Space Hex: The Curse of Restlessness in Worldviews of Perpetual Escape
Jun 24, 2020
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This podcast explores humanity's obsession with leaving planet earth and the mythologies of restlessness. It discusses the contrast between space exploration and global problems, the restless nature of the human mind, the concept of escape mistaken for spirituality, and the importance of sitting with what is. It also explores the symbolism of the moon, the power of love, and the true pilgrimage.
48:11
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Quick takeaways
The obsession with space exploration and transcendence stems from a deep restlessness within the human mind, always seeking something beyond the present moment.
The pursuit of transhumanism and technological advancements as a means to escape humanity and achieve immortality is a manifestation of restlessness and dissatisfaction with being human.
Deep dives
The Obsession with Space Exploration: A Restless Journey
The podcast episode explores the increasing obsession with space exploration and the desire to transcend planet Earth. It questions the rationale behind spending billions of dollars on reaching outer space while ignoring pressing issues on Earth such as global problems, environmental concerns, and social inequality. The episode highlights the harmful effects of space launches on the environment, including carbon emissions and the depletion of resources. It argues that this obsession is rooted in a deep restlessness of the human mind, always seeking something beyond the present moment. The episode delves into mythological perspectives, contrasting the human restlessness to the custodial worldview of certain cultures. It ultimately questions the need to escape from Earth instead of finding glory and fulfillment within the cycles of nature and the present moment.
The Illusion of Progress and Transhumanism
The episode critiques the modern concepts of progress and humanism, noting how they are increasingly focused on divorcing humanity from nature and seeking superiority over it. It highlights the pursuit of transhumanism, where technological advancements are used to alter and control human existence, leading to an obsession with the supernatural. The episode argues that this pursuit of disembodied consciousness and immortality through technology is a manifestation of restlessness and dissatisfaction with being human. It contrasts this with the wisdom of ancient traditions that emphasize the interconnectedness of humans with the natural world and the importance of finding fulfillment in the present rather than pursuing elusive futures.
The Curse of Restlessness and the Need to Sit Still
The episode explores the curse of restlessness that plagues the human mind and its constant need to move forward. It draws connections between the restlessness of the mind and the need for consummation and fulfillment, often sought through external journeys and accomplishments. The episode discusses various spiritual traditions, such as Zen and tantric practices, that emphasize the importance of stillness, mindfulness, and finding contentment within oneself. It challenges the notion that progress and constant movement are the keys to fulfillment, suggesting that true glory and fulfillment can be found by embracing the present moment and appreciating the natural cycles of life.
The Search for Glory and the Kingdom of Presence
The episode reflects on the concept of glory and its true meaning, highlighting the misinterpretation of glory as a fleeting feeling or human accomplishment. It argues that glory exists within the infinite expressions of the universe, the interconnectedness of nature, and the cycles of life and death. The episode emphasizes the importance of finding glory in the simple joys of existence, such as breaking bread with loved ones, marveling at the moon, and witnessing the beauty of the natural world. It questions the need to seek glory through external achievements and journeys, suggesting that true glory resides in embracing the present and recognizing the divine in everyday life.
"We don’t go to other planets because our planet is dying. Our planet dies, specifically because we perpetually want to go somewhere else." Today on the podcast, welook at humanity’s increasing obsession with transcending planet earth, in the context of the mythologies of human restlessness. How human beings, whether through certain religious visions of transcendence, or through the increasing transhuman and supernatural focus of modern science, are ultimately looking to be anywhere but right here, with ourselves, in nature. This misplaced spiritual drive, in which we perpetually seek wholeness out there, when wholeness ultimately lives right here, has been the subject of some of our most central stories about ourselves. Many in fact, have seen it as… a primordial curse.
