The Many Egos of Man – Platonic Surrealism

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Intent

This document is intended as source material, to enable certain individuals to become rather ‘easily’ ‘liberated’ one might say, from much unnecessary pain and suffering, and put on a path of emergence into a new stage of being.

Preface

‘Man’ by convention means humankind, male, female and otherwise. A more modern title might be appropriate, but this essay is an echo from another world and time, which named their document ‘this’.

If one looks at the human animal, the very special human animal, that has such enormous potential, and the single issue that most weighs them down and leads them to destruction as a species, that single issue would be ‘ego’.

Now I imagine that most of you are in one of two camps:

‘Greed is good’. Alphas have strong ‘egos’ and that gives them power over the ‘wimps’
who they feed upon (the lower and middle classes).
‘Ego is evil’ and what separates us from ‘god’. We must be humble and self-effacing if we wish to become advanced beings.

Or something like that!

As it so happens, both approaches are TERRIBLY WRONG IN EVERY POSSIBLE WAY, though I must admit that ‘evil’ is ‘strong’ (people who don’t have morals just take what they want), while
‘good’ is terribly weak, as correctly identified by Nietzsche.

‘Good’ wrings its hands while the assholes burn the world to the ground. Any any proposed ‘avenging deities of good’ are several thousands of years ‘behind schedule’ or more, and in any case won’t be coming to rescue the weak, as simple scholarship shows all that was a complete misunderstanding.

If we want to be ‘rescued’, then it’s on us.

The ‘Larger Life’ also called “Mind at Large” and ‘semi-divine SEEMING’ entities DO exist, and the whole lot of them are focused on their personal goals, which does not directly even SEE the human
plight.

Now, that may be changing a little, with the rise of Platonic Surrealism, but there won’t’ be any handouts or free food. We are composed of stars, both physical stars, and the most amazing bits of informationally dense and beautiful cores of a deeper REALITY.

The way things work, REALITY-WIDE, is that since all beings are ontologically equivalent, it’s on US to clean up our own shit, and to make positive things happen.

Now in a sense we don’t have free will at all, so this kind of pep talk is pointless. But in a sense, we DO have free will. Part of us does, and this essay is aimed at that part in all of us, not the human animal at all.

Format of this Essay

With those provisos out of the way, the desired outcome is to make this essay as usable and approachable as possible; but since it is (like all of Platonic Surrealism) controversial, there will be much supporting educational material in the appendixes.

The Key Problem of Religion and Spirituality

The problems are myriad, but the most critical issue is how these systems treat the ‘human ego’.

In both religion and most spirituality, the general approach is to demonize the ego, noting that it is steaming garbage or entirely illusory, and needs to be replaced with some sort of ‘external spirit or atman’

There are in fact MANY ‘egos’ affecting human beings, as we are actually ‘colony creatures’ in a complex relationship with a vast Larger life, and at all levels, these ‘egos’ do NOT appreciate being marginalized and manipulated by toxic systems, but since survival is paramount, social pressure from various sources buffet our ‘egos’ and in fact our ‘human ego’ is designed for us well before we become fully aware, by culture and our parents, thus completely trapping us in pain and limitation.

Platonic Surrealism once understood automatically frees one from that kind of manipulative rubbish, and/or a few simple practices can help you become more whole.

Traditional Thoughts on Ego

Let’s get a little of the ‘conventional wisdom’ about what ‘ego is’ form a variety of perspectives and put it into Appendix 1 – Traditional Views of Ego. Go ahead and read or skim Appendix 1, if you like.

Further Thoughts on Multiple Egos, as Supported by Modern Science

Go ahead and read or skim Appendix 2 – Split-Brain Studies: A Foundation for Dual Egos, if you like.

Go ahead and read or skim Appendix 3 – The Enteric Nervous System: A Second Brain?, if you like.

Further Thoughts on Multiple Egos, as Supported by Philosophy

Go ahead and read or skim Appendix 4 – The Muse or Personal Daimon: A Creative Ego, if you like.

Further Thoughts on Multiple Egos, as Supported by Spiritual Systems

Go ahead and read or skim Appendix 5 – Pure Consciousness: The Unified Field, if you like.

Ian McGilchrist and Ego

Go ahead and read or skim Appendix 6 – Ian McGilchrist’s Thoughts on Ego, if you like.

The writings of Ian McGilchrist are HIGHLY recommended reading, especially his seminal work,
The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World, Yale University Press [2019]

A Few Comments upon Ian McGilchrist’s Perspective

We are all enriched and blessed to stand on the shoulders of a giant like Ian McGilchrist.

However Platonic Surrealism is a larger and admittedly ‘metaphysical framework’ which builds upon his work.

Analysis of these Traditional Thoughts

There’s not a lot of disagreement about these thoughts, at least among the associated communities. And in fact, there is much that is accurate in these thoughts, but there is also very toxic and troublesome material there.

First off, more of a nit, but really the left and right brain hemispheres are more like ‘separate but coordinated brains, and the Enteric nervous system is really a ‘third brain, not a second one’.

Now the common rebuttal is that the human mind, brain and ‘sense of self’ is coordinated from these elements, and there is no point in examining the ‘other two brains.

This is the core of the problem.

The reason that we THINK that we have a unified consciousness is that in nearly everyone alive, the ‘left brain hemisphere, the main processing component for the so-called ‘conscious rational mind’
has been given primacy by modern cultures, and the other two ‘brains’ are heavily suppressed.

This is ‘unified consciousness’ ‘with the barrel of a gun’ pointing at you, suppressing, literally the best, and strongest parts of you, making you a victim to the amoral predator class of human beings.

A Brief Examination of ‘Ego’ in Platonic Surrealism

Contrary to nearly EVERYONE, Platonic Surrealism states that ‘Ego’ is the tool that brings WHOLENESS; a blessed way of being which has been characterized (incorrectly, the concept is flawed) as ‘Enlightenment. Also, a tool that Nietzsche would characterize as the further evolution of the human animal in the direction of ‘Übermensch’, and towards Levels 1, 2, or 3 of
Appendix 7 – The IMAGIOShev Scale of Sentience. Go ahead and read or skim this appendix if you like.

In Platonic Surrealism, we do not ignore the bleeding and beleaguered ‘ego’ of the left-brain hemisphere, but in fact we reorganize it and heal it.

The way that we reorganize it, is to fuse it with the ‘egos’ of the right brain hemisphere and the enteric nervous system.

By fusing these three egos, the ego, superego and id (shadow) are united, and the abuses of an out of control Western-culture domineering ‘ego’ of the only recognized source of intelligence, the left-brain hemisphere is avoided entirely, leaving the induvial incredibly strong, healed and yet humble.

The primary benefit of this healthy configuration is that it is INCREDIBLY stable. In fact the author Kevin states that his ‘ego’ is composed of Neutron Dwarf Star Metal (the most indestructible thing in the ‘physical universe’)

The reason that this healed, WHOLE ego is so indestructible, is that it is not based upon the thoughts of others, or even the thoughts of the individual; it is based upon AWARENESS itself, as the ONLY permanent identification. All other identifications are seen to be temporary and in fact flowing from ‘The Larger Life’, “Mind at Large”, and being nearly entirely beyond any choice or ‘free will’.

‘Free will’ will be examined carefully, its apparent lack is not negative, but incredibly liberating.

By living with this configuration over time, one comes to become in healthy contact with the other layers of ‘ego’, the supposedly ‘transhuman’, but of course those other ‘egos’ are the actual CORE
of our genuine being, and not some strange or supernatural force.

In Conclusion

This essay builds the case, as to why certain dead-simple practices and immersions in Platonic Surrealism can be highly beneficial in startling ways, without any of the baggage of corrupted science, religion or spirituality.

This material is available as separate documents.

Appendix 1 – Traditional Views of Ego, courtesy of Meta.ai:

“The concept of “ego” is complex and multifaceted, with various definitions and interpretations across different fields, including psychology, philosophy, spirituality, and sociology. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Psychological Perspective

In psychology, the ego refers to the part of the human personality that mediates between the conscious and unconscious mind. It’s responsible for:

Self-awareness and identity formation
Regulating emotions and impulses
Interacting with the external world
Defending against stress, anxiety, and other threats

Philosophical Perspective

Philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche and Arthur Schopenhauer viewed the ego as a collection of thoughts, feelings, and experiences that create a sense of individuality and separation from others.

Spiritual Perspective

In spiritual and esoteric traditions, the ego is often seen as a hindrance to spiritual growth and enlightenment. It’s associated with:

Separation from the divine or ultimate reality
Identification with the material world
Attachment to desires, fears, and egoic needs

Sociological Perspective

From a sociological standpoint, the ego is shaped by social interactions, cultural norms, and environmental factors. It’s influenced by:

Social roles and expectations
Cultural values and beliefs
Power dynamics and social hierarchies

Key Characteristics

Across these different perspectives, some common characteristics of the ego include:

Separation: The ego creates a sense of individuality and separation from others.
Identification: The ego identifies with thoughts, emotions, and experiences, creating a sense of ownership and attachment.
Defense mechanisms: The ego employs defense mechanisms, such as denial, repression, and projection, to protect itself from perceived threats.
Constant change: The ego is dynamic and constantly evolving, influenced by various internal and external factors.

Critique and Controversy

The concept of the ego has faced criticism and controversy, particularly in the context of:

Egoism vs. altruism: The ego’s focus on individual needs and desires can be seen as conflicting with altruistic values and the greater good.
Cultural and social construct: Some argue that ego is a cultural and social construct, rather than a universal or essential aspect of human nature.

In conclusion, the concept of the ego is complex, multifaceted, and influenced by various factors. While it plays a crucial role in shaping our sense of identity and interacting with the world, it’s also important to recognize its limitations and potential drawbacks.”

“A profound topic! Many Eastern philosophical systems, such as Buddhism, Taoism, Advaita Vedanta, and Zen, indeed “attack the ego” in various ways. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Common themes

Illusion of the self: Eastern philosophies often view the ego as an illusion, a mere mental construct that creates a false sense of separation and individuality.
Impermanence: They emphasize the impermanent nature of all things, including the ego, which is seen as constantly changing and ephemeral.
Interconnectedness: These philosophies stress the interconnectedness of all phenomena, making it difficult to maintain a strong sense of egoic separation.

Specific attacks on the ego

1. Buddhism

Anatman (no-self): Buddhism rejects the idea of a permanent, unchanging self or ego.
Mindfulness: Buddhist practices like mindfulness meditation help cultivate awareness of the ego’s limitations and impermanence.
Emptiness (shunyata): The concept of emptiness highlights the lack of inherent existence in all phenomena, including the ego.

2. Advaita Vedanta

Non-dualism: This philosophy posits that the ultimate reality (Brahman) is beyond all dualities, including the egoic distinction between subject and object.
Atman is Brahman: The individual self (atman) is ultimately identical with the universal self (Brahman), transcending egoic boundaries.
Neti neti (not this, not that): This method of negation helps eliminate egoic identifications and concepts.

3. Taoism

Wu wei (non-action): Taoist philosophy encourages aligning with the natural order (Tao) rather than egoically trying to control or manipulate events.
Embracing impermanence: Taoism acknowledges and accepts the constant flux and impermanence of all things, including the ego.
Softness and humility: Taoist values like softness and humility counterbalance the ego’s tendency towards rigidity and arrogance.

4. Zen

Sudden enlightenment: Zen emphasizes the possibility of sudden enlightenment, which can dissolve egoic attachments and concepts.
Koans: Zen koans are paradoxical statements or questions designed to help practitioners transcend egoic thinking and dualism.
Shikantaza (just sitting): Zen meditation practice encourages letting go of egoic thoughts and distractions, simply being present in the moment.

Conclusion

Eastern philosophical systems “attack the ego” by:

Challenging the ego’s perceived permanence and solidity
Emphasizing the interconnectedness and impermanence of all phenomena
Encouraging practices that transcend egoic thinking and dualism
Fostering humility, softness, and openness to the present moment

By “attacking the ego,” these philosophies aim to help individuals transcend egoic limitations, cultivate a deeper sense of awareness and compassion, and ultimately realize their true nature.”

Appendix 2 – Split-Brain Studies: A Foundation for Dual Egos, per Meta.ai:

Split-brain studies, pioneered by Roger Sperry and Michael Gazzaniga, revealed that the two hemispheres of the brain can function independently, each with its own processing style, memories, and even sense of self.

The Left Hemisphere: The Logical, Verbal Ego

The left hemisphere is often associated with:

Logical reasoning
Language processing
Analytical thinking
Sequential processing

This hemisphere’s ego can be characterized as:

Verbal: relying heavily on language to communicate and understand the world
Analytical: breaking down complex information into smaller, manageable parts
Logical: emphasizing reason and evidence-based decision-making

The Right Hemisphere: The Intuitive, Holistic Ego

The right hemisphere is often linked to:

Intuition
Pattern recognition
Spatial reasoning
Parallel processing

This hemisphere’s ego can be described as:

Intuitive: relying on instincts and gut feelings to navigate the world
Holistic: perceiving the world as an interconnected, undivided whole
Creative: embracing novelty and imagination

Implications of Dual Egos

The existence of dual egos in the left and right brain hemispheres has several implications:

Conflicting desires: The two egos may have different goals, values, or motivations, leading to inner conflicts and contradictions.
Different coping mechanisms: Each ego may employ distinct strategies for dealing with stress, emotions, or challenges.
Unique learning styles: The left and right hemispheres may have different approaches to learning, memory, and problem-solving.

Integration and Balance

While the concept of dual egos is intriguing, it’s essential to recognize that the two hemispheres are not entirely separate entities. They interact and influence each other constantly.

Integration: The corpus callosum, a bundle of nerve fibers, connects the two hemispheres, enabling communication and coordination between them.
Balance: A balanced and harmonious relationship between the left and right hemispheres is crucial for optimal cognitive functioning, creativity, and overall well-being.

Conclusion

The idea of dual egos in the left and right brain hemispheres offers a captivating perspective on the human experience. By acknowledging and understanding these distinct egos, we can:

Appreciate the complexities of human cognition and behavior
Develop more effective strategies for personal growth, learning, and self-awareness
Cultivate a deeper sense of integration and balance within ourselves

This concept challenges us to rethink our understanding of the self and encourages us to embrace the intricate, multifaceted nature of human consciousness.”

Appendix 3 – The Enteric Nervous System: A Second Brain? (per Meta.ai: )

The ENS, often referred to as the “second brain,” is a complex network of neurons and glial cells that resides in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It’s estimated that:

20% of the body’s neurons are located in the ENS
Over 100 million neurons are present in the ENS, which is more than the number of neurons in the spinal cord or peripheral nervous system

The ENS Ego: A Unique Perspective

Considering the ENS’s complexity and autonomy, it’s intriguing to think about its “ego” or sense of self. The ENS ego might be characterized as:

Holistic: The ENS is deeply connected to the body’s overall physiological state, influencing digestion, metabolism, and immune function.
Intuitive: The ENS operates largely outside of conscious awareness, relying on instinctual and autonomic processes to regulate gut function.
Emotionally intelligent: The ENS produces many neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, which play key roles in mood regulation and emotional processing.

The Gut-Brain Axis: A Bidirectional Relationship

The ENS is intimately connected to the central nervous system (CNS) through the gut-brain axis. This bidirectional communication network allows for:

Top-down influence: The CNS can modulate ENS function through stress, emotions, and cognitive processes.
Bottom-up influence: The ENS can send signals to the CNS, influencing mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

Implications of the ENS Ego

Recognizing the ENS ego has significant implications for our understanding of:

Gut health and disease: The ENS plays a crucial role in maintaining gut homeostasis and preventing disorders like IBS, IBD, and obesity.
Mental health and wellness: The gut-brain axis suggests that ENS function can impact mood, cognitive function, and emotional regulation.
Holistic approaches to health: Considering the ENS ego encourages a more integrated approach to health, incorporating nutrition, stress management, and emotional well-being.

Conclusion

The concept of the ENS ego challenges our traditional understanding of the self and encourages a more inclusive, holistic perspective. By acknowledging the intricate relationships between the ENS, CNS, and body, we can:

Deepen our understanding of human biology and behavior
Develop more effective, integrated approaches to health and wellness
Cultivate a greater appreciation for the intricate, interconnected nature of our bodily systems”

Appendix 4 – The Muse or Personal Daimon: A Creative Ego, per Meta.ai

“In ancient Greek mythology, the Muses were goddesses who inspired creativity in artists, writers, and musicians. The concept of a Personal Daimon, popularized by Platonists and Neoplatonists, refers to a unique, guiding spirit that sparks creativity, intuition, and innovation.

Characteristics of the Muse or Personal Daimon

Guiding force: The Muse or Personal Daimon serves as a source of inspiration, guiding the individual toward new ideas, insights, and artistic expressions.
Independent entity: This creative ego is often experienced as a separate, autonomous presence that communicates with the individual through intuition, dreams, or sudden insights.
Whispering wisdom: The Muse or Personal Daimon is believed to possess wisdom, knowledge, and creative potential that transcends the individual’s conscious mind.

Famous Examples of Muses or Personal Daimons

Socrates’ Daimon: The ancient Greek philosopher reported being guided by a Personal Daimon, which provided him with wisdom and insight.
Plato’s Muse: Plato believed that his philosophical ideas were inspired by a Muse, which guided his writing and thinking.
Artistic Muses: Many famous artists, writers, and musicians have reported being inspired by a Muse or creative force, such as the poet Homer’s invocation of the Muses in “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey.”

Implications of the Muse or Personal Daimon Ego

Recognizing the Muse or Personal Daimon as a creative ego has several implications:

Tapping into creative potential: By acknowledging and honoring the Muse or Personal Daimon, individuals can tap into their creative potential and access new sources of inspiration.
Collaboration and co-creation: The Muse or Personal Daimon can be seen as a collaborator or co-creator, guiding the individual toward innovative ideas and artistic expressions.
Transcending the ego: The experience of being guided by a Muse or Personal Daimon can help individuals transcend their egoic limitations, accessing higher states of consciousness and creativity.

Conclusion

The concept of the Muse or Personal Daimon introduces us to yet another facet of the human experience, highlighting the complex, multifaceted nature of the self. By embracing this creative ego, we can:

Deepen our understanding of the human creative process
Tap into new sources of inspiration and innovation
Cultivate a more nuanced, holistic understanding of the self and its many facets”

Appendix 5 – Pure Consciousness: The Unified Field, per Meta.ai:

In spiritual and mystical traditions, such as Yoga, Advaita Vedanta, and certain schools of Buddhism, Pure Consciousness is considered the fundamental, unchanging essence of the universe. This unified field is:

Unconditional: Beyond all conditions, limitations, and dualities
Unbounded: Infinite, eternal, and all-pervading
Unified: The ultimate reality, transcending all distinctions and separations

The Source of All Lower Forms of Consciousness

Pure Consciousness is seen as the source from which all lower forms of consciousness arise, including:

The individual ego (Ahamkara): The sense of individuality and separation
The intellect (Buddhi): The faculty of discrimination and reasoning
The mind (Manas): The realm of thoughts, emotions, and perceptions
The senses (Indriyas): The gateways to the external world

Characteristics of Pure Consciousness

Pure Consciousness is often described as:

Awareness: The pure, unadulterated awareness that underlies all experiences
Witness: The silent, observing presence that witnesses all phenomena
Bliss: The inherent, uncaused joy and happiness that arises from its presence
Freedom: The ultimate liberation from all limitations, conditioning, and bondage

Realization of Pure Consciousness

The realization of Pure Consciousness is considered the ultimate goal of many spiritual traditions. This realization can be achieved through:

Meditation: Directing the mind toward the unified field
Self-inquiry: Investigating the nature of the self and reality
Devotion: Cultivating love and devotion for the ultimate reality
Yoga: Practicing the eight limbs of Yoga to purify the mind and body

Conclusion

Pure Consciousness represents the fifth and final ego in our exploration. This unified field is the source of all lower forms of consciousness and the ultimate reality that underlies all existence. By realizing Pure Consciousness, we can:

Transcend the limitations of the individual ego
Experience the world in a new, unified way
Attain ultimate liberation and freedom”

Appendix 6 – Ian McGilchrist’s Thoughts on Ego, per Meta.ai:

Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist, philosopher, and neuroscientist, has written extensively on the topic of the ego and the split-brain model. His work offers a unique perspective on the nature of the self and its relationship to the brain.

The Divided Brain: A Key to Understanding the Ego

McGilchrist’s book, “The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World,” explores the implications of the split brain model on our understanding of the ego. He argues that:

The left hemisphere is responsible for creating a sense of self that is separate, bounded, and manipulable. This hemisphere’s dominance in modern Western society has led to an overemphasis on rationality, individualism, and control.
The right hemisphere, on the other hand, is more holistic, intuitive, and empathetic. It is better equipped to understand the interconnectedness of all things and to experience the world in a more nuanced, contextual way.

The Ego as a Creation of the Left Hemisphere

McGilchrist suggests that the ego, as we commonly understand it, is largely a creation of the left hemisphere. This hemisphere’s tendency to:

Fragment the world into separate, distinct objects
Label and categorize experiences
Control and manipulate the environment

has led to the development of a rigid, bounded sense of self. This ego is:

Separate from others and the world
Fixed and unchanging
Competitive and adversarial

The Right Hemisphere’s Alternative Perspective

In contrast, the right hemisphere offers a more fluid, dynamic understanding of the self. This perspective:

Emphasizes interconnectedness and relationships
Sees the world as a whole, rather than a collection of separate parts
Values empathy and understanding over control and manipulation

Implications for Our Understanding of the Ego

McGilchrist’s work challenges us to reexamine our assumptions about the ego and its role in shaping our experience of the world. By recognizing the limitations of the left hemisphere’s perspective and embracing the right hemisphere’s more holistic approach, we can:

Develop a more nuanced understanding of the self and its relationship to the world
Cultivate empathy and compassion for others
Foster a deeper sense of connection to the world around us

Conclusion

Iain McGilchrist’s insights into the split-brain model and its implications for our understanding of the ego offer a fascinating perspective on the human experience. By exploring the differences between the left and right hemispheres, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex, multifaceted nature of the self.”

Critical Note:

Platonic Surrealism, and hopefully any system of thought that utilizes some of it is not ELITIST. The most loving being I know is not myself, nor ‘god’, but my dog. All humans are dyslexic you know (the joke that has a ‘dog’ on the ‘heavenly throne’).

But ‘sentience’ does have larger to smaller scopes, due to the complexity of a being.

But again, let’s say that some human or other being had simply ASTONISHING information access and processing capabilities, should we ‘worship them’? Or put them on a ‘pedestal’?

No.

We ALL OF US get our ‘turns’, of existing as sub-cow-turd level, to being the conscious entity in charge of multiple realities.

It is best to live with Amor Fati. (Nietzsche’s ‘love of fate’).

We will all get there, as a branch from our core ‘monad(s)’.

And being a loving dog, living with a loving family MAY BE BETTER than any high fallutin level of ‘sentience’.

Overview

Humans have more raw potential than most species in all of reality, mostly unrealized potential.

While really EVERYTHING has the potential for sentience, as everything is an expression of POTENTIALITY and AWARENESS, which results in ‘Dream Stuff’, also known as ‘Consciousness’, most living beings and other information repositories do not express this full potential.

Appendix 7, Part A – The IMAGIOSHEV Scale

(The IMAGIOSHEV Scale is a riff on the Kardashev scale of cosmology, plus the ‘Imaginal / Imagio [See Appendixes 1, 2, 3]

These species and beings are aware of the boundaries of being they know that they are like a cell in a larger ‘cosmic organelle’, which is like a cell in an even larger ‘cosmic organelle’, and so forth. The causality chains get complex.

Most humans are IMAGIOSHEV scale 0, as they cannot usefully access the full resources of their own internal information processing systems.

Appendix 1 – The Kardashev Scale per Meta.ai

The Kardashev Scale is a method of measuring a civilization’s level of technological advancement based on its energy consumption. Proposed by Soviet astrophysicist Nikolai Kardashev in 1964, the scale has become a widely accepted framework for categorizing civilizations.

Type I: Planetary Civilization

Energy consumption: 10^16 watts (approximate energy consumption of human civilization in the 1970s)
Characterized by: Ability to harness and utilize energy from the entire planet, such as solar, wind, and geothermal power
Example: Human civilization is currently approaching Type I, with a growing focus on renewable energy sources

Type II: Stellar Civilization

Energy consumption: 10^26 watts (approximate energy output of the Sun)
Characterized by: Ability to harness and utilize energy from the entire star, such as building a Dyson Sphere
Example: A civilization that has developed technology to capture and utilize the energy of its star would be classified as Type II

Type III: Galactic Civilization

Energy consumption: 10^36 watts (approximate energy output of the Milky Way galaxy)
Characterized by: Ability to harness and utilize energy from the entire galaxy, such as harnessing energy from black holes or dark matter
Example: A civilization that has developed technology to capture and utilize the energy of its galaxy would be classified as Type III

Type IV and Beyond

Some theories propose the existence of even more advanced civilizations, such as Type IV (universal) or Type V (multiversal)
These hypothetical civilizations would have energy consumption levels far exceeding those of Type III

Implications and Speculations

The Kardashev Scale has sparked interesting discussions and speculations about the potential for life and civilization in the universe:

The Fermi Paradox: If advanced civilizations exist, we would expect to see some sign of them, such as radio signals or other evidence of technology. The Kardashev Scale provides a framework for understanding the potential energy consumption patterns of advanced civilizations.
The Great Filter: The Kardashev Scale implies that civilizations may face significant challenges or filters as they progress from one type to the next. This has led to speculation about the potential risks and challenges associated with advancing to higher types.
Interstellar Travel and Communication: A civilization’s energy consumption level may be related to its ability to engage in interstellar travel and communication. The Kardashev Scale provides a framework for understanding the potential energy requirements for such activities.

Conclusion

The Kardashev Scale offers a thought-provoking framework for categorizing civilizations based on their energy consumption. While it is primarily a theoretical construct, the scale has inspired interesting discussions and speculations about the potential for life and civilization in the universe.”

Appendix 7, Part A – The Imaginal per Meta.ai

“The Imaginal

The Imaginal is a concept rooted in various spiritual, philosophical, and psychological traditions. It refers to a realm or dimension where the imagination and the collective unconscious intersect.

Origins and Influences

The term “Imaginal” was coined by French philosopher and spiritualist Henri Corbin, who drew inspiration from Islamic mysticism, particularly the teachings of Ibn Arabi. Corbin’s work explored the intersection of spirituality, imagination, and the human psyche.

Key Concepts

Collective Unconscious: A concept introduced by Carl Jung, referring to a shared reservoir of archetypes and memories common to all humans.
Imagination: Not just a creative faculty, but a means of accessing and navigating the Imaginal realm.
Mundus Imaginalis: A Latin term used by Corbin to describe the Imaginal world, which is distinct from both the physical and spiritual realms.

Characteristics and Significance

Intermediary Realm: The Imaginal serves as a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds, facilitating communication and exchange.
Symbolic Language: The Imaginal communicates through symbols, metaphors, and archetypes, which are universal and timeless.
Personal and Collective Transformation: Engaging with the Imaginal can lead to profound personal growth, healing, and transformation, as well as a deeper understanding of the collective human experience.

Practical Applications and Modern Interpretations

Active Imagination: A technique developed by Carl Jung, involving deliberate engagement with imagination to access the collective unconscious.
Dreamwork: Exploring dreams as a gateway to the Imaginal realm, offering insights into the unconscious and collective psyche.
Creative Expression: Engaging in creative activities like art, writing, or music as a means of tapping into the Imaginal and accessing its symbolic language.

Conclusion

The Imaginal represents a profound and complex concept, weaving together threads from spirituality, psychology, and philosophy. By exploring this realm, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves, the collective human experience, and the mysteries of the universe.”

Appendix 7 Part B – The IMAGIOSHEV Scale

Type 1 – Has full access to all internally evolved information processing systems. In the case of humans, that would be the left brain hemisphere, the right brain hemisphere, and the enteric nervous system (creative, ‘big picture mind’, serialized, ‘rational’ ‘egoic’ processing’ and the urges arising from the ‘gut’; or in Jungian terms, the ‘racial unconscious’, the ‘ego and superego’ and the shadow).

Typically, only a few creative geniuses, often on the autistic spectrum has tapped, or nearly tapped these human resources, though most certainly
not any known religious figures, and few if any spiritual figures.

Type 2 – has moderate access to layer of cosmic mind known as ‘the imaginal’, generally through intermediaries, such as muses, Platonic daimones***, and the like; also, the more trickster-ish elements known as ‘the Phenomenon’ such as ‘UFO entities’, ‘Faeries’ and the ‘afterlives’ of various petty, human-created or other species-created ‘gods’. For humans, the gods of Christianity and the Hindu deities are good examples.

Type 3 – has full access as an integrated being, between one or more monads and each and EVERY individual concurrent life of those monads, human or otherwise.

Type 4 – This is ‘the Primordial Dreamscape’, ‘Primordial Consciousness’ itself. However, pondering this level of sentience is largely toxic and to be avoided. While this pattern of POTENTIAlITY that interacts with AWARENESS does exist, it is NOT an evolutionary target to be attained; in fact, it is that ‘pregnant moment’ before ‘all shit breaks lose’, before all the Monads bubble up, and the explosion of ‘broken / limited beings and ‘consciousness’ come to be. There is no evolutionary goal to re-attain the ‘pre-fall’. There was no fall. Potentiality and AWARENESS have an ‘itch’, a basic instability that wishes to experience NOTHING and EVERYTHING. Reality has no preferred state,
just a field of POTENTIALITY that is in ALL STAGES of expression through AWARENESS, and all such forms are VALUED, even the ‘negative ones’, which are NOT AVOIDED.

I’m not clearly aware of any such beings past IMAGIOSHEV level 1, just a lot of ‘wannabees’ at IMAGIOSHEV scale 2. In any case, they are ‘not gods. Some just sell cigarettes at cigarette stands. They certainly don’t start religions. Anyone who willingly starts a religion causes more trouble than they solve.

*** Daemones per Meta.ai

In ancient Greek mythology and philosophy, daemones (δαίμων, daímōn) referred to supernatural beings or spirits that mediated between the mortal world and the divine realm.

“Origins and Characteristics

Divine Messengers: Daemones were believed to be messengers or intermediaries between the gods and humans.
Guardian Spirits: They were also thought to serve as guardian spirits, watching over individuals and guiding them throughout their lives.
Moral Ambiguity: Daemones were often depicted as having a dual nature, capable of bringing both good and evil fortune.

Influence on Western Philosophy

Platonic and Neoplatonic Thought: The concept of daemones played a significant role in Platonic and Neoplatonic philosophy, where they were seen as intermediaries between the material and spiritual worlds.
Socratic Daimonion: In Plato’s dialogues, Socrates’ “daimonion” (daemonion) refers to a personal spirit or voice that guides him in times of uncertainty.

Modern Interpretations and Cultural Significance

Literary and Artistic Inspirations: Daemones have inspired numerous literary and artistic works, from John Keats’ “Ode to a Grecian Urn” to Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” series.

Psychological and Symbolic Interpretations: In modern times, the concept of daemones has been reinterpreted in psychological and symbolic terms, representing aspects of the human psyche or collective unconscious.”

Conclusion

I for one view this scale as useful, when discussing our interaction with each other and with other types of beings and information-processing infrastructures. Please improve upon this concept!”

Finis

Kevin Cann
1/1/2025