General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: When some long futuristic epoch comes to be and the next apex species forms on this planet... [View all]Newest Reality
(12,712 posts)your demonstration of curiosity and inquiry. To me, we are so deeply immersed in the abstraction that we are talking about that some sound, deep thinking might be a means to divest ourselves of some of the layers of garbage that occlude our view.
One problem with some people's tendencies to disdain thinking and take an anti-intellectual stance is that they confuse intellect with amassing a lot of information rather than noticing that they are using that very same intellect in everyday life, regardless of their self-image or supposed lack of "smarts". Another problem is that some people come to the conclusion that intellect, reasoning and the simple logic, (or structures) of thinking are the problem and that the the solution is to keep things simple and stop thinking about things. Well, if you fall into a pit that someone dug with a shovel, you can use that shovel to try to dig another tunnel up and out if it is too deep to climb out of. No, the problem is not thinking itself, but that we most often do not think things through. Be it by way of distraction or lack of motivation, we tend to individually and collectively stop at what seems most practical or satisfying and go onto something else.
Your insight into the realization of how much you, I, (or the big WE) don't know is, to me an important means to clear the hubris of thinking we know more than we really do. Getting an idea of the immensity of what is not known is a big step for us all and a real milestone in attaining wisdom, as opposed to just knowledge, or only knowing "about". What I am getting at is a deep and intrinsic form of understanding that is richer and more clear than just subject matter alone.
Well, that's great to hear and I would like to encourage your journey into abstraction to forge new symbols and fashion ideas by way of fiction. Creativity is one aspect of our humanity that can bring fresh perspectives, beauty and even insight to light. It seems that the flow of creative expression that emits from our knowing might be an equivalent to the diverse facets of nature that are expressed around us everywhere. It may be a key.
I appreciate your thoughts on these matters. Keep thinking. Then take a break. Then think some more, etc.