Addition-The Biggest Flaw in Human Thinking and Behaviour

Dr. Minesh Khashu

We humans have somehow come to perceive that we progress mainly by a process of addition i.e. that we start off as deficient and that we progress by a process of addition which gradually minimises the deficiency state. This is one of the biggest flaws in human thinking, understanding and behaviour.

This preoccupation with ‘addition’ makes us waste all our lives in adding things at all levels whether they be physical objects or information (misunderstood to be knowledge for the mind). In this way we create unnecessary layer over layer in our thought process and actions.

We do not start in a deficient state. What we simply need is an appreciation of ourself and this appreciation can lead to our tryst with divinity. However, we don’t do simple! We complicate things by our desire or longing for ‘something’ from outside that we think is ‘missing’ and that is required to rectify the defect in us. What we actually need is some way of clearing the ‘dust’ such that we can see and appreciate our brilliance. What we tend to do instead is think we are ‘dirty’ or ‘faulty’ or ‘incomplete’ and add artificial layer over layer of paint over ourselves hoping that no one can see the ‘defect’ in us.

Human progress is based not on addition but on subtraction. If we give up all unnecessary things, we are one with our creation. The aim in life should be to strip down to the bare minimum.

Stop asking: What do I want?

Start each day by asking what can I give up today?

What is superfluous?

Once we start stripping ourselves of all the unnecessary, we become blissful.

Subtraction then becomes addition and our joy multiplies.

The bad habit of ‘addition’ makes us into ‘hoarders’ but unfortunately, these ‘additions’ do not help us to progress. In fact, they pull us down. They make it difficult for us to move forward. They also create a lot of ‘noise’ in our lives such that we can’t hear the real melody of life.

To listen to our inner-self we need SILENCE. We don’t want to be distracted by the ‘NOISE’.

We need to learn the art of ‘giving up’ all the superfluous things in our lives be they thoughts, words, actions or objects. Stop thinking, saying, doing and getting superfluous things.

The more you strip from your unnecessary layers the more blissful you will feel. Literally it is a big weight off your shoulders. You will enjoy life better and appreciate yourself and the creation around you. Give it a go!

The author is a Consultant Neonatologist & Prof of Perinatal Health in the NHS with a special interest in large-scale change in healthcare, leadership, personal development, spirituality and metaphysics.