David Bohm and the implicate order

Summary

The transcript explores the interrelatedness of consciousness, mind, and the universe, emphasizing wholeness as a key concept. It draws from the ideas of David Bohm, who argues that fragmentation in thought and society leads to problems like ecological damage and competition. Consciousness, according to Bohm, is an internal relationship to the whole, and by recognizing this interconnectedness, we can address global issues. The transcript also touches on the limitations of science, the need for a cooperative approach, and the importance of coherence to guide humanity in managing its technological power and existential threats.

Takeaways

• 😀 Thought is fragmented, dividing the world into separate categories like nations, industries, and professions, which creates problems like ecological issues.
• 😀 The ecological crisis is a result of fragmented thinking, where we treat the environment as separate from us, while it is actually an integrated system.
• 😀 The concept of 'wholeness' suggests that everything is internally related, and any problem we face is rooted in our fragmented way of thinking.
• 😀 The Earth is a unified system, and we must view it as one household to address global issues effectively.
• 😀 True compassion arises when people feel responsible for each other and see themselves as interconnected, not competing or separate.
• 😀 The drive for competition is not innate but has developed due to the complexity of societal structures over time.
• 😀 To solve the challenges we face, we must shift our thinking from fragmentation to cooperation and dialogue.
• 😀 Wholeness is a way of perceiving and engaging with reality, not something that can be achieved through mere intellectual understanding.
• 😀 The quantum theory and relativity suggest that everything is interconnected, and this understanding can shape a more holistic worldview.
• 😀 Science, while it has traditionally been seen as measurement-based, can evolve to incorporate a more holistic approach to reality, as seen in the works of Einstein and others.
• 😀 Consciousness is an internal relationship to the whole, meaning we are all interconnected with everything in existence, and our awareness shapes our actions and responses.

Q & A

What is the relationship between consciousness and the whole in the context of the script?

Consciousness is described as an internal relationship to the whole. It is the way in which we take in and perceive the world around us, and this perception determines how we act toward it. The script emphasizes that we are internally connected to everything, not externally, and our consciousness shapes our interactions with the world.

What was David Bohm's view on the fragmentation of thought?

David Bohm believed that thought has become fragmented over time, where people and societies separate themselves into isolated entities like nations, industries, and professions. This fragmentation leads to a lack of coherent understanding of the world and the problems we face, such as ecological issues, because we fail to see how these fragmented thoughts create the problems in the first place.

How does the script explain the ecological crisis?

The script suggests that the ecological crisis is not an external problem, but a result of our fragmented thinking. The earth works harmoniously by itself, but human thought has created a fragmented worldview that leads to actions causing harm to the environment. People fail to see that the ecological issues are a consequence of their own thinking and behavior.

What is the 'implicit order' mentioned in the script, and how does it relate to consciousness?

The 'implicit order' refers to the interconnected, underlying structure of reality where everything is internally related to everything else. Consciousness is seen as a way of experiencing this implicit order. It is through our consciousness that we are aware of and interact with this underlying interconnectedness.

What does the script suggest about the nature of competition in human beings?

The script argues that competition is not inherent to human nature, but a product of societal structures. In earlier hunter-gatherer societies, there was less competition, but as societies grew larger and more organized, the competitive drive emerged. This was not a natural development but a consequence of social and economic structures.

What role does dialogue play in overcoming societal incoherence, according to the script?

Dialogue is seen as a crucial process for overcoming societal incoherence. True dialogue involves not just exchanging opinions but deeply listening to others without resistance. This requires suspending one's own opinions and not holding onto them rigidly, allowing for a cooperative effort to address the issues at hand.

Can wholeness be scientifically understood or is it purely a philosophical concept?

The script suggests that wholeness can be both a philosophical and scientific concept. Quantum theory and relativity point towards a view of the universe as an interconnected whole, where everything is related. While wholeness is also an attitude or approach, scientific theories can help us understand and realize this interconnectedness.

What is the significance of Einstein's contributions to the concept of wholeness?

Einstein’s work, particularly his field theory, moved toward the idea of wholeness by suggesting that everything in the universe is interconnected in a single, unified field. This was a step towards recognizing the interconnectedness of all things, though it was not a complete realization of wholeness.

How does the script address the concept of God and its relation to science?

The script discusses the idea of God in relation to science, suggesting that God, if understood as a personal deity, might limit our understanding of wholeness. It also highlights that science, which has often replaced religion as a worldview, can either contribute to or hinder our understanding of wholeness depending on how it is approached.

What does the script suggest is the key to addressing modern societal challenges?

The key to addressing modern societal challenges is achieving coherence in our thinking and actions. The script argues that our current incoherence leads to unintended and harmful outcomes. If we could achieve a more coherent approach, we would produce more harmonious, effective results, and be better equipped to address issues like ecological destruction, nuclear threats, and social unrest.