"We are lived by powers we pretend to understand."
Wystan Hugh Auden, poet
I am still searching for a better core expression but this line by Wystan Hugh Auden stands out. The reason that quotes are used in deeper explorations of the great questions is not without purpose. Only the poets, the artists or the wise can pierce the edges of our mostly materialistic worldviews in search of viewpoints that encompass and hold meaning. It is meaning that we are searching.
Why?
That is what my little granddaughter asked me. Why is the sky blue? Why should I do this? Why can I not have that?
As soon as the little ones can speak they pose relevant questions. As the questions gain more depth over time in “why are we here?” we can try to avoid the answer “we don’t know” but we don’t do that . . . do we? Instead, we say “it's all for some reason and you will soon understand”.
“Soon” has become a lifetime and its only the last years that key knowledge pieces have nested themselves in painting my personal worldview. After serious reflection I should propose we work on better understanding ourselves if we want to make sense of the world. Of course understanding the so called objective outside can help us but it is key to perform in-depth research to both inner and outer worlds. And while the objective and the subjective are only views of the mind (itself being just a part of the whole structure) it is good to start with these two but not exclude other views. Deep psychological detective work in order to know your inner world will lead the way to a better understanding and much better decisions.
This research can look and feel different to each person. Each one has a different path to develop and raise their consciousness and answer the questions that begin with ´why´.
Important insights of research I will name a keystone because they seem to open a new door (key) and are also part of building (stone) a cohesive worldview structure. However, I am limited and can only explore a few of the enormous number of viewpoints or lenses making me a mere humble witness.
In the end, the goal is to strive towards a better version of your Self. If we want to undertake a true collective earth governance for the next, lets say, 1000 years we absolutely need much better integration of the structures that form our participatory awareness like sub-consciousness structures as the archaic, the magical, the mythic, the mental and the integral as Jean Gebser has pointed out.
It also means we need to start to play the infinite game if we want to continue our civilization. Perhaps even reinvent ourselves and create a true new human ‘Homo Nobilis’.
Why not? Think big.
Harry