“. . . [T]he true reality is that which is hidden; otherwise, there would be no need of the prophet, the philosopher, the poet and the artist.”
— Śrī Aurobindo
While investigating the kidnapping of a racehorse named Silver Blaze, Inspector Lestrade asks Sherlock Holmes if there is something they should pay attention to.
“The curious case of the barking dog,” Holmes said.
“The dog didn’t bark,” said Lestrade.
“That’s what’s curious,” Holmes replied.
Noticing what was hidden helped Sherlock figure out the reality that this was an inside job.
Watch the news or scroll through social media and you’ll get the impression that the world is more dangerous than ever. But what’s not visible is that we’ve never lived in a safer period.
The most conspicuous trait in humans is the pursuit of pleasure, yet it’s the pursuit of hidden knowledge that frees us from misery. It’s common to crave recognition for our work, but it’s only nishkāma karma (working without the desire for a reward) that makes us happy. We may be okay with spending our days like zombies, always doing what we’re told, but “the Self who is consciousness is alone real, nothing else,” Ramana Maharshi says.
That’s why Sri Aurobindo emphasizes the importance of the prophet, the philosopher, the poet, and the artist: they give us a glimpse of what we miss that can make us better versions of ourselves.
Study philosophy, art, and yourself to become conscious about what’s missing. When you’re thoroughly convinced about a belief, ask yourself: “What kind of information can make me change my mind?” During the day, keep asking yourself: “What should I be doing that I’m not doing?” Change your perspective and you’ll change your life.