“No human being is without religion,” the philosopher Martin Heidegger once remarked in a conversation with a Buddhist monk. This profound statement carries a deeper meaning than what first meets the eye—what Heidegger really meant was that no human being is without metaphysics. And in this, he was absolutely right.
Even the most ardent atheist or steadfast materialist, despite their protests to the contrary, holds metaphysical beliefs just as deep and fundamental as those of any religious person. These beliefs might wear different clothes, but their essential nature remains the same. But what exactly is metaphysics, and why should you care about it in your daily life?
Imagine you’re sitting at your desk, reading these words. The desk appears solid, real, undeniably there. But what is it, really? We might say it’s made of wood, but what is wood made of? Molecules. And molecules? Atoms. And atoms? Subatomic particles. And those? This chain of questions, this diving deeper and deeper into the nature of reality, is the essence of metaphysical inquiry.
Metaphysics seeks to understand what lies beneath appearances, what things truly are at their most fundamental level. It’s the search for the bedrock of reality, the point beyond which we cannot dig any further. And here’s where it gets interesting: wherever you choose to stop digging—be it at atoms, energy fields, consciousness, or God—that final answer is inherently metaphysical. This is what Heidegger meant. We all make this choice, whether we’re conscious of it or not.
But why does this matter in your everyday life? Because your metaphysical beliefs—your deep-seated convictions about what the world fundamentally is—shape everything about how you experience and interact with reality. They color your thoughts, influence your emotions, and guide your behaviors in ways you might never have realized.
Think about it: Do you see yourself as an isolated entity, separate from everything and everyone else? Or do you feel deeply connected to the world around you, perhaps through some divine or cosmic force? These aren’t just abstract philosophical positions—they’re lived experiences that profoundly impact how you move through life.
If you feel lonely, anxious, or depressed, it might be worth examining your metaphysical assumptions. In my experience, both personal and observed, negative emotional states often correlate with certain metaphysical viewpoints, particularly those emphasizing separation and isolation over unity and connection. A true mystic, for instance, rarely experiences loneliness because their metaphysical understanding—developed through meditation and various spiritual practices—reveals the fundamental interconnectedness of all things.
However, it’s crucial to understand that changing your metaphysical outlook isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. You don’t just think your metaphysics—you feel it in your bones. It’s woven into the fabric of your daily experience. When you feel lonely, it’s not just an emotion; it’s a manifestation of a metaphysical worldview that emphasizes the separation between things rather than their unity.
This is why genuine metaphysical transformation requires more than intellectual understanding. It demands practice, patience, and often a fundamental shift in how we experience reality. In future articles, I’ll explore what I believe constitutes a wise (and true) metaphysical framework. But for now, I invite you to engage in some honest self-reflection:
What are your metaphysical beliefs? What do you think lies at the foundation of reality? How do these beliefs make you feel? And most importantly, have you chosen them wisely?
Remember, while we can’t avoid having metaphysical beliefs, we can become conscious of them and gradually work to align them with perspectives that promote wellbeing and understanding. Your metaphysics shapes your world—make sure it’s shaping it in a way that serves your highest good.
Take a moment today to pause and consider: What is your metaphysics? How does it make you feel? And are you ready to explore deeper?