Nihilistic lion here. THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEOS! Man. I thought I was just stupid for feeling like I should just die despite not feeling suicidal at all. I can't talk to anyone about it because I'm already a weird person and they will just think I'm suicidal and institutionalize me. OMG! I'M SANE GODDAMN IT! I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT! This video, damn, that was a good final confirmation. It has not been easy. I'm getting pressure from every direction to be a camel again. I was almost physically forced into getting a hair cut even, because it's not business enough. My hair is glorious tho! Stupid society! I already know what my purpose is though, I've known it since Camel. It's to help people and provide them a new perspective on their own lives through the creation of the perfect art work and mini-therapy sessions. My words speak to their logic, and my art speak directly to their soul in a two pronged attack of self improvement and discovery, MEOW! :3 Thanks for the video. I'm ENTP 4w3 btw if anyone is curious.
YES is what I'm going through lol 🤦♀️🤦♀️ thank you guys !!!! damnnn same i got the pressure from everyone thing going on uggghh lol and the hair cut thing too haha damnit this is so reassuring to see others going through this because I felt completely alone.
I entered the Lion stage when I went to college to do a degree that my parents liked and realized that I am a camel who was never really true to myself or anyone else I've ever come across because all I ever believed was whatever my parents said and that realization was so painful and liberating at the time. Now I'm in the Lion stage and I am growling and roaring almost everyday, fighting for my space, identity, respect from everyone around me who try to put me in a box. Also now that I've graduated with a degree I didn't want, I no more know what do with my life or what I want. All I know now, with little certainty, are things that I don't want to be or become, which is what is helping me decide what I want to do with my life right now. Even then I slip into to this nihilist depression often and end up doing nothing. These days I don't even day dream (which I used to do a lot before) because nothing excites me anymore. All my beliefs are changed now, from the idea of love that I used to believe until I went to college, to the idea of me and who I am, are all changed and new and I'm still working on verifying and accepting these new change of beliefs. Once in a while my Camel phase pops up in a blink of an eye and brings me to my knees because there are a lot of unfinished business and unhealed trauma from that phase that I want to fix and I know it's gonna take years but I want to do it the right way so I can become Child again. Lately to endure the emptyness in my Lion stage I've just been focusing on me, my health, my happiness and my desires. I've been continuously taking an effort to be a mindfully selfish to get past this stage. I really appreciate this types of video because they always, always remind me I am not alone and there is something new to look forward at the end of this tiny journey. And yes, please make the video you were mentioning at the end. I'd love to hear more ideas that can expand my knowledge and boundaries. Love ❤️
This was so interesting. I feel like there is so much more beneath what you are saying, but it is difficult to share certain things in this day and age. Free speech still exists but it has dire consequences and if the opinion differs from certain "acceptable" ones, the backlash will be swift and harsh. It is frustrating. As an INFJ, I could also see how difficult it could be to go your own way and do what is best for you, when you are used to trying to make sure everyone else is happy and ok. It took me some time to get to that point and to learn to say "no," though it still causes me a lot of stress to upset others - even though the circumstances mean so little in the scope of life. For me, my upbringing was dysfunctional. My parents didn't teach or inspire, so I learned about right and wrong from personal experience. I ended up taking care of myself from a young age. They lived with me, but did not instill values, unless through some weird reverse psychology. :) I think due to this, I have always done things my own way. I have never believed in doing what is expected by society and as a result, have done a lot of things in the "wrong" order. I am happy with it though. I really appreciate you sharing your research with us on here. I want to look more into Nietzche and the 3 stages. Last thing, much of what you said also reminds me of my teen son - who is an INTJ and strongly against many of the things you mentioned in regard to society and tradition. When he was very young, he learned the truth about Santa and he was extremely upset that I would have lied to him, for the sake of a tradition. It really opened up my eyes. It sounds so silly but it made a huge impact on him, his views and trust in the system. I've lived in different countries and appreciate cultures and traditions but it is also important to question things and why they are done certain ways. Thank you again for sharing your insights into this. - Holly
Life & DIY Thats interesting about your son - remember being quite upset when I found out Santa was real as well. I definitely felt lied to and it was something I vowed to never to lie to my children about. But with regards to your comment about facing backlash, I know what you mean. I think the secret is to pick your battles. But also hanging out with smart people helps so you can talk freely without people taking your words out of context.
@@ClayArnall Thanks for the reply! That is interesting that you too were so upset about the Santa lie. He was really hurt by me lying about it and he took it really seriously. He also took it upon himself (and he was super young) to inform his cousin about the truth. I thought my brother was going to be so upset and he and his wife probably were. But, he felt the need to explain to her about Santa and she kept arguing back that she knows that is how he feels, but she believes her parents. It was a weird situation! About the other stuff - you are correct about picking your battles and about picking some good friends. But that is easier said than done. I've had a few really close ones in my life and I really appreciate them. But, sometimes things get complicated. I have been quite a loner but it's weird because I'm also really social and have been super social in my past - with the right people, I am. Now I wouldn't want to waste any time with someone unless it was worth it. I keep thinking about something you mentioned in some of your other videos I watched yesterday - about trying to communicate and the bird and the fish. That's how it's been for me with my family members. Your content has been enlightening - so thank you. :)
What's right for other people isn't necessarily what's right for you. Everybody is different and that's a good thing. Your videos are helping people and I'm one of those people. I appreciate you.
Ive been stuck in the nihilistic stage for 4 years. I just turned 30 and i feel like the past few years have been me struggling with not having hit milestones that society says I should have finished by now and just contemplating the purpose of life in general. I spend more time in existential crisis mode than i do in any other mode. Everything seems purposeless, i find myself asking "what is life?", "Is this all there is?" On a regular basis. Its difficult to motivate myself and I feel like something in me has died off as dramatic as that sounds...
never thought the stage of my life journey would have a name but yes i have gone a full 360. Being in the child stage i feel like a camilion i blend in with everybody. going 360 means i have experienced, embodied, and tasted the very things i used to hate and then come back full circle. it was mostly about me shedding off the perception of what i think i am and just be. (also i agreed many people never make it out of the kamel stage, majority older generations) great video 😁
I've been going through this nihilistic lion stage for a while now and it's really hard to understand if i came to this point because of my arrogance or because of my constant self-flagellation as an unhealthy INFJ. I've never considered suicide though, at least seriously, maybe because I'm sort of curious about things that may happen in the future. Maybe it's a glimpse of hope that someday I'll be able to see the world as a child can see it. To reach Nirvana. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Clay. I'm so glad to have found your channel.
This video put me in such a great mood because this is exactly the situation i'm in. I recently defended my right to focus on my self intensely with the help of CS.Joseph and then I got a stroong reaction from my extended family telling me to stop brooding, youtube surfing and 'feeling depressed'. I find it necessary for me to know what I want and what to do but all they see is the forlorn side 😂 I want to be a paediatric therapist. I'm so glad we have you on youtube. I love all the topics you choose to talk about. -INFJ
I’m 55, my mother passed this last year and my youngest child left the nest just months ago. My back is tired and (w/o knowing) transitioned into a Lion about 8 months. As a victim of a narcissistic cult from childhood through to my psychopath ex and having 2 kids with her. My 2 daughters have turned into narcissistic bullies. Fast forward. I have been preparing for my final battle with all the evil people in this life. Letting go of this and finding my self as my new authentic self. I can’t believe I found this video today.
I'm still fighting the dragon, Thanks for sharing this. The philosophy of being like a child shifted an entire perspective. Looking forward to your next video 👍👍👍👍👍
Great video! I was in the camel stage until I was 21. Up to that point I had moved to another country to go to school and get a degree like my parents and everyone else expected me to do. I was working two jobs just to keep my life afloat so that I could finish my studies and get a real job. But the problem is I didn't have a specific purpose in studying. I always appreciated art and wanted to somehow make a career out of it but I didn't know how. I just thought that by studying and getting my degree I would find my way. Until one day I felt sick and tired of my life. I felt that I was overworking my self for no particular reason and was pushing myself too hard to study when in reality I couldn't really find my way through it. I felt burnt out and completely lost. That was when my lion stage started. I suddenly felt like I was enlightened, seeing beyond the narrow thinking I was brought up in and it was clear to me that I had to set up my own path to become an artist. But that was the most challenging part of my life so far. I quit my jobs and dropped out of school. I went through some serious suffering due to being lost, being erotically dissapointed, struggling financially and also having to face everyone who thought I was becoming a disappointment. I started experimenting with drugs and preferred my solitude over socializing. Consequently I went through a dark and lonely stage. At that point I was diagnosed with cancer and again went through physically and mentally hard times. I moved back to my hometown where I started to rethink and replan my life goals. I started to see the road I want to follow. However, I had difficulty letting my artistic side flow and create due to my confusion and anxiety from being a lion. As a result, I started to feel like I was now too old and that I threw my chance away when I was young and more open towards new experiences and challenges. I felt stuck. Now I'm 25 and I have been studying a lot of philosophy, especially Nietzsche. When I read about the 3 stages I suddenly felt that I wasn't at the end point but that I'm just struggling to get through the lion stage. I recently feel like I'm getting closer to the third metamorphosis, but who knows! All I can do is keep moving forward, inspired by art and philosophy!
Based upon the stages outlined by Nietzsche I would say I am just finding my ground as a Lion. about 3 yrs ago I was a "camel" and hit my breaking point. Too much stress and trying to balance too many loads that weren't for me. Went heavy into a nihilist stage and was very angry and didn't care about much for 2 years. I have to tell you It was a great feeling when I started realizing my own strength and the value of doing something I believed in. I was a "christian" for years but doubted every part of it.. It never fit well with my soul and it felt like walking through deep snow all the time. So tiring. I digress.. Lots to resonate with in this video and its cool looking back at my own journey seeing what Nietzsche has described. Thanks Clay. Cheers
I’m probably at the end of lion. My camel to lion transition was such a quick one to my surprise when I moved to a different country. Now, I am interested in trying out new stuff and just for the sake of it instead of any utilitarian motives. I actually enjoy failing and learning. But I’m still at the end of lion because once in a while, I feel the pressure to conform to the society’s/culture’s “norm” and I struggle inside. I think I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. But I know now that it’s better to get out of the way and let them fight their own battles.
I might not know you personally but you are what I need in my life as I have no one that talks about things like this. If its talked about its by me while everyone starts snoring. So thanks for giving me some great human conversation if you know what i mean
I was just reading Thus Spoke Zarathustra the other day, and I thought i needed more insight on this analogy. Who else should come forth and make a video on this, but the most Thoughtful and Insightful person in the internet?! Thank you so much for this, Love From India! 🇮🇳🙏🙏
Hey Clay! Been watching your videos for since two or three months ago and I truly (as an INFJ myself) resonate with them! Now, before I start watching this video, let me tell you that I already love where this is going! Not that I'm deeply into philosophy, but this means you really like helping people think! Nowadays, people are very reactive when they, like you, should revolutionize! Kudos, man! Great job on the way you're doing things! Will be back when I finish this one! 🤜🤛
Ok. I'm back. I was aware of these three stages. I learned them maybe two weeks ago. Just didn't know about the dragon meaning the society! I'm in the Niilistic stage and sorting things out in order to be able to do stuff in my own way. My "no more mr. nice guy" stage happened a year ago. The Lion claws started coming out! Like "I'm done". Moving on! Clay! See you in the next video! Cheers from Portugal! 🥂 🇵🇹
Thank you for sharing this and for creating a space for people like me who share a similar perspective on our existence. Watching this was like being shown a summarized timeline of my journey so far. I believe I’m currently in a transitional space between the lion and child phase (I still struggle with resistance in some areas of my life). While I’m not yet fully out of the lion phase, being in this space has been incredibly liberating and it’s a wonderful feeling to experience life this way. I hope that many others will be courageous enough to embark on the path of knowing their self as our world continues to shift. Thanks again and I send you love and light. Those words have been minimized and balked at in our culture, but they are sincere and from my heart.
i dont know how to explain how much this helps.. what threw me off is losing so many things, so to put it quickly thought I was sort of discouraged.. now listening to this, I'm definitely at the same point you're at which is somewhere towards the end of the lion. I think I've been stuck in this stage for a while. people pleasing is so exhausting and they're never really happy or, in my case, they abandon you.. so anyway ..sort of been watching these videos and each one seems to explain thoroughly many different things ive been going through for some time. ive always questioned things that don't make sense or its very difficult to do things that don't make sense to me, unless I was in people pleaser mode at the time. it does seem like so confusing and i think you made a great point and was great advice to think about things that lift your soul, because i feel like I've been stuck in limbo. thank you for your help.
I personally think I am starting to transition from the camel to the lion. I am starting to become more self aware of myself and my wants and needs. So I am trying to fight for a space where I can be myself and grow. Great video!
Im a child now. Still, im practising confidence in my Ni. And setting boundaries... I feel dat im a child, still its an early stage.. Been thru that camel, lion.. And sometimes self doubt still happen.. But i will just remind myself, in order to feel connected to myself, as in comfortable as in my authentic self, i hv been tru a lot.. So, be me. I keep watching all your videos and im quiet amaze in a sense that theres someone out there that has lots of commonalities as in "issues"... 🤔. I just, thank God ❤️
I just found out, that one od my favourite teachers recently died. I couldnt stop to think about it and there was nothing to distract me... except for your video... thank you
I totally do the same. I am just 23 and sometimes catch myself thinking it's too late (sounds silly now that I type it). But you've made me realize how quickly I moved through stages though. I believe I am starting to get out of that nihilist lion stage, slowly. I would love to hear what you have to say about Simone De Beauvoir! I've been so harsh on myself in terms of my personal growth, especially after fighting that dragon so hard and making some really tough decisions, but in the end maybe it was all for a good reason. Maybe I'll reach the child stage if I keep trying.... I never heard of these 3 stages before, but kinda had my own idea of them, and was recently trying to figure out the last one. I was stuck. Never thought out of the box enough to realize it would be a child! I'll research more on the topic Thank you for this video!
Few thoughts: Finishing pharmacy residency in a week, and I feel like my life is over with this world crisis...and I am still in my 20s..almost 30. Probably in the Lion phase. I question pretty much everything, but I am so tired of finding absurdities that I don't even bother anymore. I guess advice would be not to stress about it too much, but to catch yourself in moments where you find excitement and inspiration and keep a note of them. Instead of living life constantly trying to find the scales, enjoy the moments you are currently in. I can tell at least that you enjoy being a father. Finally, it's so funny how every INFJ I know loves Nietzsche. He was prolly an INFJ himself.
I'm the Lion. Having small glimpses of the child. Existential crisis for so many years has left me beyond exhausted. Super interesting video! Refreshing to hear from other INFJs, especially rare to witness a male INFJ! Thank you!
This is so good! I'm always worried that if I allow myself to leave the lion phase that I've been in for a while, then I will stop caring about the pain and suffering of others, if that makes sense. I feel like if I become too care-free, then I will just become selfish and oblivious to the problems and injustices in the world that really do need our attention. It's such a tricky balance for me to figure out, but I do feel like I need to move through to the child phase somehow, while still trying to make a positive difference where I can. Not quite sure where my sweet spot is just yet, but I'm hoping to get there in time. Thanks for the insights!
I needed this, thank you! I'm not 100% certain but every since I picked up boxing, I feel like my life has meaning again and oh my gosh is the bit about the nihilism phase so true.
Yes pls do a video on her and also can u maybe go deeper in this topic? Like talk about your own experience and what you found was difficult in your journey?
I feel like I was always a child. Before I was more of a fearful child, now I am much less fearful. I never cared much about norms of society, I only cared about it for practical purposes. I always looked for exciting experiences and always do something about it to experience it.
Great vid! My favorite part was 0:00 - 26:40.. You captivated me all the way through. I was able to recognize myself as the camel, the people-pleaser, the nice guy, within the past year or so. Thank god i was able to recognize it. I know all too well the plight of one who is labeled as such. I think recognizing this can be the catalyst for moving on to the next stage. I am in the lion stage now, fighting the dragon. I long to become the child, and think that it is not too far away, if i can take the proper initiative, but, the dragon is quite powerful. However, through wisdom and action I know I can defeat it. "What makes one heroic? - Going out to meet at the same time one's highest suffering and one's highest hope." - Nietzshe
hi I am an INFJ here, I think this video is interesting, it kind of makes me think about the life of a budha, he drop out of society and its conventions and did what he thought was the best for him and his soul, he went through the spiritual path which was what he considered the most important thing to him and focused on that during his whole life, he may have gone through all these phases that Nietzsche describes pretty fast. Anyway, thank you for your video and I would definitely love to hear your thoughts on Simone‘s ideas
Thanks for this great video! I'm currently stuck somewhere between camel and lion. Right now I am studying at university, but I really dislike what I am studying and it is quite exhausting. My parents in some way pushed me into this (I had a repressive education at home, not really beneficial for an INFJ and which turned me into a nice guy) and I agreed, because it seemed the only right choice to me. When I started I saw it like my duty to do what they wanted me to do, but now as time has passed I become aware that it was not my personal choice, I don't want to do that, I'm tired of beeing a slave of others and can't bear the stress and exhaustion anymore. But unfortunately I have no clue how to get out of this situation...both leaving and going forward seem to be disastrous choices...
You are in a difficult situation and it sounds stressful. But, at the same time - life is way too short. I hope you can find a way to do what is right for you. It is your life!
You should listen to yourself and forget what other people want for you. It's the only way forward in my opinion. The other thing is a lot of situations are unhappy but stable. It's a hard place to be in because if you leave the stability behind, you end up with no stability and you're still unhappy! So it gets worse for a bit, but as you rebuild your stability in a new situation , then hopefully you can end up in a stable and happy situation.
This has always resonated with me but only recently have I experienced it and difficult, life shattering yes but brilliant and amazing !!! I think you have to go through the deep depression and soul searching purposefully and then be okay with the darkness and your shadow self , not fight it to reach the light of what it is , it is like going back to when you were a child , where you do what pleases you , not because you think you should but because you love it and are truly passionate about it before society and culture and influence you ... going back to your true self and loving life ... I think a lot of depression exists because we move through life not living our true north . We know this subconsciously and it comes out in so many ways , our true self is always fighting to be known and we just push it down and then we wonder why do we suffer in so many ways .
I really appreciate your insight. It is so true, I see the camel stage as a comfort zone which we do mindlessly, then questioning these ideals or why we are doing things means you enter the lion phase. The lion stage can be a lonely place, losing friends and sometimes family because they do not understand why you cannot just do as you should, or what is expected of you. I have been asked, ‘why can’t you do life without questioning it? ‘ well why should I? I sometimes wished I could remain in the camel stage. Now I am at a point where I intend to have some level of fulfilling aspects of life, dare I say, to feel content. The few people I still have in my life I am grateful for, the ones who I have lost only liked me when I was a camel. Thank you for your video, you seem to make my thoughts make sense 😌
Thanks for your videos and information, I was being a camel and I carried to much and had a nervous breakdown almost 4 years ago. Now I'm doing much better, I started seeing things much differently and society, family didn't like it I became a lion. I know my purposes and I'm very excited because being a child is wonderful. I'm set free and pushing toward my purposes. I love learning and experience things as a child. 41 years old
Around the same transitional phase as you are: getting out of the lion (hopefully) onto the more freeing child-like. While you were going down the philosophy route, I went into the psychology route. Knowing that I’m an INFJ was my last light bulb moment; but it didn’t explain to me the “whys” of my behavior & personal choices such as being a people pleaser or not truly knowing what I wanted to pursue to bring me personal joy. Have any of you ever heard of parenting attunement &/or attachment styles based on childhood imprinting? This was my next light bulb moment so to speak after MBTI. For anyone who resonates, I highly recommend you looking into it for therapeutic reasons. Gist: At ages 2-4, some of us did not get enough attunement from parents at a time where we don’t have a sense of who we are yet. e.g. Parent could non verbally gesture -/+ emotion validations or say, “Hmm, it looks like you’re sad right now b/c you’re not playing with your favorite toys, are you?” Or “I can tell that you’re having a great time, look at that big smile on your face!” Children need these types of validations for emotional self-awareness. The child can then take these inputs & have space to explore those feelings to reflect - therefore, having a better metacognition of self. For whatever reasons, children who were not able to receive or had enough of this to discover their own feelings to know innately build the awareness of their needs, as adults, they have a difficult time in knowing if their deep emotional needs (not wants) are being met & will usually rely on others’ insights & feelings to falsely validate what they perceive they “should” feel. Many of us go along, like the camel, believing we should be “good people” by society’s measures (dragon’s scales) rather than just firmly know & accept/reject ideas based on one’s own judgement (lion). This can happen to many high functioning individuals who seemingly have what appears to be normal relationships; yet internally, w/o enough attunement or awareness of their attachment style, they can be depressed or feel “off” in this world from others who might not care probably about any of this. Lack of differentiation may cause many of us to become people pleasers in a way & not feel truly fulfilled in our own journey to happiness until later on in life (e.g. me, now at 38 having that second bulb light up, lol). I’d like to believe that some of us, as we continue to self-assess & seek growth, we’ll get passed the nihilistic onto the healthier lion spectrum & then come to some type of gentle, stable breakthrough in our pursuit, whatever we may call it. Hope this helps anyone who is in the self-seeking journey as well. Side note: it could be the video blur or the close up angle; but this watch actually felt like a one-on-one coffee chat w/you, Clay. 🤓Thanks for another lovely insight. It was a much needed break from all the quarantine connection restrictions. :)
I also had that “light-bulb moment” when I discovered MBTI and also second moment when I learned about emotionally neglected childhood symptoms. What a similarity in these discoveries. I’ve learned that not everything is my fault but an outcome of many different factors. This really helped with organizing my thoughts. And I can choose the way I react to it.
ow man never heard of something like this THANK YOU SO MUCH IT HELPED ME SO MUCH... also your beautiful dictionary, comparisons, and examples... wow master... really thank you
This video was so enlightening! Thank you for sharing! Especially to know that the second stage shouldn't be the end destination makes me more certain about a bright future. I'm a lion since some time now and start to see the light at the end of the tunnel, which I'm working towards to.
I really enjoyed this video, Clay. Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts with all of us. I can relate to being the Lion at this point in my life, and the nihilism you discussed is very much present in my daily life, so much so that, at times, I'm tempted to revert back to the Camel again because at least I knew what direction I should take next. Right now the Lion phase seems like Chaos, which I've found very challenging to navigate (obviously). The good news for me is to know there's another phase after this one - Child. Now I have something to aim at again. :)
It’s hard to lose relationships - I’ve lost a ton over the last couple years as well. I always say though if people don’t have your back through the hard times, they probably were never a real friend in the first place.
I am 30 and in the child stage (borderline lion may be..but the child in me dominates the lion😊) ..had done being camel by the time I was 20-22 may be..and then done being lion by 28...and everything you said I felt so deeply.. thank you so much for making this video.
Awesome video! thank you, please would really appreciate more insight on this topics. To be honest I am a broken camel this week. Or to be honest for a longer period I am willing to admit however I broke my back today. Your video made everything clear and I am determined to becoming a lion again. Was one a few years ago probably slipped into the phases and ended up back to the camel phase. Suffering from INFJ depression doesn’t make life easy. Overthinking this question to the extent of over kill “what’s my life’s purpose” just became less of a burden since I listened to your message Again thank you for the difference you make
Love The Videos Ur Insights Ur Shared Information U Have Done Through Ur Research Helping Us Heal Thorough Break Down In Helping Us Understand & The Referencing Of Other Authors & Even Categories What They R About & Years They Lived Helps Categorize Analytically If That Makes Sense Ur Capability & The Way U Share Things Is A Genuine Gift Thank U😁Obviously I Could Use Use Help With Grammar Was Not My Strong Suit😂Eh Whatever😂Anyways I Guess I Might Be In The Lion Stage ReEvaluating Life Etc
This is very interesting topic. I am 40 now, I haven't read Nietzsche yet, but I was thinking a lot about 'how do I recover my own inner inquisitive and playful child'. I thought this part of me (enjoying discovering new things) was wiped out by my last dysfunctional long-term relationship, but it might be true this is just a next stage that would happen even in good relationship.
What i leave behind is “I tried. I tried almost every day”. Stay determined. Keep hope even if it may be all you ever have. Make a commitment and understand you must work at it and maybe not succeed very well but its better than not trying at all. Im ok with my main commitment. It actually chamged my lifestyle so much and certainly involves a certain but huge loss of freedom. I carve out other freedoms within those constraints. I do art and i do certainly move around in there a whole lot. Its work people. Applying yourself to a thing is a certain hard work that has rewards but keep some expectations at the door. Accept what evolves or not and keep trying. The pleasure is in the trying. Thats my 2 cents here. Hah. I was born with 4 lions ( i know…not same ones} in one house in astrology and a chart with a lot of work required and the need for “ that free will” to be recognized in order to be ok and not just drift aimlessly. Nihilism is a denial of opportunities to grow with in thus without. It is depression! I take a pill. It works. Do what it takes to reject nihilism. Its work. Shine your light even when you know nobody is watching or caring much. They only working on themselves too.
Very interesting.... Yes, bring us more! Simone Duvalier, not familiar with her. Funny you mentioned 30 age. In my 20's I thought my life would be over by age 30... I think I'm a little of all 3 now if that's possible. Thanks again for your content.
Love your videos! I was wandering can't you be at different stages at the same time on different themes. As life passes each time another door opens on a different theme from which you didn't know there was a key. It's like a big puzzle that slowly starts to make sense, or becomes a big mess when you discover something new.
I am 21 years old, INFJ and somewhere in the nihilist lion stage filtering out what isn't right for my highest self. I've recently cut off some toxic people from my life and it taught me the importance of placing stronger boundaries to protect my energy. I am discovering new things about my child myself and all the ways in which I've been programmed like a puppet. I've fallen down the rabbit hole of researching attachment theory, Myers Briggs personality types, enneagram types, numerology, astrology, Taoism, existentialism, the law of attraction/manifestation, Hinduism, meditation, reiki, Paganism and Wicca. It's been a lonely and exhausting journey, I used to be surrounded by camels stuck in the mud. They don't understand me for who I am anymore, and they can't comprehend the systematic resistances I'm going through. As an INFJ I've always felt like an outsider or a lone wolf but still concerned with others perceptions me because that's how I was brought up. Since going through this awakening I don't care what other people think anymore. I'm slowly leaving behind all the camels in my life so it can make room for people who can accept me as I am. This process of shedding has given me the power to put on 2 pairs of glasses: one being my "nihilistic glasses" to view the world for what it is, essentially nothing, so nothing matters. I ultimately went through a depression period with suicidal thoughts, the reality I had once known was torn apart and I honestly felt truly alone. Jean-Paul Satre said "existence precedes essence" which means we exist first, then we add meaning to it. What brought me out of it was utilising this view of detachment from everything, I can ground myself knowing that whatever comes after nothing I can create myself, so I chose joy. Then I put on my "child glasses" to view the world in the present moment, finding joy within myself and everything I do, making art, dancing and expressing myself freely. Filling my cup first creating an overflowing stream so I can give that same joy to others and to me that is the gift of life. Thank you for posting this video. It has given me more confirmation I am on the right path. I hope anyone who reads this has an amazing day and I wish you all the best on your journey.
Hi Clay, I think I was already in Child phase due to my experienced with a adopted narcissist mother, so I did all Lion things, no no no but still doing what she wanted me to do means I am back to Camel stage. Then I moved to totally different country which is great and accepting whomever I am. Then I started again as Camel because I became people pleaser, and now seems I already in the stage of great awakening from the beliefs system and started saying No No No again which is Lion stage. And Child stage is coming back now. Is this good to explain my stage being. Kudos to you then.
“If it’s too heavy, it’s because you picked it up.” Yup. You don’t see it happening until you’re knee deep. Yikes! Early mid life crisis anyone? I’m 33 at the Lion phase. It’s rough. Thank you so much for this! 😊 I remember asking my ex-husband turning friend “Will you grow old with me?” He turned to me and replied, “Will you grow young with me?” For an ISTP, he got me thinking... that was pretty deep 😆 But yeah, at 33 I basically feel retired and my life is over which I know is unreasonable. I’m where you are... the tail end of the lion (figuratively speaking of course).
Just being me. I love frolicking around, enjoying the moment, the sunshine, & the shade...the simplicity all my "needs" being met... of being adventurous childlike. People's opinions of me doesn't matter. doesn't make me change who I am. Enjoy your journey y'all 🐞
Please do that video fast I really wanna see it. Also in lion phase, kinda crazy how this shit essentially put a label on what I’ve been going through. We should make a group chat what do you think?
Very articulate and wonderful! Meditation helped me move to the further far end of the Lion phase and into the beginning of the Child stage. I believe its possible to be in a state of limbo between these two stages. Failure to launch is very real. And just like the Lion phase this pre-Camel phase involves absence of meaning. I believe you can be a Lion before being a Camel, but you still do require to be a Camel in order to pick up the important, truly valuable pieces of the Dragons "thou shall's". Otherwise youre not going anywhere. Cant reach enlightenment in a basement. Id love to hear your retelling and thoughts on Simone de Beauvoir's input on Nietzsche's ideas! Keep em coming!
De Beauvoir is great, if you like her, you probably like Sartre as well - if you have thoughts on him, I would be interested to know! :) Great Video Clay!!!
Holy shit..., that nihilistic view that you just shared...it explains where I am at so well. I have been searching for my "seed" for the last 6 years. I haven't found any answers for this because I haven't truly been that kid just doing things I enjoyed. Because my mind is like well I don't enjoy anything its all meaningless (although I know deep down it isn't) my mind almost overpowers that statement while my inner (viewer I like to say) knows its wrong. My mind on the other hand is totally a little kid and going wild. It's been an interesting journey for sure lol, But maybe like you said I need to just be a kid and play with new things until I find that spirit of being a kid again. To water that seed. Which if you think about it that's what people subconsciously love about a human being a kid. The open state of happiness in the mundane. But their self absorbed view on life I think is what INFJ's struggle with coming back into being a kid, our EFing is like hold up their Bucko your being a narcissist lol yet your really just saying your truth. Anyhow awesome video man thank you for sharing this:-). Love to you from Phoenix! PS- Would love to hear about her views as well and what she thinks might be wrong!
I feel like I’ve been through all of the stages and it’s kind of like come and goes in different sequences. Whatever you said is so make sense and resonate. I have been to the child stage which I was curious to everything and playful, everything seems like a fun game to me. My problem is when curve balls throw to my life it hit me hard and make me go back to the camel or lion stage.
I really enjoyed this concept... I think I’m in the early stage of lion in my mind but still living day to day as a camel. I find myself regularly slipping into nihilistic thoughts about the world and my role in it and like you eluded to, I think it is tied in with my depression. It is quite exhausting to live in that frame of mind and I find that it isn’t conducive to my overall well-being. I hope that I can find a way to exist in the world that brings me a sense of purpose and meaning.
As an INFJ, I have done the door slam to my toxic family and some friends (family who only likes camels). Now, I'm in the lion phase without any identity. I've also shed the religious beliefs that were taught to me as a kid. I'm not atheist but I do not think like the mainstream "Christians." I don't really fit anywhere as a single mom and am hoping to make it to the child phase by the time my daughter graduates high school. I love "conspiracy theory" and that's definitely not something you can share with others. I stay to myself more and more which is probably not healthy. This video was very helpful. I would have never thought about life in those terms.
Also an INFJ here and I did the same thing, ...left the family that only likes camels behind, fought the dragon as a single Mom, moved to a peaceful island and found myself in the nihilist stage for a few years. Now I'm in my 50's and enjoying that 'child' phase that has no limits. It's a good place to be. Luckily I didn't have to deal with religion... I really think that would have held me back a lot longer.
Our minds are not born as blank slates. Psychologists have debunked that theory, saying certain behaviors are already hard-wired into our genes by the time we're born. There is a research paper by Eric Turkheimer saying that all human behavioral traits are heritable. The psychological basis for Nietzsche's philosophy may be a little off, but the philosophy itself is still interesting. Thanks for making this video! I wouldn't have bothered to look into or have been able to understand Nietzsche on my own.
gumgum the blank slates comment was mainly referring to the expectations and burdens that are placed on our backs as we grow. I agree we are born with certain behaviours, but I think much of what Nietzsche is talking about here are arbitrary rules placed onto us by culture.
You are amazing, thanks for the videos ❣️ I was a good camel, then I was lion.. but I tried to find some sense in my own religion .. later I found out all religion are making the same sense that’s knowing self❣️ hopefully I will become child sometime❤️
I'm in phase Escanor... the Lion sin of Pride!! But seriously, I see the value of harvesting the inner child. It's difficult, but I"m still young and positive one day I will get there. :)
The eyes don’t lie... if your overcoming all that death from the past & if you do. Letting go is difficult yet it will always lead you forward. Do not look Back. Don’t get lost in the rabbit hole Clay. Stay in reality, not in limbo. Are you beautiful. Yes ?
Interesting as how well this describes my path... 1.1 - camel - going to school and following rules because I didn't know any better. 1.5 - transitioning to lion (late teens until finishing high school in 2014) - resisting social and peer pressure and irrational expectations that keep people stuck in mediocrity 2.0 - becoming lion (2014-2018) - complete cut-off of any social or peer pressure - I am my own self, you cannot touch me or make me do stuff because you want me to, I do what I want and don't give a damn about you and your society and if you try to enforce your rules I will fight 2.5 - transitioning to child (2018-2020) - instead of resisting and blocking social or peer pressure, I just made it irrelevant - I am on the path of pursuing my own interests regardless of others expectations, and whenever someone tries to push them onto me, I start to question them just like a child that doesn't even know the rules - I am just playing with this and that, and it's not even violating any of your rules, so just let me play my own game in here 2.0 - reverting back to lion (2020) - from massive growth in the child-like transition, I hit the meaning of life crisis and turned to nihilism 3.0 - becoming the child (2021) - after figuring out nihilism is not the answer, and that the 2.5 transitioning to child period (2018-2020) was much better than nihilism lion (2020), my ultimate goal is to stay within the child state as much as possible - I am just playing the game, not really bothered by anyone's expectations (the dragon). You want to live fully compliant to the dragon rules? Ok, good luck. You want to completely resist the dragon's rules? Ok, good luck. You want to choose which rules to follow and which not? Ok, good luck. You don't want to play the game anymore? Ok, good luck. I don't care what you want, do, have, or who you become. I am too busy playing in my own sandpit, so I don't have time to spend wondering about yours.
In your other video with the fish , turtle, and bird was so powerful, I'm a new fan of yours for life.Im a fish my mother is the turtle and my dad is a bald Eagle!!! He can not talk about feelings at all.. and we don't even question anything he says without him telling us to stfu and go into a rage. Im trying to fix our family and myself at the same time, my mother is one of the only sources of light and love I get (minus granny and cousins) only have 2 close friends..i cant stand all the other fake people but I love them as people but they dont understand someone with so much DEPTH openly on display..its shameful that I can literally talk to someone about child abuse and rape like within 30 minutes of convo. People can't handle it unless they have been through it and can speak openly like I have. Which brings me to another point my uncle both of them that raped and molested me only got 6 years in prison I told my family what happened when I was 25 and now I'm 32 and one of them is already out of prison the other one is soon to be released and both of them have done this to multiple children, how can a government that wants me to trust them allow this to happen, predators don't learn anything in 6 years in prison besides getting mad and how to do what they do better they need more time and a different facility with psychiatrist in people working with them everyday for like 10 years minimum oh, I can't get back my virginity I can't get back my innocence ever oh, those men took one of the most sacred things in the universe and they get 6 years in prison, why there are black people and white people and all other races in jail for a marijuana charge that's 25 years! That does not make sense to me and I will never agree to it and I will argue anyone who dares to tell me that six years is justifiable! I'm sorry if I sounded angry I was crying a little while typing that I get emotional about it, but I am so excited to show this video to my family!
The metaphor of Plato's Cave explains exactly why we get stuck in the small ideas of our group or tribe. You are coming out of the disillusionment of the cave right now and standing in the sunlight at the mouth of the cave. It's a little disconcerting at first to leave the 'safety' of the cave, and leave your tribe behind as you step out into the unknown. People only step out of the cave when they are ready to search for a greater Truth.
The Ethics of Ambiguity by Simone De Beauvoir. She discusses Nietzsche and builds upon it. Both really resonated with me and sort of triggered recognition in me like it seems to have in you. Must be something to it :D
the king back :p please I want help from you I'm a beginner developer ... I'm don't know how to build my first app ... I'm completing a course but I'm still not capable to note code please can you advise me and what should I do I think this question is related to your contents and can help INFJ to develop their logic function
@@ClayArnall Ok I want to create software but I want your help on how to learn to program correctly and how to build my first app quickly ... I find that hard after my first course maybe you can understand me if you look at your start and how you struggle at the beginning I think because you are expert in that area so maybe you can give me useful advice
It’s a deep topic that I’m probably not going to go into due to limited time. But there’s so many good resources and courses in the internet these days. I would recommend getting specific about exactly what you want to do, and then search for courses or tutorials that teach you that exact thing
My mom says the same thing about church - that people go to be part of the clique, but they are awful people the moment they walk out the door. She's a Christian, but she doesn't go to church. She has her own ministry. She helps homeless people. She gives them food and clothes. They love her. I'm really proud of her. 🥰
I just turned 30 a few days ago and since I'm a woman, the last few years has just been society telling me to get married and get children. At the same time people say not to settle. I think the problem is with the 'dragon' that a lot of times societies expectations can be reaaaally messed up and kind of contradicting. 'You should get a family' but 'also work hard', like which one is it? I think that's why it feels like such a burden and why it is really a blessing when you reach the lion state and go like, why? Asking yourself 'why' is a good start I think, so that you get to know what you truly want in your heart. I had such a dramatic experience in my teenage years that I was probably forced into a place of questioning everything from an early age. Then you find your way back to your love for life, it is tricky it really is, but yeah I think I'm at the end of the lion stage too. Getting over my negative view of the world, very slowly.
I was in the Camel stage until college and then entered the Lion stage. It was right after college that I'm starting to enter the Baby stage and it's great! Everything excites me and I want to learn anything and everything. However, I do want to point out that society and even my parents are constantly make me doubt myself sometimes whenever I'm vulnerable. Just because you're in the Baby stage doesn't mean you're invulnerable to external/internal forces, just more resistant and you now know the right path. Although, I think more than society, I am having trouble with my parents because they have some societal standards that just don't make sense but because society says so they believe that that is the norm and anything that deviates from that is abnormal or "weird". I'm planning on communicating with my parents and letting them know my perspective and I hope they understand where I'm coming from.
I don’t think I have ever wanted to confine to the cultural norms just because everyone else was doing something or something was popular. None of that made sense to me. I questioned religion and didn’t get answers back that made sense to me at a young age. Part of me wished that I could be as happy and as content as most people were in their religion. However, after recently watching one of your videos about emotional intimacy where you mentioned men (women even) not being able to be 100% honest about how they felt or what they thought because they were told those feelings and thoughts were sinful made me realize they may not actually be completely happy or content and may just be putting up a front. I do think I sort of knew that but what you said really clicked and gave me a little bit of an ah ha moment. So, I do believe I am definitely in the stage of the lion. I know and have known what I want from life but have always struggled in figuring out how to get there and have always felt like the odd one out for not wanting the same path as everyone else.
I have struggles with people pleasing definitely still struggle with it. Within the last 6 years, since becoming a mom, I have really been reevaluating my friendships and relationships. It’s a long journey and I feel like I have come so far already but I have yet such a long way to go before I can become the child.
Cool video.😁I’ve went through the nihilistic lion stage many times and I’m near my 30s, lol. With certain aspects of my life I still tend to be a camel. But I fight myself about it because I know it leads me down the same old path of becoming a rug to be walked over. I’m a child at others where I follow my heart and what feels right, then yet again it’s impossible for me not to become controlling over times and be a lion. Don’t know if it’s even theoretically acceptable to have this fragmented approach to life from Nietzsche’s standpoint. It doesn’t feel fair to me to generalise all parts of my life.
OMG....how did I lived on earth for 42yrs and never know this. Your explanation is awesome, you help me to resolve my past issue and help to explain why I am trying to become more of an Arrogant Asshole, trying to set my boundaries so I'm not being Taken advantages of anymore. I thought I was being rude, now I know I was in my Lion Stage development.
"Become who you are. Do what only you can do. Be the master and the sculptor of yourself."
--Nietzsche
Humanistic bullshit.
That's easy:
1. When a you believe in Santa Claus.
2. When you don't believe in Santa Claus.
3. When you become Santa Claus.
hahaha i love this comment, and then if you become Santa, people don't believe in you!
But believing in Santa Claus and magic and love again is the child, or higher self, our ultimate goal. 😉
😂Too Cool
Nihilistic lion here. THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEOS! Man. I thought I was just stupid for feeling like I should just die despite not feeling suicidal at all. I can't talk to anyone about it because I'm already a weird person and they will just think I'm suicidal and institutionalize me.
OMG! I'M SANE GODDAMN IT! I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT! This video, damn, that was a good final confirmation.
It has not been easy. I'm getting pressure from every direction to be a camel again. I was almost physically forced into getting a hair cut even, because it's not business enough. My hair is glorious tho! Stupid society!
I already know what my purpose is though, I've known it since Camel. It's to help people and provide them a new perspective on their own lives through the creation of the perfect art work and mini-therapy sessions. My words speak to their logic, and my art speak directly to their soul in a two pronged attack of self improvement and discovery, MEOW! :3
Thanks for the video. I'm ENTP 4w3 btw if anyone is curious.
YES is what I'm going through lol 🤦♀️🤦♀️ thank you guys !!!! damnnn same i got the pressure from everyone thing going on uggghh lol and the hair cut thing too haha damnit this is so reassuring to see others going through this because I felt completely alone.
4 w3? What??? What he'll is that, a serial code??
I swear these personality types are the new crystals... or zodiac sign.... just endless... endless .....mythology
I entered the Lion stage when I went to college to do a degree that my parents liked and realized that I am a camel who was never really true to myself or anyone else I've ever come across because all I ever believed was whatever my parents said and that realization was so painful and liberating at the time.
Now I'm in the Lion stage and I am growling and roaring almost everyday, fighting for my space, identity, respect from everyone around me who try to put me in a box. Also now that I've graduated with a degree I didn't want, I no more know what do with my life or what I want. All I know now, with little certainty, are things that I don't want to be or become, which is what is helping me decide what I want to do with my life right now. Even then I slip into to this nihilist depression often and end up doing nothing. These days I don't even day dream (which I used to do a lot before) because nothing excites me anymore. All my beliefs are changed now, from the idea of love that I used to believe until I went to college, to the idea of me and who I am, are all changed and new and I'm still working on verifying and accepting these new change of beliefs.
Once in a while my Camel phase pops up in a blink of an eye and brings me to my knees because there are a lot of unfinished business and unhealed trauma from that phase that I want to fix and I know it's gonna take years but I want to do it the right way so I can become Child again.
Lately to endure the emptyness in my Lion stage I've just been focusing on me, my health, my happiness and my desires. I've been continuously taking an effort to be a mindfully selfish to get past this stage.
I really appreciate this types of video because they always, always remind me I am not alone and there is something new to look forward at the end of this tiny journey.
And yes, please make the video you were mentioning at the end. I'd love to hear more ideas that can expand my knowledge and boundaries.
Love ❤️
This was so interesting. I feel like there is so much more beneath what you are saying, but it is difficult to share certain things in this day and age. Free speech still exists but it has dire consequences and if the opinion differs from certain "acceptable" ones, the backlash will be swift and harsh. It is frustrating. As an INFJ, I could also see how difficult it could be to go your own way and do what is best for you, when you are used to trying to make sure everyone else is happy and ok. It took me some time to get to that point and to learn to say "no," though it still causes me a lot of stress to upset others - even though the circumstances mean so little in the scope of life. For me, my upbringing was dysfunctional. My parents didn't teach or inspire, so I learned about right and wrong from personal experience. I ended up taking care of myself from a young age. They lived with me, but did not instill values, unless through some weird reverse psychology. :) I think due to this, I have always done things my own way. I have never believed in doing what is expected by society and as a result, have done a lot of things in the "wrong" order. I am happy with it though. I really appreciate you sharing your research with us on here. I want to look more into Nietzche and the 3 stages. Last thing, much of what you said also reminds me of my teen son - who is an INTJ and strongly against many of the things you mentioned in regard to society and tradition. When he was very young, he learned the truth about Santa and he was extremely upset that I would have lied to him, for the sake of a tradition. It really opened up my eyes. It sounds so silly but it made a huge impact on him, his views and trust in the system. I've lived in different countries and appreciate cultures and traditions but it is also important to question things and why they are done certain ways. Thank you again for sharing your insights into this. - Holly
Life & DIY Thats interesting about your son - remember being quite upset when I found out Santa was real as well. I definitely felt lied to and it was something I vowed to never to lie to my children about. But with regards to your comment about facing backlash, I know what you mean. I think the secret is to pick your battles. But also hanging out with smart people helps so you can talk freely without people taking your words out of context.
@@ClayArnall Thanks for the reply! That is interesting that you too were so upset about the Santa lie. He was really hurt by me lying about it and he took it really seriously. He also took it upon himself (and he was super young) to inform his cousin about the truth. I thought my brother was going to be so upset and he and his wife probably were. But, he felt the need to explain to her about Santa and she kept arguing back that she knows that is how he feels, but she believes her parents. It was a weird situation! About the other stuff - you are correct about picking your battles and about picking some good friends. But that is easier said than done. I've had a few really close ones in my life and I really appreciate them. But, sometimes things get complicated. I have been quite a loner but it's weird because I'm also really social and have been super social in my past - with the right people, I am. Now I wouldn't want to waste any time with someone unless it was worth it. I keep thinking about something you mentioned in some of your other videos I watched yesterday - about trying to communicate and the bird and the fish. That's how it's been for me with my family members. Your content has been enlightening - so thank you. :)
What's right for other people isn't necessarily what's right for you. Everybody is different and that's a good thing. Your videos are helping people and I'm one of those people. I appreciate you.
50 years as a hybrid Cliom or Lamel. 10 years trying to teach child. Getting there. Excellent video. Thank you. 🙏🏼❤
Ive been stuck in the nihilistic stage for 4 years. I just turned 30 and i feel like the past few years have been me struggling with not having hit milestones that society says I should have finished by now and just contemplating the purpose of life in general. I spend more time in existential crisis mode than i do in any other mode. Everything seems purposeless, i find myself asking "what is life?", "Is this all there is?" On a regular basis. Its difficult to motivate myself and I feel like something in me has died off as dramatic as that sounds...
never thought the stage of my life journey would have a name but yes i have gone a full 360. Being in the child stage i feel like a camilion i blend in with everybody.
going 360 means i have experienced, embodied, and tasted the very things i used to hate and then come back full circle. it was mostly about me shedding off the perception of what i think i am and just be.
(also i agreed many people never make it out of the kamel stage, majority older generations)
great video 😁
I've been going through this nihilistic lion stage for a while now and it's really hard to understand if i came to this point because of my arrogance or because of my constant self-flagellation as an unhealthy INFJ.
I've never considered suicide though, at least seriously, maybe because I'm sort of curious about things that may happen in the future.
Maybe it's a glimpse of hope that someday I'll be able to see the world as a child can see it. To reach Nirvana.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Clay.
I'm so glad to have found your channel.
This video put me in such a great mood because this is exactly the situation i'm in. I recently defended my right to focus on my self intensely with the help of CS.Joseph and then I got a stroong reaction from my extended family telling me to stop brooding, youtube surfing and 'feeling depressed'. I find it necessary for me to know what I want and what to do but all they see is the forlorn side 😂
I want to be a paediatric therapist.
I'm so glad we have you on youtube. I love all the topics you choose to talk about.
-INFJ
I know all the MBTI videos get more views BUT I love this.. PLEASE do more of this!
I’m 55, my mother passed this last year and my youngest child left the nest just months ago. My back is tired and (w/o knowing) transitioned into a Lion about 8 months.
As a victim of a narcissistic cult from childhood through to my psychopath ex and having 2 kids with her. My 2 daughters have turned into narcissistic bullies. Fast forward. I have been preparing for my final battle with all the evil people in this life. Letting go of this and finding my self as my new authentic self.
I can’t believe I found this video today.
I'm still fighting the dragon,
Thanks for sharing this.
The philosophy of being like a child shifted an entire perspective.
Looking forward to your next video 👍👍👍👍👍
Great video!
I was in the camel stage until I was 21. Up to that point I had moved to another country to go to school and get a degree like my parents and everyone else expected me to do. I was working two jobs just to keep my life afloat so that I could finish my studies and get a real job. But the problem is I didn't have a specific purpose in studying. I always appreciated art and wanted to somehow make a career out of it but I didn't know how. I just thought that by studying and getting my degree I would find my way. Until one day I felt sick and tired of my life. I felt that I was overworking my self for no particular reason and was pushing myself too hard to study when in reality I couldn't really find my way through it. I felt burnt out and completely lost. That was when my lion stage started. I suddenly felt like I was enlightened, seeing beyond the narrow thinking I was brought up in and it was clear to me that I had to set up my own path to become an artist. But that was the most challenging part of my life so far. I quit my jobs and dropped out of school. I went through some serious suffering due to being lost, being erotically dissapointed, struggling financially and also having to face everyone who thought I was becoming a disappointment. I started experimenting with drugs and preferred my solitude over socializing. Consequently I went through a dark and lonely stage. At that point I was diagnosed with cancer and again went through physically and mentally hard times. I moved back to my hometown where I started to rethink and replan my life goals. I started to see the road I want to follow. However, I had difficulty letting my artistic side flow and create due to my confusion and anxiety from being a lion. As a result, I started to feel like I was now too old and that I threw my chance away when I was young and more open towards new experiences and challenges. I felt stuck. Now I'm 25 and I have been studying a lot of philosophy, especially Nietzsche. When I read about the 3 stages I suddenly felt that I wasn't at the end point but that I'm just struggling to get through the lion stage. I recently feel like I'm getting closer to the third metamorphosis, but who knows! All I can do is keep moving forward, inspired by art and philosophy!
Based upon the stages outlined by Nietzsche I would say I am just finding my ground as a Lion. about 3 yrs ago I was a "camel" and hit my breaking point. Too much stress and trying to balance too many loads that weren't for me. Went heavy into a nihilist stage and was very angry and didn't care about much for 2 years.
I have to tell you It was a great feeling when I started realizing my own strength and the value of doing something I believed in. I was a "christian" for years but doubted every part of it.. It never fit well with my soul and it felt like walking through deep snow all the time. So tiring.
I digress.. Lots to resonate with in this video and its cool looking back at my own journey seeing what Nietzsche has described.
Thanks Clay. Cheers
I’m probably at the end of lion.
My camel to lion transition was such a quick one to my surprise when I moved to a different country.
Now, I am interested in trying out new stuff and just for the sake of it instead of any utilitarian motives. I actually enjoy failing and learning.
But I’m still at the end of lion because once in a while, I feel the pressure to conform to the society’s/culture’s “norm” and I struggle inside. I think I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. But I know now that it’s better to get out of the way and let them fight their own battles.
I might not know you personally but you are what I need in my life as I have no one that talks about things like this. If its talked about its by me while everyone starts snoring. So thanks for giving me some great human conversation if you know what i mean
I was just reading Thus Spoke Zarathustra the other day, and I thought i needed more insight on this analogy. Who else should come forth and make a video on this, but the most Thoughtful and Insightful person in the internet?! Thank you so much for this, Love From India! 🇮🇳🙏🙏
Hey Clay! Been watching your videos for since two or three months ago and I truly (as an INFJ myself) resonate with them! Now, before I start watching this video, let me tell you that I already love where this is going! Not that I'm deeply into philosophy, but this means you really like helping people think! Nowadays, people are very reactive when they, like you, should revolutionize! Kudos, man! Great job on the way you're doing things! Will be back when I finish this one! 🤜🤛
Ok. I'm back. I was aware of these three stages. I learned them maybe two weeks ago. Just didn't know about the dragon meaning the society! I'm in the Niilistic stage and sorting things out in order to be able to do stuff in my own way. My "no more mr. nice guy" stage happened a year ago. The Lion claws started coming out! Like "I'm done". Moving on! Clay! See you in the next video! Cheers from Portugal! 🥂 🇵🇹
Thanks Clay, Really helped me see things from other peoples perspective.
Thank you for sharing this and for creating a space for people like me who share a similar perspective on our existence. Watching this was like being shown a summarized timeline of my journey so far. I believe I’m currently in a transitional space between the lion and child phase (I still struggle with resistance in some areas of my life). While I’m not yet fully out of the lion phase, being in this space has been incredibly liberating and it’s a wonderful feeling to experience life this way. I hope that many others will be courageous enough to embark on the path of knowing their self as our world continues to shift. Thanks again and I send you love and light. Those words have been minimized and balked at in our culture, but they are sincere and from my heart.
i dont know how to explain how much this helps.. what threw me off is losing so many things, so to put it quickly thought I was sort of discouraged.. now listening to this, I'm definitely at the same point you're at which is somewhere towards the end of the lion. I think I've been stuck in this stage for a while. people pleasing is so exhausting and they're never really happy or, in my case, they abandon you.. so anyway ..sort of been watching these videos and each one seems to explain thoroughly many different things ive been going through for some time. ive always questioned things that don't make sense or its very difficult to do things that don't make sense to me, unless I was in people pleaser mode at the time. it does seem like so confusing and i think you made a great point and was great advice to think about things that lift your soul, because i feel like I've been stuck in limbo. thank you for your help.
I personally think I am starting to transition from the camel to the lion. I am starting to become more self aware of myself and my wants and needs. So I am trying to fight for a space where I can be myself and grow. Great video!
Im a child now. Still, im practising confidence in my Ni. And setting boundaries... I feel dat im a child, still its an early stage.. Been thru that camel, lion.. And sometimes self doubt still happen.. But i will just remind myself, in order to feel connected to myself, as in comfortable as in my authentic self, i hv been tru a lot.. So, be me. I keep watching all your videos and im quiet amaze in a sense that theres someone out there that has lots of commonalities as in "issues"... 🤔. I just, thank God ❤️
I just found out, that one od my favourite teachers recently died. I couldnt stop to think about it and there was nothing to distract me... except for your video... thank you
I totally do the same. I am just 23 and sometimes catch myself thinking it's too late (sounds silly now that I type it). But you've made me realize how quickly I moved through stages though. I believe I am starting to get out of that nihilist lion stage, slowly. I would love to hear what you have to say about Simone De Beauvoir! I've been so harsh on myself in terms of my personal growth, especially after fighting that dragon so hard and making some really tough decisions, but in the end maybe it was all for a good reason. Maybe I'll reach the child stage if I keep trying....
I never heard of these 3 stages before, but kinda had my own idea of them, and was recently trying to figure out the last one. I was stuck. Never thought out of the box enough to realize it would be a child! I'll research more on the topic
Thank you for this video!
Few thoughts: Finishing pharmacy residency in a week, and I feel like my life is over with this world crisis...and I am still in my 20s..almost 30. Probably in the Lion phase. I question pretty much everything, but I am so tired of finding absurdities that I don't even bother anymore. I guess advice would be not to stress about it too much, but to catch yourself in moments where you find excitement and inspiration and keep a note of them. Instead of living life constantly trying to find the scales, enjoy the moments you are currently in. I can tell at least that you enjoy being a father. Finally, it's so funny how every INFJ I know loves Nietzsche. He was prolly an INFJ himself.
Really needed this... thank you. 22 and squarely in the lion phase, hoping to get to the child phase here soon by taking things as they come
Everyone should see this video. I love the way you speak, it's like hearing myself and it makes so much sense.
I'm the Lion. Having small glimpses of the child. Existential crisis for so many years has left me beyond exhausted. Super interesting video! Refreshing to hear from other INFJs, especially rare to witness a male INFJ! Thank you!
This is so good! I'm always worried that if I allow myself to leave the lion phase that I've been in for a while, then I will stop caring about the pain and suffering of others, if that makes sense. I feel like if I become too care-free, then I will just become selfish and oblivious to the problems and injustices in the world that really do need our attention. It's such a tricky balance for me to figure out, but I do feel like I need to move through to the child phase somehow, while still trying to make a positive difference where I can. Not quite sure where my sweet spot is just yet, but I'm hoping to get there in time. Thanks for the insights!
So well explained; such a good video! Looking forward to your video on Simone de Beauvoir.
I needed this, thank you!
I'm not 100% certain but every since I picked up boxing, I feel like my life has meaning again and oh my gosh is the bit about the nihilism phase so true.
Yes pls do a video on her and also can u maybe go deeper in this topic? Like talk about your own experience and what you found was difficult in your journey?
I keep trying to rewind the video to find the name of this philosopher from the 1900’s as well and I keep missing it.
I feel like I was always a child. Before I was more of a fearful child, now I am much less fearful. I never cared much about norms of society, I only cared about it for practical purposes. I always looked for exciting experiences and always do something about it to experience it.
Great vid! My favorite part was 0:00 - 26:40.. You captivated me all the way through.
I was able to recognize myself as the camel, the people-pleaser, the nice guy, within the past year or so. Thank god i was able to recognize it. I know all too well the plight of one who is labeled as such. I think recognizing this can be the catalyst for moving on to the next stage. I am in the lion stage now, fighting the dragon. I long to become the child, and think that it is not too far away, if i can take the proper initiative, but, the dragon is quite powerful. However, through wisdom and action I know I can defeat it.
"What makes one heroic? - Going out to meet at the same time one's highest suffering and one's highest hope." - Nietzshe
hi I am an INFJ here, I think this video is interesting, it kind of makes me think about the life of a budha, he drop out of society and its conventions and did what he thought was the best for him and his soul, he went through the spiritual path which was what he considered the most important thing to him and focused on that during his whole life, he may have gone through all these phases that Nietzsche describes pretty fast. Anyway, thank you for your video and I would definitely love to hear your thoughts on Simone‘s ideas
Good stuff Clay, thanks for telling us about this and expounding on it.
This reminds me a lot of Joseph Campbell's hero's journey.
Thanks for this great video! I'm currently stuck somewhere between camel and lion. Right now I am studying at university, but I really dislike what I am studying and it is quite exhausting. My parents in some way pushed me into this (I had a repressive education at home, not really beneficial for an INFJ and which turned me into a nice guy) and I agreed, because it seemed the only right choice to me. When I started I saw it like my duty to do what they wanted me to do, but now as time has passed I become aware that it was not my personal choice, I don't want to do that, I'm tired of beeing a slave of others and can't bear the stress and exhaustion anymore. But unfortunately I have no clue how to get out of this situation...both leaving and going forward seem to be disastrous choices...
You are in a difficult situation and it sounds stressful. But, at the same time - life is way too short. I hope you can find a way to do what is right for you. It is your life!
You should listen to yourself and forget what other people want for you. It's the only way forward in my opinion. The other thing is a lot of situations are unhappy but stable. It's a hard place to be in because if you leave the stability behind, you end up with no stability and you're still unhappy! So it gets worse for a bit, but as you rebuild your stability in a new situation , then hopefully you can end up in a stable and happy situation.
@Clay Arnall @Life & DIY thank you very much for your answers! I will try my best to find a solution out of this!
@@stormcrown96 :) I really hope things work out well. :) Take care!
This has always resonated with me but only recently have I experienced it and difficult, life shattering yes but brilliant and amazing !!! I think you have to go through the deep depression and soul searching purposefully and then be okay with the darkness and your shadow self , not fight it to reach the light of what it is , it is like going back to when you were a child , where you do what pleases you , not because you think you should but because you love it and are truly passionate about it before society and culture and influence you ... going back to your true self and loving life ...
I think a lot of depression exists because we move through life not living our true north . We know this subconsciously and it comes out in so many ways , our true self is always fighting to be known and we just push it down and then we wonder why do we suffer in so many ways .
That was really interesting and it unlocked my mind sort of! I'd like it if you made another video about Simon De Bouvoir for sure 👌
I really appreciate your insight. It is so true, I see the camel stage as a comfort zone which we do mindlessly, then questioning these ideals or why we are doing things means you enter the lion phase. The lion stage can be a lonely place, losing friends and sometimes family because they do not understand why you cannot just do as you should, or what is expected of you. I have been asked, ‘why can’t you do life without questioning it? ‘ well why should I? I sometimes wished I could remain in the camel stage. Now I am at a point where I intend to have some level of fulfilling aspects of life, dare I say, to feel content. The few people I still have in my life I am grateful for, the ones who I have lost only liked me when I was a camel. Thank you for your video, you seem to make my thoughts make sense 😌
Thanks for your videos and information, I was being a camel and I carried to much and had a nervous breakdown almost 4 years ago. Now I'm doing much better, I started seeing things much differently and society, family didn't like it I became a lion. I know my purposes and I'm very excited because being a child is wonderful. I'm set free and pushing toward my purposes. I love learning and experience things as a child. 41 years old
Yes please! I am really looking forward to you going through her philosophical ideas as well!
Around the same transitional phase as you are: getting out of the lion (hopefully) onto the more freeing child-like. While you were going down the philosophy route, I went into the psychology route. Knowing that I’m an INFJ was my last light bulb moment; but it didn’t explain to me the “whys” of my behavior & personal choices such as being a people pleaser or not truly knowing what I wanted to pursue to bring me personal joy. Have any of you ever heard of parenting attunement &/or attachment styles based on childhood imprinting? This was my next light bulb moment so to speak after MBTI. For anyone who resonates, I highly recommend you looking into it for therapeutic reasons. Gist: At ages 2-4, some of us did not get enough attunement from parents at a time where we don’t have a sense of who we are yet. e.g. Parent could non verbally gesture -/+ emotion validations or say, “Hmm, it looks like you’re sad right now b/c you’re not playing with your favorite toys, are you?” Or “I can tell that you’re having a great time, look at that big smile on your face!” Children need these types of validations for emotional self-awareness. The child can then take these inputs & have space to explore those feelings to reflect - therefore, having a better metacognition of self. For whatever reasons, children who were not able to receive or had enough of this to discover their own feelings to know innately build the awareness of their needs, as adults, they have a difficult time in knowing if their deep emotional needs (not wants) are being met & will usually rely on others’ insights & feelings to falsely validate what they perceive they “should” feel. Many of us go along, like the camel, believing we should be “good people” by society’s measures (dragon’s scales) rather than just firmly know & accept/reject ideas based on one’s own judgement (lion). This can happen to many high functioning individuals who seemingly have what appears to be normal relationships; yet internally, w/o enough attunement or awareness of their attachment style, they can be depressed or feel “off” in this world from others who might not care probably about any of this. Lack of differentiation may cause many of us to become people pleasers in a way & not feel truly fulfilled in our own journey to happiness until later on in life (e.g. me, now at 38 having that second bulb light up, lol). I’d like to believe that some of us, as we continue to self-assess & seek growth, we’ll get passed the nihilistic onto the healthier lion spectrum & then come to some type of gentle, stable breakthrough in our pursuit, whatever we may call it. Hope this helps anyone who is in the self-seeking journey as well. Side note: it could be the video blur or the close up angle; but this watch actually felt like a one-on-one coffee chat w/you, Clay. 🤓Thanks for another lovely insight. It was a much needed break from all the quarantine connection restrictions. :)
I haven't looked into that before, but maybe I'll check it out. Thanks.
I also had that “light-bulb moment” when I discovered MBTI and also second moment when I learned about emotionally neglected childhood symptoms. What a similarity in these discoveries.
I’ve learned that not everything is my fault but an outcome of many different factors. This really helped with organizing my thoughts. And I can choose the way I react to it.
Thanks for the great insights 🌷
ow man never heard of something like this
THANK YOU SO MUCH IT HELPED ME SO MUCH... also your beautiful dictionary, comparisons, and examples... wow master... really thank you
This video was so enlightening! Thank you for sharing! Especially to know that the second stage shouldn't be the end destination makes me more certain about a bright future. I'm a lion since some time now and start to see the light at the end of the tunnel, which I'm working towards to.
always enjoy what you have to say:) Thank-you for being you.
Please make more videos!
I really enjoyed this video, Clay. Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts with all of us. I can relate to being the Lion at this point in my life, and the nihilism you discussed is very much present in my daily life, so much so that, at times, I'm tempted to revert back to the Camel again because at least I knew what direction I should take next. Right now the Lion phase seems like Chaos, which I've found very challenging to navigate (obviously). The good news for me is to know there's another phase after this one - Child. Now I have something to aim at again. :)
It’s important that you have discovered the truth, now it’s time to LIVE :)
Thanks for the post!
Your work is amazing!!!!!
Love this, though i am kinda in the lion stage right now still shedding off and losing relationships...
It’s hard to lose relationships - I’ve lost a ton over the last couple years as well. I always say though if people don’t have your back through the hard times, they probably were never a real friend in the first place.
@@ClayArnall I agree and say this myself.
@@ClayArnall really true.
I am 30 and in the child stage (borderline lion may be..but the child in me dominates the lion😊)
..had done being camel by the time I was 20-22 may be..and then done being lion by 28...and everything you said I felt so deeply.. thank you so much for making this video.
Awesome video! thank you, please would really appreciate more insight on this topics.
To be honest I am a broken camel this week. Or to be honest for a longer period I am willing to admit however I broke my back today. Your video made everything clear and I am determined to becoming a lion again. Was one a few years ago probably slipped into the phases and ended up back to the camel phase.
Suffering from INFJ depression doesn’t make life easy. Overthinking this question to the extent of over kill “what’s my life’s purpose” just became less of a burden since I listened to your message
Again thank you for the difference you make
Erika Mynhardt I like what Alan Watts says about the meaning of life - which basically is that the meaning of life is simply to be alive.
Dude, you're awesome. Thank you so much for these videos, I relate to them on such a deep level.
Love The Videos Ur Insights Ur Shared Information U Have Done Through Ur Research Helping Us Heal Thorough Break Down In Helping Us Understand & The Referencing Of Other Authors & Even Categories What They R About & Years They Lived Helps Categorize Analytically If That Makes Sense Ur Capability & The Way U Share Things Is A Genuine Gift Thank U😁Obviously I Could Use Use Help With Grammar Was Not My Strong Suit😂Eh Whatever😂Anyways I Guess I Might Be In The Lion Stage ReEvaluating Life Etc
This is very interesting topic. I am 40 now, I haven't read Nietzsche yet, but I was thinking a lot about 'how do I recover my own inner inquisitive and playful child'. I thought this part of me (enjoying discovering new things) was wiped out by my last dysfunctional long-term relationship, but it might be true this is just a next stage that would happen even in good relationship.
I came across your INFJ videos and have been binging the rest of them. love them 👌 thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences 😊
What i leave behind is “I tried. I tried almost every day”. Stay determined. Keep hope even if it may be all you ever have. Make a commitment and understand you must work at it and maybe not succeed very well but its better than not trying at all. Im ok with my main commitment. It actually chamged my lifestyle so much and certainly involves a certain but huge loss of freedom. I carve out other freedoms within those constraints. I do art and i do certainly move around in there a whole lot. Its work people. Applying yourself to a thing is a certain hard work that has rewards but keep some expectations at the door. Accept what evolves or not and keep trying. The pleasure is in the trying. Thats my 2 cents here. Hah. I was born with 4 lions ( i know…not same ones} in one house in astrology and a chart with a lot of work required and the need for “ that free will” to be recognized in order to be ok and not just drift aimlessly. Nihilism is a denial of opportunities to grow with in thus without. It is depression! I take a pill. It works. Do what it takes to reject nihilism. Its work. Shine your light even when you know nobody is watching or caring much. They only working on themselves too.
Another dope video man! You have a great mind!
Thanks Noel
Always Learning Though Trying
15:01 I wonder why we are scared of who we could be/our potential?
This is a great quote 17:40
Very interesting.... Yes, bring us more! Simone Duvalier, not familiar with her. Funny you mentioned 30 age. In my 20's I thought my life would be over by age 30... I think I'm a little of all 3 now if that's possible. Thanks again for your content.
Love your videos! I was wandering can't you be at different stages at the same time on different themes. As life passes each time another door opens on a different theme from which you didn't know there was a key. It's like a big puzzle that slowly starts to make sense, or becomes a big mess when you discover something new.
I am 21 years old, INFJ and somewhere in the nihilist lion stage filtering out what isn't right for my highest self.
I've recently cut off some toxic people from my life and it taught me the importance of placing stronger boundaries to protect my energy. I am discovering new things about my child myself and all the ways in which I've been programmed like a puppet.
I've fallen down the rabbit hole of researching attachment theory, Myers Briggs personality types, enneagram types, numerology, astrology, Taoism, existentialism, the law of attraction/manifestation, Hinduism, meditation, reiki, Paganism and Wicca. It's been a lonely and exhausting journey, I used to be surrounded by camels stuck in the mud. They don't understand me for who I am anymore, and they can't comprehend the systematic resistances I'm going through.
As an INFJ I've always felt like an outsider or a lone wolf but still concerned with others perceptions me because that's how I was brought up. Since going through this awakening I don't care what other people think anymore. I'm slowly leaving behind all the camels in my life so it can make room for people who can accept me as I am. This process of shedding has given me the power to put on 2 pairs of glasses: one being my "nihilistic glasses" to view the world for what it is, essentially nothing, so nothing matters. I ultimately went through a depression period with suicidal thoughts, the reality I had once known was torn apart and I honestly felt truly alone. Jean-Paul Satre said "existence precedes essence" which means we exist first, then we add meaning to it. What brought me out of it was utilising this view of detachment from everything, I can ground myself knowing that whatever comes after nothing I can create myself, so I chose joy.
Then I put on my "child glasses" to view the world in the present moment, finding joy within myself and everything I do, making art, dancing and expressing myself freely. Filling my cup first creating an overflowing stream so I can give that same joy to others and to me that is the gift of life.
Thank you for posting this video. It has given me more confirmation I am on the right path. I hope anyone who reads this has an amazing day and I wish you all the best on your journey.
Excellent food for the soul.
Hi Clay, I think I was already in Child phase due to my experienced with a adopted narcissist mother, so I did all Lion things, no no no but still doing what she wanted me to do means I am back to Camel stage. Then I moved to totally different country which is great and accepting whomever I am. Then I started again as Camel because I became people pleaser, and now seems I already in the stage of great awakening from the beliefs system and started saying No No No again which is Lion stage. And Child stage is coming back now. Is this good to explain my stage being. Kudos to you then.
“If it’s too heavy, it’s because you picked it up.” Yup. You don’t see it happening until you’re knee deep. Yikes! Early mid life crisis anyone? I’m 33 at the Lion phase. It’s rough. Thank you so much for this! 😊 I remember asking my ex-husband turning friend “Will you grow old with me?” He turned to me and replied, “Will you grow young with me?” For an ISTP, he got me thinking... that was pretty deep 😆 But yeah, at 33 I basically feel retired and my life is over which I know is unreasonable. I’m where you are... the tail end of the lion (figuratively speaking of course).
Just being me. I love frolicking around, enjoying the moment, the sunshine, & the shade...the simplicity all my "needs" being met... of being adventurous childlike. People's opinions of me doesn't matter. doesn't make me change who I am.
Enjoy your journey y'all 🐞
Please do that video fast I really wanna see it. Also in lion phase, kinda crazy how this shit essentially put a label on what I’ve been going through. We should make a group chat what do you think?
I've thought about making a facebook group or something for chatting.
I second this. I could use more deep people in my life to chat to!
Kaleidoscope agreed. I’m so reluctant to get into anything lol
Very articulate and wonderful! Meditation helped me move to the further far end of the Lion phase and into the beginning of the Child stage. I believe its possible to be in a state of limbo between these two stages. Failure to launch is very real. And just like the Lion phase this pre-Camel phase involves absence of meaning. I believe you can be a Lion before being a Camel, but you still do require to be a Camel in order to pick up the important, truly valuable pieces of the Dragons "thou shall's". Otherwise youre not going anywhere. Cant reach enlightenment in a basement. Id love to hear your retelling and thoughts on Simone de Beauvoir's input on Nietzsche's ideas! Keep em coming!
De Beauvoir is great, if you like her, you probably like Sartre as well - if you have thoughts on him, I would be interested to know! :) Great Video Clay!!!
I’ll check em out!
Holy shit..., that nihilistic view that you just shared...it explains where I am at so well. I have been searching for my "seed" for the last 6 years. I haven't found any answers for this because I haven't truly been that kid just doing things I enjoyed. Because my mind is like well I don't enjoy anything its all meaningless (although I know deep down it isn't) my mind almost overpowers that statement while my inner (viewer I like to say) knows its wrong. My mind on the other hand is totally a little kid and going wild. It's been an interesting journey for sure lol, But maybe like you said I need to just be a kid and play with new things until I find that spirit of being a kid again. To water that seed. Which if you think about it that's what people subconsciously love about a human being a kid. The open state of happiness in the mundane. But their self absorbed view on life I think is what INFJ's struggle with coming back into being a kid, our EFing is like hold up their Bucko your being a narcissist lol yet your really just saying your truth. Anyhow awesome video man thank you for sharing this:-).
Love to you from Phoenix!
PS- Would love to hear about her views as well and what she thinks might be wrong!
I feel like I’ve been through all of the stages and it’s kind of like come and goes in different sequences. Whatever you said is so make sense and resonate. I have been to the child stage which I was curious to everything and playful, everything seems like a fun game to me. My problem is when curve balls throw to my life it hit me hard and make me go back to the camel or lion stage.
Same here!
Child kinda sounds like it could cross into Zen (Allan Watts). Great video thanks so much man.
I think I’m at the start of lion.
I really enjoyed this concept... I think I’m in the early stage of lion in my mind but still living day to day as a camel. I find myself regularly slipping into nihilistic thoughts about the world and my role in it and like you eluded to, I think it is tied in with my depression. It is quite exhausting to live in that frame of mind and I find that it isn’t conducive to my overall well-being. I hope that I can find a way to exist in the world that brings me a sense of purpose and meaning.
It's a hard place to be in, but I think sometimes it's the people that we're forced to hang around with that can drag us down.
As an INFJ, I have done the door slam to my toxic family and some friends (family who only likes camels). Now, I'm in the lion phase without any identity. I've also shed the religious beliefs that were taught to me as a kid. I'm not atheist but I do not think like the mainstream "Christians." I don't really fit anywhere as a single mom and am hoping to make it to the child phase by the time my daughter graduates high school. I love "conspiracy theory" and that's definitely not something you can share with others. I stay to myself more and more which is probably not healthy.
This video was very helpful. I would have never thought about life in those terms.
Also an INFJ here and I did the same thing, ...left the family that only likes camels behind, fought the dragon as a single Mom, moved to a peaceful island and found myself in the nihilist stage for a few years. Now I'm in my 50's and enjoying that 'child' phase that has no limits. It's a good place to be. Luckily I didn't have to deal with religion... I really think that would have held me back a lot longer.
Our minds are not born as blank slates. Psychologists have debunked that theory, saying certain behaviors are already hard-wired into our genes by the time we're born. There is a research paper by Eric Turkheimer saying that all human behavioral traits are heritable.
The psychological basis for Nietzsche's philosophy may be a little off, but the philosophy itself is still interesting. Thanks for making this video! I wouldn't have bothered to look into or have been able to understand Nietzsche on my own.
gumgum the blank slates comment was mainly referring to the expectations and burdens that are placed on our backs as we grow. I agree we are born with certain behaviours, but I think much of what Nietzsche is talking about here are arbitrary rules placed onto us by culture.
Did the video on de Beauvoir come out yet?
You are amazing, thanks for the videos ❣️
I was a good camel, then I was lion.. but I tried to find some sense in my own religion .. later I found out all religion are making the same sense that’s knowing self❣️ hopefully I will become child sometime❤️
I am very interested in your video on Simone de Beauvoir
I'm in phase Escanor... the Lion sin of Pride!!
But seriously, I see the value of harvesting the inner child. It's difficult, but I"m still young and positive one day I will get there. :)
The eyes don’t lie... if your overcoming all that death from the past & if you do. Letting go is difficult yet it will always lead you forward. Do not look Back. Don’t get lost in the rabbit hole Clay. Stay in reality, not in limbo. Are you beautiful. Yes ?
Interesting as how well this describes my path...
1.1 - camel - going to school and following rules because I didn't know any better.
1.5 - transitioning to lion (late teens until finishing high school in 2014) - resisting social and peer pressure and irrational expectations that keep people stuck in mediocrity
2.0 - becoming lion (2014-2018) - complete cut-off of any social or peer pressure - I am my own self, you cannot touch me or make me do stuff because you want me to, I do what I want and don't give a damn about you and your society and if you try to enforce your rules I will fight
2.5 - transitioning to child (2018-2020) - instead of resisting and blocking social or peer pressure, I just made it irrelevant - I am on the path of pursuing my own interests regardless of others expectations, and whenever someone tries to push them onto me, I start to question them just like a child that doesn't even know the rules - I am just playing with this and that, and it's not even violating any of your rules, so just let me play my own game in here
2.0 - reverting back to lion (2020) - from massive growth in the child-like transition, I hit the meaning of life crisis and turned to nihilism
3.0 - becoming the child (2021) - after figuring out nihilism is not the answer, and that the 2.5 transitioning to child period (2018-2020) was much better than nihilism lion (2020), my ultimate goal is to stay within the child state as much as possible - I am just playing the game, not really bothered by anyone's expectations (the dragon).
You want to live fully compliant to the dragon rules? Ok, good luck.
You want to completely resist the dragon's rules? Ok, good luck.
You want to choose which rules to follow and which not? Ok, good luck.
You don't want to play the game anymore? Ok, good luck.
I don't care what you want, do, have, or who you become. I am too busy playing in my own sandpit, so I don't have time to spend wondering about yours.
In your other video with the fish , turtle, and bird was so powerful, I'm a new fan of yours for life.Im a fish my mother is the turtle and my dad is a bald Eagle!!! He can not talk about feelings at all.. and we don't even question anything he says without him telling us to stfu and go into a rage. Im trying to fix our family and myself at the same time, my mother is one of the only sources of light and love I get (minus granny and cousins) only have 2 close friends..i cant stand all the other fake people but I love them as people but they dont understand someone with so much DEPTH openly on display..its shameful that I can literally talk to someone about child abuse and rape like within 30 minutes of convo. People can't handle it unless they have been through it and can speak openly like I have. Which brings me to another point my uncle both of them that raped and molested me only got 6 years in prison I told my family what happened when I was 25 and now I'm 32 and one of them is already out of prison the other one is soon to be released and both of them have done this to multiple children, how can a government that wants me to trust them allow this to happen, predators don't learn anything in 6 years in prison besides getting mad and how to do what they do better they need more time and a different facility with psychiatrist in people working with them everyday for like 10 years minimum oh, I can't get back my virginity I can't get back my innocence ever oh, those men took one of the most sacred things in the universe and they get 6 years in prison, why there are black people and white people and all other races in jail for a marijuana charge that's 25 years! That does not make sense to me and I will never agree to it and I will argue anyone who dares to tell me that six years is justifiable! I'm sorry if I sounded angry I was crying a little while typing that I get emotional about it, but I am so excited to show this video to my family!
The metaphor of Plato's Cave explains exactly why we get stuck in the small ideas of our group or tribe. You are coming out of the disillusionment of the cave right now and standing in the sunlight at the mouth of the cave. It's a little disconcerting at first to leave the 'safety' of the cave, and leave your tribe behind as you step out into the unknown. People only step out of the cave when they are ready to search for a greater Truth.
The Ethics of Ambiguity by Simone De Beauvoir. She discusses Nietzsche and builds upon it. Both really resonated with me and sort of triggered recognition in me like it seems to have in you. Must be something to it :D
yes that's it :) I've listened to a few podcasts about her, but I'd like to dive a little deeper to see what she has to say.
i knew this theory of nietzsche lately and i found it so interesting and so relatable to me , i think iam in lion stage also
the king back :p
please I want help from you
I'm a beginner developer ... I'm don't know how to build my first app ... I'm completing a course but I'm still not capable to note code
please can you advise me and what should I do
I think this question is related to your contents and can help INFJ to develop their logic function
Sorry I might be misunderstanding you, but what’s the problem you need help on?
@@ClayArnall Ok
I want to create software but I want your help on how to learn to program correctly and how to build my first app quickly ...
I find that hard after my first course
maybe you can understand me if you look at your start and how you struggle at the beginning
I think because you are expert in that area so maybe you can give me useful advice
It’s a deep topic that I’m probably not going to go into due to limited time. But there’s so many good resources and courses in the internet these days. I would recommend getting specific about exactly what you want to do, and then search for courses or tutorials that teach you that exact thing
@@ClayArnall Ok glad to see your answer
Seems like the dark night of the soul
My mom says the same thing about church - that people go to be part of the clique, but they are awful people the moment they walk out the door. She's a Christian, but she doesn't go to church. She has her own ministry. She helps homeless people. She gives them food and clothes. They love her. I'm really proud of her. 🥰
I just turned 30 a few days ago and since I'm a woman, the last few years has just been society telling me to get married and get children. At the same time people say not to settle. I think the problem is with the 'dragon' that a lot of times societies expectations can be reaaaally messed up and kind of contradicting. 'You should get a family' but 'also work hard', like which one is it? I think that's why it feels like such a burden and why it is really a blessing when you reach the lion state and go like, why? Asking yourself 'why' is a good start I think, so that you get to know what you truly want in your heart.
I had such a dramatic experience in my teenage years that I was probably forced into a place of questioning everything from an early age. Then you find your way back to your love for life, it is tricky it really is, but yeah I think I'm at the end of the lion stage too. Getting over my negative view of the world, very slowly.
I was in the Camel stage until college and then entered the Lion stage. It was right after college that I'm starting to enter the Baby stage and it's great! Everything excites me and I want to learn anything and everything. However, I do want to point out that society and even my parents are constantly make me doubt myself sometimes whenever I'm vulnerable. Just because you're in the Baby stage doesn't mean you're invulnerable to external/internal forces, just more resistant and you now know the right path. Although, I think more than society, I am having trouble with my parents because they have some societal standards that just don't make sense but because society says so they believe that that is the norm and anything that deviates from that is abnormal or "weird". I'm planning on communicating with my parents and letting them know my perspective and I hope they understand where I'm coming from.
I think the point is this: if they can make you doubt even at all then you can’t be in child phase. But don’t feel bad because hardly anybody is.
I don’t think I have ever wanted to confine to the cultural norms just because everyone else was doing something or something was popular. None of that made sense to me. I questioned religion and didn’t get answers back that made sense to me at a young age. Part of me wished that I could be as happy and as content as most people were in their religion. However, after recently watching one of your videos about emotional intimacy where you mentioned men (women even) not being able to be 100% honest about how they felt or what they thought because they were told those feelings and thoughts were sinful made me realize they may not actually be completely happy or content and may just be putting up a front. I do think I sort of knew that but what you said really clicked and gave me a little bit of an ah ha moment. So, I do believe I am definitely in the stage of the lion. I know and have known what I want from life but have always struggled in figuring out how to get there and have always felt like the odd one out for not wanting the same path as everyone else.
I have struggles with people pleasing definitely still struggle with it. Within the last 6 years, since becoming a mom, I have really been reevaluating my friendships and relationships. It’s a long journey and I feel like I have come so far already but I have yet such a long way to go before I can become the child.
Cool video.😁I’ve went through the nihilistic lion stage many times and I’m near my 30s, lol. With certain aspects of my life I still tend to be a camel. But I fight myself about it because I know it leads me down the same old path of becoming a rug to be walked over. I’m a child at others where I follow my heart and what feels right, then yet again it’s impossible for me not to become controlling over times and be a lion. Don’t know if it’s even theoretically acceptable to have this fragmented approach to life from Nietzsche’s standpoint. It doesn’t feel fair to me to generalise all parts of my life.
Very cool.
Which Nietzsche book is this from? Can someone tell me?
OMG....how did I lived on earth for 42yrs and never know this. Your explanation is awesome, you help me to resolve my past issue and help to explain why I am trying to become more of an Arrogant Asshole, trying to set my boundaries so I'm not being Taken advantages of anymore. I thought I was being rude, now I know I was in my Lion Stage development.