrational seem rational to themselves don’t tend to embrace it with open arms. History shows that status quo bias, especially when coupled with the fear of loss can produce a tsunami of denial or worse, violent reactions that are as unfortunate as they are irrational.
The strangest part about it is how quickly the justifications flood in once backs are turned on the truth. Elaborate constructs are quickly assembled to make the unreasonable seem reasonable, to make the snuffing of great lights seem necessary if not predestined.
The fact of the matter is that reactions to greatness by the supposedly good people of the earth has caused more damage to the body of mankind than all the evil forces at work on earth combined. The status quo – the current “normal” – is far below where it could and should be.
Although the baseline has slipped over time, I am confident that there are many people out there who are willing to confront status quo bias and turn their backs on the fear of loss, There are those who will do what it takes to rise out of the state of mediocrity and into the state of being true to the truth.
Sure, there will be those who reject and revile you when you distance yourself from the status quo and accommodate yourself to the truth, but in the fine words of André Gide “It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.”
Moreover, at the end of the day you will feel more deeply fulfilled if one, two or twelve people love you for who you are than if one million love you for who you are not.
Gregory Hake 
This is such a sad tendency in human nature. It happens in every facet of human endeavor; science, religion, in the big things and the small things.
What always strikes me, though, is that however many years later when the truth is finally known, people say “well, it was too bad they were vilified, we were so backwards back then”. Yet they continue to do it to the visionaries of their own time.
LikeLike
Yes, I also sense there are those you will transcend the current status quo and commune in spirit of truth transforming and transmuting this world.
LikeLike
Rightly this brings great pressure to bear on those elements where “hiding from the light” has been the case. The good news is, the Light is still present. Upon reading this, the call to reorientation got louder, and the fear of loss faded. For nothing that’s not worth losing would be lost, especially not the consciousness that has been our own worst enemy.
I deeply appreciate the privilege of seeing the Truth.
I would rather stand for One Truth than live a lifetime protecting lies, due to arrogant unwillingness to step into the Light!
LikeLike
Concern for the maintenance of the status quo, however that may look, is rooted in the deep faith people have – faith in failure, faith that things will go from bad to worse, faith in disintegration. The phrase “sure as hell” typifies this underlying conviction, the basis of what could be described as a global religion..
From the common religious viewpoint, people have even tied their concepts of God into this morbid faith. God is seen as being all-powerful, and therefore as not only responsible but actually willing that all these evil things should occur. “It’s God’s will, after all.” Therefore, God is back of every ill thing, every tragedy, every loss, every horror. No wonder the masses continue to adhere to the religion of doom!
To develop a new conviction there must be a new experience. This can only occur where at least a few are willing to venture into a new orientation – an orientation in life rather than death, creativeness rather than destructiveness, the power of love rather than the disintegrating influence of hatred. Your writing points consistently to this refreshing and vital alternative.
LikeLike
Those brave souls who courageously remain true to the truth have been described as “the leaven in the lump”. Mankind usually exacts a high price on them but the Omnipotent grants them eyes to see and ears to hear. Your explanation of this pervasive phenomenon makes it easier, for those stirring from the mass hypnosis of status quo bias , to identify and understand it. Thank you for your keen insight. One person can make a world of difference!
LikeLike
I have certainly noticed the antipathy that people have towards change of any kind. There is a feet planting, teeth clenching, finger grasping fear of anything new or having to move out of what is comfortable. This always boils down to “How this is going to effect me” and if we care at all about the future of our children, the earth and our own lives, we would discard this strategy immediately. Thanks for your clear call this morning to stand true to righteousness regardless of the consequences.
LikeLike
What you speak of here, is so sadly true, and has been throughout the history of human kind. When greatness come here no matter of its form, human fear often tries to destroy it quickly. Those who desire power see the truths that come with light as threats to what they wish to hold, therefore the “status quo” – the current normal, no matter which period of history we would wish to address. Wrong doing often hides itself behind the cloak of false goodness. But it is up to us, who have a glimpse of truth to begin to lift the corner of the cloak.
LikeLike
As a teacher (and student) of many subjects, including history, this post knocks me over with its implications. You’ve just explained the psychology behind every upheaval big and small in the history of humankind. Brilliant post!
LikeLike