The end, purpose, or significance of something. So the big question, once humanity had the time besides survival to think about why we are here, has never had a conclusive answer.
Oswald Spengler saw nine cultures when Russia is included which appeared after his demise in 1936. We are proposing that the 10th iteration of culture is now and in its developing stages.
The legendary German scholar who bargained with the Devil selling his immortal soul for unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures; sacrificing morals for gain. Henceforward, Faustian, signifying ambition that leads to spiritual and moral compromise for temporary gain, often with dire consequences!
The word austere comes from the Greek ‘austeros’, meaning: harsh, rough, bitter. However, for this short piece, let’s just think of it as sacrificing some short term pleasure for some long term advantage. Of course politicians implement austerities and generally are out of office before the ‘gains’ actually materialize!
Our refrigerator, our most important possession! If and when the electricity goes off what is practically our foremost concern, our food and its preservation! We are organic beings and without healthy sustenance, well, it is ‘lights out’!
We all live in and design our own bubble. Whether we are confined to a prison cell or fortunate enough to be a free bird and can wander around and appreciate the cosmos…
Also known as ‘grand narratives’, are specifically recognized by post-modern thinkers as broad theories like monotheism, capitalism, socialism, the scientific revolution, etc., as comprehensive explanations for human experiences, cultural phenomena, or historical events…
The belief in the equality of all people, especially in political, economic, or social life. Sounds great, especially if you, like the vast majority of humanity, are not on an equal footing politically, economically or socially…
Mort from Latin, “dead”, and Gage, “pledge”. So a pledge or debt until death! Sounds scary, but as we understand the word today it just means we are qualified to finally own our own home!
In Sanskrit atma refers to the body, mind and consciousness (spirit) and rama meaning “pleasing, delightful, charming, or lovely”, from the root ram (to delight). Epicurus philosophy (Epicureanism) proposes the goal of ataraxia or calmness untroubled by mental or emotional disquiet, both quite similar.