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The
following are reflections of how the wisdom of Confucius might be
applied to some of our prime symbols.
On
The Energy Symbol
“Why would I
conserve the energy symbol?” you ask. The answer might be,
“Energy is the potential of the universe(s), it continually transforms
and it is so bounteous it can be considered a constant.
If the energy
symbol is not conserved then the bounty and myriad transformations of
the universal potential cannot be known.
If the bounty and myriad
transformations of the universal potential cannot be known, then the
state of science is diminished.
If the state of science is diminished
then, people tend to confuse energy with the sustaining forms it may
take.
If people tend to confuse energy with the sustaining forms it may
take, then they begin to use those sustaining forms as though they are
energy.
If they begin to use those sustaining forms as though they are
energy, then they deny transformation and the finite nature of those
sustaining forms.
If they deny transformation and the finite nature of
those sustaining forms, then the people will be deprived of sustenance.
Therefore conserve the potential of the energy symbol, for all
your wellbeing depends on it.”
On
The Power Symbol
“Why would I
conserve the power symbol?” you ask. The answer might be, “As
Lord Kelvin said ‘To measure is to know’ and power is a measure.
Ultimately power is the measure of the rate at which the potential of
the universe is manifest and there are myriad measures as there are
myriad forms.
If the people confuse the measure (power) with the object
being measured, then they come to call the object ‘power’.
If they
come to call a form ‘power’, then they forget there are myriad forms
of power.
If they forget there are myriad forms of power they cannot
know the immense options in the universal potential.
If they cannot
know the immense options in the potential, then they build unsustainable
systems that generate misery and pollution. Therefore conserve the
potential of the power symbol, for it is a great source of
knowledge."
On
The Electricity Symbol
“Why
would I conserve the electricity symbol?” you ask. The answer
might be, “Electricity does not exist though all manner of electrical
phenomena do and each has its own unique properties. If the people speak
of a phenomenon as electricity they deny the completely variant
properties of electrical phenomena. If they deny the completely variant
properties of electrical phenomena then they cannot appreciate their
electrical potential. If they cannot appreciate their electrical
potential they are unable to use all its variety and capacity. In the
worst case they confuse an electrical phenomenon with electricity and
then confuse the phenomenon with its measure (power) and then its
measure (power) with energy. Such ignorance is a recipe for certain
misery, therefore conserve the potential of the electricity
symbol and give each electrical phenomenon its own symbol."
On
The Science Symbol
“Why
would I conserve the science symbol?” you ask. The answer might
be, “In compassion resides the properties of inclusiveness,
collegiality and sharing, inquiry, honesty and trust, generosity of time
and reflection. These provide the requisites for the state of science to
exist and all human beings are born into this state. If one of the
requisites is lacking, then the state of science ceases to exist. If the
state of science ceases to exist then the people begin to believe
science is just a way of thinking. If the people begin to believe
science is just a way of thinking, they use knowledge without
compassion. If they use knowledge without compassion, then knowledge
becomes the tool of the greedy and arrogant and psychopathic. This is a
recipe for war and civic collapse. Therefore conserve the science
symbol and know science is a state of being born of compassion."
On
The Carbon Symbol
“Why would I conserve the carbon
symbol?” you ask. The answer might be, “Carbon is the fourth most
common element in the universe and is the chemical basis of all known
life. We are Carbon Beings, living in the universal carbon flux. If the
people fail to accept their roles as stewards of the carbon flows and
balances that sustain us, then this is reflected in their use of symbols
in denial of the carbon potential. If their use of symbols is in denial
of the carbon potential, then the people create systems offsetting and
trading away their misuse of the potential. If the people create systems
offsetting and trading away their misuse of the potential, then carbon
becomes seen as the problem. When carbon becomes seen as the problem,
then the people vilify carbon as the combatant and enemy.
When the people vilify carbon as the combatant and enemy, then
they and call for a ‘low carbon’ world, a ‘zero carbon’ world
and even a ‘post carbon’ world, which is a denial of life itself.
Therefore conserve the carbon symbol and value all carbon forms."
Enjoy
the rewards of being a conservator of the potential of our greatest
symbols.
Page last updated:
July 2010
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