THINK
The ability to critically question, and a path to personal evolution
As I have discussed both here and on the Substack Notes feature, I am continuing forward with the posting of ‘Pages” from my upcoming book (which I plan to release sometime this year, one way or another; more on that in the ‘After-Thoughts’). This ‘Page’ lays out part of my methodology for pursuing ‘personal evolution.’
It is not a terribly complex methodology, truth be told, though it is oft challenging for many to practice. And to drop even more truth? Though I am the one who quantified the exercise found within this Page, I still slip and tumble from time to time… to time.
Everything is a process, yes? We all have baggage to unpack to get to where we want to be, and I am no different than anyone else in that regard.
Before when get into the ‘Page’ itself, let us first tackle the word ‘evolution,’ because - thanks to Charles Darwin’s still-curious observations - the meaning has been clouded. The first recorded use was actually over 300 years before that ‘scientist’ went meandering about the coastal byways, with its initial definition being far more simple: “One of a set of prescribed movements.”
Of course, as with all things passing through time and use, the meaning of ‘evolution’ was… well, it evolved. It can now be applied, in general terms, to the process of ‘progression,’ with paradigms both macro and micro.
In the vein of the latter, when it is employed to describe an individual’s path to wisdom? At that moment, ‘evolution’ can assume a much deeper, more esoteric meaning.
That is how I am utilizing it here, although in this realm I tend to think of it more as willful evolution; how you see it, however, will be based on your own unique experiences.
As already noted, the next section is a ‘Page’ from the upcoming book; as such, it is my personal canon on the subject.
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THE PAGE OF EVOLUTION
(Providence) bestows upon every species unique tools for survival and evolution; for us, that tool is the mind. This is the spring of the will, as our capacity to grow in reason and wisdom is the most vital endowment we receive. It grants us the means to evolve - both temporally and spiritually - beyond what nature and nurture has provided.
The best means to honor (Providence) for this gift is to actually USE it - to learn and think, and with vigor. Indeed, a mind exercised grows strong and healthy, while an idle mind will atrophy into uselessness. By striving to learn all you can - challenging your own parameters while never sinking into the mire of rubbish - and thinking about what you have learned you strengthen your mental state, and evolve.
The key to processing new knowledge is this: Accept not on witless faith, yet dismiss not without careful consideration. Maintain a clear, active mind at all times, keeping it vibrant through methods natural and medicinal, spiritual and clinical. Collect knowledge as your abilities allow, and question that which defies sense, that you protect yourself from cultish platitudes which can enslave a mind and Koa (soul).
Question. Question ardent pronouncements of self-proclaimed masters and gurus, question suspect assertions from academia and science, question the antiquated, the narratives and histories created... question, until you validate the answers received. If you cannot reconcile said-answers with basic sense and knowledge and instincts, cast them aside as folly. This is the path of evolution.
To question is to - again - THINK, beyond the barriers established by the Elect or the Masses or your upbringing. Be not as the 'open-minded' or 'closed-minded,' for they are equal partners in foolishness, with both having abdicated the burden of thought. Only those who are ‘active-minded’ are constantly learning and evolving, thus keep your mind dynamic and sharp, attuned with (Providence) and free of all forms of poison.
Forget not that this is an ‘active’ path. It is not to be engaged by the intellectually or spiritually lazy, for those who expect their happiness, salvation, or enlightenment to be served to them without effort shall remain ever hollow. To get what you give, you must actually ‘give.’
As such… give. Learn. Question. Think. Discern. And evolve.
Constantly on-the-go and don’t have time to read? You can now listen to every story I post here on The Stone Age - grab the Substack app, open an article, and press ‘play.’
After-Thoughts
As with many of my beliefs and practices, I make no claim that this is new, nor revealed, knowledge. With that noted, to my understanding no other path has encapsulated these concepts into a spiritual framework, in the same manner as above. As I have not explored every discipline throughout all the histories of history, it is possible I am in error with this assertion; if so, my apologies to whomever I have failed to acknowledge.
And now, my usual boilerplate: As I remain committed to brevity when writing about subjects grand to minute, the ‘Page’ posted here is - with deliberation - tersely written, meant to provide a foundation (and maybe a little inspiration) for willful evolution. It is a starting point for exploration; it is not, nor is it intended to be, an answer in of itself.
As for future releases of ‘Pages’ from my book project? I will continue to drop more of those over the next few weeks, and plan to release the entire collection in 2024. Or… at the rate I am going, I may just end up releasing the whole thing here on Substack; we will have to see how things go.
For now, however, we return you to regularly-scheduled shenanigans.
I have once again dropped the price of an annual subscription; it is now only $30 a year, 50% off the monthly! If you have the means, consider supporting my work with a paid membership, and if not grab a free subscription. Either way you choose, join me here!
The intuitive mind is a sacred gift, and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift, but you have not forgotten the gift.
"Indeed, a mind exercised grows strong and healthy, while an idle mind will atrophy into uselessness."
Apt description of the US public education K-12 curriculum. :-(