Ways of Seeing
- Exploring Modern Metaphysics -
Conclusions
The following overall Conclusions of the author are relevant to answering the questions:
What is "I"? What is all this?
You may find some of them interesting.
The are only three things I can say I know for sure without qualification or assumption:
1. There is Experience.
2. Many interpretations of Experience are possible.
3. Consciousness without interpretation is possible and, when experienced as an act of will, very illuminating.
Even so, there are several other things I can say I know with relative certainty and few assumptions:
a. What a person might commonly think of as "Reality" (or even "Spirituality") can be Characterized in a single sentence: Sensations, Distinctions (between the sensations), Interpretations (of the sensations and distinctions), then Preferences (between the sensations, distinctions and interpretations) in Time by (human) Continuity of Consciousness (which is provided/demanded by the DNA molecule) as part of a field of energy (perhaps similar to that currently described by Science), like two hands drawing each other. (Time, Distinction and Consciousness as well as Experience and Interpretation could possibly be illusions provided by the DNA molecule or some other mechanism, but even so Experience and Interpretation would still exist as such!)
b. A person can interact with (modify existing) Experience and create (new) Experience.
c. Yoga (Freedom from Interpretation) and to a lesser extent flawless Virtual Reality (Complete control over Experience) provide our best chances for understanding and realizing our true inner nature. (Experience alone might be sufficient for humanity as a whole given enough time, but extreme longevity or even immortality (I shudder at the thought) would probably not do it for a single person since there is an overwhelming urge for one to settle into a preferred mode of being.)
d. The methodology of Science provides our best chance for gaining a true understanding of the inner workings of the human being and the universe in which we find ourselves.
e. A person can, if they make sufficient effort, be completely free with respect to Imagination, Desire, Decision, Interpretation/Question/Critique, Thought, Feelings/Emotions, Attention Choice and/or Awareness.
f. A person can never be completely free with respect to Experience, Attainment, Implementation,
Application/Verification/Convincing Others, Speech/Action/Expression, Perception Choice or Sensation, except
possibly (Watch the gotchas!) with the perfection of Virtual Reality.
g. Communication (verbal or written, hopefully) with intelligent creatures from a different (evolutionary) background (Extraterrestrials) will provide our best chance for understanding to what extent our DNA and experiential background determine our interpretations.
h. When one is searching for the truth about themselves and the world one should be extremely suspicious of any complimentary or convenient explanations since there is a very strong and almost universal need and capability in humans for self-deception.
i. When the brain permanently ceases all electro-chemical activity shortly after "death", sensations, distinctions, interpretations, memories and consciousness (and in fact the "I") permanently cease to exist. At that time one therefore becomes unaware of and unable to exercise all the complete and partial Freedoms and volitions one might currently enjoy, nor will one experience any associated pain or regrets. (How pure consciousness can move matter (my finger for example) seems to possibly be answered by consciousness NOT being pure, such as if it is an epiphenomena of the brain.)
j. The best social law there can be is "There should be no laws concerning interactions between consenting (implies full disclosure) competent adults/entities." This implies the need for funding systems for handling cases where adults/entities violate that rule (lawmakers/police/judges/prisons, national defense, preemption against both persons and entities [e.g., companies, countries] if necessary, before extreme and certain damage is done [e.g., a reckless driver]). This also implies that whatever you do that affects no one else is permitted, and that if you affect someone adversely without their permission you should be prosecuted. For example, consider the impact of drugs being illegal which violates this rule. The problems thereby created include corruption of politicians and military people worldwide, providing easy access between countries for terrorists using drug pipelines, impure product killing users, major funding for organized crime worldwide, very high costs for users, and overburdened law enforcement, courts and prisons reducing their effectiveness in dealing with other kinds of lawbreakers. And of course there are all the needlessly wasted lives being further corrupted within the prison system. There is only one possible solution to these problems: legalize. The taxes produced could be earmarked for PR campaigns against drugs and for treatment centers. Anyone who wants to kill themselves can do so with alcohol, drugs (legal and illegal), hamburgers, pencils or whatever means they choose. We can't stop them anyhow!
There are several other conclusions I have reached pending evidence to the contrary:
x. All religions are contradictory and therefore only one can be correct, but more likely none. At best they are a social convenience or spiritual placebo. Often they are a form of spiritual extortion and a means by some of controlling others.
y. There are many interesting stories regarding UFOs. With all the planetary systems in the known universe and all the time that has gone by intelligent life has most certainly originated somewhere off our earth. However, there is no concrete evidence that any extraterrestrials have visited here yet.
z. Likewise, there are many interesting stories regarding ESP and other so-called psychic phenomena. Similarly, however, there is no hard evidence that any such capabilities, mechanisms or forces actually exist. Interestingly there is almost a counter-proof of telekinetics by studies regarding the gambling statistics at the casinos in Las Vegas, where winnings that exactly match probabilities are unskewed by gambler preferences.
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