Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) was a French mathematician, physicist, inventor, philosopher, and master of prose. Pascal’s “wager” was that if God does not exist, the skeptic loses nothing by believing in Him; but if he does exist, the skeptic gains eternal life by believing in him…
Hatha: In Sanskrit – the metaphorical meaning (“Union of Opposites”): Yogic philosophy often splits the word into Ha (sun) and Tha (moon). In this context, Hatha means bringing balance to the masculine/solar and feminine/lunar energies within the body…
Conduit: Any means of transmission or conveyance, as of information. We are all naturally ‘conduits’, being members of society. Of course one can choose to be anti-social and become a hermit and not interface with society, but that is somewhat rare since the vast majority of us have to work to earn a living at least to support ourselves…
Continuity: The state or quality of being continuous. Certainly important for our species to take seriously if we appreciate and enjoy the gradual advancements from barbarism to civilizations that we have accomplished…
Interpretation: Synonyms – analysis, clarification, explanation, judgment, meaning, perception, reading, and translation. No matter how clear and straightforward we or others try to be whatever we say or do or expressions we project wil get interpreted. We experience regularly how others misinterpret our intentions which can happen merely by an inadvertent facial expression or misplaced word…
All-theism (not a word, yet): Another way of explaining the philosophical concept of non-duality. Try supposing that we are all just fragmental parts, like drops of the ocean which constitutes all of everything. You are one speck of paint on a huge canvas which comprises this entire magical event which continually evolves and transforms beyond our wildest imaginations…
Zero-sum game is a mathematical representation in game theory and economic theory of a situation that involves two competing entities, where the result is an advantage for one side and an equivalent loss for the other. This is essentially the approach that particularly the most powerful cultures have pursued historically…
Rational vs Reasonable: Rationality focuses on cold logic, efficiency, and maximizing personal outcomes, akin to an algorithm or “Spock” from Star Trek. Reasonableness is a broader, more practical approach that blends logic with empathy, fairness, and social context…
Cross to bear: Refers to a persistent, difficult, or unpleasant burden, responsibility, or hardship that a person must endure, often alone, because it cannot be avoided. It is a metaphor for a long-term personal struggle that causes stress or suffering…
Give: To present voluntarily and without expecting compensation; bestow. This is what we are receiving constantly from the universe; the gifts of sunlight, moonlight, wind, rain, fruits and grains. The universe is benign, giving graciously and not expecting anything in return…