Transcendence

As a materialist (philosophy of mind), I suspect that something similar to what we might call ‘transcendence’ may be possible, but not in a dualist sense of becoming in touch with a supernatural or universal mind or collective unconscious as Jung expressed it. —-Instead, something similar to ‘transcendence’ may occur in that the human brain, over millions of years, may have evolved such that some people find deep satisfaction and fulfillment from working and sacrificing for that which he or she is not likely to be alive to enjoy.

I wonder about the idea among some vegans that we should value nonhuman life–all else being equal—-on par with human life. But it’s tricky. On one hand, there is no objective basis for valuing human life more than nonhuman life. Yet, on the other hand, that bias might be sort of hardwired into our brains, and thereby very difficult, if not impossible to think outside of.

The Deep Ecology approach of trying to set ecological priorities beyond human self-interest might have some things in common with theological attempts to “die to yourself” or otherwise transcend our subjectivity. That sort of transcendence might not be possible no matter how much we pray, fast, flagellate ourselves, abstain from sensual comfort and pleasure, and so on.