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So you've all hopefully skimmed Zen of the Union at some point, and you probably all know that it's full of shit. Seriously, it's a bunch of filler words with no actual philosophy in it, because Kuro needed some 'pro-union' books. But I think that the concept of embracing the Combine as being zen in nature is a very interesting one. Most dystopian settings feature some kind of bizarre ideology which people tend to follow whole-heartedly. The strange sense of duty of the citizens in George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four, for instance. Or the odd religion which involves mandatory compassion for an animal in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. I think that, instead of looking at the UU on the level that we -as modern western citizens would- tend to, we should look at its facets (especially Transhumanism) more like an antiquated religion. Of course, this applies to loyalists and MPF units the most, though some miscreants or even resistance members might find themselves taking concepts of the Zen of the Union as truth, much as some do the rules of religions that they supposedly don't believe in.
So what would this bizarre ideology entail? Obviously that is up for debate, but I'll provide one possibility. The following is a paraphrased example of what I think should be printed in the Zen of the Union.
The Universal Union is, in a way, divine. They offer us the next step beyond what we are; a step beyond barbarism, greed and our constant internal conflicts. This is offered to us in steps which we must ascend, some faster than others, to become transhuman, one way or another.
The first step is to surrender your sense of self and become one with those around you, doing your best to be just the same as your neighbors so that you will not envy him nor him you. We won't lie; life will not be easy for someone who has not yet adjusted. It may feel cold, uncomfortable and impersonal. But all of this is helpful in order to give up your selfish struggle to better yourself, which only clouds your judgement and makes you unstable and animalistic. In giving up your constant struggle to distinguish and better yourself, you will find that you are at peace not only with those around you but with yourself. Accept that you are not better than most, but nor are you worse. You are simply a piece of the puzzle, but a very necessary piece. You have no reason to feel inferior, and no drive to feel superior. You must serve your very crucial purpose, and nothing more. And you must find peace in that. That is the first step to transhumanism, and the only step which will be required of you.
The second step, should you wish to take it, is to surrender your morality as well as your neglection to take initiative. You must find the strength to overcome the antiquated instincts which hold you back, so that you may ensure that others take the steps you've taken, as well as to prevent those who haven't from both physically and mentally harming those who have. This step asks you, if you can, to become one of the white blood cells of the body that makes up our society. It will require immense strength in order to create an environment of impersonality and ultimately help those who are not yet ready to let go of their former trappings to do so, as well as to defend the society you represent from internal and external threats. This will require great sacrifice, but is crucial to humanity's progression towards transhumanism and, ultimately, true peace.
The third step, should you wish to take it, is to surrender your body as an instrument of the Union. This will require more trust than strength or discipline, but will allow you to truly, physically transcend your simple, animalistic roots and become that which humans have always tried to become. This is truly a privelage the metaphysical ramifications of which we have never been confronted with before as a species.
etc. etc.
Thoughts?
So what would this bizarre ideology entail? Obviously that is up for debate, but I'll provide one possibility. The following is a paraphrased example of what I think should be printed in the Zen of the Union.
The Universal Union is, in a way, divine. They offer us the next step beyond what we are; a step beyond barbarism, greed and our constant internal conflicts. This is offered to us in steps which we must ascend, some faster than others, to become transhuman, one way or another.
The first step is to surrender your sense of self and become one with those around you, doing your best to be just the same as your neighbors so that you will not envy him nor him you. We won't lie; life will not be easy for someone who has not yet adjusted. It may feel cold, uncomfortable and impersonal. But all of this is helpful in order to give up your selfish struggle to better yourself, which only clouds your judgement and makes you unstable and animalistic. In giving up your constant struggle to distinguish and better yourself, you will find that you are at peace not only with those around you but with yourself. Accept that you are not better than most, but nor are you worse. You are simply a piece of the puzzle, but a very necessary piece. You have no reason to feel inferior, and no drive to feel superior. You must serve your very crucial purpose, and nothing more. And you must find peace in that. That is the first step to transhumanism, and the only step which will be required of you.
The second step, should you wish to take it, is to surrender your morality as well as your neglection to take initiative. You must find the strength to overcome the antiquated instincts which hold you back, so that you may ensure that others take the steps you've taken, as well as to prevent those who haven't from both physically and mentally harming those who have. This step asks you, if you can, to become one of the white blood cells of the body that makes up our society. It will require immense strength in order to create an environment of impersonality and ultimately help those who are not yet ready to let go of their former trappings to do so, as well as to defend the society you represent from internal and external threats. This will require great sacrifice, but is crucial to humanity's progression towards transhumanism and, ultimately, true peace.
The third step, should you wish to take it, is to surrender your body as an instrument of the Union. This will require more trust than strength or discipline, but will allow you to truly, physically transcend your simple, animalistic roots and become that which humans have always tried to become. This is truly a privelage the metaphysical ramifications of which we have never been confronted with before as a species.
etc. etc.
Thoughts?
