Transcendence Mode

At some point, our models of ourselves become so robust, so stable, so predictable that our “selves” are no longer particularly interesting topics of conversation.

We previously noted that the brain only focuses on what’s new — what’s surprising — what information requires an update to the model.

Once we’ve invested enough time understanding who we are, we are rarely surprised by ourselves.

When our brains no longer have to “attend” to our selves, questions of identity fade into the background of our mental landscape.

At this point, the rest of the world comes to the foreground, and our attention turns towards using our strengths to support and nourish those around us.

This is what many call “transcendence” – transcending the individual self to become a productive part of a greater whole.