What if the World were already in perfect balance?

Most people are seeking to make sense of the world and understand the meaning of life, as if there’s something crucial to grasp in order to act properly within it.

But perhaps this is the reverse of what we should be doing—first discovering who we truly are, and only then understanding our role in the divine drama of life and learn how to act it out in real life.

However, if you’re not asking yourself any questions, it probably means you’re embodying the Everyman archetype, which is perfectly fine and you should probably skip this article.

A World already in Perfect Balance

Once you step beyond the human perspective and view morality as just a filter or guide for human behavior, you begin to recognize the patterns.

Both good and evil are essential forces that create balance in the world. Good brings harmony into existence, while evil clears away the old to make room for renewal.

This suggests that nothing needs to be altered, not even the most horrific atrocities in the world, which are often difficult for us humans to comprehend and accept.

As Dostoevsky observed, and as Agent Smith refers to in the first Matrix film, a perfect world filled with harmony and happiness would, for some strange reason, be quite unappealing to humans who seek meaning through suffering for a cause or redemption.

What if the Divine Drama of life is what provides the world with meaning and the very reason for life to be a worthwhile experience in the first place?

Imagine a movie where everything unfolds perfectly, with no glitches in the plot—how dull would that be? Similarly, life follows its own mysterious and mystical patterns, creating a storyline that offers both entertainment and deep meaning.

Life may present us with the “free will” to choose and actively participate in the Divine Drama, while simultaneously challenging us to confront and navigate the archetypes or inherent nature we carry within.

Harmony vs Balance

While harmony and balance are fundamentally similar concepts, their meanings can subtly differ. Harmony is often seen as an idealistic force, one that seeks to create unity, peace, and seamless integration. It represents the pursuit of perfection (pure white), where all elements coexist without conflict, driven by an overarching sense of idealism. It’s the force that nurtures growth through alignment and peaceful coexistence.

On the other hand, balance embodies a more grounded, often harsher reality. Rather than pursuing perfection, balance focuses on maintaining equilibrium amid the inevitable fluctuations of life (yin and yang). It acknowledges the need for both creation and destruction, the necessity of opposing forces working together to restore stability.

While harmony strives for flawless unity, balance recognizes that true stability arises from the dynamic tension between opposing forces, such as order and chaos, creation and destruction, life and death. This tension is what allows for growth, renewal, and the natural cycles of existence. In this way, balance might be seen as the more realistic counterpart to harmony, grounded in the acknowledgment of imperfection and the ever-present need for adjustment and change.

Morality in the Balanced World

In the context of a balanced world, morality serves merely as a tool for humans to cultivate harmony. It is an inherent aspect of our psyche, designed to prevent us from straying toward power and discord.

The central notion is that the majority of people must adhere to this morality and grace, while certain individuals—especially those who over-intellectualize or exhibit traits associated with the dark tetrad—are more inclined to seek out a darker kind of coercion.

Essentially, this means that most of us have an internal system that prevents us from acting immorally without facing psychological consequences, such as a loss of meaning and a descent into nihilism, not to mention a lack of personal social harmony and risks of retribution. But we still hold the free will to do so, especially if we are inclined in get ahead in the physical material world.

Why is it so important to know ourselves?

Understanding ourselves is the first step in recognizing the role we are meant to play, regardless of the outcome, and how we will fulfill our fate or destiny—essentially, how we fit into our role within the Divine Drama of Life.

Being authentic and at peace with ourselves is the clearest way to know if we are on the right path, while also finding a profound sense of meaning in our journey and in the process even when it is painful.

Understanding the archetypes

Archetypes are symbolic figures that have appeared in mythology since the dawn of time. Whether in religion, films, or the work of psychologists like Carl Jung, recognizing and understanding these patterns is essential.

Even more importantly, truly understanding which of these archetypes resonates most with us helps clarify our role in life although we are not constrain to it.

Examples of archetypes

The everyman

The everyman archetype represents the foundation of society, performing essential roles that keep the world functioning smoothly, such as waiter, driver, farmer, factory worker, etc. Without these individuals, the flow of mainstream services and products would cease, making them perhaps the true pillars of society.

The entertainer

The entertainer is someone who brings joy and engagement to people’s lives through their craft, whether it’s an actor, athlete, comedian, or YouTuber. They often use humor and positive emotions to help others relax and feel at ease, but they can also portray the deeper aspects of the Divine Drama of Life through their art, transforming it into a form of entertainment.

The seeker

The Seeker is an individual in search of the meaning of life, and artists are frequently seen as those who strive to uncover the hidden truths of our world.

Painters, photographers, directors, screenwriters, philosophers, and writers often embody this archetype. By revealing these truths, the Seeker plays a crucial role in guiding others toward enlightenment.

A way to achieve catharsis

Recognizing that all archetypes, even the most uncomfortable or challenging ones, play an essential role in the grand scheme of life is a key step toward personal growth and catharsis. Each archetype, regardless of how difficult or unsettling it may seem, serves a purpose in shaping the human experience.

By embracing and understanding these diverse roles, we can begin to accept the complexities of our existence, ultimately leading to a deeper self-awareness and emotional release. This process allows us to confront the parts of ourselves we may have been avoiding and integrate them into our understanding of who we are, offering a path to healing and transformation.

Does everybody start as the everyman in life?

In many ways, everyone start life as the Everyman archetype. This archetype represents the universal experience of being “one among many,” rooted in the shared human journey. Here’s why it often serves as the starting point for most people:

1. Universal Beginnings

Dependence and Conformity

As children, we are shaped by societal norms, family values, and educational systems. These structures encourage conformity to ensure we can function within a community.

Lack of Distinction

Early in life, individuals typically lack the self-awareness or experience to distinguish themselves from the collective. The Everyman archetype reflects this shared, unindividualized state.

2. Learning Through Society’s Lens

Foundation of Identity

Most people begin by adopting the roles society assigns them—student, worker, citizen—because these roles provide a framework for participating in the world.

Seeking Belonging

The Everyman is fundamentally about connection and belonging. Early life is often about finding one’s place in the broader fabric of society.

3. The Hero’s Journey Begins Here

Archetypal Growth

In narratives and life alike, the Everyman is the starting point for personal transformation. Neo in The Matrix, Bilbo in The Hobbit, or even Harry Potter all begin as “ordinary people” before embarking on extraordinary journeys.

Potential for Growth

The Everyman archetype is a fertile ground for change. It is from this relatable, grounded state that individuals are called to adventure, self-discovery, or transcendence.

4. Not Everyone Leaves the Everyman Archetype

Comfort in Familiarity

Many remain in the Everyman role because it offers safety, predictability, and connection. It’s easier to stay within societal norms than to venture into unknown archetypes that demand risk and sacrifice.

Fear of Isolation

Stepping beyond the Everyman can feel isolating, as it often means breaking away from the collective and forging an individual path.

Why the Everyman is Essential

The Everyman archetype provides a baseline—a shared human experience from which all other archetypes emerge. It’s not a limitation but a starting point. Leaving or redefining the Everyman role depends on individual choices, challenges, and the pursuit of meaning.

The Matrix as a metaphor

Neo begins as the Everyman archetype in The Matrix because, at the outset of the story, he represents an ordinary individual living a monotonous, unremarkable life in a world that operates according to established rules and norms. He works a regular job, follows societal expectations, and lacks awareness of the larger forces that shape his reality. In this sense, he is trapped in the mundane, playing his part in the “system” like most people do.

However, Neo’s journey is one of self-discovery. His encounter with Morpheus and the choice between the red and blue pill marks the moment he begins to transcend the limitations of the Everyman. As he begins to understand the true nature of the Matrix and his unique role within it, he steps into a higher archetype—the “hero” or “chosen one”—who seeks enlightenment and ultimately challenges the status quo. In essence, Neo starts as the Everyman, but his evolution throughout the story reveals his potential to embody other, more empowered archetypes.

Why is the everyman often resentful?

The Everyman archetype often embodies a sense of resentment because this role is deeply tied to societal expectations, routines, and obligations. People who feel confined to the Everyman archetype may experience the following:

1. Unrealized Potential

The Everyman can feel trapped in roles that prioritize survival and societal function over self-expression or personal growth. This can lead to frustration and a sense of stagnation, as their deeper aspirations or individuality may remain unfulfilled.

2. Lack of Recognition

The Everyman often goes unnoticed or unappreciated, even though they form the backbone of society. This lack of acknowledgment for their efforts can foster feelings of being undervalued or taken for granted.

3. Monotony and Routine

The predictability of the Everyman’s role can lead to existential dissatisfaction. When life is dominated by routine without room for curiosity, creativity, or adventure, resentment can build over time.

4. Comparison to Other Archetypes

Exposure to other archetypes—heroes, seekers, or leaders—who seem to embody freedom, power, or purpose can exacerbate feelings of resentment. The Everyman may wonder why they are “stuck” while others pursue more fulfilling paths.

5. Social Pressures and Conformity

Society often reinforces the Everyman role through cultural norms, discouraging individuality or divergence. This pressure to conform can create internal conflict for those who feel they are capable of more.

Overcoming the Resentment

The key to alleviating the resentment often lies in:

Self-awareness: Understanding whether the Everyman archetype truly reflects one’s authentic self or if it’s a role imposed by external forces.

Small acts of rebellion: Finding ways to explore individuality within the constraints of daily life.

Reframing the role: Recognizing the value and dignity in being the foundation of society while also nurturing personal aspirations.

Resentment, in this context, can be a signal—a nudge to explore and potentially break free of imposed limitations, even if that means redefining what the Everyman archetype can represent.

The Everyman archetype needs to exist in large numbers

The Everyman archetype plays a crucial role in maintaining societal balance and functionality. Here’s why having a high proportion of people embodying this archetype can help stabilize the world:

1. Foundation of Society

The Everyman represents the “backbone” of communities—individuals who fulfill essential roles such as workers, caregivers, and citizens. They prioritize stability, reliability, and routine, which are necessary for a functioning society.

• Without the Everyman, society would lack the structural cohesion needed for institutions, systems, and economies to operate effectively.

2. Balancing Innovation and Chaos

• The presence of other archetypes (e.g., Heroes, Seekers, Rebels) often introduces change, innovation, or disruption. While these forces are necessary for growth and progress, they can also create instability.

• The Everyman counterbalances this by preserving order, ensuring that societies don’t spiral into chaos.

3. Shared Values and Connection

• The Everyman archetype is deeply rooted in belonging, humility, and community. These traits foster unity and a shared sense of purpose.

• A society dominated by individualism or constant disruption would lack the collective effort required for larger projects or stability.

4. Minimizing Conflict

• A higher proportion of Everyman archetypes helps maintain societal equilibrium by encouraging conformity to rules and norms. This reduces conflict that might arise from excessive deviation or resistance to collective structures.

5. Energy Conservation

• The Everyman archetype does not challenge the status quo, which allows energy to be focused on sustaining and improving the systems already in place.

• Constant revolution or upheaval would be exhausting and unsustainable over time.

6. Symbolism in Nature

In ecosystems, stability is often maintained by a large number of “generalists” who fulfill essential roles, much like the Everyman. The “specialists” (akin to Heroes or Visionaries) are fewer and more niche but bring unique adaptations.

• Similarly, societies need a greater proportion of Everyman archetypes to provide a stable foundation, allowing other archetypes to operate in complementary ways.

The Potential Danger of Overrepresentation

While the Everyman is essential for balance, an overwhelming majority of Everyman archetypes can stagnate progress:

• Resistance to Change: Innovation and growth require individuals who challenge norms (e.g., Seekers, Rebels).

• Blind Conformity: Over-conformity can lead to authoritarianism or lack of individuality.

• Unrealized Potential: If too many people remain in the Everyman archetype, society might miss out on creative and transformative contributions.

Key Takeaway

The Everyman archetype must exist in high proportion to maintain societal balance and functionality, but this balance relies on a dynamic interplay with other archetypes. The Heroes, Seekers, and Visionaries push boundaries and drive progress, while the Everyman anchors society, ensuring it remains stable and cohesive. Both forces are essential for a harmonious world.

Why is it so important to understand the reality of the world arounds us?

A deep sense of resentment often signals that we are off-course, possibly driven by powerful external forces that push us onto a path that isn’t truly ours.

To understand how we can reach our destination, we must also recognize the importance of understanding the societal constructs within which we function.

Each country and its leadership, each geographical groups and areas may be shaped by a specific set of archetypes that promote their own agendas or ideologies. This is why every country or even city has its unique culture and philosophy, which they strive to instill and homogenize across the population to avoid conflicts.

To fully embark on our personal journey, we must first recognize the disparities that exist within societies and discern which archetype resonates with us most. We cannot embody every possibility or potential at once; instead, we must choose a path that aligns with our true nature and direction at a specific time.

Society as a metaphorical prison

Society can sometimes act as a metaphorical prison that encourages individuals to conform to the archetype of the Everyman, prioritizing stability and functionality over individuality and self-actualization. This phenomenon can emerge through societal structures, cultural expectations, and systemic pressures that reward conformity and discourage deviation. Here’s how:

1. The Nature of the Everyman

The Everyman archetype embodies roles that maintain the smooth functioning of society, such as workers in essential industries, caregivers, and service providers. While these roles are vital, societal systems often encourage individuals to remain within these roles, prioritizing productivity and uniformity over personal growth or exploration.

2. Education as a Conditioning System

Many education systems are designed to prepare individuals to fit into predefined societal roles. Standardized testing, rigid curriculums, and an emphasis on obedience and memorization often limit critical thinking and creativity, steering individuals toward a collective conformity.

• Result: People are taught what to think, not how to think. This creates a workforce rather than a community of independent thinkers.

3. Fear of Divergence

Society often stigmatizes those who deviate from the Everyman archetype. Individuals who seek truth, challenge norms, or pursue unique paths may be marginalized, labeled as “dreamers,” “rebels,” or “non-conformists.” This fear of judgment or failure can trap individuals within societal expectations.

4. Economic Pressures

The modern economic system often forces people into survival mode. The need to pay bills, sustain a family, and secure a livelihood can prevent individuals from pursuing higher aspirations or embracing unconventional archetypes.

• Example: The artist who compromises their creativity for financial stability or the seeker who sacrifices their quest for truth to fit societal demands.

5. Cultural Reinforcement

Society celebrates and rewards the Everyman archetype through cultural narratives. Films, advertisements, and literature often glorify lives built on stability, hard work, and tradition, subtly discouraging alternative lifestyles or archetypal roles.

• Message: “You belong when you contribute to the system.”

6. The Illusion of Freedom

While modern societies often emphasize individualism, this freedom is sometimes superficial. Consumerism, media, and social norms create a controlled environment that limits true exploration of self or transcendence of the Everyman archetype.

Breaking Out of the Prison

1. Self-Awareness: Recognizing societal pressures and understanding the archetype you identify with can empower individuals to make conscious choices.

2. Education: Embracing critical thinking, creativity, and philosophy can challenge societal conditioning.

3. Community: Finding like-minded individuals who value authenticity and higher aspirations can provide support.

4. Courage: Choosing to defy societal expectations and pursuing individuality, despite the risks, is key to breaking free.

While society often nudges individuals toward the Everyman archetype for functionality and order, there is room for resistance. By cultivating awareness and courage, individuals can challenge these constraints and explore their true archetype, contributing to society in ways that are both meaningful and authentic.

The Self, the Phoenix, the Hero, the Arc

The archetype that represents all archetypes at once is often referred to as The Self in Jungian psychology. The Self is a symbol of wholeness and integration, encompassing all the aspects of the psyche, including the conscious and unconscious, the known and unknown. It represents the totality of the individual and the unity of all the archetypal forces within.

In this sense, The Self is not just one archetype but the source from which all archetypes emerge, embodying the potential for all roles, personas, and aspects of being. It is the harmonious integration of every part of a person’s identity, representing the culmination of self-realization and the journey toward individuation, or becoming one’s true and whole self.

In the context of mythology and literature, the Phoenix or The Hero can also be seen as symbols that attempt to embody all archetypes, often going through a transformative process where they engage with various aspects of existence before transcending them all, embodying wholeness in the end.

Conclusion

At its core, the world may exist in a state of perfect balance, but maintaining this equilibrium requires us to actively fulfill our roles in the Divine Drama of Life. Recognizing that everything is already in balance invites us to transcend conventional notions of morality.

In exploring the vast landscape of archetypes, it becomes clear that these timeless symbols serve as both reflections of our individual and collective experiences, as well as guides on our journey toward self-awareness and meaning.

Each archetype—from the Everyman to the Seeker, the Entertainer, and beyond—offers us unique insights into the roles we play within the divine drama of life. These roles, though varied and complex, ultimately contribute to a greater understanding of our place in the world and the forces that shape our existence.

By recognizing and integrating the archetypes that resonate most with us, we begin to uncover deeper truths about ourselves and the world around us. This process of self-discovery requires us to confront not only the familiar but also the uncomfortable aspects of human nature, for it is in this balance of light and shadow that true catharsis and growth occur.

Ultimately, the journey to embracing our authentic selves and fulfilling our potential is a choice—one that requires us to navigate the complex web of societal structures, personal experiences, and universal patterns that define our lives.

The archetype of The Self, representing the unity of all forces within, reminds us that our path is not about choosing a single role but about integrating the full spectrum of our being. It is through this integration that we can achieve the wisdom, peace, and authenticity necessary to truly live our adventure and contribute to the greater narrative of life.