Power vs. Force January 15, 2007
Posted by The Probabilist in : [Books], Consciousness, Personal Growth, Purpose, Responsibility, Science , trackback
David R. Hawkins’ book explains the hidden determinants of human behaviour and is one of the most outstanding and significant books I’ve read. The sole and whole message is that all things existing (people, objects, emotions, thoughts, habits, teachings, etc.) calibrate at a level of consciousness measured on a logarithmic scale from 1 to 1 000. This, in all its simplicity means that every person ought to avoid things at the lower levels of consciousness and attract things at the higher end - for the good of all humanity and the universe. 200 is the breaking point where anything beneath is negative, weak, bad, unhealthy and wrong while anything above signifies the positive, strong, good, healthy and right. While this may sound like an overly dramatic and narrow view since it gives the impression that all is either black or white, it is so merely from an objective, or universal viewpoint. But as people have a personal, subjective view of what is right or wrong it is dependant on each person’s level of consciousness they are in.
For instance, for those lingering in the level of apathy (poverty, despair and hopelessness), ascension into fear for instance would be a great step forward (fear drives to take action to avoid the objects of fear, e.g. rejection, death and enemies). But for a person driven by pride (egoistically feeling good about self, but defensive and vulnerable to attack), fear would be a step far lower and worse than the consciousness level of pride. However, all of these levels are below 200, and from the perspective of the collective awareness of humanity, drag it downward. Those individuals calibrating at a level past 200 serve as the contributors of improvement and higher understanding to everyone. Force calibrates below 200 and is driven by tangible objectives while power is an unlimited and intangible source of improvement that is separate from the ego.
Hawkins explains all of the levels with undeniable accuracy and great insight, but as the verdict lies in the mind of the beholder, those still struggling with their understanding of the nature of reality, spirituality and non-duality, will find it troublesome to accept the viewpoint that man is the sole contributor to how his life is. Every level is a trap in itself as one is first required to leave the crucial hindrance of the existing level behind to allow the empowering belief and understanding definable by the next level to successfully make the transition. As a good example, nobody can quit smoking (level of desire) until there’s a feeling of fury or frustration over its effects (level of anger). This doesn’t mean that it is the best motivational factor to eliminate smoking, but it is the primary drive that has the ability to take action. Desire in itself perpetuates and enjoys a negative habit due to ignorance.
What I want to emphasize in this review is that every single person can identify themselves in a level of consciousness through this incredibly valuable framework, and moreover identify what is lacking in their mind-set to take the step to the next level that adds more purpose and value to daily existence - in a most significant manner. This tool explains why there is no given thing in the world that everybody thinks of as a positive part in their life. Differences in opinions over any given issue is the result of people found at different levels of awareness. The harsh realization of all this is the truth behind the saying that birds of a feather flock together. There’s a feeling of comfort when surrounding oneself with people at the same level, but comfort never pushed anyone to make a leap into the better. At best, if the current level of comfort is robbed from an individual, the person will rebound to get it back.
There’s so much to this book that I’d have to write a lengthy, separate article to present the most valuable insights I found. Therefore, I’m likely to write one or a few closely ones linked to the material in Power vs. Force in the future. My sincerely best recommendation is to pick up the book for yourself and devour it from cover to cover. Simply reading it through has the power to raise your understanding of the nature and purpose of things and yourself. You will not only discover your current drive or meaning for existing, but also be given a great framework for understanding the path of improved life quality.
(5 votes, average: 4 out of 5)
Comments»
This book has had a significant impact on my belief system. I would like to communicate with others who are “birds of a feather” and discuss understanding and experiences. Anyone else interested?