Decoys
Looked at square-on, life isn't all that pretty, but decoys come to the rescue.
Decoys can easily herd and manipulate humans, just as they do animals. The “herding” of ducks to provide sport for hunters is obvious. Devices that mimic a duck’s call, stuffed ducks placed where appropriate, and so on. While it may appear straightforward, the decoys' manipulation of humans does not serve the interests of those they deceive.
The problem for humans is that we know what “life” is: a process of decay leading to death. This is not a particularly attractive proposition.
The most essential decoys are desires. Most people desire food and sex above everything else. Survival and procreation activities are programmed in and override an impartial analysis of our situation, acting as decoys and leading us on the one true path to death and suffering. There are also thousands of lesser decoys: ambition, fame, senseless wealth, a larger residence, a faster car, a bigger Christmas party, and anything else that acts like a decoy to pull us away from the unpalatable story of human life.
If this is all you can say, why not go out with a bang and indulge in the most senseless decoys? The fundamental problem with decoys is their tendency to dissipate, and our resources, primarily money and energy, are limited. But what if there was something that might be seen as a decoy but also takes a different route to the “one true path to death and suffering.” I’m referring to the development of an understanding of our life and existence. Here are some quickie notions that could change your life (but won’t because in two minutes some other decoy will have grabbed your attention.)
All sentient creatures are driven by pain and lack. Pleasure is experienced when we satisfy a lack.
Understanding is non-interventional. Understanding what makes us sad does not mean we stop being sad (although it might have that effect without any effort on your part.)
Nature seems to like heroes. If you hide away trying to be spiritual life will probably beat the shit out of you, (spiritual people can easily unsubscribe from this service)
Our existence is characterized by drama, tragedy, and chaos. There is nothing nice and neat for us to turn into dogma, although it doesn’t stop people from trying.
We are all natural enemies. How can the situation be different when we all compete for the same resources?
The more a person can bear the “terror of the situation” and be eager to unearth more terrors, the happier they will be without even trying.
The only free person is the one who has seen the poison of hope and has abandoned all hopes.
That will do, I think; in any case, you’ll probably have already forgotten them.