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42 Gold Level Conclusions

42 Haiku

Part 1: Philosophy

1

We all face a dilemma that our beliefs arise due to causality or out of chaos, so they are not necessarily true, yet we choose to seek the truth; so we must accept the uncertainty, that our choice is a leap of faith, so we must allow for diversity, respecting others informed opinions, reason about faith and have faith in reason.

Causal?  Chaotic?

Knowing is a dilemma.

Truth!  Diversity!

2

The universe could be all one, unchanging, or impermanent; but we classify it into events in time and space, separating our internal mental events from external reality, assigning links between events, and we use language to think and talk about them; but for some experiences words fail and we can revel in the mystery.

Our Reality!

Impermanent?  Unchanging?

Wordless mystery.

3

There is no credible reason or evidence to believe in any transcendent god(s) or the supernatural, or any “force” we can tap into that is immanent in the universe and is the source of goodness; and even if there were, that still doesn’t provide an ultimate meaning or purpose for existence itself, so we live with natural reality.

No transcendent god.

The Unknown is NOT goodness.

No immanent god.

4

Mental events are physical events, our minds and our consciousness are our brains working, physical processes subject to the natural laws of the universe, causal or chaotic: there are other minds like us, but no spirits, no soul, no reincarnation, no ‘transcendental’ free will, yet we struggle on and value this life.

No life after death

makes this Life!

much more precious.

We join the struggle.

5

Goodness comes from within, when we choose, despite the dilemmas, to follow our natural compassion, sense of duty, or enlightened self-interest; we accept personal responsibility in ourselves and others, and join with society to establish a system of justice tempered by mercy, based on the practical outcomes as well as the intent.

We must choose our path,

Love! Responsibility!

and Equality!

6

Beauty , art, music, literature and culture in general, arises from our shared human nature, our sense of wonder at the universe, our innate desires for self-expression and to communicate with others, shaped by our environment, our geography, families and histories; and we can debate endlessly about what is good or bad art.

Expressing ourselves,

communicating culture,

Beauty emerges!

Part 2: Science

7

Science investigates nature to develop shared explanations and models of how things work, by reasoning about the evidence and openly debating the process, results and conclusions; but science doesn’t give us core values, what we should do; rather it helps us to know what actions are skilful and practical to achieve our aims.

Science is what works,

by evidence and reason

- but some is rubbish.

8

No-philosophy, science or religion can explain the mystery of existence itself, but science explains how the universe evolved after the big bang, how the fundamental forces like gravity and electromagnetism evolved, matter emerged from the primal energy, how the elements formed, how galaxies arose and stars began to shine.

Start with the Big Bang.

Religion knows no better.

Stars began to shine.

9

Our Sun and its planets – including Earth – and the Moon developed from clouds of gas and dust left over after other stars exploded, and now we can explain night and day, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, mountains, the air, winds, rain, rivers, oceans, continents, tides, seasons, weather and different climates.

The Sun, Earth and Moon,

land, sea, air and their cycles,

formed out of star dust.

10

Science is working out how life began, how simple chemical processes formed local cycles, how copies of these formed, how other molecules enclosed these processes to form living cells, with photosynthesis (which made atmospheric oxygen) and respiration capturing energy for the cells, and how cells became more complex.

Simple molecules,

complex processes, then cells:

life gives oxygen.

11

Life diversified, from single cells to multicellular plants and animals; various animal species evolved into predators and prey; some acquired nervous systems, giving rise to pleasure and suffering; some species evolved into males and females, acquiring sexual drives, and some evolved cooperation to support individual survival instincts.

More diversity,

Sexual reproduction,

Pain and suffering.

12

Apes in East Africa evolved into a variety of early humans, walking upright, with little hair, opposable thumbs, big brains, sexes that were similar in stamina and ability, using tools for hunting and gathering; who spread over Africa and Eurasia, but these early humans were eventually replaced by homo sapiens sapiens – us.

Hominids from apes,

Less hair, long legs, bigger brains

Like birds, using tools.

13

Science is developing explanations of how humans evolved into emotional, thinking, conscious, tool making, singing, talking hunter gatherers, with moral and spiritual feelings, an innate calculus of right and wrong; how xenophobia, racism, sexuality and sexism evolved, and how we can control our ‘primitive’ nature.

Singing without words,

talking hunter-gatherers,

help some, fear others!

Part 3: History

14

History aims to describe humanity’s past and identify trends into the future by reasoning about the evidence, like science, and openly debating the process and conclusions, but there is a lot of biased, oversimplified or plainly bogus history designed to promote one nation or group over another and we must be wary of it.

History seeks trends

from evidence and reason,

- but some is rubbish!

15

Humans spread out of Africa into Eurasia, Australia, the Americas and many islands, adapting to but also changing their new environments, developing farming sooner in areas where plants and animals were easier to domesticate, in Eurasia and New Guinea, later in the Americas and Africa, and only partially in Australia.

Out of Africa,

people occupied the world,

farming where they could.

16

Farmers began to produce surplus which allowed societies to support rulers, priests, trades and craft workers and merchants, and early civilisations adopted different solutions to local problems, developing technology, trade, counting, arithmetic, taxation, money, writing, legal systems, religion and philosophy.

Farmers surplus brings

rulers, tax and bureaucrats,

more technology.

17

Societies developed government differently regarding centralized control, nepotism or meritocracy, accountability and the rule of law; and knowledge spread between some societies but not others; and many collapsed as they failed to address social or environmental challenges due to selfish, narrow minded, short sighted elites.

States can rise and fall,

overstretch their resources,

feud within themselves.

18

Western Europe adapted Asian technology to colonise the nearby Americas, then much of the rest of world, accidentally spreading Eurasian diseases, exploiting local allies who sided with the invaders, exploiting the Atlantic slave trade, capitalising on technological advantages and developing industrial superiority.

Western Europe rose,

due to their geography,

spreading diseases.

19

Communications sped up, science and technology advanced, human rights abuses were being exposed, racist and sexist explanations of social differences were disputed, slavery was abolished, colonialism collapsed, progress towards women’s equality began and more democratic government is evolving.

Communications,

still spreading around the world,

increase human rights!

20

Now free market capitalism has triumphed over communism we have excessive consumption, nations struggling to control complex financial systems, population growth and increasing pollution per head threatening our environment, and a risk of a collapse of global society, unless we devise strategies to fix these issues.

More consume lots more,

Risking all humanity.

Hope is still valid.

Part 4: Religion

21

Religions address our ultimate meaning and purpose, who and what we are, our origins, suffering and how we are to live, by providing narratives and role models demonstrating or prescribing certain values, but these must be interpreted in the light of other truths, so religion is more of a practice than a set of dogmatic beliefs.

Practice religion,

With little faith, more reason.

Avoid the rubbish.

22

Many religions see god everywhere in nature (pantheism) or have many gods (polytheism), and some of these continue today (Shamanism, Shinto and Yoruba); we can enjoy their stories that help us connect with the natural world and explore our values, but we must leave aside supernatural aspects and bad science.

Gods were everywhere,

in early societies.

Keep close to nature!

23

In the great Eastern religions we see insights into nature’s unity, the illusion of the self, the way of mindfulness, non-violence, compassion, duty, seeking truth via personal development, from teachers rather than saviours, and we can leave aside the bad science and beliefs in spirit ancestors, reincarnation, karma and nirvana.

Classification,

Hides unity, fills our minds.

See the illusion!

24

In the great Western religions we can see the notions of universal rights and social justice, social service and aiding the needy, and some inspiring stories; and we can put aside the bad science, horrific stories, evil rules, supernatural god(s), heaven and hell, original sin, the baseness of the flesh and the need for redemption.

One god can’t be found.

Leave the silly stuff behind.

Do good to others!

25

Criticism led some Christians and Muslims to fundamentalism; others adopted political, religious-like, ideologies like Communism and Americanism; philosophy moved towards atheism; some, like the existentialists, essentially ignored god, or, like ‘New Agers’, reinvented pantheism; but we must all get along peacefully!

Let go the false gods.

Avoid the path of despair.

Learn what to value.

Part 5: Art and Culture

26

The best art and culture uses all appropriate techniques to provoke new experiences, and emotional responses that lead to insight or express the otherwise inexpressible, adding to the universal narrative and embellishing our roles in it, but art must be authentic, honest in the intent behind its creation, display and consumption.

Expression is good;

communication better.

Authenticity is all.

27

The media must provide authentic communication – balanced news, current affairs and entertainment – that reflects our best knowledge, accepting responsibility for its overall effect; as consumers we must be more informed and discriminating; and the media must be regulated to promote truth and diversity.

Media pervades,

shaping or distorting views.

Just tell us the truth.

Part 6: Personal Practice

28

We make consistent, coherent, compassionate choices that reflect our values: core values reflect choices about philosophical dilemmas; effecting values reflect choices based on science and history about what is effective; our experience and understanding of the best of religion, art and culture help to express our values.

Being coherent,

Choices reflect our values.

Avoid the rubbish!

29

From moment to moment, we are continually making existential choices based on our situation, experience, knowledge, planning ability and feelings, and we are more effective, happier and fulfilled if we our choices are authentic, integrated and consistent, realistically addressing our physical, mental and social needs.

Choose based on reason,

keeping touch with emotions.

Integrate your life!

30

We need to learn how to look after our bodies, to eat well, exercise, maintain personal hygiene, to identify sensible medical advice and then follow it; to support public health measures, medical research and education, evidence based medicine and providing medical services, to all people, at all stages of life.

Eat well!  Exercise!

Try for us all to enjoy

universal health.

31

All personal relationships must be based on the truth, openness to those affected, respect, responsibility and consent; especially sexual relations, with their potential for ecstasy and union, but also for insecurities, selfish drives and hurt; but otherwise how people share themselves with each other is their concern only.

Learn to love others,

doesn't matter how or who.

Be open and true.

32

Family relationships, growing up with parents and siblings, raising children, and supporting elderly parents can be an immense joy and/or a huge trial, but must be based on respect, compassion and responsibility, with the added ties of kinship, shared history and indirect, reciprocal social duties, and we must avoid abuse.

Family support,

despite all the dynamics,

is most fulfilling.

33

Except for a very few, community involvement is fulfilling (in daily commerce, paid and voluntary work, sporting groups, civil society and community festivals), but must be based on core values such as truth, compassion, responsibility and equality, reflected in professional ethics, courtesy, and consideration.

Be true to yourself.

In your work and social life

be fair to others.

34

People vary in their ability to have and to value spiritual experiences and ritual practices, which we can interpret in the light of everything we have learned; but we all sometimes feel a sense of awe, wonder or unity with life and the universe that helps overcome our sense of insignificance, powerlessness and the fear of death.

Watch your inner self,

the mystery and the joy.

Seek to be content!

Part 7: Politics

35

Politics attempts to resolve differences by talking and compromise rather than fighting; our political goals and methods must be based on our personal values, so opposition to all oppression and inappropriate discrimination is fundamental; science and history help us to work out what is most skilful to achieve our aims.

Politics brings peace.

Acknowledge what we all share.

Don’t spout more rubbish.

36

Mixed, managed economies are best: controlled capitalism, market regulation, well targeted social welfare, Keynesian and monetarist policies to maintain a stable currency and employment, avoiding moral hazard and government and corporate corruption, government control of natural monopolies and essential services.

Business must be fair.

Mixed economy is best.

Manage your impact.

37

Democratic government promotes human happiness and well-being, by supporting freedom of expression in a secular, pluralist society, legal equality, the rule of law, accountability, and exhilarating diversity, and it must be spread to all countries and all attempts to improperly exploit or diminish democracy must be resisted.

Seek democracy,

rule of law, free and fair votes,

Appoint on merit!

38

Area governments are responsible within their borders for matters involving universal compliance and coercion – so they must be democratic and use minimal force – including the environment, public health, law and order, financial stability, contracts, public utilities, communications, natural monopolies and basic rights.

One law for us all!

Limits on the use of force

based on human rights!

39

The global environment must be protected to prevent a collapse of global society, by reducing birth rates and hence global population, reducing the environmental impact per person, especially in the affluent, and providing an equitable, healthy and prosperous, but sustainable, lifestyle for all peoples of the world.

Global bodies must

protect our environment,

safeguard it for all.

40

We need global non-government organizations to address global problems that don’t involve universal compliance and coercion, to counter abuses of power by area governments and big business – with its excessive influence on government and society – and to distribute global resources to the areas of greatest need.

Take global action

on global obligations.

Everyone has rights.

41

We need to foster increased understanding of these global beliefs: the process of reaching of them through reason and the evidence, clarifying the choices that reflect our values, exploring our universal narrative; by teaching children in and out of school, and promotion to adults, especially leaders, via further education and media.

Children need to learn;

Adults must learn what to teach.

Becoming aware!

Part 8: A Reasonable Way of Life

42

This understanding of philosophy, science, history, religion and art provides us with the knowledge and insight to choose a good, reasonable way of life in our personal practices and politics, which is natural, rational and evidence based, subject to change, not dogmatic, and we may or may not call this Way a religion.

A good, natural

Reasonable Global Way

is my REALigion.

Can you contribute better summary conclusions, based on reason and the evidence and life enhancing choices?

Can you create other haiku for these conclusions?

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