Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Blind or delusional

Month, Day: 168, Sovereignty, Power (Grace)

Grace is the 4th day of the week. As such, Unity is a nice thing to ponder.

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We have to re-look at the choice brought up before: 'Tis or 'Tisn't. Gosh, has it been six months? One thing that is different is that the blogger has been making the effort [to] read secular material and to listen to videos from that side [of the worldviews]. This was precipitated by Christopher's (CH) display of endurance. 

We'll make a couple of comments and then bring in quotes for reflection. Many who argued with CH (using him as a proxy for the secular view) said: why can't you see? Ah, blindness, one might think. We used that here in talking about the Brights. So, the claim is that the secular side does not allow into discourse certain things that are accepted by the 'Tis side, hence a whole bit of stuff cannot be talked about.

If these are brought up, then the response is: you're delusional. Gosh, how many times is that used?

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Now, 'blind' is not bad. Justice is said to be blind. Note that it's a day of the week. Too, 'blind' implies not sensing something; how many things are outside of our senses? In fact, modern scientific views all make heavy use of lens, filters, and more (caution: quasi-empiricism needs to be addressed).

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'delusion' is a powerful thing to throw at someone (straight-jackets, and what not, are associated with this). Its use seems particularly oppressive; however, perhaps it is just this stalemate that brings up the counsel to not proselytize.

Yet, there are audacity issues that might require some attention. Hopefully, these are addressed with some wisdom.

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4th Valley: Hence, when searchers inquired of this, He made reply, “This is a bottomless sea which none shall ever fathom.” And they asked again, and He answered, “It is the blackest of nights through which none can find his way.”

SAQ (#37): Therefore, the Reality of the Divinity is hidden from all comprehension, and concealed from the minds of all men. It is absolutely impossible to ascend to that plane. ... From this it is certain and evident that if we imagine a Divine Reality outside of the Holy Manifestations, it is pure imagination, for there is no way to approach the Reality of Divinity which is not cut off to us, and all that we imagine is mere supposition.

SAQ (#22): Consequently, whenever it is recorded in the Holy Books that such a one was blind and recovered his sight, the meaning is that he was inwardly blind, and that he obtained spiritual vision, or that he was ignorant and became wise, or that he was negligent and became heedful, or that he was worldly and became heavenly. ... As this inner sight, hearing, life and healing are eternal, they are of importance.

Remarks:

03/29/2012 -- Interesting video on self-transcendence.

02/01/2012 --Reflecting on CH interchanges, one has to wonder is dreams can ever be used in science. Now, mind you, I'm talking an advanced view of science that deals with knowing God, in part. Actually, just having science shift to where it realizes the usefulness of addressing human intelligence will be a step forward. One can surmise a whole lot from such a thing. I'm too old to see this, though, even in an inkling. But, I'll be able to watch the secular thing wound down as complexities of Being bound it up. That is, the 'religion' of both science and secularism will come to fore and be noticeable. Basic query: how can there be any epistemological framework (including its tools) that is not amenable to being grasped by all humans seen as that which is our future? Of course, we know that the system requires difference in ability. Yet, underlying truth ought to be apparent in any context.   

Modified: 03/29/2012

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

George's lessons

Month, Day: 168, Sovereignty, Words (Justice)

As we mentioned some from the past, namely Blaise and Immanuel, last time, we can also add George (the first) as he was in the real arenas of action (yes, not ivory-towered -- sorry, intellectuals -- George was a farmer, military officer, political office holder, and more); too, he was held in the highest esteem by his peers; yet, he rejected the thought that he could be crowned (ah, has not a journalist (Margaret Kimberley) depicted the current holder of George's office with a crown?). We cannot give enough credit to George for stepping down (how many want to grasp the ring of kinghood? -- peoples, it's a sign of immaturity).

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As well, George was an autodidact. He may have been born into the order (or, as much of one [as possible] for those who ventured across the pond leaving behind what they knew [very old, yet unstable, order] for a bunch of unknowns [some of which would be the negative effect on the native population]), yet situations kept him from becoming part of the order (probably, fortunate for us). His schooling was limited since he was not able to get back to England at the time. He was tutored over [here] in Virginia (long way from Harvard, by the way -- but, that would have ruined him for us -- can explain). His family associations gave him the opportunity to explore and measure the new country. His physique, and health, was sufficient to help him evolve into leadership.

Through all that, he never succumbed to the classist nature of the aristocracy. In fact, his military subordinates were quite taken with the guy. By the way, his day of remembrance is coming up soon. Too, he was 100 years, like Immanuel, prior to the Manifestation (we'll get back to that).

There is a whole lot more to say, but let's leave it for later.

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Recognizing the importance of George is not wrong. Staying apolitical (which goes with the Faith) does not imply being ignorant of what's going on or what has happened. One still has responsibility to vote; as well, being a good citizen is essential.

By the way, George had royal blood by several ancestors; from where we sit, he was much better than any of the George Ns (where N runs from "I" upward - of particular interest here, England). 

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So, with George as inspiration, we're going to venture some thoughts. That is, we're going to go into an audacious mode and discuss a few topics over the next few months from a learned position (lifetime of study). These topics are the following (in no manner is to be considered a closed list): there is energy which we need to account for that is related to mind (how to do this?) which is a human trait; psych-ether is how I've characterized some of the dynamics, after dreams of discussions with Albert (yes, ether, as the Master said -- connotations, people -- its measurement will have to different than that which has been conceptualized and attempted -- failed to be observed, as we all know); the importance of dreams (Valley of Wonderment) as a filtered acquisition method (ah, how to overcome the inherent personal nature of this thing?); perhaps, biological receptors, and computers (you see, we've already seen how to use Light, though we have a lot more to learn) that are living things; again, Being is never expressed properly with mathematics (rather, it squishes out the living essence - or pushes it outside of the realm of the discourse -- yet, Being is beyond Words, to boot -- numeracy can be a bane -- plague -- on us); what might be termed reflection about the Revelation (where we can look back at George and the other greats -- they're still of the above-mentioned energy); Stephen says there is no need for God in his (their) model (propose where that model's deficiency leads to the negative prognostications of late -- abandon God's footstool?); ... ; last, but not least, how symmetry will help balance the views of Science and Religion.

Remarks:

08/01/2012 --Ether, in a manner that is unavoidably true. Our task? Show how to handle the matter from a scientific (the wise interpretation, okay?) framework. And, audacity is not necessary.

04/14/2012 -- Thornton Chase is an example of several things that will be discussed this year.

01/26/2012 -- Rather than start another post right now, more on the AE message: similar to how we dream up some operator (i -- thanks, Leonhard - 100 years) which is effective (complex numbers) and very much related to the method in manifold theory (computationally, differential geometry, by the way, explains the source, and some perturbations, of cognitive imbalances) that allows us to operate with linear extensions, we can bound a human (and, it's not exactly Hilbertian! -- thanks, David) with an existential framework that spans all worlds (look at the Writings - actually, it applies, too, with the small, atomic entities, of which we'll an aggregation -- call it, Plato-motivated, but that would be not be entirely right) and that will be much beneficial to resolving all sorts of problems (showing the power of symmetry not brought forth as of yet -- to my knowledge). And, it'll be partly mathematical. ... Incidentally, filters were mentioned. In part, a trained mind/intuition will be required (ultimate choice from the U.H.J. - to be described).

01/25/2012 -- As with all of the entrants into the American continent who were of European birth, there will be interactions with the Native population that might need to be studied within the context suggested by audacity (how? unknown). George did have a nickname that he got from his grandfather's actions.


Modified: 08/01/2012

Monday, January 23, 2012

About the middle

Month, Day: 168, Sovereignty, Light (Perfection)

I failed to acknowledge the entry into the Ascendant group which came after the close of the Motivational. We still have some of the yearly measure to expend.

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It is very much apropos, to be considering this topic (which deals at its core with Light) on this day. This post is a free-flowing consideration of things to be worked in the audacious mode under the guidance of the Law. The use of 'middle' (the concept comes into play several ways, one example) implies several things, but one of these will be the need to balance any extreme view with its inverse (hypothetical or otherwise) so as to allow means and ends analysis.

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There will be a continuation of looking at lessons from one life as CH's work showed us many. For one, he saw that "no man" stood in need of his neighbor. Hence, his railing against those in power who like to follow their corrupt inclinations.

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That religion is full of people who think that their power gives them privileges is one problem. Of course, those who are touting the other side (Brights) can be as strident and overbearing. That is, look at any of the forums and see how particular insightful presentations are rejected and labeled as the babbling of an idiot (or delusional person). One problem is that we cannot expect any help, in the sense needed by the unseeing, from those who went over no matter how much insight they may have attained on dropping the physical self (see CH link, above).

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So, we're at a crux that seems to be related to a gap that is widening faster than Krauss says that we're seeing with the universe. It's nice to see the clear-thinking oasis being developed. From cursory reading of discussions (if one can use that term) at the site, the comments and arguments of many seem to be full of vitriol and ad hominen attacks. But, then, that is not any different than we see elsewhere.

Where is there a calm, rational exchange on these matters that has some hope of effectiveness? 

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Our task here is, in part, to establish the method to operationally effect a symmetry-based balance between science and religion. Many have this in mind, too. There are plenty of ways to go about this business; we'll start small by trying to establish a basis from which to construct. The gap exists since we all have a choice.

One view would say that the choice ought not get us far off of a fence. Actually, that is too linear of a metaphor, as the thing would be more fuzzy, allowing some nuances. Why? Because, we are allowed to Question.

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I read at one site how the theoretical-empirical split can be problematic. Or, one might even use pure and applied, as in mathematics. Now, those are a form of symmetric relations, too, though I haven't seen anyone use the notion (would love to hear otherwise). For some (many?), being on the left end (as in a pair) denotes being smarter (ah, is that so?, perhaps, in certain ways).

Now, let's look at religion. How would there be a similar mix? We already alluded, indirectly, to the clergy and laity (however, characterized) split. In the past, perhaps even now in some loci, those who had access to the books (Books), since they could read, had the advantage. Then, it (the favored) became related to advancing on the clergy's hierarchy (to where?). By the way, England (and Europe) had major battles about the Bible's translation (many burned on the several sides). But, getting the text into the common language did wonders.

Another way to look at this is that the 'theoretic' basis of religion is set by Revelation. We won't have that, again, for 900 years. Yet, we have had many, many occurrences from the past which have not been exhausted (hence, the admonition now to deal peacefully with ALL religions). So, collectively, there is a whole bunch that needs to be understood in terms of its usefulness to a scientific framework (yes - give me time to show this - if you have a knee-jerk reaction, take it elsewhere). One thing that will need to be looked at is how the U.H.J. might be involved with undecidable points (to be defined, later).

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Pascal learned his lesson this side of paradise. We will continue to have him in mind as we proceed. Note, that we'll try to re-phrase his challenge in a way that is compatible with the message here. Hints: dreams can become a tool for our use; our ancestors (source for some memes -- yes) ought not be forgotten.

Blaise was 200 years prior to the Twin Days. Immanuel was a mere 100 years. Both of these are important to our foundational efforts (to be discussed). So, we'll be using them early. The idea is to establish 'reflection' as a means to pull out the power of symmetry (again, coming as some point) for the purposes of a peaceful, and knowledgeable, future.

Finally, we were told not to look back. But, that, to me, implied beyond some reasonable limit (hopefully, cosmology can be updated thusly). So, we can reflect back, and understand, about all of science's knowledge in terms of mankind's growing prowess (or, if you would, see where we may have missed something -- I have examples that I'll use from time to time -- all situational filters are subject to such types of analysis -- Ockham notwithstanding). 

Remarks:

04/03/2015 -- This is a popular post. See NDEers for a bit of audacity.

04/14/2012 -- Thornton Chase is an example of several things that will be discussed this year.

01/29/2012 -- CD is concurrent with the Twin Days' span of influence.

Modified: 04/03/2015


Saturday, January 21, 2012

Christopher Hitchens

Month, Day: 168, Sovereignty, Beauty (Glory)

[note: 11/2/2019 - haven't looked at this, for a while; however, reading today, I see that some links are stale, or downright missing, will be editing -- when done this will disappear]

Prior to passing of Christopher Hitchens (CH), I mainly was distant from those types of discussions that he loved and at which he was so good. It was at that time [12/16 onward] that I started to read some of his material and to watch some of the videos in which he was the focal point (no matter the forum, CH seemed to come to the fore).

My first reaction was that he was funny. As well, he was right on a lot of matters (who would not agree with his railing against clerics - the bane of the common man, in a sense -- oops, that was a CH-ism, state a challenge such that it cannot be answered without due thought). Hence, I was motivated, from time to time, to comment (richarddawkins.net "saying Merry Christmas worse than killing someone" by M-eme-tic, but see below) and intend to do more (Ian Kluge had an interesting response to the book (and modern philosophy) -- I've just become familiar with the Common Ground site -- I put a comment here -- symmetry tames polarity, in short).

CH was known for developing quotable remarks, in the contexts of his challenges. Such as, "what can be asserted without proof can be dismissed without proof" (see Daily Hitchens). Well, "are not axioms stated thusly?" would be one of my retorts if I could think of it in time. 

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In this blog, I have referenced the group who likes to include CH in their mix as "brights" and indirectly mentioned Richard (who I have read - I've been watching the evolution (if you would) of his argument). But, I was repelled by CH's manner (see the Four Horsemen) and stayed away. Shame on me, as CH would say (see below).

CH said that he didn't know, in lots of situations. Good for him. Of course, he would then follow up with something that seemed to be mockingly clever [actually, inspired, in some cases]. But, now I just attribute that to his being Brit (will explain in time) [heritage, and more -- for the past two year, I've been doing an in-depth reading of what got the U.S. started -- including those things across the pond that were motivational enough to cause the mass migrations].

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So, as said above, I did not know Christopher. I did not pay much attention to his career and to the fact of the growing interest in his performances. Now, he succumbed to health issues related to life style, one might say. We all have this battle to carry on, as we attempt to do it right (given our one chance). In looking at all of the remarks about him, I noticed one familiar name. It was a journalist [whom I do not know except by reading] who interviewed CH and who had worked with my roommate from college (my roommate died in 2011, to boot, from conditions similar to CH's - same origins (in more ways than one)). So, in the phenomenal world, there was a thread that connected, albeit somewhat tenuously.

I'm only mentioning that connection to set the stage for writing about two dreams that I have had about Christopher. Now, again as a foreword, think of the Valley of Wonderment's remark about dreams. Of late, I've run across more material that I'll use. In short, though, I'm an old guy and have been dreaming since I was in my twenties. And, I've learned lots from these departed. Being autodidact, I don't know how all this will unfold, but dreams can be an operational assist. How? Is it okay? All sorts of questions.

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In the first dream, CH was scrunched down, while life flowed around him (of course, people & things are in the scene -- I'm being brief here to get to the gist). He looked at some notes that I was carrying (aside: one of my regular dreams involves a high school classmate who died [in the] early [60s] - Naval plane crash -- I characterize the whole matter as some type of coordinated affair in which they (those there) help us here (in this case, a lot had to do with technology) -- in fact, the parallels were uncanny). I wondered why CH was so withdrawn.

In the second dream, CH comes into my work area with my [college] roommate [who passed away in July, 2011 and] who introduces us. Of course, the workplace I mention has been the scene of encounters with several souls [think foundational work, including AE - how many want to come back with what they learn at the moments following the dropping of the bodily limitations?]. In this case, though, there was the notion (and a work crew to effect the thing) that things were being updated. It seemed as if the building of a school was the emphasis [all sorts of possible topics come to mind]. Now, CH was in his prime (as in, healthy, full of energy, ..., not so ornery) [as in, full maturity -- some claim that a 30-year old's (or thereabouts) visage is taken up]. 

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[Note, in the following, reference to time is ours; the spiritual world is beyond space-time] The second dream was remarkable to me because I had a recurrent interaction with a departed Catholic who first went into some form of swaddling clothes, then to young person, and lately upward to a mature adult (over a period of several years). CH, on the other hand, seems to have originally cringed at the reality about which he scoffed. Yet, he did not retire. Then, in a matter of a couple of weeks, he is full of purpose. And, he does not seem the least nonplussed about the whole thing (as I've noticed, he, on many occasions, said that he did not know - before the devilish grin came and he started to ding the questioner).

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Have I taken meaning from these two dreams? Of course. I've written much more about these in my notes. The whole thought of a school is intriguing in that the focus of the school could be many things. One thing that CH did do was cut to the chase; given his genetic background, the way things unfolded in [h]is life was almost a given (people talk memes, our ancestral selves are much large factor than has been allowed, anyone want to be audacious here? -- of course, I have already). [yes, do they help us via memes? - we ought to thank Richard for this concept that may be seen as pseudo-metaphysical, yet more or less]

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Of course, I may have my interpretations of meaning (after all, folks, I have for decades been an autodidact in the study of the mind, its evolution, and such -- with the necessary ventures into computational mathematics and cybernetics, bioengineering, and related --- what is an autodidact? Well, look at what might be behind Independent Investigation of the Truth, essentially without mentor [this I agree with Christopher on, there is no embodied person on this planet that ought to tell me how to think, act, or otherwise (except the spouse) - we, now, have the bounty of being post-Guardian (as in, no inspired characters to whom to listen to without scrutiny, except those things that are under the scope of the UHJ)] is how I see it) of the dreams that I have. That they have included all of the Principals of the Faith after I declared was, of course, confirmation enough. Are there other interpretations? I would hope so, as despite notions of what we can know, please remember that all Valleys above that of Contentment and the 3rd mention limitations on knowledge (4th blackest night, fathomless sea).

Without these constraints, how can there be limits? Besides, the issues raised by Godel, et al, are very much on the table, Certitude notwithstanding. 

The crux of the matter is whether someone gets operational effectiveness from their dreams. That, I think, is something inherently measurable.

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Final note, as this is only the beginning. My sole focus is on proving that Science and Religion need each other in the same sense that symmetry has proven to be so useful. Of course, it was only after listening to CH and his buddies that I had more insight into what I've been trying to put together all of these years (by the way, one lesson that I learned from my Naval friend was that our work carries on -- why all the angst at proving to be the best here -- oh, I know, the Master counseled such -- but, to the extreme that I see leading to ego boosting extremes?) from quiet study.

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A new way to think of CH: angel in disguise?

Remarks:

04/03/2015 -- He was off to something that excited him. Corrections for a stale pointer.

09/30/2013 -- More of a technical nature.

06/13/2012 -- On second thought, I hope that my little dabbling was instrumental to the guy's grasp. As said, he was of comprehension (more ways than one).

05/30/2012 -- Hitch will be a regular topic.

03/29/2012 -- Interesting video on self-transcendence.

03/11/2012 -- Passing of a brother emboldens the imagination.

01/26/2012 -- See Remarks, this day, reference to AE. Thanks, Christopher.

01/25/2012 -- Margaret Kimberley's take (quoted several places: example).

01/23/2012 -- We need to work about (around) the middle.

01/21/2012 -- Another comment.
 
Modified: 11/02/2019

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Posts of interest - 2011

Month, Day: 168, Honour, Glory (Beauty)

It's interesting that the last day of Questions, our favorite month, lands on the day before the end of the year. Then, the first day of Honour lands on the last day of the year. We have more of a congruence with the first day of Perfection which is August 1.

With the year change, it might be good to list the most read posts as of today.
  • -- Technical spirit -- From 2009. If one starts from a simple binary question (Anselm's idea), then one can build from either side. Now, problems come from comparative analysis done in a non-charitable manner. In the context of Independence (a weekly occurrence), would not having the ability to know the foundation to the core (at least, as far a logical structure may allow) be of assistance? Also, would not knowing the pitfalls on each side reinforce the need for taking the middle way?
  • -- Yearly measure -- From 2009. Yes, there are things that we could be looking at more rigorously, in order to firm up the quasi-empirical basis. This is one of those. Why a sun-centric view? That is part of the plan of Creation (footstool, et al).
  • -- The autodidact -- From 2009. This whole theme needs some improvement. In short, the Principle of Independent Investigation of the Truth provides the over-arching motivation.
  • -- The Key -- From 2010. There is a Key that is being ignored. Arguments seem to gravitate toward older viewpoints that are easily discarded by modern views. Yet, dynamics are there; that is, these are cloaked, for good reason (as in Teleological motivations), and difficult to understand in the public sense that is required for certain frameworks of science.
Perhaps, there ought to be more emphasis on Audacity in 2012. The Writings as Source for creative imagination that has an operational power? You bet!!! To do so means to stand up to arguments from the brights, many of which will be ad hominen.

Remarks:

08/08/2013 -- Perfection/Perfection.

05/30/2012 -- Hitch will be a regular topic.
 
Modified: 08/08/2013