Recently, I leveled up in the game called life. That is, I suddenly felt I’d achieved an enhanced or higher understanding of something that, previously, had been beyond my grasp.
Medium has a good article of what it feels like – 13 things that will happen when you ‘level up’ as a person – although it’s nowhere near as dramatic or all-encompassing as described in there.
If the game of life has 10 levels, then I’d say I’ve reached level 6, although there are still a couple of boss fights and missions left on level 5 😛 .
I then thought about what a person on level 1 or 2 might look like, and the Underground Man in Dostoevsky’s Notes from the Underground came to mind.
He is very spiteful and self-obsessed, and ‘continuously concentrates on his spitefulness instead of on actions that would help him avoid the problems that torment him’.
Level 3 would possibly be someone like Donald Trump – not quite as narcissistic as Underground Man, but still largely an arsehole with little care for other people. While Donald Trump is strange and creepy, unlike Underground Man, he doesn’t seem to hate himself. This makes him a higher level than Dostoevsky’s flawed protagonist – you’ve got to love yourself, even if you’re a dick.
Who could be a level 4? I don’t know. But a level 10 is someone like the Dalai Lama. Although I’d prefer it if he wasn’t on social media (I get it – he’s a ‘brand’). His interview on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver was very good though.
How far can I / you go?
If I’m level 6 now, I wonder how long it’ll take to level up again. I was on level 5 for quite some time, I think (10 years?). This life game I’m talking about is not just about professional and personal advancement by the way, but also your mindset, and getting a deeper understanding of what life is all about. Spirituality without religion.
I’m not sure if I’ll ever reach level 10 – I think I’m too flawed for that. But it’s satisfying to know that there is still more to do, and MUCH more to learn (I’m currently on a side-quest).
How far can you go?
How to be Happy 