Human beings possess both a good and a dark side, and understanding this duality is key when examining the causes of social conflict and atrocity in war.
The concept of paradise represents a state of unself-consciousness and perfect balance between chaos and order, disrupted by the awakening of self-consciousness which introduces the limitations and vulnerabilities of human existence.
The snake in Genesis symbolizes the awakening of self-consciousness and the development of complex societies as a means to protect ourselves from and manipulate the unknown.
Deep dives
The significance of creation stories in world history
The two stories discussed in this episode - the creation story in Genesis and the story of Buddha's enlightenment - have had a profound impact on world history. These stories delve into the depth and complexity of human experience and offer valuable insights into the duality of the individual's capacity for good and evil.
The dualistic nature of the individual and its role in war
The individual is inherently dualistic, just as nature and culture are. Human beings possess both a good and a dark side, and it is important to acknowledge and understand the capacity for evil within every individual. This understanding is crucial when examining the causes and motivations behind social conflict and atrocity in war.
Paradise as a state of unself-consciousness and balance
Paradise is depicted as a state of unself-consciousness and perfect balance between chaos and order. It represents a time when human beings existed in harmony with nature and culture. However, the awakening of self-consciousness disrupts this paradise and introduces the limitations and vulnerabilities of human existence.
The transformative power of knowledge and the tree of life
The tree at the center of the world represents the structure of the nervous system and the interface between the spiritual and material domains. Its fruit symbolizes the transformative power of knowledge and information. Just as eating food nourishes and energizes the body, the ingestion of new information leads to psychological transformation and growth.
The Parallels Between Snakes and the Human Brain
Snakes have a strong influence on the human consciousness due to their ability to attract orienting reflexes and activate underlying systems in the brain. This connection has led to the association between snakes and the structure of the human brain. The snake represents the most archaic aspects of our nervous system, which govern novelty, orienting, and anxiety responses. This constant awareness of the unknown and potential threats is what makes human beings conscious.
The Impact of Self-Consciousness on Human Existence
The development of self-consciousness in human beings has brought existential terror to our consciousness. Unlike other animals, we are always aware of the unknown and the threats that surround us. This profound awareness is the result of our understanding of mortality and our potential vulnerability. However, this heightened consciousness has also motivated us to create complex societies as a way to protect ourselves from and manipulate the unknown. The story of the snake in Genesis symbolizes the awakening of self-consciousness and the ascent of humanity towards a more complex existence.
Part 1: Maps of Meaning 7 Contemplating Genesis – Starting at 0:32 Part 2: Maps of Meaning 8 Dwelling on Paradise – Starting at 27:57 Part 3: Maps of Meaning 9 Becoming A Self – Starting at 55:22 Links YouTube Video playlist Self-Authoring Programs Dr Peterson's Patreon Support Page
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