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All-Is-One Theory vs. The Self

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posted on May, 26 2014 @ 08:38 AM
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"You cannot conceive the many without the one." — Plato.

We are born as individual beings, with our own physical vessels, psychological mind frames and biological processes that distinguish us from one another. From a young age, many of the concepts we learn about are individualistic in nature and application. We tend to learn about the singular before we can even imagine the plural. While we are taught communal values and encouraged to be altruistic whenever we can, we seem to be rewarded for selfishness and egocentricity.

But what of our purpose, if one exists, in this life? Is it merely to embrace our individuality by being self-sufficient and self-nurturing, or is there a greater purpose that involves discovering that we are ultimately all derived from and connected to a Source of some sort? Many interesting and plausible points can be drawn from either theory, which makes determining which one is the more truthful/accurate one more difficult.

There are various versions of the All-Is-One theory. Most commonly, it can be presented as follows: every existing creature, from human to ant, are all bound together through some type of spiritual or metaphysical connection. Essentially, the ego is an illusion and any action one takes has some form of effect on everything else - no matter how minimal - in terms of the grand functioning of reality.

On the contrary, the self implies that every existing creature is comprised of unique characteristics that are distinguishable from other creatures in a way that there is no metaphysical or spiritual connection between them. Essentially, betterment of the self and self-preservation are of significance.

Many people would say that finding a balance between the positive attributes of both theories is the wisest avenue. Respecting every person's right to self-determination and self-expression, but also encouraging altruistic deeds that aid the communal whole.

Thoughts?



posted on May, 26 2014 @ 08:44 AM
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a reply to: Dark Ghost



Many people would say that finding a balance between the positive attributes of both theories is the wisest avenue. Respecting every person's right to self-determination and self-expression, but also encouraging altruistic deeds that aid the communal whole. - See more at: www.abovetopsecret.com...


I think that quote above sums it up for me.

The two theories are two ways to look at it, however the balance lies in the above quote.



posted on May, 26 2014 @ 10:18 AM
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Wealth without work
Pleasure without conscience
Science without humanity
Knowledge without character
Politics without principle
Commerce without morality
Worship without sacrifice

― Mahatma Gandhi

Purpose is an illusion. You stimulate others, others stimulate you. We are all animals, most of us are cowards. Luckily it doesn't take many people to guide the others of a cliff or into victory.


edit on 26-5-2014 by eisegesis because: (no reason given)



posted on May, 26 2014 @ 10:50 AM
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I could be sitting here...
Legs crossed...
Left foot over the right...
Cigarette in my left hand...
Remote control in the right...
Watching Fox...
Thinking about this particular topic...

Two streets away someone could be positioned exactly the same, doing the same, thinking the same...
Even our blinking & inhale/exhale could be in sync...

Between the continents could be 100 of us all connected in Mind & Body...

Then all of a sudden we all disconnect and go about our daily routine...
That's the separation of Soul!!!


Then 5 minutes later...
You're sitting at your computer...
Reading this forum...
Mouse in your right hand...
Cup of coffee in your left...
Legs under the chair rather than ahead of you...
This post on your mind...

And across the globe 10 others are doing exactly the same as this & you are all connected in Mind, Body & Soul...
When you disconnect it's the self...

Or is it...
Do we just join another wavelength with a different group of 10?


Philosophy on this topic is endless...
But are wavelengths will usually connect at some point pal!!!


Peace everybody!!!
edit on 26-5-2014 by CharlieSpeirs because: (no reason given)

edit on 26-5-2014 by CharlieSpeirs because: (no reason given)



posted on May, 26 2014 @ 12:11 PM
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originally posted by: eisegesis
I watched my mothers life fall apart.

It fell apart for the only reason one would accept.

She was so consumed by helping others that she forgot to help herself.

I told her to be more selfish.



Most times people who help others all the time are doing it to make themselves look better. Either they desire to appear better or they do it because they feel inferior and think they have to help others to be as good as someone else. The Appear better reason is a deception. The feel inferior reason is a problem with confidence in oneself, probably because of something in their childhood. We need to help those who need help but sometimes people go overboard. Everyone should be working together, not just a few. superiority and inferiority complexes shouldn't even exist if we had the right kind of society....sadly to say this is not the right kind of society.



posted on May, 26 2014 @ 05:29 PM
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a reply to: Dark Ghost

Look into Holon Theory, and associate that theory with your question concerning self (holon) and community (larger holon). We are all one at one level, while remaining unique at a completely different level. As far as any "purpose" for life, there's no "purpose" that can be ascribed to a divine planner. Life happens, and there needn't be a "purpose" behind life just because we humans are capable of asking about the existence of a "purpose". I suppose that some might assume that due to the fact that the human mind is capable of the question, that there must exist an answer to that question, but that's actually quite an assumption.



posted on May, 26 2014 @ 08:13 PM
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originally posted by: Dark Ghost
Most commonly, it can be presented as follows: every existing creature, from human to ant, are all bound together through some type of spiritual or metaphysical connection.


We are all physically connected too, not just spiritual or metaphysical like you claim. Once you understand that scientifically, you will know the truth.

The illusion of separation is what causes us to believe we are all in our "own physical vessels", when in fact, we are only one physical vessel with many moving parts.
edit on 26-5-2014 by WeAre0ne because: (no reason given)



posted on May, 26 2014 @ 11:53 PM
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originally posted by: WeAre0ne
We are all physically connected too, not just spiritual or metaphysical like you claim. Once you understand that scientifically, you will know the truth.


Can you please explain how we are physically connected, when it simply doesn't appear to be the case? I am interested in understanding the science behind your reply.



posted on May, 27 2014 @ 12:16 AM
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a reply to: Dark Ghost

Conceiving the whole is the simple view. It can be conceived with a single thought, with little to no introspection. The closer we look, the more complex it gets. In the midst of that complexity, one either retreats back into the comfort of a singular view, or is confident enough to move beyond it.



posted on May, 27 2014 @ 09:02 AM
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a reply to: Dark Ghost

Certainly. There are multiple ways we are connected, but it doesn't appear to be the case because our eyes can only see a very small spectrum of the energy that surrounds us, and forms us. Our other senses are not sensitive enough to detect it all either. These limitations support the illusion of separation.

Electromagnetism
You must first understand that all atoms and molecules have a weak magnetic force, therefore everything is made of tiny magnets. Electrons, protons, and even neutrons are tiny magnets. All matter is made of these tiny magnets. You, the air, the ground, plants and animals, are all made of tiny magnets. As you may already know, electromagnetic force is one of two fundamental forces that have infinite range (gravity is the other). Also when magnets are near each other, or touching each other, they combine / share their magnetic force with each other, and the magnetic force / flux lines run through them all. Because of that, they exert force on each other. Therefor, you are connected magnetically with everything around you. There is a magnetic link to every particle around you.

The magnetic particles in your body are connected to the magnetic particles of the air, the ground, and the Earth as a whole. The Sun's magnetic force is directly linked with the Earth's magnetic force, and the Moon's magnetic force. Arguably, the magnetic force of all planets are connected, because they are all large magnets in close vicinity. You are connected with the entire solar system magnetically, and quite possibly all of the entire Universe is linked via magnetic force.

All you need to do is visualize the magnetic link between every small particle. For example the reason you can't walk through a wall is because the electromagnetic particles of your body are repelled from the electromagnetic particles of the wall. Like forcing two like poles of strong magnets together, they will repel each other. Essentially, you never even touch the wall, or anything really, only the electromagnetic forces touch. That is all that ever happens between particles, they undergo electromagnetic interactions.

Gravity
Gravity is almost the same as magnetism. Gravity has infinite range, and it is instant. It doesn't take time to travel from one point to another. All atoms have mass and form a gravitational field. The gravitational field of one atom affects the atom next to it to an extent, so all atoms are connected by gravity. The combined mass of your entire body creates a gravitational field that affects things around you, and combines with Earth's gravitational field. Earth's gravity affects the Moon. The Suns gravity affects the Earth and Moon, and the rest of the planets. The planets as a whole are all affected by gravitational fields that exist throughout the entire Universe. So technically everything is loosely connected by gravity as well. Meaning everything exerts some amount of gravitational force on everything.

Here I must say, gravity and electromagnetism is not just what these particles emit. It is what these particles are. They are magnetism, they are mass / gravity, it's all just "energy". Everything is made of this "energy". We are one giant collection of energy.

Electrically
Electrons which form all elements, including the elements that make up your body, which are tiny magnets, are jumping from object to object and you rarely see it. You may see it (and feel it) when you drag your feet / socks across a carpet, and then touch a door knob, and get an electric shock. That is because the electrons that make up the carpet jumped to your body, and then from your body they jumped to the door knob. Those same electrons are used to power your brain, your muscles, your senses, etc.. They can jump to a door knob, or any metal, and other materials, and usually get absorbed into the ground (Earth is a giant electron sink). Or if you happened to touch someone else, and gave them an electric shock, the electrons jumped to their body. The same electrons that run through the power lines, and into your home, and power your devices and computer. The same electrons that build up in the clouds, and strike down to the ground to form lighting. All those electrons are circulated through all things. You share your electrons with the Earth, and your surroundings.

The electrons that form your body, and allow your body to function, could have been the same electrons that Einstein used in his brain and body. The electrons that traveled from the sky down Benjamin Franklin's wet kite string very well could be powering your computer right now, and at one point was responsible for your thoughts, and or lighting up your house. Electrons get around quick, and pass between objects at near the speed of light. You could say we are all connected electronically.

Light
As you may know, light is electromagnetic radiation. Photons, which are tiny electromagnets, are responsible for all electromagnetic phenomena. What you may not know, is you normally see the source of light, and the destination of light, but you rarely see the journey. That is because light can only be seen when it is directly emitted from an object into your eyes, or reflected off an object into your eyes. Otherwise, we don't see it as it travels from one place to another. That is why it appears so dark between the stars in the night sky. If we could see the journey of the light, we would see the light crisscrossing every direction in the Universe from star to star, and the sky would be pure white. Stars emit light in all directions, so light exists in all directions in the Universe.

The same goes for you. You emit and reflect light, and not just visible light. The light from you is travelling in all directions, hence why we can see you from all directions. Everything you see, you see because the light from it traveled to you. So technically, you are connected to everything you see via light, and everything that can see you is connected to you via light. Everything is connected via light in one form or another. The stars are connected to you, and everyone on Earth that can see the stars.

If you were to be able to see the journey of visible light, you would be blinded by whiteness. But don't forget that visible light isn't the only form of light. The entire electromagnetic spectrum is light. Radiowaves, microwaves, infrared, UV, x-rays, gamma rays, all of it is light. Our eyes are limited to only seeing the visible spectrum, otherwise we would be blinded even more! Radiowaves, UV, infrared, are very common and can be found everywhere, if we could see it we wouldn't be able to see anything, it would be even more white.

All objects emit electromagnetic radiation (light), including your body. This electromagnetic radiation (light) passes from object to object. It is emitted, absorbed, remitted, etc.. constantly. Everything is connected via light.

To be continued...
edit on 27-5-2014 by WeAre0ne because: (no reason given)

edit on 27-5-2014 by WeAre0ne because: (no reason given)



posted on May, 27 2014 @ 09:02 AM
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Systematically
You may not see it yet, but the entire Universe is your body. You are one big complex system of many connected parts, if one or more of the parts were to not exist, you wouldn't exist. You may think the outer-most layer of your "physical vessel" is your skin, but you couldn't be more wrong. For one, the air which is connected to the outside of your skin by the forces mentioned above plays a significant role inside of your body as well, when you inhale. Every breath you take, the air outside is absorbed by your lungs, and circulated through your body via your blood, and used to keep you alive, and functional. The air becomes one with you. Take the air away, and you will die. Just like if you take your heart away, you would die. The air is very much another part of your body, it just exists inside of your skin and mostly outside your skin. The air is just another layer, like your bones, your blood, your flesh, your skin... all different layers separated/connected by various forces.

The air around you is a major part of your body, but so is your environment. Without the plants and trees, you wouldn't have much air to breathe. Trees absorb CO2, emit Oxygen. You absorb Oxygen, emit CO2. You are connected with the trees and plants in that aspect, as a system. But also, you can eat the trees and plants, and fruits and vegetables they create. The plant and tree particles you eat will flow through your blood and body and keep you alive, and form your organs, and many other layers. Without the trees and plants, you would die. They too are a part of your body.

The air, trees, and plants also are a part of the other insects and animals that exists. You can consume those insects and animals and their particles will become one with you, and keep you alive, and form your other layers. Those insects and animals help keep the plants and trees alive too by fertilizing the soil, and pollinating. It's all connected in one system.

However all of that can not exist without water. Your body is about 60% water. You consume it, expel it, you are it. The water that is currently being used to form your body and run your bodily systems has been around for a while. What once rained from the sky, traveled down streams, rivers, into oceans, around continents, which once formed ice and snow around the world as well, is most likely in your blood and body right now. The water you consume from the system is used to keep you alive, and you also expel water back into the system. Its a cycle. That same water is shared throughout the world with insects, animals, plants and trees. Without water you wouldn't exist.

Of course, without the Earth, none of this (you) would exist. Your flesh and bone is made of elements found all around Earth such as oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium. You are literally made of Earth dirt. Those elements of Earth are absorbed into trees, plants, insects, animals, and you, and are passed around between each other through consumption, and waste. Everything you see is a large cycle of the same particles being recycled, as one big system. You are Earth which has formed into life.

Just like you wouldn't exist without your lungs, and heart, and brain, and body, and other organs. None of that would exist without the air, water, and elements of Earth. And the Earth wouldn't exist without the Sun. The Sun wouldn't exist without the Universe. It's all one big system of many parts working together to create all life and existence.

You see, the Universe is our body. It is the foundation of our physical vessel. We are all connected to the Universe. We are the Universe.



posted on May, 27 2014 @ 09:13 AM
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S&F!


Symphony of Science - 'We Are All Connected' (ft. Sagan, Feynman, deGrasse Tyson & Bill Nye)



We are all connected ...

To each other ... biologically,

To the earth ... chemically,

To the rest of the universe ... atomically!


edit on 27/5/2014 by DietJoke because: Edited to fix broken url link.



posted on May, 27 2014 @ 09:46 AM
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a reply to: DietJoke

NOW EVERYTHING I JUST POSTED PREVIOUSLY IS ALL FEELGOOD BS OK!

Here is why ... This is the philosophy and metaphysics forum and that science has NO PLACE HERE!

On the basis of just philosophy alone ... we are all trapped in Descartes matrix and can prove very little ...

Three Minute Philosophy: Rene Descartes



But we can prove to our own selves that we exist and this leads one to the awkward realization that just observing creates the observer ... and that this is a godly state, the consequences of which are truly profound and far more real than any feel good sideshow that we are all one!

Because we are only/all one is not the issue, although it should be the primary point of view to see from ... the issue is about control over what is ... as anything else is slavery and we are Gods for gods sake [pun also intended
].

So I have to take a stand on principle alone for the sake of self dignity and preservation and say that the self .. ones own character built upon ones own attitude is ALL IMPORTANT and damn everything else!

Reflect upon that!



posted on May, 27 2014 @ 04:42 PM
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a reply to: DietJoke

Right, you can only prove that you exist, and nothing else. Everything and everyone else you experience could simply be a figment of your imagination or senses. That would still mean you are one.

No matter how you look at it. We are one.
edit on 27-5-2014 by More1ThanAny1 because: (no reason given)



posted on May, 27 2014 @ 08:04 PM
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a reply to: WeAre0ne

And yet, the one aspect of you that will persist once your material body is gone - your mind - is completely isolated (physically) from everything that you listed. Kind of like how Roger Waters put it...


All that you touch
All that you see
All that you taste
All you feel.
All that you love
All that you hate
All you distrust
All you save.
All that you give
All that you deal
All that you buy,
beg, borrow or steal.
All you create
All you destroy
All that you do
All that you say.
All that you eat
And everyone you meet
All that you slight
And everyone you fight.
All that is now
All that is gone
All that's to come
and everything under the sun is in tune
but the sun is eclipsed by the moon.


The You that your connected-to-everything brain is creating will - in the end - never be "one" with anything.
Ever.
Ironic, isn't it.



posted on May, 27 2014 @ 11:48 PM
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originally posted by: NorEaster
a reply to: WeAre0ne

And yet, the one aspect of you that will persist once your material body is gone - your mind - is completely isolated (physically) from everything that you listed. Kind of like how Roger Waters put it...

The You that your connected-to-everything brain is creating will - in the end - never be "one" with anything.
Ever.
Ironic, isn't it.


That is not true. There is only one mind. This one mind is dreaming many dreams, forming many dreamers. I am but one of those dreamers, from the one dreamer.

The dream I am dreaming, which includes my physical body (the entire Universe) is connected with my mind. It is my mind's thoughts. If my physical body (the entire Universe) ceases to exist, that would mean my mind would cease to exist, because it would mean I stopped dreaming / thinking.



posted on May, 29 2014 @ 05:23 PM
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originally posted by: WeAre0ne

originally posted by: NorEaster
a reply to: WeAre0ne

And yet, the one aspect of you that will persist once your material body is gone - your mind - is completely isolated (physically) from everything that you listed. Kind of like how Roger Waters put it...

The You that your connected-to-everything brain is creating will - in the end - never be "one" with anything.
Ever.
Ironic, isn't it.


That is not true. There is only one mind. This one mind is dreaming many dreams, forming many dreamers. I am but one of those dreamers, from the one dreamer.

The dream I am dreaming, which includes my physical body (the entire Universe) is connected with my mind. It is my mind's thoughts. If my physical body (the entire Universe) ceases to exist, that would mean my mind would cease to exist, because it would mean I stopped dreaming / thinking.


I don't do philosophy. Philosophy is like math. Esoteric idealism. I do reality. Not things as they should be but this as they are. The research, the logic and the physics suggest that I'm right, but whatever. It's not as if convincing you will affect what's real anyway.
edit on 5/29/2014 by NorEaster because: (no reason given)



posted on May, 30 2014 @ 02:01 AM
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originally posted by: NorEaster
I don't do philosophy. Philosophy is like math. Esoteric idealism. I do reality. Not things as they should be but this as they are. The research, the logic and the physics suggest that I'm right, but whatever. It's not as if convincing you will affect what's real anyway.


The trouble with your position is that you assume your version of reality is the correct one, when really it is a perspective of reality. How can you be certain that what you interpret as real is actually real for everyone else?



posted on May, 30 2014 @ 05:24 AM
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a reply to: NorEaster

You do reality... lol. You don't do reality... what you do is stare at shadows on the wall.
en.wikipedia.org...

What I said was an absolute fact. There is only One reality, and ALL things exist in this One reality, it is One thing. Not two. End of story.

Everything I have said is backed by physics and logic. You must be confused.

edit on 30-5-2014 by WeAre0ne because: (no reason given)



posted on May, 30 2014 @ 12:36 PM
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a reply to: WeAre0ne




What I said was an absolute fact. There is only One reality, and ALL things exist in this One reality, it is One thing. Not two. End of story.


No one even knows what reality is. No one knows that there is only one reality. No one knows that all things exist in one reality.

"Reality" is an honorific term. End of story.




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