THE EVOLUTION OF POWER


from a blind force to a creatively shaped and regulated function





A Study in Thought

sa087



by





Marius Heuff

Chapter 1

Content

We live in a world of continuous change.
The ever-present need to inter-act with this world of change.
The growing awareness, that a significant part of the events in the world around us has been initiated by our own actions.
A whimsical orientation.
Shifting the focus of attention from one feature to the next.
Temporary working hypotheses that are ready to be discarded, as soon as we find a better image to work with.
The anthropomorphic features of early human reality perceptions.
Audacious scientific conclusions.
Immersing ourselves in "meso-scopic" experiences.
Developing a "feel" for the anthropomorphic reality perception.
Challenges to this type of perception.
Correlating actions and results.
How accidents were accepted and interpreted in the distant past.
The concept, and practice, of "being careful".
The foundation for alert, careful and emotionally neutral observations.
The ability to control the orientation of a field of force.
The heat of the sun.
The purpose and consequences of climbing a tree.
The awareness, that one is not totally helpless, or without influence, in the outcome of an on-going event.

From the dawn of conscious awareness, man has recalled the vivid memories of his past experiences, as he observed or participated in the powerful changes that were taking place in his environment. Whenever man relaxed, momentarily, after an exciting and dangerous hunt, satisfied with a good meal, he was dimly aware of the fact, that it would not be long, before he would have to go-out again, and try to secure another meal. Whenever man looked-out from his primitive shelter and saw the phenomena of lightning and thunder, of rain-storms and flash-floods, or the cold, icy winds and snow-storms of winter, man realised, in an imprecise and intuitive manner, that the world he was aware of, was a world of continuous change.

We have good reasons to believe, that man interpreted the many forces he was subjected to, or had to deal with, very much in the same way as he could exert a force himself. Man found himself engaged in a large variety of strenuous activities throughout his life-span, and, vigorous activities and exciting experiences lie at the root of those remarkable events, when man learned to recall a particular memory-sequence with the help of symbolic representations, or, rather, with a series of gesticulations and imitative movements. Early man must have experienced another sense of awe and mystery, when he experienced that such imitative movements and vocalisations could evoke a series of similarly vivid memories in the other members as well.

When man learned to become more sharply aware of his environment, and, when he learned to focus his attention upon one aspect or another in a conscious and deliberate manner, he must have realised, that the world was full of powerful happenings and events, and, that a significant part of these activities and events was initiated by himself. Just as man must have begun to realise, vaguely, that he could harm or kill another living being, or, that he could help or support it, and prevent it from being harmed, so were the forces man was subjected to, also divided into helpful or harmful categories Certainly, many of the forces could change quickly their orientation towards him, being promising, one moment, and threatening, the next, and, the whimsicality of their orientation must have reminded man about his own changing moods and attitudes.

Let us not forget, that early man's awarenesses were vague and imprecise, and, we should remind ourselves, that he could only initiate the memory-recall of a complex series of happenings and events. None of the myriad of details we can see and discuss, today, with our superior powers of observation and description, were available to early man, and, subjects and objects, qualities and conditions, directions and other variables were still intermingled in the massive, undifferentiated recall of a memory-trace. We assume, that, even the associated emotions of fear, excitement, sadness or happiness, anxiety and a feeling of triumph, or curiosity, were mixed-in with these recalled memories, as they passed through the focus of conscious awareness. Only slowly, were these large blocks of recalled memory-traces analysed and mastered, and, only slowly, did man become aware of the many details that could be brought to the fore, if he was able, somehow, to shift the focus of his attention from one feature to the next.

It is, of course, a matter of speculation, how man began to analyse his memory-traces in more detail, and, it is a matter of conjecture to enumerate any particular sequence of development that may have taken place, but, in order to build a more or less coherent picture in our own minds about the ability to develop a series of detailed and communicable awarenesses, we will have to indulge in such speculations. Rather than assuming, that a probable sequence of events represents a conclusion in the evolution of our reality perceptions, we should look upon these speculative images as temporary "working hypotheses", ready to be discarded, as soon as we find a better imagery to work with.

From a review of the more "primitive" or earliest available reality perceptions, we see, that a commonly shared awareness of early man is the goal-directedness of a force or power. Logically, man interprets the world of the larger powers in the same manner he can orden the world of his own experiences and actions. Just as man can decide the direction of his own powers and give it a hostile or a friendly orientation, so has man, or, rather, the small social community in which he lives, a tendency to divide the world of events into a category of hostile or friendly force-fields. It is also quite logical to attribute the origin of these forces to largely unseen and ununderstood "personalities", which are, in essence, a reflection of man's own "will". This is the essence of the "man-like" or "anthropomorphic" quality that seems to pervade all early perceptions of reality, and, to a large extent, these same human or anthropomorphic qualities pervade the more sophisticated religious realities of today, as well.

We have discussed, on several occasions, how persistent the anthropomorphic reality perception has been, and still is, and, we will come back upon the reasons, why an anthropomorphic reality perception is such a logical and inescapable way of interpreting reality. We will also discuss, once again, how unusual and audacious the ultimate scientific conclusion really is, where man comes, finally, and, certainly, somewhat to his own surprise, to the conclusion, that he is, after all, the only anthropomorphic force in the entire Universe; at least, in so far as we can see, at the present time.

We will trace the origins of these remarkable interpretations, which lie at the heart of our scientific reality perceptions, but, even, if we go back to early man and imagine, how he lived, and, what he experienced, we will see, that there has always been problems with the anthropomorphic way of interpreting reality. Certainly, to explain the large, unseen forces of nature, the existence of the numerous living beings, as well as other discernible features in the environment, it was unavoidable, that "someone" had to be the Creator of all this diversity of existence.

The modern, contemporary images show us, to some extent, a continuity from the atom to a living organism, and, from a primordial "Big Bang" to the existence of our terrestial environment. These images were, of course, unavailable to previous generations, and, we will have to immerse ourselves in the world of "meso-scopic" experiences and reality interpretations, based on primary sensory evidence, if we want to remain "in touch" with the reality perceptions of our distant ancestors.

Let us see, whether or not we can develop a "feel" for the reasons, why the anthropomorphic reality perception led to problems; or, rather, let us explore the reasons, why it was unavoidable, that the anthropomorphic reality perception would lead, in certain circumstances, to difficulties, in spite of the fact, that the basic principles of an anthropomorphic reality perception were so firmly entrenched, that they were never completely abandoned, until today; at least, they have never been seriously challenged by a majority of people in any civilisation, regardless of the period of history we are looking at.

The problems arise, when we look at the daily, routine experiences of early man, as he started to use tools and weapons to facilitate the tasks of providing for himself and his small community. It must have happened to many individuals, quite often during their daily chores, that they hurt themselves; either, by hitting their thumb during a hammering motion with a stone-ax or mallet, or, they must have cut themselves with a primitive knife; or, they stumbled over an obstacle, etc., etc. As we all know from our own experiences, when we are using tools of one sort or another, or, when we are engaged in some sort of strenuous activity, there is a strong likelyhood, that, at one time or another, we will hurt ourselves.

How do we interpret such "an accident"? No doubt, by far the majority of people, today, will recognise the fact, that "it is their own fault". If we are hasty or careless, or, if we do not understand, properly, the functions of a tool or an instrument, we are bound to hurt ourselves, and, perhaps, someone else as well. We learn to be careful and think about what we are doing or want to do, and, during the time of our childhood and adolescence, our parents spend a great deal of time and effort teaching us how to avoid dangers and injuries. Yet, if we go back to early man, we have to postulate, that, in the beginning, "everything was new".

There was no well-formed body of practical knowledge and experience that could be taught and handed-down from one generation to the next. Man was still in his infancy, learning to use or make tools and weapons, and, learning to arrange his reality perceptions in a conscious framework of causes and their effects. If it is correct to assume, that man would interpret the forces around him, primarily, as helpful or harmful, he would accept the occurrence of an "accident" passively; as the result of superior forces, which, suddenly, turned against him, and, only slowly, man realised, that, perhaps, the accident was of his own making, and, that it was possible to avoid accidents by being "more careful".

Of course, in the concept of "being careful", we already imply a rather sophisticated function of fore-sight or anticipation, where an individual, sharpened by experience and endowed with an intelligent mind, was able to acknowledge, consciously, the possibility, that the use of a tool or a weapon could just as easily lead to harm for the operator of such a tool or weapon, as the beneficial situation it was intended to create.

Man experienced, time and again, in a practical, pragmatic, and, perhaps, largely subconscious manner, that the use of a tool or weapon required a careful control over the musculature of the user. If one failed to direct the force of a tool or weapon accurately, it was easy to hurt someone or oneself, but, if one did excercise care, and, if one visualised, carefully and accurately, what the consequences would be of a particular series of actions, then, it was relatively easy to create effects that were, not only, predominantly beneficial, but also, highly predictable, and the number of accidents and unforeseen consequences would, then, be reduced to a minimum.

The anthropomorphic interpretation is in trouble, here, because this experience leads to the conclusion, that the results of a particular action do not depend upon a beneficial or harmful intention of the forces involved, but, upon the awareness, that a force, any force, including the force of one's own musculature, initiated by a will that is clearly intent upon creating a beneficial or desirable effect, can still lead to harmful, or, even, disastrous results, if one is not careful, and, if one does not guide and direct this force properly during the course of its actions.

Here, we see an important experience emerge, and, upon this experience is based this entire structure of alert, careful and emotionally neutral observations, which can lead to such remarkably persuasive interpretations of reality. As soon as man becomes sensitive to the idea, that the orientation of a force depends, to a large extent, on his own actions, (such as his own musculature or his behaviour in relation to the forces of the environment), the arbitrary orientation of a force disappears.

For example, we have seen, that it depends on man's own behaviour, whether or not he will hurt himself when handling tools, and, similarly, it depends on his own actions and choices of behaviour, whether or not he will stumble and fall, be exposed to extreme heat or cold, or gets into a tight corner and a dangerous situation. For example, man learned, that the heat of the sun could be a great help to warm him, when he was cold, but, he also learned, that he had to avoid exposure to the sun, or avoid doing hard work during a hot summer day. He learned, that it was wise to stay close to a nice, clean, cool stream, where he could quench his thirst any time he felt like, but, he also learned, that water could be dangerous and could kill him, if he lost solid ground from under his feet.

Man learned that he can spot animals much better, if he climbs in a tree, and, that he can safeguard himself from attack by many of the larger animals that prey upon him, but, he also learned, that one wrong move, one error in judgement, or a moment of carelessness, could send him tumbling towards a serious injury, and, perhaps, even, death.

As we have mentioned before; early man lived, nearly constantly, and, certainly, on a daily basis, with conditions and events that could turn-out to be disastrous, while, essentially the same conditions and circumstances could also provide him with a possibility to exist. While it is logical, that man interpreted many of these arbitrary directions into which an event could develop, as having essentially contradictory intentions of the underlying force-fields, (or the deities who generate these force-fields), man must have experienced, from an early stage in his development, well before the emergence of conscious thought, that he is not totally helpless or completely without influence in determining the outcome of an on-going event.

The experience that it does matter a great deal what he does, as well as the intuitive insight that a lot of potentially disastrous events can be avoided by taking appropriate actions or precautions, (by remembering what happened before, when an analogous situation was encountered), all these awarenesses, regardless, how vague and ill-defined, constituted a severe challenge to the rigidly anthropomorphic interpretation of reality.

These same awarenesses provide the basis for a contemporary understanding of the reasons, why man took the road towards mastery and control over the force-fields and circumstances of the natural environment, and, why he developed the capability to observe and react in an emotionally more or less neutral manner.

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Chapter 2

Content

When an event was experienced in its totality.
Looking back with a de-mythologised, cause-and-effect perception of reality.
A review of the evolution of reality perceptions.
Poly-theism and mono-theism.
Consequences of the ever-present desire to simplify our beliefs.
Attempts to create a unified field-theory are related to the trend towards a simplification and stream-lining of our beliefs.
Difficulties with these attempts.
The unquestioned acceptance of the superiority of a monotheistic concept of super-natural force-fields.
The emergence of the concept of a static "force-field" depended on the evolution of predictable causes and their effects.
Learning to "read the signs" of coming changes; an impressive ability to orden awarenesses.
We are still unable to grasp, clearly, the fundamental building-blocks of nature.
A remarkably coherent interpretation of reality is in view.
This coherence may not be easy to grasp.
Specific pluri-potential circumstances created the possibilities of existence for the living organisation.
Continued existence of the fragile living organisation by virtue of the faculty of "guided manufacture", or reproduction.
A complex story, requiring a long period of study and reflection.
Are there significant advantages for a non-anthropomorhpic reality perception?
The powerful experience of predictability.
The attitudes of common-sense have their limitations as well.
An inexorable trend towards laxity and complacency.
Man will bow, once again, to the will of the gods.
The cleansing attitudes of humility and atonement.
A basis to start again, from scratch.
The problem of brazen over-confidence.
A cycle of recurring attitudes.

An event was experienced, primarily, in its totality, and, no clear-cut distinction was made between the many features and qualities of the forces at work in a particular event. The direction and the magnitude of the forces involved, as well as the nature or the instigators behind these force-fields, all these aspects blended naturally together in the world of spirits in which early man found himself, without realising, of course, to what extent he was populating the environment with creatures from his own imagination.

Now, looking back upon the world of early man with a de-mythologised, mechanical, cause-and-effect perception of reality, we can see, clearly, how strong man's tendency is to project the existence of causes and effects in terms of man-like or "willed" characteristics. For people, who lack the ability to visualise, at least, in a sweeping outline, the evolutionary links between the various subjects of our reality perceptions, the existence of a multitude of diverse entities calls, inevitably, for the concept of a "created reality".

Let us see, again, in an imagery that is largely speculative, how the world of anthropomorphic force-fields fuses, slowly, into a more coherent and predictable unit of existence; how the qualities of force, direction, magnitude and unit of energy are abstracted by our patiently inquisitive minds, and, how this enormously audacious concept keeps coming to the fore, where we have to admit to ourselves, time and again, that we seem to be the only species with an elaborate capability of conscious awareness; that we are the only species able to direct the force-fields generated by its own existence in a deliberately harmful or beneficial way towards its environment. In short, let us review, how our reality perceptions seem to be the result of a rather unique experiment of nature with the possibilities of conscious awareness, and, how we seem to be the only creatures, so far as we know, who have developed this remarkable capability of conscious awareness and a verbalisable reality perception.

The idea of a fusion of a large variety of poly-theistic reality interpretations into a mono-theistic framework is a somewhat misleading assumption, because a particular poly-theistic reality perception does not change into a mono-theistic concept, but, it is, by and large, replaced by it; just as any full-grown, rigid and elaborate structure of beliefs loses the ability to remain flexible and adaptable, so do we have to postulate, that early belief-structures came and went, just like the successive generations of living organisms, and, only slowly, in the clash of many contrasting beliefs that was made possible by the emergence of the larger social structures, do we see evidence for a search to "streamline" a variety of contradictory notions, as well as a trend to encompass reality perceptions into a larger unit. Then, we see a drift into the direction of mono-theistic beliefs and unified reality perceptions.

On the other hand, it is justifiable to adopt the overall concept of a "fusion" or a "transition", just as the concept of "evolutionary change" involves a large number of trials and errors, where the individual members of the various generations are being "discarded". The overall effect is a slow change of the underlying genetic code. The idea that poly-theistic interpretations fuse, slowly, into a more "unified" or mono-theistic belief-structure fore-shadows a similar trend in the non-anthropomorphic or scientific imagery of our reality perceptions, where man displays, also, an ever-present desire to simplify a structure of knowledge by finding an overall, unifying principle , making a particular knowledge structure logically coherent.

Here, too, we see, that, "change" means, the discarding of old concepts, which are replaced by new ideas. However, neither, in the change from polytheism to mono-theism, nor, in the search for an overall unifying force-field, have we been completely successful; at least, it does not seem possible to reach the ideal situation, where the existence of all sorts of different force-fields can be derived and deduced from one "master force-field".

In science, the attempts to reach such a unity are, at the present time, not in the fore-front, but, they have been conceptualised, in the past, as a "unified field-theory", and, in the religious sphere, we see, also, that mono-theistic religions are unable to adhere, fully and logically, to their ideal of "One Allmighty God". If God is truly "All-Powerful", as we accept reverently and piously, without any further questions, especially, if we are a faithful member of one of the large, modern, mono-theistic religions, why, then, does God tolerate the existence of Evil?

A variety of explanations and arguments have come to the fore in answer to this fundamental question, but, so far as I am concerned, none of them are satisfactory, and, it would, probably, be more honest, if we admitted this "crack" in our efforts to build the imagery of a truly monotheistic Power. This concept just does not seem to fit very well with our observations, just as a unified natural force-field also escapes our grasp; at least, it does not seem to be substantiated by observations at the present time, regardless, how eagerly we would like to accept the theory of a unified force-field of nature.

Many of us have grown-up in a culture, that has been, and, still is, dominated by one mono-theistic religion or another, and, even, the agnostic-scientific view-points seem to favour a modified mono-theistic concept in the idea of a "Prime Mover". This is the reason, why we all seem to accept, so thoughtlessly, the superiority of a mono-theistic religion over a pluralistic one, but, if we look at the facts, carefully, we may well come to the conclusion, that the mono-theistic concepts are not all that successful, and, we could come to the conclusion, that most mono-theistic religious beliefs, including Christianity, have many features that make them resemble a poly-theistic rather than a strictly mono-theistic structure.

However, let us not elaborate these ideas, here, because we only wanted to emphasise the fact, that, "primitive" poly-theistic concepts did not just "give-way", finally, to the "true light" of mono-theistic concepts, just as we are unable to create a truly satisfying concept of a unified force-field in the non-anthropomorphic reality interpretations of the sciences.

Let us ask ourselves, how the concept of a "force" arose, and, how the qualities of a force came to the fore, apart from the cause or origin of a particular force-field. We have seen, on many occasions, how important the phenomenon of change is in our perceptions, and, slowly, the qualities or common denominators of a large series of events, arose. How? A detailed speculation is meaningless, here, and, as we have seen above, the "explanation" was always an anthropomorphic one. If man could not see the actions of a powerful, living organism at work, he postulated its existence, just as he postulated the existence of unseen powerful spirits or gods behind the movements of the sun, the moon and the stars, the phenomena of lightning and thunder, etc.

Only, very slowly, did man develop a measure of predictability, which came from the ability to recognise similarities between events. Seasonal changes, as well as more rapidly occurring weather changes, tended to recur at fairly large, but regular intervals, and, man learned to "read the signs" of many coming changes. If someone was perceptive, he could impress his fellow members of the small community by "predicting" that a particular event was coming, and, we have seen, that, in many of the daily or routine events, the attitudes of care and alertness, of observation and an appreciation for recurring relationships, paved the way for an audacious change in the interpretation of human sense-impressions.

It is justified to consider the evolution of reality perceptions to be primarily a result of increasing contacts between peoples, and, in particular, between groups of peoples, because conflicting anthropomorphic reality perceptions clashed and "fought" for a measure of credibility. As a result, a trend arose to expand the non-anthropomorphic reality perceptions of cause and effect into an ever wider system of causal relationships, after it had already established itself in the relationships between tool handling and injuries.

However, before the invention of tools to measure and observe a large range of phenomena, and, without the mental tools of arithmetic and calculus, many relationships were difficult to prove. No concept existed about the fundamental building-blocks of nature, and, we see, how recently, the atomic and sub-atomic imagery emerged with which we now explain the essence of natural existence. Certainly, we are still unable to describe, clearly, a particular fundamental building-block of nature, and, our concepts and ideas about the relationships between matter and energy are still in a state of flux, but, it is remarkable, how, in the last few centuries, the interpretation of the world of observable phenomena has changed, and, how coherent it has become.

As we have argued before, this coherence may not be easy to grasp, because the imagery is complex and the relationships are often vague and tentative, but, it is remarkable, that we have, now, at least, some sort of a fluent and coherent picture, tying-together the origin of the Universe, the emergence of numerous stellar bodies, the existence of planetary satellites around stars, as well as the peculiarities of existence that are made possible in the local conditions of some planetary satellites.

It is remarkable, that we can picture the existence of the earth and its physical conditions as a specific constellation of existence possibilities, made possible by the accidental circumstances in which matter and energy happened to exist in our particular region of the solar system. We are able to see, how these peculiar, but pluri-potential circumstances explored the possibilities of the living organisation, and, how the essentially blind search for possibilities of existence led to a situation, where a viable possibility was able to hold-on to its existence by virtue of the faculty of "reproduceability". This evolutionary development led, eventually, to the behaviourally flexible and consciously aware species of mankind. All this, without invoking the idea, that an anthropomorphic Force created the earth, its numerous details of existence, the millions of living species', or the existence of man himself.

This remarkable development is a long story of coherent evolutionary changes according to predictable mechanisms of cause and effect, but, such a story is only acceptable, or, even, beautifully convincing, after a long period of study and reflection. Here, we will concentrate on the emergence of the concepts of "force" or a field of force, as well as the variety of qualities and common features associated with such a force-field. We will concentrate on these ideas, because they are an intellectual tool with which we can construct, eventually, this coherent imagery of evolutionary, non-anthropomorphic relationships. Finally, we will also have to ask ourselves, whether or not there are significant advantages for a non-anthropomorphic reality perception, compared to the anthropomorphic reality, which is, obviously, far more wide-spread and appealing to a large majority of people; in the past, as well as the present.

Perhaps, it is justified to emphasise, once more, the fact, that the origin of the non-anthropomorphic reality perception and interpretation lies in the experience of a sense of predictability, which results from careful observations and an alert attitude. We have seen, that man learned to be more careful handling his tools, and, we know, that he suffered fewer accidents when he changed the concept or interpretation of an accident from the malicious influence of an ill-intentioned spirit, to his own stupidity. As soon as man understood, that, certain actions, even, when carried-out with the best of intentions, could "misfire", or could have an adverse result, if he was not careful in his actions or his judgements, man experienced a profound increase in mastery. He experienced an increase in mastery, as well as a superior faculty of predictability, which is, often, based on an accurate correlation between intended result and actual outcome.

From an early stage in man's conceptual evolution, this experience of predictability must have played a role, and, it must have been the basis for a "daily" or "routine" form of achievement and success. The making of tools and weapons, the gathering and storage of food, even, the hunt would have benefitted from an attitude that rested on careful observations, clear thoughts in terms of causes and their results, a clear perception of the possibility to make mistakes, and the beneficial results of a careful and precautionary attitude.

However, as we all know, these beneficial attitudes of common-sense have their limitations as well. For example, accidents may still occur in spite of the best possible precautions. Sickness and disease strike without much rhyme and reason. Many events remain essentially inscrutable, in particular, the behaviour of man himself. Then, there is the inexorable trend towards laxity and complacency, especially, after a period of prosperity or "easy living conditions" has begun. There is the inevitable trend to ruin, in a fit of anger or a series of stubborn stupidities, what took generations to build. There is a baffling trend, (prior to our grasp over common psychological mechanisms), to revert to a pre-occupation with sensory pleasures and trivial quarrels, after the provision of the basic necessities had become relatively easy and was taken for granted.

All these experiences, as well as many others, will have shown man, time and again, that there were limitations to his powers of comprehension and predictability, in particular, after man's confidence had been shattered by a series of stunning and essentially incomprehensible disasters. Then, man would bow, once again, to the "will of the gods", and seek a renewed beginning in an attitude of humility and atonement, and, certainly, such a "cleansing" attitude formed a good basis to start, again, from scratch; to build-up, once again, what had been destroyed by quarrels or an act of violent confrontation.

It seems almost inevitable, that a period of success in "common-sense", (through seeking causal relationships and finding an increased predictability), would lead to a brazen over-confidence, which would lead, sooner or later, to a disaster from which man has to begin building from scratch.

In summary, it seems justified to state, that man's experiences, (throughout the social experiments of pre-historic developments, as well as throughout the many disasters that befell the communities of early mankind, together with an enormous resilience of the will to live), stimulated, in an almost regular cycle, the attitudes of curiosity, alertness, inventiveness. This led to an increased mastery and predictability, leading to success, over-population, over-confidence, quarrels and fighting, diseases and disasters, which, in turn, fostered a more fervent religious attitude. This led, then, to attitudes of atonement and practices of sacrifice, coupled with a resignation to the status-quo. Then, we see a slow resurgence of the will to survive, an attitude of hard work and discipline, and, slowly, as security and ease of existence return, man begins to think more rationally, and, he begins to use his faculties of common-sense, seeking relationships between causes and their effects, leading, once again, to increasing mastery, predictability, over-population and over-confidence, and so on, and so on.

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Chapter 3

Content

The concept of a "force".
An anthropomorphic force is characterised by a "free will", a conscious awareness, and a specific goal in mind.
Why an anthropomorphic force is essentially unpredictable.
The non-anthropomorphic force is measurable and predictable, and can be grasped in a framework of causes and their effects.
The precise nature of the force of gravitational attraction is still a mystery.
Locked-up and radiant forms of matter-energy.
The influence of gravity on life-forms.
The action of a club or ax.
The enormous influence of gravity throughout the Universe.
A tendency to hold-on to anthropomorphic concepts and force-fields.
Warring empires; an eternal struggle between "good and evil".
Circumstances that favoured the "organic experiment".
A curious case of isolated existence.
A variety of natural phenomena and their force-fields.
A number of gradients.
The equation between matter and energy.
The energy-balance in classical physics.
A force with direction; a vector.
Electro-magnetism.
A force may have direction, but it does not have a goal.
The neutrino.
The flow of water.
Inter-actions between a force, and the medium upon which a force exerts an influence.
Abandoning the idea of a "created existence" in inorganic nature.
Weighing the advantages and disadvantages of a non-anthropomorphic reality perception.

Let us now focus upon the concept of a "force", and, let us trace, more in detail, how the non-anthropomorphic interpretations differ from those, which imply a man-like nature and origin of such a force-field. In an anthropomorphic interpretation, we visualise, that a force is, not only, created or initiated by an individual like ourselves, (with a free will, a conscious awareness, and a particular goal in mind), but, we also imply a deliberate whimsicality; a deliberate choice of being for or against someone or something.

This means, that an anthropomorphic force-field is goal-directed and essentially unpredictable; that it may be deliberately helping or harming us; that it is "creative", just like we can direct a creative force, when making a tool or constructing a shelter. It can be focussed upon an objective, because the originator behind the force-field can have a particular goal "in mind", and, there are, of course, no fundamental, theoretical limitations, such as the idea, that a force can not come from nothing; that energy can not be destroyed or created.

In contrast, the non-anthropomorphic force-field becomes a measurable and predictable entity, which is not originated by an anthropoid creature; nor, does it have a particular goal or purpose "in mind". It does not act deliberately for or against us, or anyone else, and it does not arbitrarily change direction or strength. As a matter of principle; a non-anthropomorphic force can be "grasped", or comprehended, because, eventually, we learn to formulate a series of concepts and mechanisms that describe the nature, origin, direction and magnitude of such a non-anthropomorphic or natural force-field, and, we learn what sort of conditions influence and guide a particular field of force.

Let us look at the force-field of "gravitational attraction". The common experience that an object will tumble to the ground, when released from our grip, or, when pushed-off its elevated resting place, is such a familiar and predictable experience, that, in all probability, even, early man did not attribute these happenings to a particular deity. The precise explanation in terms of a non-anthropomorphic force-field of gravitation, has proved remarkably resistent to a definitive conceptualisation, in spite of the fact, that this force is easily measured and completely predictable.

We have learned to see, how universal the laws of gravity are, and, we know, now, that the force-fields of gravity reflect the phenomenon of mutual attraction between matter-particles. We know, that this gravitational force is proportional to the mass of a body of matter-energy, and, that this force of gravitational attraction is inversely proportional to the distance between these bodies of matter. The force of mutual attraction is related to the weight, (or mass of the objects involved when measured against the gravitational attraction of the earth), but, the slight variations in distance from the center of the earth, or variations in the gravitational field of our terrestial environment, are competely negligeable in our daily observations of the field of gravitation, because the influence of the mass of the earth is so overwhelming compared to the gravitational pull excercised by any other object we may be working with.

The precise nature of gravity is still a mystery, and it seems intricately related to the most fundamental ideas about the nature of matter-energy, as well as the relationships between the two forms in which matter-energy can exist; the "radiant" and the "orbital", or "locked-up" forms of matter-energy.

Since all explanations use some sort of a building-block with which to construct a coherent system of cause and effect relationships, there will always be some features or properties that are accepted as "given constants", and, for the time being, we do not have a truly satisfying explanation for the fact, that masses of matter attract each other. This fact becomes highly significant, if small objects, such as systems of living organisation, exist and inter-act on the surface of a relatively large and massive celestial body, the planet earth.

Our bones, tendons and muscles, as well as the structure of all those organisms that spend a great deal of time on land, (outside the buoyant and "gravity-neutralising" environment of the sea), have developed as a result of the constant force of gravity, and, many of the environmental dangers for "bipedal man", including his need to maintain balance when walking upright, as well as the need to judge distances and muscular forces correctly when moving from one branch to another through the trees, are all a result of that ever-present force of gravity.

The actions of a club or an ax would be significantly less effective in a hunt without the force of gravity, and they are inconceivable without the phenomena of mass and momentum, but, this same momentum, or force, can be disastrously harmful, if an individual happens to be in its path.

Only in relatively recent times, has it been possible to measure the qualities of force, weight, mass, momentum and energy, which are applied by the actions of man, or liberated by the combination of a mass, traveling at a certain speed, as it decelerates suddenly when it hits an object over a certain surface-area. Only recently have the concepts of gravity, mass and momentum been enlarged to give us a coherent picture of the shape of the earth and its atmosphere, the apparent motions of the heavenly bodies in the sky, the orbits of the planets around our local star, the sun, or, the origin of clusters of stars whirling in gigantic, spoked, revolving structures we call "galaxies".

Many of us take this imagery now for granted, without truly understanding the fundamental implications for our reality perceptions, as we take the goal-directedness out of the constellation of natural force-fields. Interestingly, in the fantasies and imagery of science-fiction writers, man seems to express a great need to encounter and conquer "evil" anthropomorphic forces, and, as soon as the scientists take the anthropomorphic features away from us, our science-fiction writers are putting them back, as they populate the stars, and galaxies, with warring empires and the eternal struggle between "good and evil", where "we" represent, of course, always the side of "good".

This shows us, clearly, how strongly we still adhere to these basic anthropomorphic notions, where we divide the world around us in good and evil camps, and, where we always identify ourselves as champions of the Good Cause. Our reality perceptions are still so primitive as a result of our emotional needs and intuitive anthropomorphic projections! Nevertheless, we are beginning to accept, reluctantly, but, largely, without understanding, the images of a scientific reality perception. Ironically, the coherence of the Universe does not seem to go much beyond the imagery of a gas that is rapidly cooling as it expands.

Here we are, existing as a chance-happening, made possible by a fortuitous co-existence of factors. Our earth happens to exist in the form we find it, (or, as we can re-create it in an imagery of evolutionary developments), and, on this earth, which exists by happenstance, by virtue of non-directed, non-anthropomorphic force-fields, the circumstances happened to favour the "organic experiment". This organic experiment happened to have been so successful, that it progressed to the stage of multi-cellular life-forms, and, even, to organisms with a conscious awareness. The latter are life-forms that use consciously formulated reality perceptions and belief-structures to help them through a maze of anthropomorphic decisions.

The nature of the force-fields which the human being can exert, is indeed unique and highly unusual, because it is the only example we know of, where a living organism exerts a deliberate, directed, teleological, guided force, as a result of a conscious imagery and the formulation of a conscious objective or goal-structure. While, logically, such a life-form began to interpret the reality around itself in terms of similar, teleological and anthropomorphic qualities, a further detailed look at the nature of the force-fields around us, compels us to come to the conclusion, that the existence of an anthropomorphic force, is, so far as we know, limited to the force of our own conscious will.

Gravity is, perhaps, the most ubiquitous and pervasive force-field we experience. This force has now been unified into a concept that is based on modern scientific insights, but, gravity had originally a much more limited and fragmented quality, as it remained, for a long time, associated with the phenomena of falling or stumbling. The force of gravity encompasses many forces that were initially regarded as different and unrelated to each other, in spite of the fact, that, many of these forces had become somewhat predictable.

The tides, the winds, the stresses exerted by hot and cold climates, the cutting edge of a sharp knife or an ax, the force-fields of snow-fall and flash-floods, all these forces became more predictable, but, it took the insights of modern science to tie them together into the imagery of "natural phenomena". Eventually, man learned, that, even, the forces of lightning and thunder, of earth-quakes and forest-fires, of disease and death, of dreams and visions, of thoughts, hopes and aspirations, could be explained in a web of force-fields that was essentially non-directed, except as the expression of a concentration- or pressure-gradient of one sort or another.

It was obvious to early man, that water would flow from high to low; a stone would roll down-hill, an object would give-way into the direction it was being pulled or pushed; that something that was hot would gradually cool-off, or, what was cold would warm-up. Later, man learned to conceptualise, in addition to gravitatonal and thermal gradients, gradients of other forces, such as chemical gradients, concentration gradients, electro-static gradients and a variety of more esoteric forces, such as those that form the basis of electro-magnetism, weak and strong nuclear forces, as well as the forces that are liberated as a form of radiant energy in the decay of atomic and elementary particles.

All these events have a variety of features in common. Often, we are not able to measure the details of an event precisely, nor, are we able to visualise them accurately, but, we postulate, that all happenings and events respond to specific and predictable conditions existing in the environment, where these forces are at work. We also postulate, that matter and energy are manifestations of the same identity or entity of existence, which is, in essence, a potential force, or, the ability to exert a force and carry-out a substantial amount of "work". In the concepts of modern physics, we have learned to equate matter and energy, and, in the imagery of sub-atomic physics and the technology that has sprung from it, we have seen, and experienced, the enormous forces that are potentially available in, even, the smallest amount of matter.

The development of non-anthropomorphic reality perceptions during the evolution of "classical physics" led, even, before the insights of modern sub-atomic physics, to the essential concept of an "energy-balance". Energy can not be created, nor destroyed, but, energy and matter can always change their appearance or the form in which they exist, depending upon the circumstances to which matter-energy is exposed. If we consider the Universe as a whole, we see, indeed, that energy can not be lost or created, but, through the processes of light, heat radiation and other forms of electro-magnetic radiation, energy is continuously dispersed and absorbed over enormous distances.

We have also developed the idea, that, many of these energetic forms of existence, such as radiant energy, electro-static energy or gravitational potentials, may have a certain "direction ", or a "vector", in particular, if these energies or potential energies are the result of a force-field between electro-static poles or between gravitational bodies. Electro-magnetic radiation may also have a certain "direction", depending on the focus of our attention. The randomness of a diffuse radiation of light disappears if we look at the phenomena of individual electro-magnetic wave-fronts or "wave-packets". When we look at radiant energy on a very small scale and examine the proporties of a small electro-magnetic wave-front, we see that it travels in a certain direction, unless it is disturbed by another wave-front, an object, or something else, like a strong gravitational field, which can alter the behaviour of a particular electro-magnetic wave-front.

A force has often direction, but, it does not have a goal. It certainly does not have a teleological or anthropomorphic goal, and, its effect upon a body of impact depends entirely on the direction, magnitude and the nature of this force, and, it depends on the way the body of impact inter-acts or interferes with an existing force-field. Sometimes, the force-field is completely absorbed without any appreciable effects, e.g. when a ray of light falls on an object; sometimes, there is no interference at all, such as, e.g., when an X-ray, a gamma ray or a neutrino speeds through a compact body like our own. At other times, the direction form and effect of a force may be shaped by the interference from the environment upon this force; for example, when water is channeled by pre-existing gullies as it flows down-hill under the force-field of gravitational attraction.

Water scours a path for itself as it washes-away sand and other particles, until, assisted by the natural geography of a region, it accumulates in a large, broad stream, kept in bounds by its banks. The contour, shape and direction of the river are entirely due to an inter-action of water flowing down-hill under the influence of a gravitational gradient, and, the obstacles that prevent water from flowing diffusely everywhere.

At no time is there a force at work that "creates" a particular river, or determines a particular contour of the river, or shapes even the most spectacular and beautiful rapids or falls. These phenomena are all due to a simple inter-action between a force and the "medium" upon which this force acts, (here, the medium of water and its characteristic fluidity), and the characteristics of "the environment", such as hard rocks that make a river flow through a pre-determined pathway, or, soft mud and sand, which allow broad, meandering and easy flowing streams of water.

The point we want to emphasise, here, is the absence of any purpose or goal in the forces at work, and, the fact, that the appearance of a particular form of existence, including a complex system such as a river, can be understood in terms of a number of force-fields that inter-act and partially oppose each other. Modern science "explains", in essentially similar ways, not only, the existence of lakes and seas, mountains or continents, but, in essence, the existence of the sun, the stars, the solar system, and the earth with all its many features.

Even, the existence of matter, the large amounts and variety of atomic elements, the chemical combinations of these elements into numerous molecules, they are all explained by the concept that these forms of existence have been made possible by the existence of appropriate force-fields. The existence of stellar bodies has been made possible by a suitable "substrate" or "subject-matter", the existence of huge gravitational aggregates, suitable circumstances or conditions of existence, such as high pressures and temperatures; all these factors "came together" by fortuitous happenstance to form the many atomic elements we know.

Indeed, we have come to the audacious conclusion that all our separate awarenesses of existence can be explained on the basis of having been formed by a natural process, at one time or another. Natural, non-directed, but, perhaps, directional forces or gradients created suitable conditions in suitable substrates to mold the substrate or subject-matter into the various products we now see in a static and "final" state. At least, they appear static and final to us within the limited time-span of our observations.

As the final crown on the success of this type of reality interpretation, the evolution of the living organisation with its innumerable variety of species', living as well as extinct, has also been explained, quite successfully, as a result of in-organic matter being molded and altered by non-organic, non-anthropomorphic force-fields, such as, e.g., the heating or warming effect of the sun's radiation.

We will not repeat the story, or, even, the arguments that lie behind the imagery of a natural evolution of the living organisation, because we have done so, before, on many occasions. Let us remain focussed upon the idea, that we are dealing with directional, but, otherwise totally non-directed and non-teleological force-fields, inter-acting with the circumstances and objects they find in their particular environment, and, let us see, whether or not it is useful to conceptualise our realities this way, including the many events we encounter every day. Let us see, what the advantages and disadvantages are for such a non-anthropomorphic reality perception, and, let us emphasise, once again, the strange nature of the scientific reality perception, because it excludes, or, seems to exclude, so persistently, the presence of any creative, anthropomorphic Force.

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Chapter 4

Content

When water has been spilled from a container.
Force-fields within the water container.
The logic of postulating a "fugitive spirit".
The sophisticated concept of an impersonal and blind force of gravitational attraction.
Meso-scopic interpretations of an impressive water-fall.
Monstrous waves, due to a co-incidence of wave-patterns.
Our ancestors asked many logical questions and formulated sensible answers, when seen from their framework of reality interpretations.
The concept of a specifically creative force is always challenged by modern perceptions, except as a manifestation of human existence.
Overwhelming evidence for a natural evolutionary process for the existence of the human genetic code.
The challenge of interpreting mental functions along evolutionary lines of development.
The concept of an "immortal soul".
A review of the arguments in favour of a naturally developed faculty of conscious awareness.
The consequences of our instinctive desire to equate a confident scientific reality perception with a truth "as it really exists".
Criteria of usefulness and agreement.
The concept, that the human being has no "free will".
Equating the actions of the "free will" with the algebraic summation of stimuli approaching a nerve-cell.
The essence of behavioural flexibility is the subjective experience of the need to make a choice.

If we look at a container with water that has been suspended from the ceiling, we may notice a variety of remarkable phenomena. Let us try to think, for a moment, like our ancestors; without any knowledge about the principles of physics which we have learned at school; without the concepts of gravity, solids or liquids, and, it should not be too difficult to imagine, that some of the more perceptive and thoughtful people amongst our ancestors must have wondered, why the surface of a container of water always stays flat and level; why water "runs-out" so easily, and, why it soon disappears from sight after it has been spilled on the ground.

Certainly, our ancestors must also have formulated some sort of an explanation, or, perhaps, more accurately, they must have noticed this ever-recurring quality of water; its slipperiness, but, I am convinced, that they did not have a precise idea, why water was slippery, or, what forces were at work to make it disappear, so quickly, after it had been spilled. Even the manufacture or, more likely, the finding of an empty shell that could be used as a container for water, was in itself, already a remarkable innovation, and, it must have created, at least, initially, some fear for this remarkably clever feat, where some of this slippery water could be trapped in a container, while it was so difficult for man to hold water for any length of time in his bare hands.

If we look at this container again, we may notice how it swings easily back and forth, until it comes to rest, always at the same place, but let us not discuss, here, the phenomenon of the pendular motion or the oscillation. Some time ago, we have devoted an entire essay to it, (no. 24, called "Oscillations"), and, here, we like to come back to the slipperiness of water, and, what happens, if a small hole appears at or near the bottom of the container. A steady, if small stream of water appears, until all the water, or, nearly all the water has run-out, and our ancestors undoubtedly attributed an active, if fugitive spirit, to water, because all water had a tendency to dissipate itself quickly, unless present in an enormous abundance, like a flood.

It is speculation, of course, to attribute to our ancestors an interpretation of this phenomenon in the form of an "active" principle, or an anthropomorphic force, in order to explain the phenomenon of the water-container, but, it is far more logical, that early man would come to such a conclusion or explanation, rather than the much more sophisticated, impersonal and blind force of gravitational attraction. Besides, such an anthropomorphic explanation fitted-in well with the way other natural phenomena were explained, and, if we continue to excercise our mind with this sort of speculative imagery, (where we imagine the most likely sort of conclusion the human mind would come to without the help of a sophisticated knowledge of physical principles), it is not difficult to postulate the presence of numerous spirits, ghosts, forces and powers that actively seek to escape, (just like we would like to escape, if we would have been caught), or actively seek to do something, just like we have to do a lot of things in order to survive.

What do you feel, when you see an impressive water-fall? Is it not logical to suppose, that our ancestors would have found this quite an awe-inspiring and mysterious sight? Large armounts of water are coming to the falls from regions that are well beyond the sphere of knowledge, and familiarity of these early members of mankind, and, large amounts of water disappear again, in the form of a broad and much more quiet stream, but, in between, there is this awesome fall, where water is cascading continuously down a precipitous slope, foaming and thundering, while an eerie mist hangs perpetually above the menacing whirl-pools, lighted, on occasion, by the sun into a variety of colourful rain-bows.

The constant sound and tumult, the foaming waters, as well as the dangers it poses for swimmers or anyone who comes too close, must have given our ancestors the impression, that they were witnessing a powerful god at work, and, I am sure, that they were almost in constant communication with such superior spirits; perhaps, mainly submitting themselves humbly to their powers, when resigning themselves to adverse weather conditions, or, carefully avoiding to offend any awe-inspiring phenomena, such as a water-fall, a rapid or deep ravine, a very large tree, or an impenetrable stretch of forest, a mountain with a snow-capped peak, or a sea-shore, where the waves are coming ashore with a gigantic display of power and beauty, when the swell is rolling-in after a major storm.

We can explain all these phenomena, now, in terms of climatological and environmental conditions and changes, depressions and high-pressure areas, milibars or wind-sheer, mountain building and volcanic eruptions, the slow rise or fall of large sections of the continents, the movements of the tectonic plates, releasing their pent-up energies and sheer-stresses in devastating earth-quakes or, perhaps, a series of lesser shocks. We know, now, about the inter-actions of wind and water; the build-up of large breaking waves, if the wind has a long stretch, or "fetch", over which it can inter-act with the surface of the sea, and, we, even, understand the nature of some of these disastrous freak-waves, or monster-waves, that can capsize or damage, even, quite large boats, because of a "co-incidence" of wave-patterns.

However, early man did not have such an elaborate pattern of knowledge with impersonal natural force-fields that could be measured and largely predicted. They could not explain, with a long and complicated imagery, the evolution of nature. We can visualise a progression of changes that make sense, and, which let us visualise gradually changing features of existence, until we reach the time period at which we happen to be around, wondering and asking questions.

Our ancestors also asked questions, but, when we take into account their particular stage of knowledge, as well as their limited ability to abstract and correlate, measure and discuss, we come to the conclusion, that their particular imagery was just as logical and convincing as our reality perceptions are today.

The remarkable feature of the evolution of a conscious grasp over the natural environment, and, lately, over the phenomena of the human being as well, is the fact, that, this evolution of reality interpretations seems to point, always, into a direction, where an explanation in terms of a "Creator" or an anthropomorphic force with a divine nature, is being challenged and, eventually, it is being replaced with an imagery, where the natural forces have lost their conscious, deliberate, creative and teleological characteristics. It is remarkable, how this entire structure of natural forces, with their numerous events, can now be grasped, quite well, in scientific images that give a coherent and verifiable explanation to the natural phenomena. Lately, the evolutionary concepts have grasped the emergence of the living organisation, including the multitude of species', as well as the behaviourally flexible species of mankind.

However, after the overwhelming evidence for the natural evolution of "physical man" had been generally accepted, the much more tentative explanations for the evolution of "psychological man", introduced a movement that tried to save some of the "creationist" ideas, as well as the special relationships, which man always thought he had with his Creator. Probably, there are still many scientists and well-educated people, who feel, intuitively, that the phenomena of conscious awareness, together with the wide range of human capabilities, defy a somewhat mechanistic explanation of natural evolutionary changes and developments.

It is, indeed, quite logical to think this way, and, it is quite logical to feel, that the ability to think and speak, to read and write, to praise and worship God, must mean, that man has been created with a special "divine spark", in order to make the existence of these numerous capabilities and talents plausible. However, science has consistently challenged such a dualistic approach to the nature of man, and, modern science has repeatedly concluded, that all ideas and concepts about a "divine spark" or an "immortal soul", must be rejected as erroneous, since all capabilities of the soul, even, such a basic feature as the knowledge of its identity, turn-out to be sophisticated mental capabilities that disappear, irrevocably, with the advent of death.

We have traced, on several occasions, a concept, that lets us see a "natural" evolution of the capability of conscious awareness, by pointing to the possibilities of re-stimulating memory-traces with imitative gestures, and, later, with arbitrary vocal or speech symbols. We have also tried to trace a plausible picture of man's complicated awarenesses and beliefs by pointing towards the ability, and the necessity, to abstract common denominators that function as classifying principles. We have seen, how a sophisticated grasp and analysis of a particular sense-impression becomes possible, after a long evolutionary development of a cultural pool of knowledge, notions and communicable awarenesses, which can be absorbed by, and taught to, the members of a socially integrated environment.

We have argued, on various occasions, that it is logical to see all our conscious awarenesses, together with all our beliefs and reality perceptions, as "behavioural tools", which only find a measure of acceptance, and, perhaps, a very remarkable degree of acceptance as a religious belief, if these beliefs and reality perceptions made a significant contribution to the well-being of the social environment.

This means, however, that our scientific reality perceptions are not any different from earlier belief structures, and, it means, that their acceptance also depends on a measure of tangible benefit. In spite of their remarkable coherence and apparent success, they remain mental images of a living generation, and, these scientific reality perceptions remain a biological product of the species mankind. The hopelessness of our instinctive desire to equate a particular set of scientific reality perceptions with a "truth as it really is", is quickly revealed, if we look at the history of our scientific imagery. We see, then, how rapidly many of these images evolved, and, how fast some of these ideas became out-dated.

Let us agree, then, that our scientific images are useful products of our mind, and, that they find their usefulness in the level of care with which they have been shaped, the thoroughness of the evidence upon which such scientific interpretations have been based, and, they depend upon the practical common-sense of many scientific workers, who recognise, at least, intuitively, how quickly an apparent scientific certainty can be challenged by new ideas and insights.

Therefore, we should really pay close attention to the assumptions and fundamental traits which the sciences seem to show us, regardless of their stage of evolution, or the development of a particular field. We are thinking, here, about the general trend to replace a complexity with an integrated and coherent imagery, which is a characteristic feature of the sciences, as well as the earlier anthropomorphic reality perceptions.

Let us put it this way; a review of religious thoughts and belief-structures seems to indicate a general trend towards a more coherent mono-theistic belief, and, the scientific belief-structures, which refuse to speculate about phenomena that can not be seen, felt, studied or measured, have also shown this same remarkable trend. True, there is no satisfying unified field-theory, as yet, but, even, in the absence of such a unifying concept, it seems, that none of the branches of science has found it necessary to invoke the presence or the influence of an anthropomorphic, divine or willed-creative force.

This relentless tendency to deny the presence of any sort of anthropomorphic force-field has led to the remarkable conclusion, that, in many ways, the anthropomorphic, willed, deliberately creative or destructive actions of human behaviour, do not really exist; that there is no "free will", which can make arbitrary decisions. The non-anthropomorphic trends of the sciences have led to the conclusion, that the decisions of our will would become completely transparent, and predictable, if we could tabulate all the vectors, sense-impressions, thoughts and evaluations that present themselves to us during the process of conscious evaluation and the shaping of a deliberate response, be it in the form of an action, an opinion or a belief.

It seems somewhat far-fetched to deny the existence of a "free will", if we all can experience, at one time or another, the need, or the ability, to make an arbitrary decision, but, indeed, we should analyse, in detail, the nature of "our will". What do we really mean by a deliberate, anthropomorphic action of our will, and, what do we mean, when we say, that we have a "free choice"? Is the subjective sensation, that we often have to make a difficult choice, involving a considerable amount of thought, soul-searching, or, even, mental anguish, a sufficient reason to say, that there is a "free will"?

Perhaps, it all depends on our definitions, as well as upon the angle of our view-point. In some way, it seems, indeed, justified to equate the actions of our "free will" with the mechanisms of a single nerve-cell, where its behaviour depends upon the algebraic summation of a large series of excitatory and inhibitory impulses.

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Chapter 5

Content

Are we, indeed, a curious exception with our arbitrary, free will?
A discussion of in-organic, or, non-living existence.
A barrier preventing spontaneous, chemical inter-actions.
Stability under normal terrestial conditions.
Solids, liquids and gases.
Forms of existence that can "run-down" to their lowest levels of energy, if not constantly replenished or repaired.
The combustion processes.
The "run-off" of water.
Solids; characterised by a lack of internal slipperiness.
The curious stability of a water-fall.
A rivulet of biological or biochemical energy, dissipating an energy-gradient within a living organisation.
The search for a possibility to exist.
The soft and semi-fluid nature of the living organisation.
The importance of the factor of mobility.
Further parallels between the water-fall and the life-form.
The tendency to seek, aggressively, a source of energy, or food.
The phenomenon of "competitive strife" is not limited to the living organisation.
The evolution of atomic elements during intra-stellar nuclear fusion-reactions.
The molten core of the earth.
The pre-organic conditions that made the terrestial experiment with the living organisation possible, are scattered randomly throughout the Universe.
With the evolution of life, a new potential for organisation emerges through the faculty of "guided manufacture", or "reproduction".

Are we, indeed, such a curious exception with our arbitrary, free will? Are we the only example of an anthropomorphic or a teleological force, that can be deliberately harmful or beneficial? Or, do we fit-in more naturally in the scheme of natural forces, which appears to be less anthropomorphic, the more we learn about these natural force-fields? Before we can answer this question thoroughly, we should review, briefly, the similarities, as well as the differences, we can see, when we analyse the inter-actions of organic and in-organic matter with the environment.

In-organic, or non-living matter, exists, by and large, in a state of "rest"; it is not inter-acting, anymore, with the stimuli or substances in its environment, because, if it could, it would have done so a long time ago. This does not mean, however, that inorganic matter can not react with other substances that exist outside its immediate environment, but, such a "togetherness" has to be created artificially, primarily, by man, before we see a further reaction, or inter-action, of the substances involved. As we know, the art and science of classical chemistry consists, primarily, in bringing together substances that can inter-react and change their properties.

Sometimes, the barrier to further reactions is an absence of sufficient "thermal agitation", or heat, and, we all know, that, the numerous, naturally combustible substances in our daily environment would not have a chance to exist, if the temperature would be so high that the oxygen in the atmosphere would start to react, spontaneously, with these combustible substances. This is the reason, why we have to be so careful with fire, as well as any other process that may raise the temperature, locally, to the point of ignition. If ignition takes place, the combustible substances in our environment would be consumed, until they have been "used up", or, until some sort of barrier prevents the further spread of the fire.

The point we want to make is the following; in-organic substances consist of materials, largely in the form of crystalline chunks of matter, made up of molecules that are stable in their particular environment. If the matter is solid, the molecules have arranged themseles into a crystalline lattice, giving strength, rigidity, or "solidity", to the material. If the molecules are still sliding easily in relation to each other at the existing temperatures, such as water above the freezing mark, the material is liquid, or "fluid", which means, that the individual molecules adhere closely, but, they still slide and slip easily in relation to each other, because they have still too much kinetic energy, or thermal energy, to arrange themselves in a crystalline lattice. If the molecules are not adherent to each other, they form a gas, and several substances, such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon-dioxide, as well as a variety of other, essentially inert and in-organic materials form, together, the atmosphere in which we live.

All these facts are quite well known, and we do not have to elaborate them, but, what is not quite so well known, is the fact, that, under normal or average terrestial conditions, all these molecules exist in a stable, inert form; unable to inter-react any further with other substances in their environment. Therefore, we may state, that all these "forms of existence" have "run-down" to their lowest possible level of energy under the prevailing circumstances. If we overcome a barrier, or threshold, by adding energy in the form of heat, we can let many combustible substances "run-down" further, as they liberate energy that is inherent in their existence. This liberation takes place through a process of combustion, or oxidation. We have described, here, the essence of a "burn". The residue of the material that has not been transformed into gaseous end-products, turns into "ashes".

Water, that has fallen as rain upon the earth, will, immediately, "run-off", until it finds a "stable" form of existence, where the potential of kinetic energy, (the gravitational energy-gradient), has been dissipated as much as possible. Ultimately, the final "resting place", so far as its gravitational energy content is concerned, is the sea, but, water can be "trapped" in a container, a lake, or an underground cavity, before it finally runs-off into the sea. Water trapped in a container needs, first, an additional amount of energy to be "lifted over the edge", before it can run-down, again, under the influence of the gravitational gradients, creating, in the process, the phenomena of rivers, rapids and water-falls.

Solids experience these gravitational gradients, too, but, as we have discussed on previous occasions, they are pevented from "flowing" down-hill, because they lack this quality of internal slipperiness, which is the essential characteristic of a fluid, such as water. However, if we look a little closer at the phenomena of a river, a rapid, or a water-fall, we see a curious sort of "stability". As long as there is a continuous influx of water and a similar outflow of water, a water-fall or rapid may look quite stable, as it continues to exist in essentially the same form from moment to moment. Yet, "internally", a lot is happening; the stability is created by a continuous flow of water, and this continuous flow can be a powerful source of energy, as we see in the boulders a large water-fall can work loose and move over considerable distances. The power of a flow of water over a prolonged period of time is seen in the gradual erosion of, even, the most solid and hardened rock formations.

Yet, a water-flow can "react" to the presence of an obstacle. If it can not remove a boulder that is in its way, it can flow around it, and, a stream of water can, almost instantly, change course, narrow or widen itself, change its flow-rate, and turbulence, all according to the changing conditions and circumstances that guide the existence of a particular event. We see a water-fall with a rapid rate of flow, or a calm and meandering river with a slow rate of flow. The flow-rate depends on the slope, shape and physical characteristics of the bed that guides the flow of water.

We have deliberately spent some time recalling such a familiar imagery, because, as we have also elaborated on many occasions, we see in the fluidity of water, the apparent stability of a water-fall or rapid, as well as in the ability to carry-out work and to react, quickly and fluently, many of the characteristics that fore-shadow the essence of the living organisation.

We will not repeat the imagery, how we think life originated as a protoplasmic primordium, made possible by the capture of sun-light as high-energy electron bonds in a sea of luke-warm, polymerising, pre-organic building-blocks. We have discussed before, quite extensively, how we visualise life to be like a "rivulet"; a fluid channel for the dissipation of the "biological" or solar energy-gradient created by the capture of solar energy. We have also elaborated upon the similarities between a rising water level that is seeking, everywhere, to dissipate its gravitational potential by looking for the lowest nooks and crannies, and the essentially fluid life-forms, seeking a continued possibility to exist by exploring a large variety of conditions and circumstances in order to satisfy their requirements of existence.

The living organisation is made up of a large number of complementary, labile and fragile biochemical processes, which, together, form a remarkable adaptative and stable unit, as long as they have access to a form of suitable, "metabolisable" energy, and, as long as the thermal, chemical and physical conditions of their environment remain within a tolerable level of stress. Just because it is made-up of a large conglomerate of soft materials, labile biochemical processes, and semi-fluid, viscous substances, the living cell can only tolerate a narrow range of temperatures. The living organism is also extremely sensitive to strong chemical influences, and, a large number of substances will quickly destroy or poison the living organisation. It is quite sensitive to mechanical pressures and tensions as well, which is also a logical result of the soft and semi-fluid nature of many if its structures.

On the other hand, we know, that this fluidity, or "softness" of its structural components, (this complex, continuously metabolising and chemically inter-acting unit of the living cell), is the foundation for the many unique qualities of the living organisation. These are, the ability to react to a large variey of essentially mild stimuli that are present in the environment,  and, the ability, at least, in those systems that have developed the capability of movement, to react with a motion towards a favourable stimulus, and away from an unfavourable one.

Philosophically, this simple quality, or potential, of motion or movement, is enormously important, because we see, here, how, with one simple change in the equation of existence, the factor of randomness in the encounter of stimuli has been changed towards a continuous bias in favour of the more beneficial environmental stimuli.

An immobile system of life will have to take the encounters "as they come" without the ability to prolong contact with a more favourable "climate" of circumstances, and, without the possibility to "get out of the way" of a harmful or noxious stimulus. Mobility does both, and, it is, therefore, no surprise to see, that, life-forms with the ability to develop and explore the possibilities of motility, evolved, by and large, into a totally different form of life, (as animals), compared to life-forms that continued to seek a possibility of existence in a stationary or sedentary mode of existence. The latter are represented by the plants, as well as a few, rather primitive animal life-forms, which could afford the luxury to attach themselves, somewhere, to a fixed obstacle in a water current, and live-off the numerous microscopic life-forms that were drifting by.

Here, we see, once again, the remarkable parallels between the life-form and the water-fall. We see a need to receive a continuous inflow of energy, as well as the ability to get rid of unwanted products in the form of an "out-flow". We see an internal life of turmoil and energy, but, the living organisation is highly organised, and, it is made-up of a large number of complementary and highly regulated functions, while the turmoil and turbulence of the water-fall is, simply, a result of large numbers of molecules of water, falling and tumbling over themselves, as the force of gravitation has a "precipitous" hold over them.

We see, also, a similarity between a water-fall and a living system in the "work" they can do, as well as in the reactability to a large number of environmental influences and obstacles, but, the living organisation is so small compared to a water-fall, that its energy out-put is miniscule by comparison.

However, in the confluence of rivers and river-deltas, as water seeks ever larger and more efficient channels to dissipate its gravitational energy-content, we see a parallel with the evolution of large, multi-cellular life-forms, which become also more efficient channels for dissipating the biological energy-gradient. We should add here, however, that life-forms, in particular, the animal life-forms, develop, as a result of characteristics sharpened by natural evolution, a strong tendency to seek, aggressively, their energy-supplies.

While rivers and water-falls remain passive channels for the dissipation of a blind, gravitational energy-gradient, the competitiveness between life-forms and, in particular, the mobility of animal life-forms, makes it possible for the dissipating channel of an animal life-form to actively seek-out and hunt-down a source of energy; to be dissipated through its own existence. Yet, even, in the confluence of river-beds and the "starving" of the smaller rivulets, by the drainage or siphoning of water into the more efficient, less energy-resistent larger channels, we see a parallel of the phenomenon of "competitive strife" between the living and the non-living channels of energy-dissipation.

Let us, now, concentrate upon one of the most remarkable and significant differences between the way living and non-living complexes of matter come into existence. As we have discussed before, we think, that, most natural elements have come into being in gigantic nuclear forges. They came into existence within the interior of large, unstable, fast developing stellar bodies that existed, and died, long before our solar system took shape. The debris of these giant, unstable and exploded stars, "enriched" the inter-stellar matter from which the sun and the planets took their origin.

The conditions of gravitational attraction and collision energies, explain the hot, molten core of heavy elements forming the interior of the earth, and, we know, now, that the continents and the sea-beds form, only, a thin crust of five or six large tectonic plates floating upon a viscous core of magma. This molten core may occasionally come to the surface as "lava" during the eruption of a volcano. We have now some idea, where all the water on earth came from, and, we know, that our present atmosphere is a "secondary" atmoshpere, largely created by volcanic eruptions, as well as the "waste-products" of organic life-forms.

In all these developments, we see an essential feature. The earth developed the way it did, because the gravitational fields, the mass of the inter-stellar debris, as well as the heating effects of the gravitational contraction all happened to be the way they took place. The earth just happened to be at a suitable distance from the sun, so that a luke-warm watery sea was filled with numerous pre-organic materials. Therefore, the experiment of life could begin, and, it could succeed on earth, because the conditions happened to be favourable. The chances for such conditions to be favourable are not very great, and, it is, therefore, not surprising, that none of the other planets or satellites of the solar system have developed the organic experiment; at least, certainly, not anywhere to the same extent.

It is a fundamental concept in our evolutionary imagery, that the pre-organic or inorganic conditions that made the experiment of life possible, are scattered, widely, throughout the Universe, and this concept gives rise to the likelyhood, that, in our galaxy alone, millions of planets around stars exist, essentially, in the same circumstances as the earth. The facts of such a fortuitous co-incidence of favourable conditions on other planets, should have provided, or, should still provide, the same possibilities and chances for a similar experiment with organic possibilities of existence.

However, once the experiment of life starts, we see, that, immediately, a new principle of organisation emerges, which distorts, to a remarkable extent, the haphazardness of random chance. Random chance seems to be the only guiding principle in the creation of inorganic existence, but, organic existence is characterised by the presence of a genetic code, which "creates" circumstances that are favourable for the emergence of many complex organic substances.

This element of guided duplication is an essential feature of the living organisation, and, it is another reason, why the element of randomness disappears from the living organisation. The mechanisms of guided reproduction are shared by plants and animals alike, but, the distortion of the mechanisms of randomness through locomotion, or mobility, is a feature that characterises the animal form of living existence.

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Chapter 6

Content

Breaking through the limitations of a random exposure to beneficial and harmful circumstances; the ability to move.
The guided reproduction of complex protoplasmic constituents.
A discussion of "randomness".
What is guidedness, and, how does it differ from randomness?
A review of the mechanisms of "chance".
The tools of statistical analysis and manipulation.
Why similarity and variability go hand in hand.
A matter of emphasis.
Objects and events, and their qualifications or attributes.
When one plus one equals two.
Criteria of selection.
A random distribution of factors that fall outside the criteria of selection; an absence of "bias".
Basic principles of "statistics".
The concept of "scatter".
Searching for the reasons of a "bias", or, a consistent deviation from the results predicted on the basis of random scatter.
Throwing a handful of dry sand on a smooth floor.
Summarising a very large and largely unknown series of sub-events.
We are always dealing with variables.
The meaning of "average".
The random chance of spontaneous radio-active decay.
The concept of radio-active "half-life".
The ability to grasp, predict and measure, accurately, an overall phenomenon, without knowing much about internal mechanisms.
The internal resistance to an existing energy-gradient or force-field.
Molecules, oscillating in a crystalline lattice.
The response of inorganic particles to existing force-fields.
The phenomenon of "metal fatigue".
Without modern concepts and investigative techniques, we still would not understand the nature of thunder and lightning.
The "river-bed" of an event.

In the principle of mobility, we hinted upon the fact, that, at least the animal life-forms managed to break-through the random exposure to beneficial and harmful circumstances, but, we want to discuss, here, an even far more fundamental principle, which made it possible for all life-forms to exist, generation after generation. We are thinking, here, about the principle of "reproduction", but, before we review the principle of reproduceability of living systems, (which makes it possible to form the successive generations every species needs to survive, as well as the reproduction of complex protoplasmic constituents), we should review the concepts of randomness and chance.

What do we mean by a random occurrence? What is a guided event? When can we speak about a chance-happening, and, to what extent is the concept of chance and randomness the result of a simplification or a summarising action of the human mind?; a mind that has lost the ability to oversee an enormously complex pattern of innumerable causes and their effects.

Is an event always guided by the circumstances and conditions in which it takes place? Can we see a convergence of the concepts of "guidedness", reproduction, regulation and creativity, or, do these concepts remain entirely separate? Can we see, then, a number of reasons, why some forces appear to us "blind", or random in their effects, and, why some forces, in particular, when they are regulated by guiding principles, seem to assume characteristics of an almost teleological and creative nature? Can we construct a bridge between the creative, teleological reality interpretations, and, those of a blind evolutionary force?. Is it possible to show, that, forces, starting-out as a blind, random and non-directed force, become reproductive and regulating forces on account of the way these forces are "creating" the right kind of environmental circumstances?

Let us begin by reviewing the mechanisms of chance, or random distribution, as well as the statistical tools of manipulation and comprehension, which let us handle these complex mental images with a remarkable degree of ease and precision. Similarity and variability go hand in hand, because, after we have classified a number of items into a particular category that is characterised by the common denominator, or similar feature, determining a particular category, we still can see a large number of relatively minor variations between the items we have so categorised and grouped-together.

For example, if we select a large number of pebbles according to weight, size, colour or texture, we can see, that, in each category, there are observable variations between the items or pebbles which have been placed in the same category. While the over-riding criteria were the features they shared, we can always see, if we look close enough, a large number of features that vary from item to item, and, this variability can be seen within any particular category of existing objects or events. (We add, here, the qualification of "existing objects and events", because the unique features of abstract mathematical categories are based upon the fact, that perfect identity can be created, artificially, by our conceptualising minds; if we do not have to deal with the classification of existing realities. There can be perfect identity between the concepts of "one" and another "one"; or, the concepts of two being identical to one plus one, etc.)

However, in all sensory data, we can observe a range of variability amongst apparent similarities, and, if we can not see an additional, hidden feature of classification, we say, that these variations are "random". If we select a large number of pebbles which have been chosen around the common denominator of a certain weight, we will see, if we use a much more accurate scale, that the apparently perfect identity in weight turns-out to be a peculiar and characteristic variation around this weight-limit that was used as a criterium of selection. If we did not err consistently in our selection processes above or below the weight we set for ourselves as the criterium of selection, we will see, that, roughly as many pebbles were slightly over the weight as there were pebbles under the weight-limit.

It is logical, that an error of judgement about the weight-limit has been more frequently quite small, rather than large, and, the frequency with which we have made large errors in our selection process, drops-off quite quickly, and, the incidence drops-off in a characteristic curve, if we compare the range or magnitude of errors, above and below the objective or "mean" weight. We see, then, that in an un-biased selection of items around a particular criterium of selection, the variables above and below the "mean" or average, (which should, of course, correspond with the objective we chose), reveal a characteristic distribution of frequency. If we plot these frequencies against the magnitude of the error, we see, that a characteristic bell-shaped curve arises; the Gaussian curve.

This is the principle of random variability, but, it applies to events as well as static observations. For example, if we drop the same pebble from exactly the same height above a smooth and perfectly horizontal floor, we see, that the pebble still "scatters", then, here, then, there, and, we can note the places, where the pebble comes to rest. Most often, the pebble will come to rest in a fairly small circle that is centered around the point of impact, but, occasionally, and characteristically much less frequently, (in accordance to the Gaussian distribution of random variability), the pebble will come to rest further away from the central circle of impact.

The reason for this variability lies in the fact, that, in spite of all our efforts to duplicate each occurrence as precisely as possible, the actual forces of collision, impact and scatter, will vary somewhat from one trial to the next. As long as there is no deliberate, un-intentional or observable bias in one direction or another, the direction of scatter will be as often to the right as to the left; to the front as to the back. However, if the floor is not perfectly horizontal, or, if the surface features of the floor, which influence the collisions between the falling and bouncing pebble and the floor, are not quite the same everywhere, we will see a tendency for the pebble to come to rest in one direction or another.

The same principle of a blind, random or unbiased choice is revealed in the random choice of a card from a deck that has been placed, face down, on the table. If we assume a complete randomness of the chances that a particular card will be in a particular location, then, the card that is picked-up, randomly, should have an equal chance of being any one of the face cards that are in the deck. If we plot the frequency of cards that have been chosen, blindly and randomly, we should not see any definite preference for one card over any other. Such a preference should certainly be absent, if we continue this excercise for a prolonged period of time. If we do see a bias, which shows as a predilection for a particular face-card, we have to analyse, thorougly, the reasons, why such a bias is showing itself.

Similarly, if we throw a handful of dry sand on the floor, the sand will distribute, or scatter, in a way that is somewhat reminiscent of the Gaussian curve, because we assume, that, a large number of essentially similar particles, undergo a similar process of falling to the floor, but, on impact, a very large number of collisions occur between the particles themselves and with the floor. Assuming, that the sand is being dropped on a smooth floor, the particles that happen to be at the outside of the column of falling sand, have the greatest chance of scattering to the periphery, because there are fewer particles to the outside, which would prevent a scatter. At the same time, the particles of sand that are surrounded by other particles, have a much more even chance of being bounced to and fro, before they come to rest on the floor. As a result, most of the sand will come to rest as a heap near the center of impact, while the density of sand grains that have scattered more widely, diminishes according to the Gaussian curve. We can determine this by examining the amount of sand within concentric areas around the center of impact.

In our grasp of nature, we often make use of the concepts of randomness, scatter or variability, and, the measurements of any particular phenomenon will show a similar scatter because of the random variability of circumstances that play a role in the act of taking measurements. If we are dealing with the measurement of a complex phenomenon, such as the scatter of sand dropping on a floor, or the angle of a star and the horizon, or the density of pebbles on a beach, etc. we are summarising a very large and largely unknown series of sub-events, or sub-variables, into a unit of existence which is grasped by our mind as a single entity of awareness.

If we talk about the "average individual", society, the country, or, even, about our daily objects of use, such as a spoon, a pen, a bottle of ink, we are always dealing with variables, because each named object or event represents, in essence, an entire category. Even our actions are variable. We never eat exactly the same from meal to meal; our movements and thoughts, objectives and needs always vary somewat, in spite of the fact, that we can frequently categorise them precisely, and, that we can consider them as "essentially similar" to other items belonging to the same category.

On previous occasions, we have elaborated, more extensively, the importance of variability in a particular category of recognisable similarities, and, here, we want to emphasise, only, the fact, that, the occurrence of scatter of a particular happening around a certain "average", means, that we are not dealing with a single event, but, with a large population of similar but not identical sub-events.

If we look at the "random" chance of the spontaneous decay of a radio-active atom, we see, that we can summarise this phenomenon into a simple concept of an unpredictable, chance occurrence, while it is, in essence, an enormously complex and largely unknown oscillation of intra-nuclear or sub-atomic force-fields around a certain "mean", where the likelyhood of these forces co-inciding to the point that a synchroncy of disrupting forces may exceed the threshold of the binding atomic forces, can be measured in a certain period of time. If we say, that the "half-life" of a certain radio-active element is so and so long, we mean, that, in this period of time approximately half the potentially radio-active atoms in a sample of matter, will actually have crossed this crucial threshold in their internal oscillations, and, they will, therefore, have undergone a process of spontaneous radio-active decay.

Here, we see a good example, where a virtually unknown event, or, at least, where the events leading up to the actual "explosion" or spontaneous radio-active decay of an atomic nucleus, are virtually unknown, and yet, the overall outlines of such a rare "catastrophic event", including its frequency, are fairly precisely grasped and measured in the concept of a "half-life".

Perhaps, we have, now, some feeling for the concepts of random chance and variability, and, we should go back to the idea, that, any specific event, be it the drop of a small pebble to the floor, the tortuous path of a molecule of water seeking to disperse its gravitational potential, or, the complex happenings of biochemical events, the changes in electron configuration and path-ways of large, complex and often complementary organic substances, is made-up by a large, and, often, unoverseeable number of sub-events. Even, if we do not know much about the details of any specific event, we conceptualise, in our minds, that every event is always the result of the fact that a particular force-field acts upon a particle of matter, and, that such a force-field exceeds the resistance which this particle of matter can bring-up to resist the influence of this force-field.

If the forces of internal resistance are strong, (such as the particles or the molecules that form a pebble), we see, that no fluctuations in temperature or sun-light, no local chemical potentials, no climatic changes, or, even, tidal changes have much effect upon the pebble. Certainly, the atomic or molecular configuration does not change. The crystalline lattice does not change, even, if the molecules may oscillate within their lattice somewhat faster during the day when the sun is heating-up the surface of the pebble, compared to the conditions during night-fall, when the temperature of all matter particles drops under a clear sky and a cool breeze.

However, if matter is softened by the heat of the sun, or, if it does not crystallise under the prevailing circumstances, or, if small molecules float in the atmosphere, they become susceptible to a number of force-fields. We have seen, how the gravitational force-field makes water molecules flow; how the heat of the sun may excite their kinetic potential to the point that they become a vapour. Or, the sun may heat the various gases of the atmosphere creating the pressure differentials that are at the root of the many phenomena of the weather, as well as the more gradual seasonal or climatological changes.

In short, even, a large number of inorganic particles respond to force-fields, but their response is, largely, one of position, or, of kinetic energy and velocity, and, the changes are rarely chemical in nature. Yet, chemical changes, or changes in chemical bonding, do occur during terrestial or climatological changes, as we see, when repeated bouts of hard frost can pulverise stone or brick, because the small pores fill with water. The water expands with enormous disruptive pressures during a period of frost, but during a thaw the ice melts again and fills the cracks that have opened up, ready to break-open the rock even further during the next frost.

Cracking a crystalline structure by force, or, by rapid and repeated motions, as we see in the phenomenon of "metal fatigue", results in changes in the crystalline lattice, and, these changes are associated with changes in electron-configuration. This, is, in essence, a chemical change, even, if many people would rather classify it as a physical phenomenon.

The point we want to make, here, is the fact, that, any change in electron configuration is due to the inter-action of a force, as well as the ability of a substance to yield or give-way to this force. The anatomy or detailed happenings of an event depend, primarily, on our focus of vision. Frequently, we can see a single event in the world of our meso-scopic or macroscopic awarenesses, while an analysis in terms of chemical or atomic events, reveals a totally different world. Often, the complexity increases, when we shift from the mesoscopic to the microscopic or sub-atomic world, but, we see, nevertheless, that our grasp increases, as soon as an understanding of fundamental happenings, events, structures and relationships brings order to a chaotic and essentially incomprehensible, anthropomorphic world of force.

Without our modern concepts of physics, electrical phenomena, chemistry and mechanics, we would still be baffled by the phenomena of nature. We would still not understand the nature of thunder and lightning, of seasonal variations, or the dramatic changes in the weather. We still would not comprehend the essence of terrestial existence, because we would have no clue, how the earth evolved out of inter-stellar "dust" and debris left-over from previously exploded giant stars, and, we would still have no coherent ideas about the origins of life.

Therefore, even, if we acknowledge, that, frequently, we have only a vague idea about the nature, or the details, of an event, we can confidently state, that, every event is the result of a particular field of force, or, perhaps, a combination of forces, and, we know, that the outcome of the event depends on the nature, magnitude or direction of the force, on the nature, quantity and characteristics of the matter particles upon which the forces are acting, as well as upon the influences, the guidance-patterns, the limitations, or the accelerating, catalytic influences that are exerted by particles of matter and other force-fields that form "the local environment", or, the "river-bed" of an event.

.......

Chapter 7

Content

The "motor" or driving force of an event.
The "substrate", or matter particles, taking part in an event.
The "deliberate juxta-position" of particles under the influence of a guiding substance; an enzyme, or a gene.
Factors and conditions that "happen to be there".
There are no "specific guiding structures" that create the circumstances necessary for a water-fall to exist, or, any other in-organic event.
The living organisation needs the mechanisms of "guided reproduction" in order to ensure a sufficient number of "actualisations".
These are occasions that are conducive to the construction of a specific configuration or organisation of biochemical molecules.
Man also "creates" the circumstances that enhance the occurrence of favourable events.
Creating tools and weapons.
Complex polymers become "docks", where other molecules are "guided" into specific slots alongside the polymer.
Docking mechanisms of enzymes; the catalytic facilitation of events.
Embryological developments.
Where does the genetic code come from?
Is the code "created", or, can natural selection "create" such a complex structure through a process of trial and error?
A number of questions.
Mechanisms of the protoplasmic primordium.
The living organisation is, in essence, a channel to dissipate a biochemical energy-gradient.
Mechanisms of "growth".
Finding an enhanced stability through complementary processes.
The stability of labile substances within the cellular protoplasm.
Existence possibilities are tested randomly.
Once a useful template had been formed, by chance, it was rewarded with an enhanced possibility of existence by a process of guided reduplication; by contributing to the viability or abundance of substances that would, in turn, enhance its own existence.

In the world of inorganic existence, an event happens, because, at a particular time and location, a force-field exists and acts upon matter particles. The event is shaped by the circumstances of this particular locale, but, it depends, also, on the nature, strength and magnitude of the force-field, as well as on the nature, magnitude and condition of the substrate, or the matter particles, undergoing a change during the inorganic event.

Sometimes, numerous similar events take place over a prolonged period of time, such as the sub-events of a water-fall, or the changes of atomic elements in the interior of a star. As long as there is a nearly constant supply of the driving force, which is the source of energy and the "motor" of the event, (e.g. an influx of water into a rapid or fall, or an abundance of gravitational energy as reflected in the pressures and temperatures of a stellar interior), and, as long as the "substrate" or the matter-particles that take part in the event, are abundant and the local circumstances remain the same, the event continues to take place, over and over again.

However, in contrast with the world of the living organisation, none of the factors that participate in the event have been "deliberately" placed there. I am thinking, here, about the meaning of "deliberate" in the sense of "being guided" by a genetic code, and, not necessarily "deliberate" in the sense of having been placed, there, by a conscious, willed, anthropomorphic force. For example; the water that flows into the river and makes a rapid or water-fall possible, "happens to be there", meaning, that a complex but essentially unrelated series of other events, (such as the evaporation of water under the heating influence of the sun, the accumulation of clouds and the occurrence of precipitation, as well as the run-off and collection of water into drainage-channels that may have been scoured by previous rain-falls), all these factors contribute to the presence of water in the river, making the existence of the rapid possible.

Similarly, the particular configuration of rocks that allows a steep drop in the water level, (because it resists being scoured-away immediately by the force of the rushing water, as well as the ubiquitous presence of the gravitational force that underlies the whole phenomenon of the rapid, or the inter-stellar nuclear reactions), all these factors are conditions that "happen to be there". They happen to be there, because numerous other events such as the formation of the earth's crust, the existence of hard rocks, water and a planet with a certain, gravitational pull, etc., happen to be there, but, there are no specific events, or "specific guiding structures", which create the circumstances and conditions necessary for the existence of a water-fall, an intra-stellar nuclear transformation center, or, any other in-organic event.

Let us now look at the world of the living existence, and, let us see, whether or not we can justify the statement, that living existence always needs to "create" circumstances that are especially favourable to its existence. For example, look at the behaviour of early man, as he started to use tools by picking-up a stick, a bone or a rock. Undoubtedly, in the beginning, man just picked up these objects, as they were lying around, but, quickly, man must have noted, that certain rocks and sticks did a much better job than others, and, he started to "search deliberately" for objects that were useful. He would gather them from all over the territory, so that the incidence with which he could "find" a suitable stick or rock would be greatly increased.

Soon, man went even a step further, in particular, after he discovered the magnificent properties of a rock with a sharp edge. It was difficult to find a naturally existing rock that could function as an ax or a knife, and, even, if man would occasionally find an area, where such rocks would be relatively abundant, he noted, that these rocks had a tendency to break or crumble under frequent use and difficult cutting conditions. Eventually, the observation was made, that a freshly broken rock, hit by another rock in a certain, strategic manner, would increase the availability of such useful rocks. This was an important observation, because, such a behaviour would favour the occurrence of beneficial circumstances and enhanced the viability of these distant ancestors, as they struggled to survive amongst formidable competitors.

The significance of the development of tool-making goes far beyond the archeological and anthropological evidence for the existence of early man. Indeed, archeologists can often recognise the locations where early man lived, by finding a collection of these early stone-tools, and, we can follow, to some extent, man's ventures, as we trace the remains of his campsites and his tools and weapons.

However, here, we like to emphasise another aspect of the significance of tool-making, because in making, consciously and deliberately, use of possibilities given by nature, such as the existence of rocks, the ability to break rocks in a certain way by pounding them with another rock in order to create a "cutting edge", we see, that the human being repeats, again, one of the most essential "modes of behaviour" of the living organisation. The factors of chance and randomness are taken-out of the occurrence of events by the deliberate promotion of events that are beneficial.

From a very early stage in the evolution of the living system, well before we imagine the development of an independently living, metabolising and reproducing cellular unit, we see, that, the evolution of the pre-cellular, protoplasmic organisation during the exploration of its possibilities of existence, made use of the principle of a "deliberate guidance", in order to create the occurrence of a certain, beneficial event. For example, the existence of many complex, proto-biochemical substances is based upon the ability of certain polymers to guide the watery environment with its solutes in such a way, that certain substances evolve in preference over others. A complex polymer becomes a "dock" with many special and spatial configurations in its immediate environment. These configurations will allow close proximity for substances that "fit well" into this particular local environment, while it inhibits the close approximation of substances that do not fit. We see therefore the possibility arise, that a complex polymer will promote the duplication of a mirror image of itself, or, at least, it allows or promotes the duplication of fragments of such a mirror image along its axis of existence.

Similarly, the whole process of cellular reproduction, as well as the embryological development of a complex multi-cellular organism, composed of many billions of cells, would be completely impossible, without a carefully guarded and complex code of chemical instructions. These complex chemical instructions, the genetic code, create and maintain, not only, the circumstances that make reproduction and growth possible, but, they also guide the production of precisely timed inductor-substances, which make a fertilised egg-cell grow into a well-differentiated multi-cellular organism, with all the potentials to grow into a healthy, reproducing adult.

Besides the miraculous complexity of embryological development and differentiation, the genetic code guides the behaviour of the cell throughout its life-span within the multi-cellular organism. It regulates its metabolic functions, assists in replacing worn or depleted materials, and, it regulates its behaviour in such a way, that it remains a healthy, functional and contributing member of the multi-cellular organism.

The question is this; where does this code come from? Each species has a different code, and, this means, that millions of codes exist and many more have existed in the past, but have become extinct. Do we have to postulate, that such a code is "created", or deliberately put-together? Indeed, it seems difficult for our sense of logic to imagine, that such a code is put-together by a process of blind trial and error, and, it seems to be an an affront to our sense of understanding, if we glibly accept the notion, that "natural selection" created such a complex structure.

How do we visualise the origin of the genetic code to have come-about? In particular, let us ask the question, whether or not the origin of life, or, the origin of the experiment with natural evolution and the survival of the most viable life-forms, was a condition that "just happened" because of a fortuitous co-incidence of physical and climatological conditions. If this is indeed the case, as we generally accept in our scientific belief structures, then, we have to ask ourselves, when this significant change took place. We have to ask ourselves, when the incidence of an event was not anymore dependent, solely, upon the "happenstance" of suitable circumstances, but, began to depend on the principle of a "guided" event, where the processes of life, or the proto-biochemical evolution, introduced the technique of creating a suitable environment for a particular event to happen.

As we have discussed before, it seems reasonable to select this criterium of guidance in the occurrence of an event, as an essential difference between the events that take place in the living and the non-living organisation.

How became such "guiding processes" a part of the living organisation? How was this principle of a "deliberate guidance" introduced, and, why did it become such a necessary feature for the existence of the living organisation, as well as the many complex events that characterise this living organisation, such as the manufacture of biochemical building materials? Is it, then, correct to say, that these events would never have taken place, if, somehow, the frequency or incidence of suitable circumstances, suitable substrates, local environmental conditions and force-fields, would not have been made possible by these peculiar guiding and catalysing structures, which, eventually, evolved into the genetic code of a living species?

This, indeed, seems to be the fundamental question, and, we have discussed these mental images before. We will recall, only briefly, the main points of the concepts we have discussed, and, we remind ourselves, that the original, luke-warm sea of pre-organic building-blocks, was one vast "experimental conglomerate", where numerous chemical events were taking place simultaneously. Unlike an inorganic environment, the watery solutes, the presence of many substances that had a tendency to form "chain-links", which were weak and often temporary or tentative polymers, the luke-warm temperatures, as well as the capture of photonic energy in the form of high-energy electron bonds, all these conditions led to a continuous series of biochemical, or, rather, "proto-biochemical" events, where some of the random combinations turned-out to be unstable and useless, while others happened to form a chain through which the captured solar energy could dissipate itself.

All the events of the early, proto-biochemical, protoplasmic primordium were "random", and the emergence of "useful" substances, depended, entirely, on chance. But, as we have seen, the existence of a particular substance, including a specially useful substance, would have a guiding influence upon the processes of polymerisation. A non-useful substance would, perhaps, favour similar non-useful substances during its brief period of existence, but, such an event would not enhance the durability of any of these substances.

We have often compared this imagery of the pre-cellular protoplasmic evolution, to a steady rain-fall, coming down on a gently sloping, muddy field. The water on the ground is constantly seeking to disperse its gravitational energy, and, it seeks, then here, then there, a "channel of dissipation". As soon as a small rivulet is formed, it will attract even more water, as a pathway is being scoured for the run-off of water. The soft earth is "washed away" by the energy-flow of the rivulet, and, as we have discussed before, the small rivulets start to compete for the existing flow of water. Eventually, a few, large rivers emerge, which drain, effectively, the water from their territories. The smaller rivulets have dried-up, or, they have become tributaries to the larger river-systems.

A very similar process is happening in the primordial protoplasmic seas, where the captured solar energy seeks, constantly, for ways to dissipate its energy. Initially, almost all of it would be given-off as "bio-luminescence", or, rather, "proto-bio-luminescence", during the periods of darkness at night, but, eventually, a few rivulets of biochemical energy emerge as a number of substances "happen to exist" together, forming such a suitable pathway.

The tendency to dispersion in a watery environment, as well as the fragility of the biochemical or proto-biochemical substances involved, makes it likely, that, every day, new rivulets had to be found. This means, that, any "event" able to give greater stability to the existence of such a conglomerate of substances, (which form, together, a rivulet, or river-bed, for the dissipation of an energy-gradient of captured sunlight), would be highly favoured. The stability of these polymerising, combining and re-combining, pre-organic molecules, could not be found in the usual in-organic way, because of the circumstances of the watery environment, the ionisation of the substances, and, the fact, that an "existence possibility" depended, also, on the ability or the sensitivity to make use of a high-energy electron bond. This means, that any development or event that led to a situation, where such a suitable biochemical pathway would persist throughout a period of darkness, or, could be re-created, quickly, would be rewarded.

This is a short summary of the way we visualise the emergence of more stable compounds to have taken place. These compounds have the ability to "guide" an event, or, a possibility of existence, in such a way, that it exists longer. It may exist longer, because of an actual increase in stability, as we see in the well-protected polymers that constitute the strands of genetic materials, or, stability may be found by the principle of "continuous replenishment", which is the stability of a water-fall, as well as the stability of easily replenished labile substances and reaction-patterns within the protoplasm of a cell.

We will not elaborate these ideas, here. The main point, is, that the constantly changing proto-biochemical seas of polymerising substances start to form small rivulets, where a captured form of solar energy is being dissipated, and, the fragility of these substances, their tendency to decay and disperse, make it possible for enormous quantities of "existence possibilities" to be tested randomly. Any possibility of existence that creates a greater degree of stability, without losing the essential characteristic of reactability, will be rewarded, and will come to the fore.

In a luke-warm, watery environment, where sensitivity and fragility, as well as "mobility", or the tendency to disperse, are essential for the capability to aggregate in clusters of suitable energy-pathways, durability and stability had to be found by the slow, chance-like evolution of substances that act as a guidance-form, or template, for these labile, but reactable, chemical substances which have to be replaced or replenished continuously.

Once such a useful template had been formed, by chance, it was rewarded with an enhanced possibility of existence by a process of guided reproduction or duplication, because it suddenly contributed to the viability or abundance of the participating substances, and, it enhanced the duration and effectiveness of the proto-biological energy-rivulet.

.......

Chapter 8

Content

The self-propagating capabilities of a computer; the ability to learn from its responses and experiences.
The function of "memory-storage" in the primordial protoplasm was represented by the enhanced viability of a useful substance.
Trying to "clean-up", once and for all, in a discussion; a hopeless task.
In retrospect, there are always features we have missed or could have discussed, more clearly.
Concluding with a short summary, or, a lengthy definition of the subjects that have been discussed.
The primary and secondary levels of organisation of life-forms.
Inter-dependence, and the tendency to "run-down" to the lowest possible level of energy; entropy.
The elastic-viscous nature of protoplasm.
Reproduction is a specifically guided process.
A firm hand "at the helm" of routine, metabolic requirements of the living cell.
A review of "the event".
Mechanisms of longevity.
The "genetic spectrum" of a living generation, presented to the mechanisms of natural selection as a process of genetic adaptation.
We have great difficulties imagining, adequately, the vastness of this natural experiment with proto-biochemical and pre-cellular evolutionary mechanisms.
At every phase of its existence, the living organism has to enhance the occurrence of beneficial events; by influencing the course of natural events to its own benefit.
Man's behaviour reflects these basic principles of viability.
It is sobering, but, also, exiciting, to view ourselves as a water-fall for the dissipation of a blind energy-potential, and, to see the "creativity" of guided events, primarily, as a result of the search for a possibility to exist.

We see, then, that the emergence of "useful" substances for the evolution of biochemical energy-rivulets, depends upon the chances of enormously vast, but, essentially random, permutations of proto-bio-chemical substances, but, once such a substance has been "found", it often acts as a template, or a guidance-structure, where numerous events are "steered" into the manufacture of substances that are related to the original template, and, these substances are also likely to be useful in promoting or maintaining the existence of an energy-rivulet.

This imagery is similar to the "self-propagating" capabilities of a computer; for example, a computer may not be specifically programmed to "play chess", but, it may be given the ability to "learn" from the many random moves it makes in response to a chess-playing opponent. It can discard those moves that lead to a quick defeat, but, every time a move has been selected, (by a random process), which was useful, this move or response was "stored" in a memory-bank, and was called-upon in a similar situation.

We see in the evolutionary processes of the primordial sea, essentially, a similar situation, where a "useful move" is the chance-emergence of a substance that enhances viability, and, the function of "memory-storage" is represented by a more prolonged survival of such a viable substance, whenever it becomes part of a conglomerate with an enhanced possibility to exist. Then, it continues to influence and guide a large number of events, in particular, events, that are based on the duplicating properties of a stable polymer with a possibility to exist.

Perhaps, you are not completely satisfied with this discussion about the principles of guidance and the role of a template. If you conclude, that this discussion is not as clear as it should, I agree with you. However, we have to keep the focus of our attention clearly in mind. This applies to any discussion, and, certainly, to an essay that is structured around a specific idea; here, the idea, that the blind randomness of a natural force and the concept of "creativity" through the guidance excercised by a specific force-field, are closely related.

To me, a discussion looks somewhat like someone, who is gathering a large number of objects that are scattered around the floor. We like to clean-up in one swoop, but, in doing so, we try to stuff the objects under our arms, against our body, or, even, wedged between our head and shoulder, and yet, the objects keep dropping back onto the floor, until we realise, that we have to walk more than once, before the floor is cleared of all the objects.

A discussion is very much like this imagery. We like to "clean up" on a subject "all at once", and, we like to feel, that we have done a good and thorough job, tucking in all the loose ends, without having overlooked anything. However, if we try to do this, we notice that the discussion becomes rambling; that we are losing the overall lines, and the discussion becomes like a waste-basket, where a large number of unrelated items have been crammed together. And, if we still have the illusion, that we have cleaned-up on the subject, completely, a good look will reveal, always, aspects we have missed, or, features we feel, in retrospect, could have been discussed, more clearly.

Therefore, let us try, in the concluding pages of this essay, to summarise, once again, in a brief statement, or, rather, a lengthy definition, the essential features and princples of the living organisation, and, let us concentrate, in particular, on the somewhat confusing and difficult concepts and apparent contradictions between the "blind force" of random events, (or the mechanisms of a blind trial and error), and the "creative" force, where we see events, increasingly, being guided by the fact, that the circumstances, necessary for these events, are specifically being created by substances, conditions or items of existence in the environment.

The term "organism", or, "living organisation" is quite appropriate, because it emphasises one of the most important features of the essence of life. It emphasises the fact, that life is a functional unit, made possible by a characteristic sensitivity to a large variety of relatively mild stimuli. The ability of the living organism, or organisation, to react or move, and, to vary a behavioural response in an extra-ordinarily complex manner, is, often, based on past experiences, examples from a parental generation, or culturally transmitted ideas, concepts and beliefs. All these remarkable capabilities would be totally impossible, without the co-existence of a very large number of highly complex, cellular structures that have organised themselves into the unit of a complex, often socially integrated, multi-cellular individual.

At the same time, we realise, that the organisation of a multi-cellular individual into a complex functional unit, is already a "second generation", or, a "second level", in the evolution of life. Prior to the emergence of multi-cellular life, we have seen the evolution of cellular life, as well as the long period of pre-cellular, biochemical evolution. At all these levels of the living organisation, we see the principles of mutual inter-dependence, labile balances, fragility, the tendency to "run down" to a lower energy-level, as well as the tendency to disperse. These are the same principles that play a role in the organisation of multi-cellular life. This fragility, tendency to decay and dispersion, the semi-fluid or "elastic-viscous" nature of the protoplasmic structures and cellular relationships, all these features require a constant influx of suitable energy in order to compensate, with repair activities, the damage that is being done by the entropic tendencies to these fragile relationships and labile biochemical reaction-patterns and substances.

However, in spite of a highly complex and regulated existence, the cellular, as well as the multi-cellular life-forms, have a brief life-span, and, their viability, or ability to exist is, therefore, inextricably linked to the ability to reproduce. Reproduction is a specific process of guidance, where a large series of successive events are guided, or steered, with the help of a regulator substance, until the building-blocks in the environment, together with a constant flow of suitable energy, has led to the synthesis, production and organisation of a new living unit, either, as a single cell, or, as a complex, multi-cellular embryo.

In order to clarify the principles of life, we should focus our attention upon the uni-cellular life-form, because, in essence, the same principles play a role in the reproduction, organisation and maintenance of a multi-cellular organism. The reproduction of an entire cell requires an elaborate and regulated guidance function by a stable structure, or template, which has the capability to steer the metabolic machinery of a cell in such a way, that a cellular or mitotic division takes place, with an exact reduplication of the instructor; the genetic code.

In addition, during the day-to-day existence of a cell, the routine metabolic requirements need a "firm hand at the helm". This is a regulator function that can steer the metabolic machinery in such a way, that it compensates for adverse circumstances, or, that it makes good use of beneficial circumstances. This last condition culminates, frequently, in a process of duplication, and, we may, therefore, consider the reproductive and metabolic guidance-processes to be linked, at least, to some extent.

We would like to point, again, to the concept, that an event is "guided", or, brought, almost entirely, under the control of a special regulator, if such a guiding template can carry-out its "natural" function in the presence of suitable environmental conditions of pressure, temperature, suitable energy-suplies and adequate building-blocks, as well as a dependable way to dispose of unwanted waste-products. The event becomes guided, because the "river-banks" of the events are, then, made-up by the template, but the evolution of this template is the result of a long, random, blind, evolutionary search, made possible by the extreme vastness of the natural biochemical experiment, and, by the fact, that the template is rewarded with viability, or longevity, while other, non-useful substances manufactured during the random search for possibilities of existence, disappear, again, quickly.

The possibility of existence for a particular guided function is, therefore, the result of the essentially blind and random forces of nature, but the actual existence of a guiding template is, once again, the result of a specifically guided event, or an incidence of reproduction. The range of possibilities that is explored, depends on the circumstances that happen to be present, and, the number of templates or structures that become regulators in viable events, depends on the random processes of trial and error, and the selection and persistence of those processes that are useful to maintain the integrity and viability of an energy-rivulet.

During the evolution of life, in uni-cellular as well as multi-cellular species', the genetic code, or, the sum-total of all regulating and guiding templates, is slowly "molded", because, during each new generation, only a small fragment of the "genetic spectrum" survives to give rise to the next generation. We have discussed, on several occasions, the main advantage of the sexual method of reproduction, which lies in the fact that it provides a wide spectrum of genetic possibilities that can be "molded", or selected from, by the forces of natural selection.

These concepts let us see, that the evolutionary processes can evolve complex structures, such as a living cell, together with their genetic code, and, the intuitive difficulties we have in accepting the fact, that nature, or, rather, the random processes of trial and error, can, indeed, bring such templates to the fore, and, can, indeed, mold a genetic code into a large number of viable and vastly different living systems, lies, primarily, in the fact, that we have great difficulties imagining adequately the enormity and vastnes of this natural biological experiment.

We see, indeed, that the living organisation remains very dependent upon the ability to guide naturally occurring events in such a way, that its incidence far outstrips the frequency of a natural occurrence. We see, how plants develop numerous leafs to carry the myriad of little factories that synthesise, with the energy of sun-light, their organic building-blocks from inorganic raw materials. We see how the roots have to search for water; how water and solutes have to be distributed throughout the living structure; how the synthesised products are stored or utilised, elsewhere; how a carefully regulated sequence ensures fertilisation, as well as the possibility that a seed is carried far-away by the wind.

We see how the mechanisms of natural selection and the guided occurrence of events developed structures that allow a seed to lay dormant for prolonged periods of time, until suitable conditions of temperature, moisture and light indicate a favourable moment to flower into a plant and start the cycle anew. Therefore, in spite of the fact, that the quality of mobility is absent in plant-life, natural selection has been able to incorporate many mechanisms of guidance and reproduceability, favouring a flow of events that is beneficial to these living organisms.

At all phases of existence, we see, how the living organism has to enhance the occurrence of beneficial events by influencing or guiding the course of natural events to its own benefit. This may be accomplished by "bending" a natural flow of events in a such way, that the results are useful to the organism, or, the organism may "create" a structure, such as a seed, that can bide its time, until a favourable set of circumstances does occur.

In our perception of reality, we have rightly recognised the fact, that man's actions are, by and large, such "selective" actions, where we "help nature along"; where we carry-out a series of actions that increase the incidence and occurrence of favourable events. As we have seen, the entire capability of movement in the animal species', but, also, to a lesser extent, the ability to create guided events in many plant species', is designed to make use of favourable circumstances and to create conditions that are favourable for the perpetuation and reproduction of a living organism.

In particular, the fragile nature of the living organisation and the need to spend, continuously, a measure of energy to fight entropy, means, that, we, as living organisms, have to search, actively, every day again, for a source of suitable energy and building-blocks. We have to obtain food, and water, as well as fresh air. In spite of our dominance, we are still challenged by other living organisms, and, we may well function as a source of food for another species', unless we learn to "defend ourselves", seek protection and shelter, and avoid unnecessary dangers or injuries.

In other words; our tool-making activities are not the only examples, where we funnel the naturally occurring force-fields in such a way, that we create useful products to enhance our viability, but, our entire behavioural complex is, in essence, "creative" in nature, where we enhance the occurrence of favourable events, and, depress, or avoid, the occurrence of harmful happenings.

This means, however, that the emergence of life depended on the existence of essentially blind and non-guided forces, such as the occurrence of sun-light, the temperature range of luke-warm seas, the dissolution of solutes, the ionisation and polymerisation of a large number of pre-biological building-blocks, the transience of many proto-biological components, the possibility for an electron to be knocked-out into a large orbit by the absorption of a photon of sun-light.

The emergence of life depended on the property of certain chemicals to guide polymerising events into a duplicate of their own existence, the tendency for biochemical reactions to run-down to their lowest energy-level, and, (because of their fluidity), the ability to dissipate the energy-levels built-up by the capture of sun-light into high-energy electron bonds.

All our actions of deliberate or conscious guidance can only assist, promote and prolong the existence of life, after it emerged from this vast biological experiment with random chance-happenings of polymerising substances. It is sobering, but, at the same time exciting, to view ourselves, in essence, as a blind "water-fall" for the dissipation of a blind energy-potential of absorbed sun-light, and, it is sobering to consider the "creativity" of the guided events, primarily, as a result of the on-going search for a possibility to exist.

.......

Summary

1. We live in a world of continuous change.
   The ever-present need to inter-act with this world of change.
   The growing awareness, that a significant part of the events in the world around us has been initiated by our own actions.
   A whimsical orientation.
   Shifting the focus of attention from one feature to the next.
   Temporary working hypotheses that are ready to be discarded, as soon as we find a better image to work with.
   The anthropomorphic features of early human reality perceptions.
   Audacious scientific conclusions.
   Immersing ourselves in "meso-scopic" experiences.
   Developing a "feel" for the anthropomorphic reality perception.
   Challenges to this type of perception.
   Correlating actions and results.
   How accidents were accepted and interpreted in the distant past.
   The concept, and practice, of "being careful".
   The foundation for alert, careful and emotionally neutral observations.
   The ability to control the orientation of a field of force.
   The heat of the sun.
   The purpose and consequences of climbing a tree.
   The awareness, that one is not totally helpless, or without influence, in the outcome of an on-going event.
   
   
   
2. When an event was experienced in its totality.
   Looking back with a de-mythologised, cause-and-effect perception of reality.
   A review of the evolution of reality perceptions.
   Poly-theism and mono-theism.
   Consequences of the ever-present desire to simplify our beliefs.
   Attempts to create a unified field-theory are related to the trend towards a simplification and stream-lining of our beliefs.
   Difficulties with these attempts.
   The unquestioned acceptance of the superiority of a monotheistic concept of super-natural force-fields.
   The emergence of the concept of a static "force-field" depended on the evolution of predictable causes and their effects.
   Learning to "read the signs" of coming changes; an impressive ability to orden awarenesses.
   We are still unable to grasp, clearly, the fundamental building-blocks of nature.
   A remarkably coherent interpretation of reality is in view.
   This coherence may not be easy to grasp.
   Specific pluri-potential circumstances created the possibilities of existence for the living organisation.
   Continued existence of the fragile living organisation by virtue of the faculty of "guided manufacture", or reproduction.
   A complex story, requiring a long period of study and reflection.
   Are there significant advantages for a non-anthropomorhpic reality perception?
   The powerful experience of predictability.
   The attitudes of common-sense have their limitations as well.
   An inexorable trend towards laxity and complacency.
   Man will bow, once again, to the will of the gods.
   The cleansing attitudes of humility and atonement.
   A basis to start again, from scratch.
   The problem of brazen over-confidence.
   A cycle of recurring attitudes.
   
   
   
3. The concept of a "force".
   An anthropomorphic force is characterised by a "free will", a conscious awareness, and a specific goal in mind.
   Why an anthropomorphic force is essentially unpredictable.
   The non-anthropomorphic force is measurable and predictable, and can be grasped in a framework of causes and their effects.
   The precise nature of the force of gravitational attraction is still a mystery.
   Locked-up and radiant forms of matter-energy.
   The influence of gravity on life-forms.
   The action of a club or ax.
   The enormous influence of gravity throughout the Universe.
   A tendency to hold-on to anthropomorphic concepts and force-fields.
   Warring empires; an eternal struggle between "good and evil".
   Circumstances that favoured the "organic experiment".
   A curious case of isolated existence.
   A variety of natural phenomena and their force-fields.
   A number of gradients.
   The equation between matter and energy.
   The energy-balance in classical physics.
   A force with direction; a vector.
   Electro-magnetism.
   A force may have direction, but it does not have a goal.
   The neutrino.
   The flow of water.
   Inter-actions between a force, and the medium upon which a force exerts an influence.
   Abandoning the idea of a "created existence" in inorganic nature.
   Weighing the advantages and disadvantages of a non-anthropomorphic reality perception.
   
   
   
4. When water has been spilled from a container.
   Force-fields within the water container.
   The logic of postulating a "fugitive spirit".
   The sophisticated concept of an impersonal and blind force of gravitational attraction.
   Meso-scopic interpretations of an impressive water-fall.
   Monstrous waves, due to a co-incidence of wave-patterns.
   Our ancestors asked many logical questions and formulated sensible answers, when seen from their framework of reality interpretations.
   The concept of a specifically creative force is always challenged by modern perceptions, except as a manifestation of human existence.
   Overwhelming evidence for a natural evolutionary process for the existence of the human genetic code.
   The challenge of interpreting mental functions along evolutionary lines of development.
   The concept of an "immortal soul".
   A review of the arguments in favour of a naturally developed faculty of conscious awareness.
   The consequences of our instinctive desire to equate a confident scientific reality perception with a truth "as it really exists".
   Criteria of usefulness and agreement.
   The concept, that the human being has no "free will".
   Equating the actions of the "free will" with the algebraic summation of stimuli approaching a nerve-cell.
   The essence of behavioural flexibility is the subjective experience of the need to make a choice.
   
   
   
5. Are we, indeed, a curious exception with our arbitrary, free will?
   A discussion of in-organic, or, non-living existence.
   A barrier preventing spontaneous, chemical inter-actions.
   Stability under normal terrestial conditions.
   Solids, liquids and gases.
   Forms of existence that can "run-down" to their lowest levels of energy, if not constantly replenished or repaired.
   The combustion processes.
   The "run-off" of water.
   Solids; characterised by a lack of internal slipperiness.
   The curious stability of a water-fall.
   A rivulet of biological or biochemical energy, dissipating an energy-gradient within a living organisation.
   The search for a possibility to exist.
   The soft and semi-fluid nature of the living organisation.
   The importance of the factor of mobility.
   Further parallels between the water-fall and the life-form.
   The tendency to seek, aggressively, a source of energy, or food.
   The phenomenon of "competitive strife" is not limited to the living organisation.
   The evolution of atomic elements during intra-stellar nuclear fusion-reactions.
   The molten core of the earth.
   The pre-organic conditions that made the terrestial experiment with the living organisation possible, are scattered randomly throughout the Universe.
   With the evolution of life, a new potential for organisation emerges through the faculty of "guided manufacture", or "reproduction".
   
   
   
6. Breaking through the limitations of a random exposure to beneficial and harmful circumstances; the ability to move.
   The guided reproduction of complex protoplasmic constituents.
   A discussion of "randomness".
   What is guidedness, and, how does it differ from randomness?
   A review of the mechanisms of "chance".
   The tools of statistical analysis and manipulation.
   Why similarity and variability go hand in hand.
   A matter of emphasis.
   Objects and events, and their qualifications or attributes.
   When one plus one equals two.
   Criteria of selection.
   A random distribution of factors that fall outside the criteria of selection; an absence of "bias".
   Basic principles of "statistics".
   The concept of "scatter".
   Searching for the reasons of a "bias", or, a consistent deviation from the results predicted on the basis of random scatter.
   Throwing a handful of dry sand on a smooth floor.
   Summarising a very large and largely unknown series of sub-events.
   We are always dealing with variables.
   The meaning of "average".
   The random chance of spontaneous radio-active decay.
   The concept of radio-active "half-life".
   The ability to grasp, predict and measure, accurately, an overall phenomenon, without knowing much about internal mechanisms.
   The internal resistance to an existing energy-gradient or force-field.
   Molecules, oscillating in a crystalline lattice.
   The response of inorganic particles to existing force-fields.
   The phenomenon of "metal fatigue".
   Without modern concepts and investigative techniques, we still would not understand the nature of thunder and lightning.
   The "river-bed" of an event.
   
   
   
7. The "motor" or driving force of an event.
   The "substrate", or matter particles, taking part in an event.
   The "deliberate juxta-position" of particles under the influence of a guiding substance; an enzyme, or a gene.
   Factors and conditions that "happen to be there".
   There are no "specific guiding structures" that create the circumstances necessary for a water-fall to exist, or, any other in-organic event.
   The living organisation needs the mechanisms of "guided reproduction" in order to ensure a sufficient number of "actualisations".
   These are occasions that are conducive to the construction of a specific configuration or organisation of biochemical molecules.
   Man also "creates" the circumstances that enhance the occurrence of favourable events.
   Creating tools and weapons.
   Complex polymers become "docks", where other molecules are "guided" into specific slots alongside the polymer.
   Docking mechanisms of enzymes; the catalytic facilitation of events.
   Embryological developments.
   Where does the genetic code come from?
   Is the code "created", or, can natural selection "create" such a complex structure through a process of trial and error?
   A number of questions.
   Mechanisms of the protoplasmic primordium.
   The living organisation is, in essence, a channel to dissipate a biochemical energy-gradient.
   Mechanisms of "growth".
   Finding an enhanced stability through complementary processes.
   The stability of labile substances within the cellular protoplasm.
   Existence possibilities are tested randomly.
   Once a useful template had been formed, by chance, it was rewarded with an enhanced possibility of existence by a process of guided reduplication; by contributing to the viability or abundance of substances that would, in turn, enhance its own existence.
   
   
   
8. The self-propagating capabilities of a computer; the ability to learn from its responses and experiences.
   The function of "memory-storage" in the primordial protoplasm was represented by the enhanced viability of a useful substance.
   Trying to "clean-up", once and for all, in a discussion; a hopeless task.
   In retrospect, there are always features we have missed or could have discussed, more clearly.
   Concluding with a short summary, or, a lengthy definition of the subjects that have been discussed.
   The primary and secondary levels of organisation of life-forms.
   Inter-dependence, and the tendency to "run-down" to the lowest possible level of energy; entropy.
   The elastic-viscous nature of protoplasm.
   Reproduction is a specifically guided process.
   A firm hand "at the helm" of routine, metabolic requirements of the living cell.
   A review of "the event".
   Mechanisms of longevity.
   The "genetic spectrum" of a living generation, presented to the mechanisms of natural selection as a process of genetic adaptation.
   We have great difficulties imagining, adequately, the vastness of this natural experiment with proto-biochemical and pre-cellular evolutionary mechanisms.
   At every phase of its existence, the living organism has to enhance the occurrence of beneficial events; by influencing the course of natural events to its own benefit.
   Man's behaviour reflects these basic principles of viability.
   It is sobering, but, also, exiciting, to view ourselves as a water-fall for the dissipation of a blind energy-potential, and, to see the "creativity" of guided events, primarily, as a result of the search for a possibility to exist.

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