Reflections on Common Entitlement - (5975)

There is this psychological quality called entitlement. 

Usually when this word is mentioned, there is a negative connotation. It is often associated with some kind of arrogance, because it is really a word to describe a feeling.

In general, entitlement is the feeling of having a right to something. Where this 'something' was agreed upon previously or is a tradition, a society norm, a law or just plain common sense. For example, you paid for something fair and square, you are entitled to have it.

There seem to be four cases that can be observed in relation to entitlement.

There is the simple case where there is the right to something and it is granted. There is justice and peace because merit and right come together. This naturally inspires respect.

There can also be the case of entitlement where there is clear right but merit is lacking.

Then there is the case where there is some right but little merit.

Then there is the case where there is neither right or merit. 

When we observe those who have worked a lot esoterically and have great merit and awareness, we see that they seem to not take things for granted and are very grateful - which is often taken as a surprise by many. Because one would think that at that level of awareness they have the right to many things. However, they don't feel that.

When there is a long list of facts behind a person the automatic norm is that we are rewarded automatically without asking. If there happen to be expectations, they are met and everyone is at peace. In such cases, nothing has to be done to be rewarded it comes naturally and by itself. Expectation is something that is not needed when there is solid work (facts).

When we look at the common feelings of entitlement we see that there is so often a kind of expectation without many facts behind it indicating that it has not been fully earnt. In these cases the entitlement becomes demanding using force to have the expectation met. Force compensates for the lack of facts and prior work.

This is not very pleasant to say, many beggars have th9is sense of subjective sense entitlement, where they may get aggressive when we after a few times don't give them some money. No contract has been signed or verbal agreement made, and without knowing us and reciprocating with us, what makes them entitled to always receive money. They can always ask which is in place especially when they are lacking, however to be aggressive is arguable as to whether it is in place or not.

The common feelings of entitlement from a Gnostic point of view can be dissolved as they are not needed and they essentially exist when there is a lack of deserving. Insecurity goes hand in hand with a lack of deserving, and a degree of ignorance is also present. In the case of ignorance somethin is being consciously or subconsciously ignored, such as the rights of others.

Often the "I" of theft has this subjective feeling of entitlement very strong and that is what makes a person steal something.

In the Gnostic world, expectation comes from self-importance and pride. Pride is the "I" that messes around with justice the most. It often defends and upkeeps injustices. 

Self-love or unconscious love often includes the feelings of entitlement, where the love of the other is demanded, sometimes with worth and sometimes not. 

End (5975).