Thursday, November 7, 2024

The Golden Age Revisited.

 I think that in the past, twenty years or so, "modern literature" (as it is often
cruelly termed) has received "much ado about nothing," (pardon me dear
Bard for slaughtering one of your finest Metaphors.) Primarily due to the
oversimplification of Symbol, Theme, and (overall) Content.

Or perhaps I am being unduly harsh/unfair? And allowing my own subjective
bias to interfere with a more rounded analysis of what is truly Art?
(who am I after all to declare what "Art" is? (hell that debate has raged senselessly
long enough).

Of course there will always be Subjectivity involved due to the nature of
Aesthetic Preference itself. But, still even that goes only so far and good
literature seems to stand the test of time. Something this modern drivel doesn't
do at all. (doesn't "age well" as the youngsters say.)

I realize that during the Golden age of what was termed Pulp Fiction,
that particular style of writing was deemed low-brow by many an allegedly
educated Critic. Yet, in those times writers were forced by necessity to
produce quick, cheap fluff to casually entertain the masses. They were not
actively TRYING to create literary masterpieces. They were writing to eat
and pay the bills. (and ironically several of those "low-brow" works are
still seen in some mediums today as pathetic imitations and even shittier
remakes, so..yeah.)










Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Morphic Resonance

Rupert Sheldrake's theory of morphic resonance is a fascinating and unconventional concept in the field of biology. It suggests that natural systems, such as cells, organisms, and even societies, inherit a collective memory from all previous systems of the same kind. Here's a simple overview:

Morphic Resonance Basics:
At the core of Sheldrake's theory is the idea that memory is inherent in nature, not just stored in individual organisms. Instead of relying solely on genetic information or environmental factors, Sheldrake proposes that there is a non-material resonance that contributes to the development and behavior of organisms.

Key Concepts:
1. Formative Causation: Sheldrake suggests that the development and maintenance of biological forms are influenced by this resonance, which acts alongside known physical and chemical processes.
  
2. Collective Memory: The theory posits that each species has a "morphic field" that contains collective information about the species. These fields can influence the behavior and characteristics of organisms without requiring direct contact or interaction.

3. Heredity Beyond Genetics: Unlike traditional views that attribute heredity solely to genetic mechanisms, morphic resonance implies that traits can be influenced by past members of the species across space and time.

Criticism and Controversy:
Morphic resonance is highly controversial and largely rejected by the mainstream scientific community. Critics argue that it lacks empirical evidence and doesn't align with established scientific principles. Many view it as speculative and not scientifically rigorous.

Theoretical Implications:
If true, morphic resonance could have profound implications for understanding biological processes and consciousness. It would challenge conventional theories of evolution, memory, and development, suggesting a broader view of how organisms interact with their past and environment.

In summary, Rupert Sheldrake's morphic resonance offers a speculative framework that pushes the boundaries of traditional biology. Although it has not gained widespread acceptance in scientific circles, it stimulates thought-provoking discussions about the nature of heredity, memory, and the interconnectedness of life.