solipsism

The third Satanic Sin is quite difficult to comprehend. Theoretically, but even more so from a practical perspective. Sinning for Satanists really is a bad thing. Not because Satan is going to punish people like the Jewish God would do, but because things will work out negatively. In a way which is counterproductive to the interests of a Satanist.

For Satanists (should I say real Satanists?) the first two sins, stupidity and pretentiousness, are not so hard to prevent. Anton LaVey probably put them on top because the reversion of these two characteristics, intelligence and responsibility, define the elite in a very precise way. These are the basics which set them apart from the crowd. The third sin is much more difficult to prevent because it demands a very strong sense of realism. For a Satanist it is a matter of temporally casting aside all that is great. Solipsism means not being able to see beyond one's personality. Such a person doesn't grasp how low and unexalted some people are. A Satanist who doesn't see this will treat such persons with a sense of respect and courtesy they'll never be able to respond to properly.

A thought provoking aspect of this sin is that it assumes something about Satanists; they're very noble people. Everyone who read a bit about Satanism already knows Satanists don't ritually slaughter babes or cattle, but it's easy to end up with a picture of Satanists as slightly pessimistic and generally unfriendly people. They aren't. Sometimes they do treat people harsh, but that's more out of a sense of self-protection. Satanists are actually the most illustrious, honorable and courteous people walking this earth. Also they are the most realistic beings you'll ever meet.

But then again, there's always room for improvement, so I've thought out a neat exercise. People share each others way of being, but some people have more dignity than others; Live life from a grander perspective. These people set standards for living. This needs to be understood in a very broad sense. Satanists are not the only people who are able to inspire people in such a way, but there's an interesting aspect which sets them apart. Satanists do this continuously.

This observation has grotesque implications. It means Satanists inspire, but never get inspired themselves. They'd have to meet someone who lives life from a truly übermagnificent perspective. A way of being which would be elite among the elite. Satanists are scarce, but such persons just don't seem to exist. The point is, even if they would exist a Satanist would regard that person as another Satanist. Everyone else would instantly look up to such a person (and feel humble). A Satanist isn't used to such feelings and will not respond properly; Will miss a chance to be inspired.

Satanists often focus on the dark side of human nature. Of course, that's what part of this essay is about: comprehending baseness. This comprehension doesn't come automatically. It demands careful experimenting. Not setting a standard feels like losing a great deal of joy, hope and trust you've previously put in somebody. It's like letting them define what's life is like. This is quite hard because they seem to be incapable to do this. You know so much better what life can be like. The point is: you probably don't have a very great influence. They don't know anything other than this way of being (and some weird people continuously trying to cheer them up). It's stupid to suppose your perspective on life will miraculously linger with them all the time you're not there. Only parents and sect leaders have that kind of influence.

A noteworthy aspect of this way of 'experiencing-without-interfering' is learning how to put yourself below somebody. This is a very strange kind of advice; Why would someone deliberately place himself in an inferior position? I've explained this in the second essay about acceptance. It's a quite radical method to gain friendship. The interesting thing about this is that people will show a lot more of themselves if they feel equal to you. The moment they don't look up to you anymore a psychological barrier seems to be removed. They're going to show you their full personalities. You'll discover these people will be even more laughable than they were before. But in a few ways these people seem to be actually more talented than you (some people for example have very strange social skills, which nevertheless work out perfectly in specific situations). For the first time they dare to show themselves: and you'll be amazed. And inspired.

note the nine Satanic sins