The Invisible Universe project is concerned with polymathic exploration, as was Critical Thinking. What does that mean? In practice it means following “breadcrumbs” of information that appear, sometimes unexpectedly, to expand our horizons and understanding. These “breadcrumbs” often have little relationship to preoccupations at the time but somehow take us forward in unexpected ways into new fields of exploration.
It is though there is a hidden force which I suggest is universal consciousness (see the Tarot card explanation in Preparation) guiding us. The most effective means to tap into this resource is through art, imagery, poetry and things beyond deductive logic which is why I have found the Tarot so useful.
This recent work from a project related by association is an example of the process.
slow book thing (video 6 minutes 39 seconds)
It is not my job to explain this because people can interpret or use it in their own way. Its importance is in stimulating thoughts and ideas, not merely in observation or appreciation of the end result but through being part of the process that created it. Eddie, who edited down the vast quantity of images and video from the event, refers to “thinking and making that takes discussion somewhere else…”
The cycles described in these articles of Preparation, Application, Set To Work and Study are continuous and overlapping. The relevance or importance of Study is to constantly re-examine and evaluate to ensure that we progress in optimal fashion. In simplistic terms, whether we are talking about research, analysis or development, we aim to do/achieve more with less (effort, resources etc.). In structural or systems thinking terms it is maximising the value of feedback loops.
Within institutional hierarchies, there are invariably dislocated or dysfunctional feedback loops that accentuate or accelerate general dysfunction.
Empirical evidence reveals how hierarchical academic institutions, for example, create and perpetuate myths, ignorance and groupthink while inhibiting creativity and independent/critical thinking. Challenging “accepted wisdom” in academia is fraught with danger to one’s status, relationships and income, i.e. the ability to survive.
As suggested in Preparation, referring to the VIIII l’Ermite (the Hermit), no-one can make this journey of discovery for us. Yes, people may be able to guide and help us but it is our journey and the choices we make will determine its progress and direction.
The CoCreative Learning methodology has expanded my understanding way beyond all expectations and preconceptions. It is the virtuous circle of selectively sharing information, analysis and ideas that accelerates learning.
This article will not be complete without reference to the Tarot’s guidance on Study. First and foremost, we must always remember that we are le Fou (the Fool). If we accept how little we know, we are open to learning.
What is it that we are learning? We are learning how XXI le Monde (the world, the universe and human affairs) works physically and spiritually.
XVIIII le Soleil (the Sun) represents the life force of our world that in turn derives its energy from the conscious universe. XVIII la Lune (the Moon) signifies the light and dark (cosmic) forces that play upon the world and each of us.
XX le Jugement (the Judgement) shows that we are all measured or judged by how we live our lives. However, this is not a binary judgement of pass or fail, i.e. redemption or damnation, heaven or hell.
Life is full of subtlety and ambiguity and we cannot know for sure what the end result will be. What seems evident is that this life is a transitory incidence in the evolution of universal consciousness. Whether we manifest as the same intrinsic entity again, we cannot know but it would seem to be a possibility.
As a rider or footnote to this idea of judgement, I was recently given Being Different by Rajiv Malhotra. The major insight that I took from the book is the fundamental difference between Eastern and Western thought/religion. The former recognises a single entity that is both the Creator and the Creation in spite of giving identity and attributes to multiple deities; whereas Western thought and Abrahamic religions treat these as two separate entities giving rise to the idea of final judgement.
Eastern philosophy seems more in tune with the idea that our progress in life and thereafter is determined by universal law rather than by an external deity as such. Universal law or consciousness is God and we are all part of the same, irrespective of belief.
As I intimated in the Introduction, this is heading way above my pay grade. It is my personal perspective based on what I’ve learned so far. I make no judgement of those who think or believe differently. Each is on his/her own journey of discovery.
My sense is that as more people progress on this journey, we will reach a common understanding of how to behave irrespective of philosophical differences. As Rajiv Malhotra suggests, we need to go beyond “tolerance” (we can tolerate pain which is unpleasant; we’d prefer not to have it).
However, in embracing difference or diversity we should not seek to impose these on others. What shines through what I’ve discovered so far is that no-one can/should have authority over anyone else.
We have to negotiate our future based on the understanding that if we ensure everyone else benefits from our thoughts and actions, then we too will thrive and prosper.
… to be concluded with my final thoughts and acknowledgements.