Zen and the Art of Letting Go of Your Political Bias

Until we get another dark age crisis, the vector of the world is that it inevitably becomes more and more progressive regardless what any individual or faction think they may do. Conservatism is an illusion. It is merely time delay. In another 40 years, the views of liberals today will be seen as backwards, conservative, and primitive. And the liberals of that time would be something completely unexpected.

Liberalism is an illusion too. It is merely a force that rushes to push us towards the future, but the future is uncertain. Nobody can really predict the direction of the future. The future is coming closer and closer regardless what any individual may perceive it to be or wish it to be. The Schopenhauerian Will of the Universe propels us towards the future.

There is an essence of conservatism and liberalism that exists as a constant outside of political understanding, but that interpretation of these words do not reflect political discourse. For example, one would think that environmental conservationism, renewable energy, and organic farming should be the most conservative positions to hold. Similarly, right to bear arms should be a liberal position, because it is associated with freedom of choice and the progress of technology. Libertarians understand the fundamentals, but even they don't see the full picture and how their values also slowly evolve over time along with the rest of society.

Anyone who recognizes the false liberal-conservative dichotomy is free from external pressure. He/she is able to will anything into existence in his/her internal universe while remaining grounded in reality without fears.

"One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever. The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose." - Ecclesiastes 1:4-5
This is the opening of Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises. His editor claims that in this passage contains all the wisdom of the ancient world. This is also echoed by many stoic and zen philosophers. Most modern humans exhibit too much egocentric arrogance and fail to realize this. Throughout history, people have faced similar problems. Your fears aren't special. Your aspirations aren't special. You aren't special.

Even if Trump sometimes has racist, misogynist, and homophobic thoughts, I don't know, I'm not in his head... But even if he did, the effects of reality seems to be pointing to a different direction that is completely out of his control. Neither liberals nor conservatives should fear this. Humans simply need to come to terms with reality, Logos, Tao, Science, God, Fate, or whatever other word you use to describe aspects of this metaphysical concept.

Reality is reality. What is outside of your control is outside of your control. It seems obvious, yet most humans cannot accept this and create suffering within themselves due to the inability to overcome themselves while recognizing that the self is an illusion. Ego death can be more painful than physical wounds. Let go of your thoughts, your ideas, your political leans, etc. You are none of these, so don't identify with any of them. Simply observe them change over time. It's okay, because there is no absolute political truth. Each human being simply takes the position that they view to be most beneficial in the moment. Amor fati. Love your fate unconditionally. Sadness doesn't get a vote. Negativity doesn't get a vote.

Become someone who is way-seeking rather than truth-seeking. Live the Tao, don't nitpick over what is technically true, yet also release that there is no single Way either. The Tao that can be named is not the True Tao. There is more than one way up a mountain. Be fluid in everything you do and think.