Where do we stand between complexity and simplicity? Life, in many ways, seems undeniably complex, but, when broken down, aren’t the individual transactions or choices relatively simple? As if “all this” is a complex sequence of simple steps drawn together in ways that ultimately work wisely, harmoniously, sustainably – at least with regard to nature. But isn’t it also true of our lives? Simple choices, stacked up.
This sense in which everything can be broken down into basic steps which can then be strung back together in a variety of impressively complicated ways. Learning, perhaps, being the act of breaking things down to the building blocks from which knowledge can be recreated and creatively applied within all the true complexity of life, nature, society and the world we live in (Notes One).
Beneath it all, then, is there some form of wisdom? A simple set of principles from which we might successfully navigate all of life’s seemingly unconnected choices. Maybe that’s what technology’s looking for: the code from which life can be reconfigured. But, even in our lives, are there fairly universal values we might rely upon? Some fundamental understanding of how life works that can serve us well in all areas. (Notes Two)
As if there’s thought in nature, in society, and in us – thought we might unravel, understand, appreciate and work with (Notes Three). Each step simply connecting in with many others, emerging as the life we lead and consequences we set in motion. As if, as humans, we might come to understand life and operate creatively within it – knowing what each thing means and the importance of how it’s all coming together.
Isn’t there, then, this sense of “who knows what”? The level of insight different people within society might have of the realities we’re all living in. Children being the ones needing it broken down into meaningful, relatable, accessible steps they might take into the world – education, hopefully, establishing within them a solid yet flexible foundation for life. Some, perhaps, knowing far more than we’re told.
It seems interesting and important to ask such questions; to figure out what ideas people have in mind and where they might lead. Can’t complicated things generally be spoken in simple terms? A few steps and almost anyone could grasp the principles at play, value of what’s at stake, and logic being used to determine the outcome.
As thinking beings, isn’t it important we understand what we’re part of? What our choices and participation “mean” for the world and all those within it. The kind of future we’re serving to create. How clear is any of that? How transparent are the options we’re presented with and systems they’re playing into? Why does so much seem concealed rather than laid bare? (Notes Four)
Modern life might be becoming too complicated for many to fully understand, but isn’t it important we do? Given our lives impact what’s around us in countless ways, what does it mean if we don’t know what we’re doing?
Notes and References:
Note 1: Everything’s interconnected
Note 1: Connecting truthfully with life
Note 1: Passing on what’s important
Note 2: Systems, their power, whose hands?
Note 2: What should be leading us?
Note 2: Common sense as a rare & essential quality
Note 2: Do we need meaning?
Note 3: The thought surrounding us
Note 3: The battlegrounds of our minds
Note 3: Does anything exist in isolation?
Note 3: Ideas that tie things together
Note 4: Treating people like sims?
Note 4: Does technology oversimplify things?
Note 4: How are we supposed to choose?