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Practical Solipsism

The universe most certainly holds truths that still remain unexplained to mankind. Although humanity has strived towards progress, numerous atrocities were committed for  causes that are still of a great value to society. It is a rare piece of knowledge that thermal clothing was in essence constructed through the torture of countless individuals. However, their suffering has not been in vain, it was accompanied by the advancement of science and it’s applications have prevented the deaths of millions over the years. When one enters a mass grave or reviews each victim of a mass execution, one will discover that each individual possessed their own mind, heart and personality. They were fathers, mothers, daughters, cousins, uncles… Yet, it becomes challenging to remember every life lost in such a tragedy. Death occurs so frequently within modern society that the public have become desensitized by its occurrence. The care of nursing and watching over the dying, which used to be a duty of the women and elders, has now been passed onto the medical health system. Essentially, to accompany a loved one to the grave had become a matter of tradition within the family that can still be found within the eastern countries. Ultimately, each individual reaches the end of their lifetime. Some sooner than others, but the physical decay of the body is an inevitable event. Therefore, each individual at a point in their life will concern themselves with the enquiry of an existence or non-existence of the afterlife. Naturally, there are a wide variety of belief structures that facilitate a continued existence in an otherworldly location. Nevertheless, certain branches of faith adhere to the conception of solipsism, which is considered to be a metaphysical notion. The term is defined by the concept that no reality is present apart from ones own mind and variety of mental states. Thus, the phenomenal world would possess no independent existence. This is most commonly known as the idealistic notion that “All is one.”

One can ponder over the practical applications of solipsism for countless hours and it even became the basis of many science fiction manga involving psychic abilities. Famous scientist, philosophers, psychologists, sociobiologists and mathematicians have become followers of the hypothesis on a scientific level. For instance, quantum physics was initially founded by David Bohm and Karl Pribram concurrently to the creation of the holographic universe paradigm. In essence, the true day to day comprehension of the illusion of reality, as it is foretold in numerous Buddhist and Vedic scriptures as well as several other ancient religious practices, may be hard to grasp in the beginning. Essentially, ones perceptions form ones external world. And in the end, even the slightest alteration of viewpoint can modify the interpretation of an entire sequence of events. Scientifically, it could be termed as sharing the same stream of consciousness as all other beings. However, what exactly should one understand as consciousness? It is awareness. Within the 1989 version of the Macmillan Dictionary of Psychology, consciousness was referred to as “The possession of perceptions, thoughts, and feelings.” The term becomes impossible to define except in terms that are unintelligible without a grasp of what consciousness truly is. Too many have equated consciousness with self-consciousness. To be conscious it is only necessary to be aware of the external world.”   As an elusive phenomenon, it is also often referred as a fraction of the soul. However, throughout history, science gradually struggled to tread upon the territory of phenomena that may not necessarily be explained casually. In conclusion, the true realisation of the illusion of reality does appear as a tough not to crack, so to speak, yet there are numerous contributing factors towards the concept. For instance, the particle wave duality used to be known as the study of “Now you see it. Now you don’t.” for a reason. Originally, the enquiry into the base nature of all things leads far down the rabbithole of history. It was Isaac Newton, who proposed that light was constructed out of particles. Afterwards came the development of James Clerk Maxwells thesis of electromagnetism, unifying the forces of electricity and magnetism, which was based upon the model of light as a wave. In the year of 1905, Albert Einstein discovered a phenomenon known as the photoelectric effect that eventually resulted in him receiving the Nobel Prize. The concept relied upon the notion that light was made out of particles, otherwise termed photons. In subsequence, it was evidenced that light is both a particle and a wave simultaneously. In fact, this appears to be accurate for all subatomic particles, including electrons and quarks and the recently discovered Higgs Boson particle. This is referred to as wave-particle duality, and it is a fundamental part of quantum mechanics theory. Dependent upon which type of experiment is performed, light, acting as discrete bundles of energy, or any other kind of particle, will behave in the manner of a wave or particle. Thus far, both aspects of light have not been observed at the same time.

The elusive nature of the foundation blocks of reality continue to elude science without the incorporation of ancient practices or new age notions. It has been scientifically evidenced that each human being possesses an electromagnetic field, as does every object. Another paradigm introduced by Albert Einstein was that all is essentially energy. His corporation with quantum physics research, through correspondence with both of the founders, eventually led to the inference that all is interconnected. Henceforth, it has become the basis of psychic phenomena as well as Carl Jungs notion of the collective unconscious, which is widely accepted within western civilisation. In addition, William James described the existence of the unseen order within the universe. The evidence of cause and effect that involves a physical and spiritual hierarchy built into the nature of reality. After many years, Carl Jung composed his thesis on the occurrence of synchronicities within daily life. Events that appear unrelated reveal themselves as pertaining significance to one or more individuals. This can occur in dreams as well as waking life. From a subjective viewpoint, these occurrences are often referred to as meaningful coincidences. Certain scientists over the years noted a theoretical grounding for synchronicity in quantum physics, fractal geometry, supersymmetry and chaos theory. The separation of objects and individuals from one another is more apparent than it is a physical reality. At the deepest layer of matter, all atoms, cells, molecules and so forth share an interdependent, interconnected web of data. For instance, experiments have proven, if two photons are separated physically by distance, a transformation in one photon immediately triggers a change in the other. It should be noted that this lead onto a paradigm consisting of factual elements that suggest the universe may be of a non-local and non-temporal nature.

Evidence suggests that the multi-verse may stem from a non-local, non-temporal realm of existence. If one considers reality to be a form of illusion, there are a variety of treatments that one would receive dependent upon the time of birth. Within the ancient civilisations, the individual would have become a sage, shaman, yogi or philosopher. However, within modern society, it is more often than not referred to as a branch of pseudo-science that adheres to a common, scientific middleground in theological research. Furthermore, the Solipsism Syndrome in psychiatry consists of dissociatives mental state and detachment from reality. Although it should be noted that countless profound philosophers would fall through the cracks of the mental health system. For instance, Socrates would have most likely been considered a schizophrenic with psychotic tendencies. Thus, his wisdom in modern day would been overlook with such causality. In conclusion, reality is shaped by perceptions, expectations and beliefs that influence the interpretation of the phenomenal world. Each human being possesses their own purpose, history and choice, which will eventually come to determine their path in life. Undoubtedly, ones ethical and personal values also influence the equation of the sum of ones lifetime. Yet, the future does not flow along a single course, it slides along probabilities of decision. The past and the future both originate from the present moment. What befalls us may not be that which is expected or desired. It is our choice what to make of it.

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The Psychology of The Flawed Hero

Throughout history, mankind has grown an attraction towards fictional main characters that possess deeply rooted flaws within their personality, yet we idolize them…But for what reason?
Within the media, it has become a predominant factor to advertise mental illnesses that are socially acceptable. For instance, a large amount of individuals have been introduced to the Looney Tunes or Tom & Jerry during their childhood. If one were to examine the cartoon characters more closely, one can easily note the adult humour. If one reads between the lines…

Bugs Bunny, for example, appears laid-back, confident and always has a plan at hand. Yet, he displays an inclination towards Borderline Personality Disorder, which seems to be unrelated to his transgender confusion. In sum, he could be described as a transsexual, narcissistic, nymphomaniac that has captured millions within the audience. His determination with vengeance at the slightest provocation reveals the darkness of the actual character. Also, as he does not hesitate to stick his finger inside the barrel of a gun, he is most likely aware of the fact that he cannot die. Like immortals, driven mad by the fact, spending eternity attempting kill one another.
In consequence, Elmer Fudd, although there is no indication of previous military service, it is most likely that he served in the Second World War, thus suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. His mood swings in combination with his hunting obsession resemble that which used to known as shell shock. It is also commonly known that the firing of arms releases PTSD symptoms within a controlled environment, hunting therefore becomes a more suitable outlet for certain personality types. However, it should be noted veterans turning against their country has become a more regular occurrence within recent years.

What is a soldier without an enemy? What is a hero without a nemesis? What is the difference between a hero that upholds the law without breaking it and a hero that violates it in order to uphold it? There is a fine line between that which is morally righteous, that which is justified and that which is just plain immoral. We are led to believe that line is represented by the law. Yet, there is a difference between the law and that which is morally right. This has been a point of contention since the beginning of recorded history. However, to stand up against the law and perform actions that are morally necessitated, becoming a hero to the people, is not equivalent to overall public support. Enemies are never few in number. The simpler the cause, the greater the probable fall-back. For instance, there is a difference between being hung for stealing a loaf of bread in times of poverty and a billionaire philanthropist, dressing in a unique outfit with gadgets, facing life-long imprisonment for the prevention/punishment of crime as well as corruption. However, there is also those that do not shy away from taking the life of a criminal that cannot be imprisoned. Deadpool, for instance, the multiple-personality anti-hero that stalks the nights, mercilessly slaughtering, whilst having a philosophical conversation with himself about the outcome of the situation. The Punisher, for instance, a serving member of special forces, the military, and the marines until he witnesses the death of his wife and children. He does not capture. He does not torture. He simply kills and moves on. There is no stopping a man such as that, which was evident when he took on Spider Man (In a What-If Edition), causing him to go to war against the heroes of the Marvel Universe and emerge victorious.

Conclusively, a righteous action is generally defined by an action that is unprovoked and morally upright, whereas within a justified action, the individual acts in response to either a preconceived wrong directly to the individual or to a fellow man. A true hero is more often than not righteous, acting by what is morally upright, not necessarily lawful. A fallen hero, however, is often morally grey, as the action encompasses prior provocation to the act. Overall, it is easier to take a life than to spare one. To murder the Joker, for instance, would not be a righteous deed, it would be a justified action to prevent countless more deaths that would be inevitable, if he were to stay alive. It would not merely be a vengeful crime, but the prevention of the inevitable within a corrupt system. Yet, what if death was not the only option? Correctional and detention facilities have clearly proven to be in need of modification. Within my professional opinion based upon years of employment in the prison and social services sectors, there is a reason for crime. Whether it is poverty, paedophilia or psychopathy, the origin of the behavioural pattern is a psychological one. More often than not there are contributing factors within the personality that support criminal behaviour, including the lack of support from their surroundings. They are often left to themselves, and begin to gradually form groups. At times, the crime becomes an initiation. Any crime that follows merely becomes another badge on the chest with a golden star for avoiding capture. How can one fight such an opposing mentality compared to that of society? It would require secured mental facilities that monitor and modify the behaviour of the inmate to reveal the root of the repeated tendency to violate human rights, but also to provide free compulsory education for them to open up alternative possibilities in the future. For instance, studies have shown that offenders engaging in meditation and mindfulness are less likely to re-offend. In fact, the research has proven effective enough for it to be incorporated into certain prisons permanently.

However, the figure of the monk or yogi is not predominant, continually resurfacing Hollywood material. Practices to attain a higher state of consciousness demand compassion, kindness and patience at all times. Non-attachment to all, whilst being connected to all. A man who converses in riddles and remains silent any other time. And he’s only to speak when it is necessitated. It teaches simplicity, a humble demeanour, but most of all it represents infinite probabilities and wisdom within the self. That limitations solely exist within the mind. However, it is rather similar to the image of the flawed hero, as both are incapable of living within society without a certain level of friction. One chooses to due to spiritual reasons, which could be construed as religious fanaticism or terrorism, whereas the other cannot due to behavioural inclinations. Yet, both act out of that which is perceived as morally right. One peacefully protests for the common good of humanity, whereas the other prefers the application of more physical methods. In the end, both achieve the same goal through dissimilar means. Mahatma Gandhi, who had also served in the military, once stated “It is better to be violent, if there is violence in our hearts, than to put on the cloak of non-violence to cover impotence.” During an invasion, for instance, fighting for survival and freedom becomes inevitable. Within an active war-zone, the inhabitants are forced to live under the permanent risk of losing their life for merely being at the wrong place at the wrong time. We idolize the image of the flawed hero, because they can do as we cannot. The consequences of their actions would almost immediately result in positive change within society, getting one step closer to cease the injustice that occurs on a daily basis around the world. In the words of Malcolm X “I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being, first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.”