As a fundamental aspect, Scientologists define their religion as “an applied religious philosophy, which allows the person to know more about himself and life.” (Technical Dictionary of Dianetics and Scientology)

L. Ron Hubbard divided life into its eight fundamental manifestations, each one of which is an impulse towards survival of the person, his vital force directed towards a goal of betterment. He called these the “eight dynamics,” due to the fact that these are the dynamic impulses of life:

The first dynamic is the impulse towards survival of the person as himself.

The second dynamic is the impulse towards survival in the sexual sense: the couple, family and the rearing and education of children.