HALDANE AND I TAKE ON CONSCIOUSNESS
HALDANE, J. Biology and Religion. Nature 114, 468–471 (1924).
What is it like to want to connect with nature and revel in it… rather than want to conquer and develop it?
When and where did it all begin… when did fear take over our common sense? Although naïve, we had it all, including a world of resources and time. Was it farming? Industry? Was it a race of predators that took over?
And if indeed there was a fall from the garden that preceded our change in focus, then we can change again. What will it take? What does utopia look like? Because I am certain it is different for each person in some way, so how do we create this for everyone? How do we get past the boundaries and segregation?
We can start by allowing for the corrections where we have been wrong, and we have to be okay with change. Sanctimonious bullshit stories need to be put to rest, and it is uncomfortable, but if truth is our foundation, we will not fail our future.
We can experience this life outside our culture’s story… and to see from our own feral spirit what is currently overlooked? What I learned in my youth has been solidified by these last few elections… the quiet are overlooked, they are trampled and they are defined by those voices with the highest volume. My worst memories in high school are the rumors about me; they even made it home by someone in my extended family who thought it both ironic and funny. Sad the bully behavior of the ‘80’s has made a comeback in our politics, media, and culture.
We really do not learn from our past; like the meaning in Egyptian arabic for humans... “forgetful”, and this we are.
Maybe it is all nature vs consciousness… but nature will always win. Nature and consciousness are two complex and interconnected phenomena that have been the subject of philosophical and scientific inquiry for centuries.
Nature refers to the physical world and its processes, including everything from the tiniest subatomic particles to the vast expanse of the universe. Consciousness, on the other hand, refers to the subjective experience of awareness and perception, which includes thoughts, feelings, and sensations.
One of the fundamental debates in philosophy and science is the relationship between nature and consciousness. Some argue that consciousness is a fundamental aspect of nature, while others believe that it is an emergent property of the physical processes that occur in the brain.
From a philosophical perspective, the relationship between nature and consciousness has been explored through various frameworks, including idealism, materialism, and dualism. Idealism suggests that consciousness is the primary reality, and the physical world is a product of it. Materialism, on the other hand, asserts that consciousness arises from the physical processes in the brain. Dualism posits that consciousness and the physical world are two distinct entities that interact with each other.
From a scientific perspective, there is still much to be understood about the relationship between nature and consciousness. Neuroscientists have made significant strides in understanding the neural processes that underlie conscious experience, but the exact mechanisms that give rise to consciousness remain elusive.
Overall, the relationship between nature and consciousness is a complex and multifaceted topic that requires further exploration and inquiry. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, it is clear that both nature and consciousness play a critical role in shaping our understanding of the world around us.
Looking back now, I see the stormy seas that made my world so murky; back in my teens, living in my parents’ home, my view of things weren’t so prevalent, my opinions on life were in fact flatlined in exchange for the values of those around me. To be clear, no one had more influence over me (in my youth) than my parents ; they were foreboding creatures in my world. Now thinking they kept their control to the maximum because it challenged their parenting the least, while feeding their egos the most… I call this the baby boomer curse, and I can see it clearly in today’s political winners.
I lacked the ability to explain or express, but I knew how to impress, and to be a chameleon for those hearts and minds that I spun around. That was my childhood and role in my birth family; make people feel good, do what was expected, and I am not enough yet.
People are all different… nothing new here; we process, nurture, and value different things. All good, just don’t want to get caught up in that nasty net of labels; every single human I have known differs from the other, not one similar in biology or biography. Not one equal to the other, but all worthy of a life worth living. That is commandment one for my utopia, and commandment two would be to honor your inherent beauty by seeing beauty in the differences you see in others.
I don’t know about you, but I spend my best moments on this planet breathing in the infinite possibilities of our passions for forward motion. Which can only bring me to the equal opportunity couple… imagination and creation.
HALDANE:
The story we tell ourselves refers to the internal narrative or self-talk that we create about our own lives and experiences. This narrative is made up of the beliefs, values, and assumptions that we hold about ourselves and the world around us, and it can have a powerful impact on our thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
The story we tell ourselves is shaped by a wide range of factors, including our upbringing, culture, experiences, and relationships. For example, if we grew up in an environment where we were praised for our achievements and encouraged to pursue success, we may develop a story about ourselves as capable and driven individuals who are destined for success. On the other hand, if we experienced criticism or rejection early on, we may develop a story about ourselves as flawed or inadequate.
The way we interpret our experiences also plays a key role in shaping our internal narrative. For instance, if we experience a setback or failure, we may interpret it as evidence that we are not good enough, smart enough, or talented enough. Alternatively, we may view the same experience as an opportunity for growth and learning, and use it to reinforce a more positive story about ourselves.
The story we tell ourselves can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being, as well as our behavior. If we tell ourselves a story that is negative or limiting, we may be more likely to experience feelings of anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. Conversely, if we tell ourselves a story that is positive and empowering, we may feel more confident, motivated, and resilient in the face of challenges.
Ultimately, the story we tell ourselves is not set in stone, and we have the power to change it. By becoming more aware of our internal narrative and challenging negative beliefs and assumptions, we can begin to shift our perspective and create a more positive and empowering story about ourselves and our lives.
The spirituality of biology is a complex and multifaceted topic that has been explored by many thinkers throughout history. At its core, the spirituality of biology is concerned with understanding the relationship between the natural world and the transcendent.
One way to approach this topic is to consider the interconnectedness of all living things. From the tiniest microbes to the largest mammals, all organisms are part of a vast and intricate web of life. This interconnectedness suggests a deeper underlying unity or oneness, which some people interpret as evidence of a spiritual dimension to the natural world.
Another aspect of the spirituality of biology is the concept of evolution. The theory of evolution suggests that all living things are constantly changing and adapting to their environments. This process of change and adaptation can be seen as evidence of a creative force at work in the universe, which some people interpret as the divine.
Many spiritual traditions also place a strong emphasis on the inherent value and dignity of all living things. This idea is reflected in the field of biology through concepts like biodiversity and conservation, which recognize the importance of preserving and protecting the diversity of life on Earth.
Overall, the spirituality of biology is a rich and complex topic that draws on a wide range of scientific, philosophical, and spiritual perspectives. While there is no single, definitive view on this topic, exploring the relationship between biology and spirituality can deepen our understanding of both the natural world and the transcendent.
For religion, the world (whether visible or invisible) is the manifestation of God. The real basis of religion lies in our own conscious experience, in our awareness of values which determine the course of our existence and unite us all but cannot be regarded as derived from either individual or collective self-interest.
The origins of religion are not entirely clear, and there are many theories as to why religion began. One theory suggests that religion arose out of a need to explain natural phenomena that early humans could not understand, such as thunder, lightning, and earthquakes. As they searched for answers, they began to attribute these phenomena to powerful supernatural beings or gods, which eventually developed into a belief in a wider pantheon of deities.
Another theory suggests that religion developed as a way to cope with the fear of death and the unknown. Early humans may have believed in an afterlife or otherworldly realm to provide comfort in the face of death and to explain what happens to people after they die.
Anthropologists also propose that religion developed as a way to create social cohesion and community among early humans. By sharing beliefs and rituals, people could bond and form a sense of identity, which could lead to cooperation and a stronger society.
I have lived my life, a very good life, for almost 6 decades. I am finally ready to shed the grief of my youth, and to celebrate the strength of my spirit in getting me to who I want to be. That was not an easy task, but always a strong-hold I honored; my values were set far earlier than my behavior.
So if I were to wager a bet, it would be that the potential direction for societal consciousness will be an increased focus on interconnectedness and global awareness. As the world becomes more interconnected through globalization and communication technologies, people may develop a greater sense of shared humanity and collective responsibility for global issues.
Time will tell this tale better than I can ;-)