A particularly poignant discussion. Objectively considering oneself, and of most relevance, one's beliefs, is utterly harrowing. Even those that have undertaken it to the best of their ability do fail to comprehend completely. It is impossible to have perfect knowledge (as an aside, this is a justification latched onto by new-agers to validate their rainbow-puking vapidity), and this can discourage folks from suffering the real discomfort self-examination engenders.

Just because something isn't perfect, like self-knowledge, doesn't mean it isn't better than greater self-ignorance, or worth having. However, it often is necessary for folks to undergo existential catastrophe before such self-awareness is understood as better than ignorance, and even despite such motivation, some folks just can't manage it at all.

It is appropriately humbling that even those most able to aren't able to do so flawlessly. This is why the most enlightened tend to be utterly humble. They know well that they are as imperfect as anyone else. This is also a great test of enlightenment, and a means of separating poseurs and conmen from actual beneficial spiritual leaders. Spiritual leaders that ride in limos are conmen.

Having undertaken it, this is my experience. Sometimes it seems that if it wasn't for twinges of regret, I wouldn't feel anything at all. Yet, I am distinctly grateful for humility, shame, and regret, as I care about being good to my fellows, and without those seemingly burdensome things, I doubt I'd be able to.

I have spoken to many folks, including buddhists, that propose that their happiness is their highest purpose. I pity them, despite their posture of being pleased, as I can scarcely imagine anything more vapid and insipid as devotion to self, and to even undertake spiritual practices in order to please oneself is not only farcical, but mockery of the very concept of spirituality. It's mere spiritual masturbation.

Because I acknowledge that we are eminently incapable of not being ignorant of vast realities given our present physical and mental limitations, I reckon some faith is necessary to better approach objectively knowable reality. To unfetter such faith with reason and facts is to court derangement, not only not in our personal best interests (if best realization of actuality is considered optimal) but counter to the purpose we all share to benefit our fellows.

While we certainly can't count on our fellows to fulfill ourselves, we can be accountable in that endeavor, and at least reduce the suffering our brethren are oppressed by. If we have any higher purpose, I am certain that is some aspect of it, at least.

Ruthlessly acknowledging our biases, shortcomings, and ignorance is requisite to our execution of beneficence, and I reckon we should do so to the best of our abilities, not just insofar as it increases our happiness.

Joy and peace are of far greater value than happiness and pleasure, IMHO, and both are degraded by hedonistic self-actualization that is actually self-abnegation, because it precludes these greater rewards for living.

Thanks!