This lecture explores the nature of reality, consciousness, and the human condition, discussing topics such as the power of the spirit, the importance of individuality, and the relationship between thinking and freedom. The speaker argues that true freedom and understanding can be achieved through the development of thinking and the recognition of the interconnectedness of all things.
Massimo Scaligero — 2 recordings in the archive.
Related reading: Trattato del pensiero vivente by Massimo Scaligero.
...more realistic. After all, the word “realism” can mean anything. There are [unclear in the Italian captions], and there are people with physical deformities. Why are we so afraid to approach them? Physical or mental [abnormality: caption unclear] inspires horror. Even a leper inspires horror; yet Saint Francis embraced him, kissed him and healed him [caption uncertain]. And Mother Teresa of Calcutta left astonished the leader of the Buddhists; she gave him quite a shock when he realised that a human being was capable of doing something that none of them, for centuries, had been able to do: approach a leper, embrace him, take him in her arms, and carry him to a bed. And the Buddhist leader was certainly a wise man, and he reflected on this for a long time. Then he understood that this woman possessed a force unknown to them, because they felt horror at [leprosy: caption unclear]. And that horror is understandable, because human nature is like that. Yet there are people who, beyond physical appearance, can see the Logos, Atman, Christ— call it what you will. Some may even be convinced that even in a murderer, in a criminal, in a [unclear], there is Christ. They are convinced of it, yet in practice they feel horror, because the thought is right, but it has not become a force. The thought is right, but it has not become powerful feeling; it has not become the power of the will. So it is a right thought; it is the beginning. That is how one starts. But for that right thought to correspond to a reality, to a truth, it must become a force. And we try to bring this about through concentration. Now, we can also master our horror and care for [them]; that is already worthy and meritorious— indeed, it is very good— but it costs us an effort. We really have to exert ourselves. Yet when it no longer costs us that effort, and we can finally do it with joy, then we have succeeded. I find this question very interesting, because let us imagine a mother who feels horror at mental illness or physical abnormality, and whose child has a physical abnormality. Do you think that mother will feel horror? No: that child will become the person she loves most. And this is the key, because in that person she can see something…