Inspired by Uncle Wayne: Do you feel you can read another's soul?

Question

Uncle Wayne had asked me if I thought I could read another's soul, and this caused me some thought. First, as an Atheist, I have to consider my position on souls: Do I believe in them? Yes, I think I do.

Just not for me.

See, I accept that there is an extra dimension to existence, and most people have, in addition to the physical self, connection to the entirety of the Universe, expressed as the spiritual--their "soul." This requires no overlord deity, it is that extra dimension that Einstein perceived and that most people feel the pull of, feel that they can connect with ancestors or other deceased persons, and really enjoy the connection. For those who believe, also, they connect with the oneness of the Universe and relate to it as a deity.

This is a natural physical law, and we call it spirituality. I, however, believe I am deficient in this. There is only physical for me, no spirit, no soul. Perhaps that's why I connect so intensely to people, I think.

I perceive in others that which I lack, and connect to them in order to feel that extra spark of existence that will continue after them---as most assuredly I will not. Also, I think others are perhaps drawn to me for the very void I represent. Where there is no soul, another's soul stretches out---elbow room, as it were.

In all of this, there is the question, "Can we read one another's soul?" It is worth investigating. What are your thoughts? What have you read of another's soul? What are your perceptions? Is there this communication of souls when other communications are absent or diminished?

What do you think?

Answer 1

I can read French, Italian, and English.

But I'm illiterate when it comes to reading souls. Can I get an English-Soul/Soul-English dictionary on Amazon?

ADDED: I think people can hone their emotional intelligence to become more sensitive to other people's wishes, desires, fears, cravings, needs, etc. Any woman I've dated seriously as been astounded that I can read them like an open book, anticipate what they're feeling, what they're going to say, how they'd react, etc. While some might ascribe that to a supernatural force, I think I was just able to allow myself to observe patterns in there actions and listen to their unspoken language to the point where reading them became intuitive.

Answer 2

First of all, your perspective of the existence of the soul is very well-articulated here. And I tend to agree with you. Except that I don't think you or anyone else is "deficient" in it.
To answer your question, I do feel like I can read the souls of others inasmuch as the body is the physical vehicle and communication medium of the soul. And I can listen to words and interpret body language. But do I have some sort of conscious, direct, spiritual link to others? No, I'm afraid not.

Answer 3

Perhaps we are always blind to that in which resides within ourselves.

I don't believe in the existence of a soul.. I've never seen any proof otherwise. However, I am still drawn to people and some are drawn to me. I think you are correct that we find qualities in others that we ourselves don't have, we find people that compliment what we have. I do not know if I would consider that soul though.

Personally, I've always found this to be confusing and in some ways disturbing (not in the horror movie sort of way.. it's kind of hard to explain). At times there does seem to be more there, but for someone like myself, having to use faith with it is very hard for me.

I take the fact that I can find friends as a gift, and what qualities they have only serve to enrich me and make me a better person. I only hope that I give them back as much as they give to me.

Answer 4

Are you connecting to people only physically though? I always saw the "soul" as the energy that charges us - it's scientific, then, and easier to understand. Energy is free flowing, and allows us to connect with someone thousands of miles away, when the physique is out of reach.

I have very strong instinctive "feelings" at times when meeting someone, but I am stumped as to whether I am seeing the soul, or just catching a vibe or two. A very good question for a cold winter's evening.

Answer 5

Dead people, no.
With that said (and so well said wasn't it?) I have to say people are drawn to me. I can't tell you how many people have said to me "I could bear my soul to you" and that they have done.
I see things in people that apparently others don't see. I can not explain it in words, but I know there is something more to people than simple (or even complex) science can explain.
People connect to me instantly which is odd because at first glance many people percieve me as stuck up, rude and blunt. I have problems in the areas of social norms of being nice and poilite, for the sake of being nice and polite. Yet, I think those who connect to me need to and something beyond science is driving that need.
I am not sure it is a soul, spirit or something devine. I doubt the devine thing, yet still I most admit it goes beyond science (psychology)

Answer 6

I'm not totally sure I understand what you are asking but I'll try. I can read people but to me it's simply a feeling I get. I know whether they are good people, bad people, someone who can or can't be trusted, etc. As to reading what I think of as soul, I don't know. Sometimes I can tell that I've known someone before. Or I get the feeling I've always known them even though I've only known them a short time.

Answer 7

I like how you describe the concept of the soul.

I think a soul, if it exists, is something that is deeply and maybe even exclusively personal. My soul, to me, is the deepest, quietest part of me. The absolute truth of who I am and what my intentions are. Some get bits and pieces of it. Some get most of it over time. But I don't believe it is available to be "read" by anyone, nor do I think I'm capable of reading anyone else's soul.

Answer 8

I used to think so but have sense found out that I can not. I am too gullible and believe what people tell me plus I look for the best in everyone I meet which leads to disappointment most of the time.

Answer 9

There are three dimensions to life: mental, physical, and spiritual.

Answer 10

entell Dark Matter energy from vaccum state-and gravity is Completely understood-ill keep an open mind--and give you a maybe