in order to evolve oneself, one must first undergo a spiritual death of the old, before a new insight can be born.
in order to be receptive for new insights, a person must be willing to let go every single current assumption he has. if he is not willing, and holds on compulsively to his current thoughts and theories, he will never be able to develop the self.

every person has his lifetime to perform his intended life's work,
to finish his sole purpose, his reason for living.
only when this life's work is completed,
when he fulfilled his task,
only then his soul will obtain access to a higher level.