Incentivized Learning

Imagine creating a Universe!... just to the extent that it operates at the physical level, with planets, stars, solar systems, and galaxies. Now imagine creating a universe where woven into the fabric of space and time itself is consciousness, and beings that are conscious, in order to extend the life of their existence, must learn the ways and laws and mysteries of the Universe you made from scratch.

The Universe is designed in a way that rewards personal inquiry into the workings of nature. This is not a mystic statement but a very practical one.

All of the architecture and technology around you proves this. Your comfort and security is the direct consequence of universal contemplation. The attainment of wisdom into the inner workings of nature. Hard fought and won by countless and curious minds.

Learning is essential to prosperity -- this applies in the material as well as the mental or immaterial sense. The quality of our thoughts, the quality of our mind is enhanced by knowledge.

No one can give us “meaning” about nature. It is true that scientists can elevate the physical and technological state of the art – but they cannot enhance the quality of your mind.  Only you may do this.

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To see the consequences of not doing so -- of ignoring the wisdom gained by observing the natural world -- think of if the tables were turned.  Imagine what the world would be like if scientists and inventors stopped seeking (and applying) knowledge of Universal law.

This desolate and primitive landscape is what our minds become if we cease to learn. It is a world where only the most base and general concepts reside, where innovation and refinement are absent and only struggle against the elements is a constant.

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Inquiry provides meaning.  Meaning provides richness and purpose to life.  Meaning is the experience of contemplation.  'Knowing' things is not important, but only that we imagine or consider what they might be like.  No one 'knows' how a Universe begins, or if it 'begins' at all (in the conventional sense we understand linear time).  But thinking about it expands the horizons of thought.

Thinking about all aspects of creation provides a deeper context and understanding into who we are.  Or who we would like to be, or what we believe is possible to become!  Society is imperfect, so to establish our sense of self only in relation to our peers, or family or community or country is to limit ourselves.  The Universe effectively runs flawlessly.  Almost never is human suffering the consequence of a random or imperfect universe, but the product of human ignorance and subservience to basic instincts.

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It is a fact beyond any doubt we are rewarded by the discovery and contemplation of natural laws. So, it is True – not merely a poetic statement – to say that knowledge and wisdom, imagination and contemplation into the Universal laws and methods of operation are GOOD.  Arguably one of the Highest GOODS, second, perhaps, to love and service toward our fellow beings.  Does this give you a motive to learn?

It's astounding... not only does the universe run flawlessly, but it has somehow formed an incentive structure to where the creatures in the universe prosper when they study the workings of the cosmos. Again, this is not a mystical claim – it is evident by every piece of technology around us.


Of Knowledge and Wisdom

We are shown that learning is a living and active source of prosperity. Knowledge is not the same as learning – it connotes an object; in which case, it is only potentially good, though potentially destructive; depending upon how it is to be used, and how well, faithfully it is interpreted.

Wisdom is the proper application and virtuous integration of knowledge into our lives -- our lives as we live them, as we practice and not simply preach.

Beliefs are systems of control. When we are controlled by ‘vague’ beliefs we are superstitious. One does not have to believe in monsters under the bed to be superstitious – it is equally primitive to accept ‘truths’ about the world based upon the third hand description of someone of ‘authority’. We must always seek not to be controlled by things we do not understand. (Gravity demonstrates itself, so need not be ‘understood’ intellectually’. Stories of our past, and the fundamental workings of the Universe are not as manifest as gravity, so must be studied). It is quite easy, keep an open mind about things you don’t know about, and study the things you seek to know.