<<Everything is a system. All systems (except perhaps quarks) are composed
of causally related components which are themselves systems. All systems
(except perhaps the universe) are part of one or more supersystems. Perhaps
all that exists are physical and temporal patterns, ie. information.>>
This doesn't work for me at all. Systems don't exist except in our naming
them. All is complex, chaotic, stuff. All interacts with all else. We stay
sane by pretending we can reduce things to simple models, but no such model
is 100% accurate.
<<What is going on?
Evolution on all scales. The process of variation and selection is not only
happening at the level of biological species, but also at the level of
cellular development, cognition, human culture, and perhaps even the
multiverse if the current theory of inflationary universe is true.>>
Evolution is not the only process. Self-organization, catastrophe, and or
course consciousness are also important forces.
<<What does it all mean?
Things mean what they cause. The meaning of life in general is in the
effects of life. The meaning of your life in particular is the sum total of
how your existence has changed reality by influencing, directly or
indirectly, the world and people around you. >>
Things mean what we make them mean. Nothing has inherent meaning.
<<Why am I here?
The proximal cause lies with your parents. If you are looking for an
ultimate cause, you will have to find it yourself but don't let anyone
convince you your reason for living is to serve some higher authority. >>
And if they don't agree, tell 'em I said so.
<<What should I do?
The most important thing to learn is how to think critically. Constantly
question your beliefs, avoid inconsistency, and act rationally. Create a
meaningful life by influencing the world around you. (See the Virian sins
and virtues.) >>
I would say the second part, not the first, is most important. I would
stress consciousness over critical thinking. Academia is full of unconscious
criticizers accomplishing little but to make themselves and others unhappy.
<<Why "Virus"?
The word "virus" has negative connotations for many people so it may seem
odd to name a religion after it. The name was chosen to be deliberately
antagonistic, to put people on their guard and let them know this idea was
designed to infect them. Call it truth in advertising.>>
Love it!
Love you!
Along with a little bread, love is all you knead!
Richard Brodie richard@brodietech.com http://www.brodietech.com/rbrodie
Author, "Virus of the Mind: The New Science of the Meme"
http://www.brodietech.com/rbrodie/votm.htm
Visit Meme Central! http://www.brodietech.com/rbrodie/meme.htm