Who or what is the universe? Have you ever asked this question? I don’t profess to know what’s going on in the minds of the multitude, but I’d guess probably not or at least not consciously anyway. So here’s the rub. I wonder if we’re asking this question unconsciously. Keep this in mind. But first let’s get back to the question.
Who or what is the universe? Surely, it’s more than galaxies and solar systems, nebulae, pulsars and comets, surely. But who’s to know, really? This is a wonderfully complicated adventurous discussion. You may find it interesting or a bit disconcerting. Regardless, the best way to describe it is in the words of Aldous Huxley, a “brave new world.”
Blogging on this question will be like trekking into a new frontier. Not the wild-west kind, but more like a tangled confluence of eastern philosophy, science, and religion. And what better field guide to have as you cross into the frontier of possibilities but Albert Einstein. Here’s an excerpt of a famous quote you can find on the internet if you want to read the full version.
“The most beautiful and most profound emotion we can experience is the sensation of the mystical. It is the sower of all true science….To know that what is impenetrable to us really exists, manifesting itself as the highest wisdom and the most radiant beauty our dull faculties can comprehend…”Albert Einstein
What does this all come down too? It comes down to this. Are we unconsciously asking who or what is the universe? Take a minute and ask yourself why there seems to be a cultural fascination with the unexplained, the implausible, fantastic, supernatural magical mystical stuff that permeates entertainment media like film and television. For me, it suddenly became clear.
We are in the midst of a burgeoning bomb blast of stories that deal with past lives, destiny, eternal love, soul mates, karma, angels, heaven, and time travel to name a few. Take a moment and make a list of different types of movies, television programs, and books that are out there or have been. I did. It was quite a list and is building. Here’s just three recent movies: Winter’s Tale [Warner Bros, 2014], Heaven is for Real [TriStar, 2014], and an older one, Only You [TriStar 1994]. Here’s just three television shows: Intruders [BBC, August 2014], Outlander [Starz, coming], and Resurrection [ABC].
Are these the post-modern fairy tales of our time that are helping us figure out who or what the universe may be, or simply products of an over active imagination? Better yet, do they reflect the extraordinary things we want to believe? You should do a little research. Check out the purpose of fairy tales. And while you’re at it, check out the purpose of myths. There are lots of opinions out there.
Think about this. We buy movie tickets, download videos, become fans of television shows, and even read e books that fly in the face of the reality we live every day. When we do this, are we asking the big question unconsciously? If so, this would be a good starting point for us to try and figure it out. You should come along. It’ll be a fascinating trip.
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