Maturity is knowing how to derive joy from values and love in the non-linear realm.

A: What appears to be polar opposites at first glance is an illusion of duality, which arises automatically from one's standpoint. It is the |intention (consciousness level 310)| that determines the quality of an action. The intention of self-centeredness is to |acquire (based on fear)|, and its purpose lies in survival. However, the purpose of selflessness is to give and to serve. When considering these conflicting motives, another standpoint we must avoid is labeling self-centeredness or evil as wrong, and selflessness as good or righteous. These are merely choices representing different stages in the process of the evolution of consciousness, and are not |polar opposites (observing with a compassionate heart)|.

Self-centeredness can see its origins in the animal kingdom and can be viewed as the functioning of the remnants of the |animal brain (ego)| inherited by the human brain. This is seen excessively in the behavior of infants. It is part of the survival instinct and functions to satisfy desires, wants, appetites, and biological drives. These drives are seen in human life just as animals direct them toward food, water, territoriality, possessions, or mates. As one reaches adulthood, these desires are directed toward possessions or some symbolic reward, expanding into constant |acquisition (based on fear)| and the pursuit of profit. When this becomes excessive, it is called being blinded by greed or avarice, and in the animal kingdom, one would see fierce position struggles between the 'alpha male' or 'alpha female' of the pack.

From a physiological and psychological perspective, there is a healthy selfishness for survival and self-esteem, but every action is |'I want this' (based on fear)|. This desire escalates into abnormal cravings or addiction.

As consciousness evolves, the infant learns to let go of the childish illusion that the |ego's| desires, hypothetical rights, and expectations must be met in order to survive. Then, the childish, narcissistic |ego| moves from the level of the mother-infant relationship and discovers that its own success and survival depend on outgrowing infancy and cooperating. As a result, the |ego| learns to share and endure in order to gain love and praise. This transition period is established by a reward system in which parents provide appropriate and responsible discipline. If such discipline is not sufficiently provided, the infantile nature will linger, along with the accompanying anger, hostility, and |self-pity|.Maturity is knowing how to derive joy from values and love in the non-linear realm.Then, one discovers that happiness is not something obtained as a result of acquiring something from the outside, but an internal sense of fulfillment. When fully mature, joy arises not from what one has or what one has done, but from the state of being one is in.

The infantile |ego| tries to |acquire (based on fear)| something by grabbing and securing it. However, one later learns to obtain internal joy through achievements (such as excellent grades in school) and productivity, or by fulfilling spiritual values in the non-linear dimension. And as one grows, one becomes more independent and stops trying to control others.

Self-importance and self-centeredness are very |fragile|, constantly defending themselves and seeking approval and agreement. However, the more the |ego| grows, the more independence is established, and one eventually learns that the source of happiness and peace of mind is within. When this realization is reached, the spiritual goal becomes very important, and whether |one is integrated (devotion to God, devotion only to God)| becomes the standard for happiness. Thus, consciousness evolves, and completing the relationship between oneself and God becomes the ultimate goal.

At first, one believes that God is 'outside,' but eventually one begins to feel the source of life 'inside' as well, and finally, the 'Presence' emerges as the |'Self' (the true self)|, which is 'all that exists,' transcending any difference between 'outside' and 'inside.' The 'Supreme' existence is both immanent and transcendent.

We can call this evolution of consciousness—following the patterns of the |ego|—the path of the 'Self' leading to God. (It is the path of discovering that the source of true happiness, fulfillment, and joy is the |'Self' (the true self)| by gradually discarding the narcissistic core of the |ego|.) Various expressions of the |ego|, including vanity and assumptions, are inflated expressions, caught in the belief that one's own thoughts are valuable and one's standpoint is correct and important. Self-centeredness is the foundation of vanity and illusion.