Awakening a Wondrous World Through Storytelling
In the ABC podcast episode “Awakening a Wondrous World Through Storytelling,” Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee explores the transformative power of storytelling in fostering a wiser and more beautiful world, even amidst crises. He likens stories to seeds that, when nurtured with attention, can cultivate landscapes filled with awe, wonder, reverence, and love. As the founder of Emergence…
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Bacteria Defy Genetic Norms, Challenging Materialist Science
A recent study from Columbia University has discovered that bacteria can produce free-floating genes, which challenges traditional understandings of genetic code and gene expression. This phenomenon, observed in the bacterium Mycobacterium smegmatis, suggests that these genes can exist independently of chromosomes, raising questions about the mechanisms of genetic regulation and adaptation in microbial life. This finding…
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Three Essential Elements of Creativity According to Oliver Sacks
In “The Creative Self,” Oliver Sacks explores the intricate relationship between imitation and originality in the creative process, arguing that true creativity often emerges from a foundation of influences and inspirations. He emphasizes that creativity is not an isolated act of genius but rather a journey that begins with absorbing ideas from others, which then…
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Tycho Brahe’s Alchemical Pursuits: A Multi-Faceted Approach to Knowledge
Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, renowned for his astronomical discoveries in the 16th century, also engaged in alchemy, conducting secret experiments in his laboratory at Uraniborg. Recent research analyzing glass and pottery shards excavated from the site has revealed unexpected findings, including traces of tungsten, which was not identified until 1781, long after Brahe’s death. The…
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Study Shows Unresponsive Patients Are Conscious
A study of 241 unresponsive patients with severe brain injuries found that up to 25% may exhibit “hidden consciousness,” showing brain activity consistent with following instructions, despite being unable to physically respond. This phenomenon, known as cognitive motor dissociation, suggests these patients are more aware of their surroundings than previously thought. The research highlights the…
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Being Present, Creating Meaningful Memories: The Key to a Fulfilling Life
The article discusses how creating “dense memories” can enhance our perception of time and contribute to a fuller life. Neuroscience suggests that engaging in novel and meaningful experiences leads to richer memories, making time feel more expansive. By actively seeking out diverse activities and challenges, individuals can create a sense of time abundance, counteracting the…
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A Short Argument Against the Materialist Account of the Mind
The article presents a concise argument against the materialist account of the mind, emphasizing the distinction between subjective thoughts and physical brain states. It references John Searle’s Chinese Room scenario to illustrate that while computers can process information syntactically, they lack genuine understanding or consciousness. The author proposes a thought experiment where an individual is…
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Why Materialism Cannot Explain Consciousness
In an interview, Dr. Michael Egnor discusses the limitations of materialism in explaining consciousness and the nature of reality. He argues that materialism, which posits that everything can be explained by physical processes, fails to account for the subjective experiences of consciousness and the existence of free will. Egnor emphasizes the importance of integrating insights…
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Awakening to Sentience: Rethinking Our Ethical Relationship with Animals
Peter Godfrey-Smith’s article, “Living on Earth,” serves as the conclusion to his trilogy exploring the evolution of intelligence across species, building on the themes introduced in his previous works, including Other Minds. In this piece, he emphasizes the role of living organisms as active agents that shape their environments, rather than merely as products of evolutionary…
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What Maslow Ommitted from His Paper: The Blackfoot World View, Where Self-Actualization Is The Norm
The article explores the influence of Blackfoot culture on Abraham Maslow’s theories, particularly his Hierarchy of Needs. It highlights Maslow’s transformative experience during his time with the Siksika people in 1938, where he observed a community characterized by cooperation, generosity, and high levels of life satisfaction, contrasting sharply with the individualism prevalent in Western society.…
Rethinking Consciousness: Embracing a Holistic Paradigm Beyond Traditional Science
The following article is a conversation between Philip Goff, a philosopher and consciousness researcher at Durham University, and the Edge. In it, Goff proposes a scientific shift towards a post-Galilean Paradigm. Goff explores the challenges consciousness poses to contemporary science, tracing the roots of this dilemma back to Galileo’s assertion that mathematics should be the language of…
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Transforming Society: The Need for a New Cosmology and Personal Consciousness
In this article for the Kosmos Journal, Drew Dellinger explores how changing our worldview and story can transform society. It highlights the work of Thomas Berry, who argued that the ecological crisis stems from the limitations of our dominant cultural story. Berry believed a new cosmological story drawing on modern science could provide a sacred origin…
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Cultivating the Integral Heart: Embracing Compassion and Spiritual Connection for a Sustainable Future
In this October 2023 article, Brad Reynolds encourages readers to cultivate an “integral heart” by embracing a holistic, compassionate worldview that transcends narrow identities and embraces the interconnectedness of all beings. Reynolds also discusses the role of the heart in spiritual awakening, eventually leading to personal and societal transformation. Reynolds emphasizes that love is a…
Beyond Reductionism—Understanding the True Power of the Human Mind
The article discusses how neuroscience is shedding light on spiritual experiences, with neurotheologist Dr. Andrew Newberg explaining that while there is no single “spiritual” part of the brain, these experiences involve complex interactions between various brain regions that typically don’t occur in the same way. Newberg notes that while spontaneous spiritual experiences are harder to…
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Fostering Human Connection to Heal Collective Trauma
The article discusses Global Social Witnessing (GSW), a practice that enhances our capacity to witness and engage with traumatic global events mindfully and compassionately. In an age where social media and the internet allow for real-time exposure to violence and conflict, individuals often experience overwhelm, desensitization, and compassion fatigue. GSW encourages practitioners to consciously engage…
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How big science failed to unlock the mysteries of the human brain
This 2021 article published by MIT Technology Review examines the ambitious goals of major neuroscience initiatives, notably the BRAIN Initiative and the Human Brain Project, which aimed to map and simulate the human brain’s complex workings. Despite significant investment and initial enthusiasm, the article reveals that both projects have struggled to deliver on their lofty promises, with…
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Sensing the Field: How 9/11 Lead to Transformation
In this 2005 article for Shift Magazine, physician Betsy MacGregor relates her experience in the field. MacGregor’s experience is a premonition of the 9/11 events and how a “letting go” of the physical existence may have been for the thousands of souls who perished with the Twin Towers. Editor’s Note: MacGregor was right when she…
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The Union of Science and Spirituality
The article examines the intersection of spirituality and science, highlighting the increasing recognition of their complementary roles in understanding the nature of reality. It discusses how scientific discoveries, particularly in fields like quantum physics and neuroscience, have challenged traditional materialistic views and opened space for spiritual inquiry. The author explores how spiritual practices such as…
Soul Loss: A Major Cause of Depression?
In this March 19, 2024 article, Hank Wesselman writes about the causes of illness: disharmony, fear, and soul loss. Of these three, Wesselman says soul loss is the most serious because it is a major cause of premature death and serious illness. One of the most common symptoms of soul loss is depression and the…
The Healing Power of Prayer
In this July 2024 article by KnowWewell, Dr. Larry Dossey discusses the healing power of prayer, how he came to this discovery, and what this means for modern medicine. Dossey, a pioneer in integrating prayer and medicine, believes that the general premise of prayer is that “space and time are flexible. There is unity in…