From ‘Having’ to ‘Being’ Mode
最後更新日期：2025年02月28日
Modern individuals often find themselves trapped in a state of constant action—our attention is always fixated on the next task, the next to-do list, the next fleeting pleasure, or the next wave of anxiety. This relentless busyness leaves us with little room to pause and truly experience the present moment.
As described in Four Thousand Weeks, modern people perceive time as a conveyor belt of boxes that must be filled as quickly as possible. We become so focused on “what’s next” that we neglect “what is now.” This results in a growing disconnection from reality, eventually leading us into a cycle of meaningless repetition.
Learning: The ‘Having’ vs. ‘Being’ Mode
Many people adopt a ‘having’ mode of learning, treating knowledge as an asset that must be possessed. Students who follow this approach often take frantic notes, believing that simply writing everything down means they have “acquired” the knowledge.
Before entering university, I followed this method myself—trying to record everything from textbooks, assuming it would guarantee good exam results. However, I rarely engaged in critical thinking about the material. According to Erich Fromm, learners in the “having” mode cling to accumulated knowledge rather than engaging in creative thinking.
In contrast, learners who embrace the ‘being’ mode approach their studies differently. They ponder the subject matter beforehand, forming their own questions before the lesson. Instead of passively absorbing knowledge, they actively engage with it, using creative interpretation and response to deepen their understanding.
Memory: The ‘Having’ vs. ‘Being’ Mode
In the “having” mode, memory is viewed as a repository of past events—something one “possesses” like a collection of objects. This explains why people often rely on photographs and external aids to recall experiences, rather than embedding them deeply within their minds.
When these individuals attempt to document their experiences, they become preoccupied with capturing images rather than immersing themselves in the moment. Later, when they look back at these photos, they may find that their memories feel detached and alienated—as if they have lost the authenticity of their experiences.
Conversely, those who adopt the ‘being’ mode approach memory more dynamically. They view memory as a living experience—one that can be revisited, reinterpreted, and relived over time. For them, memory is not static; it flows and evolves. Instead of relying on external records, they internalize their experiences, making them an intrinsic part of their being.
Just as merely transcribing information without understanding it prevents knowledge from transforming into wisdom, true learning is not about ‘possessing’ knowledge but about ‘activating’ it—allowing it to guide our thoughts and actions.
Reclaiming Peace Through ‘Being’
Spending more time in the ‘being’ mode each day enables us to let go of past regrets and future anxieties, returning our focus to the present and reconnecting with ourselves. This shift not only allows for a deeper appreciation of life but also enhances our ability to be fully present in our experiences. When we stop worrying about an uncertain future or dwelling on past pain, we create space to enjoy the peace of the present moment.
Shifting towards this way of living requires practice. A simple way to begin is by stepping outdoors and allowing your senses to absorb the environment—letting your thoughts and emotions flow naturally with the scenery. Expanding your awareness is another useful exercise. For example, try staring at your hand for ten minutes, observing every detail carefully, or focus intently on the feeling of the wind brushing against your skin.
If these exercises feel too abstract, practicing mindful eating or fully immersing yourself in a film without distractions can also serve as ways to cultivate the ‘being’ mode.
Sustaining the ‘Being’ Practice
The mode of being has its prerequisites independence, freedom, and the presence of critical reason.
This mode of existence is not about external busyness but rather about creatively applying our abilities to experience and comprehend the world.
The experience of being cannot be fully articulated in words. As Fromm once stated:
Yet none of these experiences can be fully expressed in words. The words are vessels that are filled with experience that overflows the vessels. The words point to an experience; they are not the experience.
We must recognize that ‘being’ is not a static state; rather, it is an ongoing, fluid experience. It cannot be stored or preserved—it can only be sustained through continuous practice and engagement.
In essence, as long as we remain fully present in our experiences, we can maintain a state of ‘being’.