The Cosmic Tree

Dragan Glavasic

The Cosmic Tree

A profound intellectual exploration of reality and the book that will attempt to answer such rudimentary questions as: - What is philosophy? - What is life? - What is death? - Is there life after death? - Why do we exist? - Is there a god? - Who invented computers? - What is science? - How do we know if something is true? - Were we dead before we were born? - Do time and space exist? - What is the ultimate reality?

TAJD - Infinity Books Belgrade 2003

Dragan Glavasic

The Cosmic Tree 1st Edition

First published in 2003 by TAJD Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 34 11000 Beograd Yugoslavia ISBN 86-904797-1-6  Dragan Glavasic, 2003 All rights reserved.

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for Stefan

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CONTENTS Preface 1. The Quest 2. Science 3. The Compendium of Wisdom 4. Ontology and the Burden of Proof 5. The Fundamentals 6. Intellect 7. Definitions 8. Problems in Science 9. Ethics 10.The Ancient Fables Biography

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PREFACE Our relentless desire to find out the intrinsic form of reality is one of the rudimentary forces. Just like hunger or thirst, boredom and longing for knowledge are essential instincts that were innately built in us; so quest for the truth is not wasting of time or money but compliance to our prime objective and the intrinsic reason for our being here. But while food can fulfill our hunger, water can quench our thirst, entertainment could alleviate boredom: only science (especially philosophy) can provide us with adequate answers as to fulfill our quest for knowledge, thus enable us to elevate our existence to a much higher degree of excellence. Philosophy is perhaps the oldest of all sciences and the first known philosophers came from ancient Greece. However, my intentions are not to speak about the history of philosophy but rather to discuss what philosophy is, in the first part of this book, as well as what its true significance is. Finally, my intentions are also to speak on a rather important subject (in the fourth chapter), which should drastically change the way we do philosophy. Thus in effect, I’m laying the foundations for the philosophy of the future. Essentially, this book is an introduction to some of my main concerns and preoccupations--on which I have talked about and/or written extensively, ever since 1984--a carefully selected preface to my philosophy. It is an introduction to the ideas that are yet to come and/or will be elaborated in a much more profound way. This publication contains samples of my metaphysics, ontology, epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, etc and even though I did not bother to prove or elaborate, these ideas, as far as I could have: there are some significant answers to be gathered, within the confines of this work, but most of all The Cosmic Tree is providing an inkling of what is yet to come. Even though this book is written as one structurally ordered entity: still the chapters do not need to be read in any specific order… Most of these topics will be covered, to a far greater detail, in books that are yet to 5

follow. Also, it should be noted that I have already made public some of these ideas: through Internet, various writings, publications, interviews, and media or through often-lengthy discussion with various individual in USA and Europe. D.G.

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1 The Quest Long time ago and far away; K.E. Tsiolkovsky, a great Russian visionary decided to attempt the impossible: a journey into the outer space... The time was 19th century and before we could conquer the space we had to learn to fly... In 1903, two brothers, from North Carolina, invented airplane. Shortly thereafter (within few decades), a German scientist developed a completely new way to fly: the propulsion method... By the end of 1950s Russians made the first ever spaceship to venture beneath the sky, and on April 12th, 1961 Yuri Gagarin climbed into Vostok 1 and entered history as his spacecraft reached for the stars: man strolled at the ledges of eternity, looking to the other side, announcing to the universe that we are on our way; proclaiming that space age has officially begun! During the Victorian age in England (1840s), a mathematician had a dream of creating a machine that could perform tedious arithmetical calculations with ease and without mistakes. His name was Charles Babbage (1792-1871) and in his lifetime he initiated first steps toward the birth of computers. But he was years ahead of his time, and his invention (“analytical engine”) was a crude and intricate mechanical (analog) device, which could be programmed to perform rigorous mathematical operations. Meanwhile, seemingly unconcerned by most of mathematicians, in field of physics revolutionary discoveries were made. Through works of great Frenchman, Charles Coulomb (1736-1806), as well as British scientists James Maxwell (1831-79) and Michael Faraday (1791-1867) gradually the knowledge about electricity and magnetism was unraveled. Finally, later in that century, Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) made some discoveries involving electromagnetism and radio, but his most significant

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contribution was the work on alternating current and hightension electricity, which in a way have made the commercial application of electricity feasible. Henceforth, the world was ready to rediscover the forgotten dream of Babbage. His name was Zussa, a German scientist, who used binary numbers and electricity in an attempt to create the first digital computer. It was the infancy of modern age and he had to improvise, thus he relied on telephone circuit breakers to develop computer. Eventually, radio technology provided a more refined alternatives: vacuum tubes. But such technology was still excessively crude and rather limited; then World War Two finished this attempt to revive the age-old dream. At University of Pennsylvania (in 1947), two scientists finally succeeded in creating the machine that will change the world. They used vacuum tubes, binary numbers, and mathematical principles to create ENIAC: the first ever computer. The essential idea was simple: WHAT COMES NEXT, and it became the founding notion behind the machine. This first computer was extremely large. It completely filled one entire room, had 18,000 vacuum tubes connected with miles of wiring; and its power was less than of a modern hand calculator. All this new contraption could accomplish were some elementary mathematical operations. Further on, the machine would overheat frequently and constantly break down. But this was a machine like no other. All inventions, up till then, had a specific purpose in mind; but computers had unlimited realm of possibilities. Versatility of computers is the result of its remarkable structure: a large field of intricate connections (HARDWARE), which will be organized in a specific way (SOFTWARE) to perform given tasks. This, in a sense, makes one and the same hardware: a field of possibilities capable of performing various tasks. Hence, we had infinitely many different machines built in one. Initially, computer had been seen only as a device to perform some tedious arithmetical procedures; but in time, Alan Turin, a British mathematician has realized that its uses are limitless. Body of a computer is its hardware [the intricate array of connections] while its soul is software (special programs designed to run the computer). First, we have binary numbers consisting of “0” and “1” which is equivalent to circuit breakers being set either in “OFF” or

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“ON” position. Hence, computer programmers (individuals (or machines)) will use existing computer languages (like Cobol, Pascal, Basic, C, C+, Visual Basic, HTML, Fortran, Java,…) to write a set of instructions for a computer to follow. Those instructions will be translated into binary language, thus will set specific hardware (its circuits breakers) to either ON or OFF position, depending on the programmer’s instructions. By doing so the computer will be programmed to perform specific tasks: hence, it can be used to add/multiply numbers, play music, create paintings, write a letter, run a nuclear power plant, fly an airplane or spaceship; or do in general whatever the programmer has intended (and often as a direct response to specific inputs (interaction with the user or environment)). Human brain is elaborate compilation of neurons and brain cells connected in great many ways through an intricate network of nerves that are constantly connecting and rewiring themselves. Electrical flaw and chemical processes will result in a functional brain, whose task will be to perceive reality, analyze the input and attempt to make some sense of it. Additional purpose for each brain will be to devise responses to various situations or stimuli as to assure its survival and prosperity. [For that reason, it is essential that the brain, in question, defines what the self is and, overall, what are its prime objectives. Hence, most of the “primitive” minds will understand self to be only the brain (body) itself and the prime objective as egoistic tendency to benefit the self. But some enlightened individuals might perceive self, more accurately, as the Realm [the person and all the extensions he is a part of or which are a part of him], and the prime objectives as the innate needs to protect and benefit the realm; and to some limited extent, also, to achieve personal pleasure and happiness (in so far as that is beneficial to the person and his realm)…] [Failure of a live human brain to fulfill that intrinsic purpose will be generally regarded as a condition known as mental disorder, which is a way to say that the mind is inadequate or in same way malfunctioning, thus unable to accomplish the prime objective.] Computer, on the other hand, is a complex array of electric circuits and various breakers (vacuum tubes or transistors,…) all currently placed on a semi-conductor (silicon chip) then connected to TV monitor and keyboard that will help us communicate with the machine as well as enable us to see and understand its working or output.

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In a sense, human thoughts or feelings are--or could be seen as--a result of the functional brain. They are an outcome of electric and chemical processes within our cortex. From materialistic standpoint: all our feelings, thoughts, brain activity, all our mental concepts and images are a product of various neuron connections, are the result of matter’s intricate movements and subtle changes inside a functional brain. Even the feelings or notions of self, soul or existence are the products of alive brain. In comparison, all that a computer achieves to produce, from simples arithmetic addition to a complex process of independent reasoning: is a consequence of specific software within a given hardware1 that will induce particular electric pulses that might be communicated to us, through some mean (a sound or as a picture on a screen or some other way), such that our brains could make a sense of it, receive the message, achieve the communication link with the “machine”. Hence, currently (at our stage of technology) we talk to a computer--most frequently--by typing our words through keyboard; while it communicates to us through video and/or audio displays. This way we have discovered a communication channel--two way link--that allows our brains to be augmented through auxiliary powers of computers. The beginnings of the device were very humble, but in less than 45 years computers have evolved from infancy and entered the early childhood stage. Both hardware and software have been substantially improved. Silicon chips have been discovered and the size of computer hardware has shrunk to a compact size but with much greater power and potential. Complex programs also developed rather fast thus making certain that computers have come of age. First robots and artificial intelligence machines were under way and the dream of Babbage became a machine that could dream, by itself. For an extended period of time, the universe evolved into the state where, on some star systems, life was possible.2 There by a pure chance--or intricate design--DNA molecules were formed. They had amazing ability to 1

This is a rather interesting situation that could be used by the vitalists (or maybe the idealists) to imply as a possible proof for the existence of soul; because just as in the computer, there is hardware (body) and software (soul) so the same principle might be applied for humans. That is if we accept the notion that software is a kin to soul. Which I must admit is not so hard to achieve. 2 According to the theory of Big Bang. Which is, currently, most readily accepted view on the formation of the universe, by the majority of astronomers; even though the proofs for it are not overwhelming... However, this particular claim might also be compatible with other cosmological theories, as well, for instance the Stoics’ vision of Cosmos.

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replicate, make crude copies of themselves. Natural selections assured that those capable to replicate with greater accuracy survive and continue to reproduce. Periodic mutations--caused, mostly, through natural radiation or chemical interactions--eventually produced more sophisticated DNA strains, some of which would evolve into first recognizable semi-life forms: such as VIRUSES and bacteria… From those one cell primordial organism developed, by building on the basic DNA design and improvising or adding more and more information. In billions of years, those first microorganisms transformed Earth, itself. Initially, the planet atmosphere was quite different set of compounds [from the current: 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 1% argon, 0.03% carbon dioxide, and a miniscule traces of other gasses and substances]. But those first life forms have transformed the initial atmosphere--that would be poisonous to the contemporary life forms--into the present mixture. By doing so they might have sacrificed themselves for us, hence, most of those early life designs have been extinct3. But gradually, mutations among them have produced completely new forms of living beings, those that could live and prosper in oxygen abundant environment. Suddenly, life forms started to flourish, in the domain of Primordial Ocean. Some of those one-cell organisms differentiated to became plants and others went on to become animals. Both plant and animal kingdoms continued to evolve and develop into more and more sophisticated strains. For millions of years all life was within the initial environment of the ocean. But eventually, first plants ventured to the virgin land. The soil was rich with minerals and atmosphere contained carbon dioxide with great deal of sunlight. The plants adapted to these new conditions then expended all over the land, thus preparing the ground for animals to follow. [Even though most of genetic mutations are worthless, thus are readily destroyed, on rare occasions some of the mutations are beneficial and they are favored, by nature, as a mean for progress.] Insects and some lower life forms followed the plants. Eventually, amphibians ventured onto the dry land and their descendants evolved into reptiles. Birds and mammals appeared, came forth, on the scene. Primates emerged from the anachronistic dwellings and all along brains became more powerful, until, the mankind stud up: 3

The tetanus bacterium is one of those early life forms that is still present. However, since it cannot survive in oxygen, it is often to be found in rust rich environment.

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having in its cranium the most prodigious computer ever to be built: THE HUMAN MIND. Various races of men emerged, at different times and locations, all with diverse intellectual abilities. Some of those strains were extinct, perhaps in natural competition with other groups: as to assure the will of the universe is being faithfully fulfilled and that only the best fit (the most intellectual) are left to carry on. Over the time span of some 32,000 years Glorians used their brainpower to gradually learn about this universe: reading it like an open book. In a sense, it was the universe learning about itself: for all of us are made of atoms created long time ago possibly--and according to some believes--in the Big Bang and/or during supernova blasts. Soon, our precursors (the men of Vinca, followed by the ancient Greeks) discovered philosophy, mathematics and logic. Sciences evolved, revealing great deal of potent knowledge and giving us a power to create. Electricity and computers came about… For an extended period of time, this glorious cosmic domain collected and transmuted the acquired knowledge in molecules known as DNA. Then the universe discovered a way to transmogrify some of its parts into a form of live organism with brain, as an organ that could perceive and analyze, at least some fragments of over all structure. Some of those brains had sufficient power to incorporate memory. [Natural selection assured that weaker minds made room for more potent ones, since truth is the power and those with greater intellect were designed, by nature, to replace or eliminate those of lesser abilities.] In time, the minds became more and more prodigious and with men they reached its current pivotal stage. Now those men created books, CDs and records of various kind, libraries and storage places to additionally collect information. Men also found various ways of storing data, developing and building diverse instruments to help us see further and deeper than ever before. For the first time, the universe-through us--could see distant galaxies, quasi-stellar radio sources, molecular designs. We constructed microscopes and telescopes. We could journey “back in time”, to the very beginning: when--according to some possibly questionable believes--“space and time” were supposedly initiated. Long ago, enlightened Greek philosopher, Democritus [c.460-c.370 B.C.] conceived the idea that this entire universe was made of particles that he called ATOMS. Now for the first time in history, of this universe, we (the

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universe), have build powerful electron microscopes that have enabled us to see those atoms! Thus the universe, through us, has evolved to a condition of consciousness were it could behold and understand more profoundly than ever before. Presently, it is our noble task to carry on this tradition of our inherited path. Our ulterior destination is toward the stars and we must comply with our prodigious mission. We are the keeper of the flame, seekers of truth and our purpose is to be the mind and the eyes of the grand cosmic structure… But the great unknown is concerning the ultimate fate of the computers. Are they destined to be our tools or perhaps our servants, with the purpose to make our job easier; or are they created to replace us [possibly in Nietzsche’s vision of Overman]. In other words, just as the initial bacteria, that lived in a sulfur rich environment, have created atmosphere rich with oxygen, a gas that was poisonous to them, thus they were extinct and replaced with life forms that thrive under current conditions: just the same, the question is, will our future be similar--will we be destined to create computers then leave, as to make a room for them (our cognitive children, our intellectual progenies) so they could carry on, in our combined service to the grand universe. All I can say, at this very moment, is: that such is unknown. Many “experts” strongly believe that is unlikely that we could ever design a computer intellectually superior to a human brain; but I tend to think that everything is possible [only some things are improbable]. Perhaps, it is conceivable that our actual purpose was to create a new life form, intellect based on silicon. Perhaps, silicon forms of life have destiny to replace carbon forms. Perhaps, such is in the grand cosmic design and our loyal purpose will be to contribute to such faithfully, just as other life forms did the same for us, in paving the road for our arrival. [Just as Nietzsche has envisioned it!] After all, it is very likely that we are only a stage in overall cosmic development, as the current universe might be only a specific state of existence in a larger scope of things. I recognize a possibility for all of that: but I also realize my eternal desire to survive and carry on, hence, I say to fellow men: OUR DESTINY IS TO EXPEND ALL OVER THIS UNIVERSE, TO CONQUER EVERY GALAXY IN SIGHT! All within our field of vision, within our grasp, is a fair gain for us to take over; and our knowledge, including our most powerful, most versatile tools--the computers--are here to aid our ascent! And if we are a

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disease on the surface of the earth [which we most likely are]: then let’s evolve to higher forms, as to enable ourselves and/or our progenies to become the absolute conquerors and ultimate rulers of the universe and beyond!

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2 Science In order to understand what philosophy is, we need first to know what science is. This way, we will be able to realize the essence of all sciences, including philosophy and their intricate relationship. In other words, science could be divided into three main and distinct categories: mathematics, physics and philosophy. Mathematics is exploring the abstract domain. That means that this particular science is dealing with imaginary world: things which are products of our minds. Further on, it studies their relationships and/or possible interactions. Some of its branches are: arithmetic, algebra, calculus, topology, geometry (Euclidian, elliptic, hyperbolic, projective, absolute, etc); probability; set theory,… Also we should note that mathematics is the most rigid or precise of all sciences. It might be also possible to include logic as one of the branches of mathematics but we could also see logic as a distinct field of philosophy or as some intermediate branch of science that is somewhere between philosophy and mathematics or perhaps as distinct rules of reason that exists independently but which affect all of science and that are incorporated in the workings of science… If we, for a moment return to the previous points of our interest, it would be possible to propose a notion that geometry studies the abstract concept of space. In that case, since I define numbers as the distances [rather then as sets, as many mathematicians would tend to see them] then arithmetic is just a branch of geometry.4 Physics is the science that deals with mater and the changes which occur in it. This means that within physics 4

Actually, I divide mathematics into three major fields: geometry (in which is included arithmetic, algebra, calculus, number theory, etc; as well as Euclidian geometry, and all other kinds of geometry), probability (in which we can include statistics), and set theory [or perhaps, it would be more correct to say “ultrafilters” together with the set theory].

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there are many branches: mechanics, optics, electricity and magnetism, acoustics, thermodynamics, nuclear, atomic, elementary particles; astronomy, cosmology, geology, chemistry, biology, anthropology, archeology, psychology, sociology, history, geography, medicine5, etc. Finally, philosophy is the first, ever, invented branch of science and it has the highest degree of freedom in its approach. That’s why it is frequently, the initial step in acquiring some knowledge; or why some of the branches of physics have first started as interests in philosophy. It can be defined as the science of reality. [Some of the branches of philosophy are: metaphysics (as the exploration of the ultimate reality), ontology (as the study of what exists and the way it exists), epistemology (as the field of philosophy which is concerned with what we know and how we know it), ethics (as the study of morality or what is right/wrong and how we are to behave), aesthetics, philosophy of mind, political philosophy, etc.] In other words, physics studies matter, mathematics studies the abstract domain, while philosophy studies reality. [Such could be interpreted that philosophy examines everything, but from a brother perspective.] Together they are science. Hence, science explores mater, reality, and abstract world. Or we can reiterate that science explores reality from three different angles; through philosophy, mathematics and physics.] Further on, science is more closely defined through scientific principle: all information should be evaluated and only that which survives the critical scrutiny could remain, but only as long as there is, at least, some evidence or some facts, or some proofs or some logic to support it. If and when there is evidence, facts, proofs or logic against a claim then the claim must be rejected, corrected (as to be in compliance with the new data) or replaced with a more appropriate claim. This is a diametrically opposite approach to religions, where supposed “facts” are given first and “written in stone” then the picture of the world is created afterwards. Or to any other non-scientific approach (where anything can be said thus accepted or denied, purely on some individual or social believes. Examples of this could be all religions (including those from the east: Hinduism, Shinto, Confucius, Tao, etc), mysticism, as well as all occult, superstitions, and so on. 5

Medicine, computer science and engineering are some of the applied branches of physics; though some of them are highly dependant on or associated with mathematics, as well.

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However the intrinsic superiority of science could be seen in the development and amazing success of Europe as well as our entire civilization. Even though, white race is the youngest race [appeared some 30-35,000 years ago in Europe (probably from the local specie of homo sapiens neanderthalensis, which was indigenous exclusively in Europe); while other races are much older (mongoloids 70,000 years and negroes some 120,000 years)] still thanks to the increased intellectual abilities thus to the invention of science we were able to discover great many things--for instance: electricity, cars, airplanes, radar, penicillin and antibiotics, submarines, nuclear power, the radio and TV--thus reach computer age and space age while other races were, still, far behind on technological and cultural scale of development. As a matter of fact, some of them were effectively, in Stone Age, while we traveled to the Moon! [Actually, all the (anthropological) evidence suggests that the indigenous inhabitants of Europe were the most intelligent and most advanced humans on this planet (especially, for the period from 40,000 years before the present up till now).]6 So the intrinsic significance of science--compared to all other means of gathering the information from our reality--is of the highest possible importance. Its invention and application for exploration of the world around us is also a sign of our intellectual superiority. Perhaps, in uncharted regions of the future, our progenies might find even better ways to harvest the knowledge, thus to realize our universe and our place in it: but for now, there is nothing better, more profound, powerful or productive than science. So there is pertinent need to heed the warning to one and all: we must stay on guard, because current society is rather belligerent toward science thus detrimental toward our genuine prosperity and progress. We live in a world where athletes are more valued and better paid than intellectuals and where various entertainers have far greater access to the masses than all philosophers combined. No need for me to mention the fact that superstitions and occult are constantly forced on gullible and intensely manipulated public through corrupt media and deviant entertainment industry; or that our education is systematically degraded thus that genuine knowledge (mathematics, chemistry, biology, etc) is insidiously 6

Richard B. Lee and Irven DeVore (Editors), Man the Hunter; (Chicago: University of Chicago, 1966)

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replaces with blatant lies and rather bizarre indoctrination (“social studies”, cultural relativism, tolerance, homosexual and feminist propaganda, etc).

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3 The Compendium of Wisdom From within dark confines Screams of inner sanctity Signifying the arrival of The long awaited birth, a

of erratic madness, reverberated conscious terrain a new dawn: cosmic tide toward Overman!

PART ONE: The Philosophers This is a rather short overview of some of the main philosophers, their concise biographies and only some of their immense intellectual achievements. 1. Hume was a Scottish philosopher. He was born in 1711 and attended Edinburgh University. Eventually he has settled down to write--dedicating his life to writing--and in due time he became one of the pivotal figures in the epoch of enlightenment. He wrote on the subjects of: ethics, mathematics, philosophy of religion, politics, metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of mind, etc. Hume was a big promoter and supporter of science and all-important adversary to all irrational. He was also a big skeptic, especially toward the notion of reason. His criticism of religions was outstanding and second to none. For instance, he claimed that it is illogical any religious claim that God is, at the same time, omnipotent, all-

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knowing and all-loving; if we take under consideration the amount of pain and suffering, which has inundated the world, thus no one that is responsible for creating it could be all those things. He also claimed that human mind can only process the information, which receives through senses, and cannot think of anything truly original. Finally, that human abilities are limited and that we can only come up with a specific number of unique ideas. David Hume died in 1776, at the age of 65. 2. Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) is alongside Plato the most influential philosopher. He was born at Stagira in Macedonia. His father, Nikomakus, was a royal physician and he belonged to a physician group, the sons of Askulapi. When Aristotle reached the age of seventeen, his father sent him to study at Plato’s Academy in Athens. Later in life, he was a tutor of Alexander the Great. He was interested in great many subjects and he extensively thought on: the nature of soul, the concept of becoming and unbecoming, ontological essence of existence, as well as metaphysics, ethics, political philosophy, etc. Most importantly he has conceived logic and the beginning of physics. 3. Descartes (1596-1650) is a French mathematician and the founding father of modern philosophy. His philosophical approach was that nothing could be taken for granted or as true until it was proven to be so. In 1618 he enlisted in the Dutch army, in order to have the leisure of thinking. Some of his main contributions are: (1) The invention of coordinate system, that is widely used in many branches of mathematics. (2) The claim that there is one and only one thing a person can be absolutely certain of, which is best stated as: “I think, therefore I am.” (3) Cartesian dualism or separation of mind and matter, in two distinct and different but otherwise interacting substances. 4. Plato is one of the most remarkable and influential philosopher, of all time, as well as one of the most original thinkers, ever. His ideas were simply astounding, such as the notion that things exist in themselves and for themselves. Actually, his thoughts have been so popular among various philosophers that, as a consequence, they have resulted in the formation of Platonism, as the school of thought, which to a great extent was based on the teachings of Plato.

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He was born in c.428 B.C. and died in c.348 B.C.. According to a legend, his family was of a rather distinguished origin, for his father, Ariston, was supposedly a descendent of Poseidon [the Greek sea god; and a brother of mighty Zeus, who was the most powerful of all gods from Olympus and the supreme deity of the Greeks]. In c.387 B.C., Plato has initiated the first ever Academy for learning in Athens (and the world). That was, in fact, the first university for the study of philosophy, mathematics, sciences, and ethics. During his lifetime, Plato has written extensively and has left us over 24 dialogues (or books). Plato was a student of Socrates while one of Plato’s best-known students was, none other than, Aristotle. The three of them were all-important figures that have singlehandedly laid the foundations for our entire culture and civilization. 5. Kant was born in Konigsberg, Germany. He had many interests and consequently wrote a number of books on various subjects: mathematics, ethics, physics, logic, metaphysics, etc. Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) is one of the best known most productive philosophers. 6. Nietzsche (1844-1900) is perhaps the most remarkable of all philosophers since his ideas are so significant or original and, most of all, such outstanding contributions to our never-ending search for truth. But the most fascinating aspect concerning this man of thought was the fact that he had several concepts7 such that each one of them could be considered a genuine masterpiece. Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche was born in Saxony, Germany and was educated at the University of Bonn, where he studied theology and classical philosophy. Earlier, in his life, he was influenced by Wagner, Schopenhauer, Kant, and Lange. Some of his most important ideas are: (1) Humans are a Disease or mankind is imperfect, in so many ways, and tremendously inundated with innate flaws thus it needs to be replaced with something better or by a higher form of life. (2) Overman is a new kind of man, the one that will eventually evolve from us [actually from the higher man, after this intermediate stage evolves from us] and he will 7

Current education system is frequently misinterpreting Nietzsche, his ideas and believes; thus he is often depicted to have said totally opposite of what his actual stand was.

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be in all respects (morally, intellectually, etc) superior to us. Overman is the goal of evolution which has not finished with the emergence of intelligence, hence will further work on refining intellect until the creation of more potent forms of cognitive entities and this innate process will culminate with the arrival of Overman. We, too, should contribute to this exalted process by striving to become the higher men that would actively work on the formation of the most superior intellectual form! Men that will exceed, in excellence, everything else; that will be perfect in every conceivable way; a being that will be the final stage in evolution and a supreme being: Overman. (3) Master Morality are moral believes that are designed to relentlessly benefit and protect the master race thus that would enable it to ascend and achieve the state of Overman. Also, or more correctly stated, it is the morality that is practiced by Overman. (4) Slave Morality is a set of defeatist, or self-destructive, practices that are detrimental for those that are practicing them. For instance, if we concern ourselves with the welfare or to protect and benefit other races, or groups which are, by their nature, competing (for survival and/or prosperity) with us and against us. Actually, slave morality are all moral believes or practices that are detrimental to us and that could result or are contributing to our selfdestruction. (5) Eternal Recurrence is a belief that each one of us will live infinitely many totally identical lives. [This ideas was first envisioned by the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras (c.582-c.500 B.C.): we shall live infinitely many identical lives and all of the universe will be totally same all those times; thus a person who reads this book, now, will do it in all of his other lives and everything else, in this universe, will also be, in every respect, identical.] (6) End of Religions or as Nietzsche said it: “God is dead!” Which actually meant that religions are obsolete and archaic structures for which Overman would have no need. After all, Overman is instead of, and much better than, god. (7) Will to Power is a philosophical view that all human actions are ultimately motivated by the innate desire to gain power and/or need to achieve superiority and control over others. All means and moral values, for the achievement of this goal, are permitted, as long as they comply to individual wishes or Overman’s standards. Also this implies that--combined with the idea of master morality--we have to be relentless in dealing with our enemies, opponents, or in getting rid of dead weight [all

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useless or degenerate entities that can slow us down on our glorious march toward Overman]. 7. Hegel is another German philosopher. He was born in 1770 and died in 1831. During his life, he worked at several European universities. His interests were in the field of religion, mind, ethics, aesthetics, logic, history, etc. Several of his books were actually compiled, by editors, who worked with the notes that his students provided. Some of Hegel’s ideas were: (1) The basic principles of morality are interconnected with the workings of the universal mind (or the universal will). (2) The actual or the real is rational and conversely, what is rational is also real, and nothing else could be real. (3) Values are the result of organization. (4) Freedom cannot or should not be separated from order.

PART TWO: Wisdom These are only some philosophical ideas and/or various schools of philosophy: 1. instrumentalism The philosophic position that ideas (such as: theories, hypothesis, laws, believes) are tools used to find answers concerning reality. Whether those ideas are true or false is not of any concern--what is important is that they are used to some end, as to create possibilities. 2. voluntarism is the belief that the will is the most fundamental and dominant factor in this universe. Also that the people have free will and that we can make independent moral decisions and/or judgments. The will is the rudimentary force that causes all changes. However, in most cases, this will is a spontaneous “blind” impulse, which has no direction or purpose. To me, however, voluntarism would make much more sense if they presented the will as some kind of innate impulse, which could very well have some ultimate purpose or ulterior direction, although this doesn’t have to be, in any way, connected with anything divine or supernatural.

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3. conventionalism Physical laws (theories, hypothesis) are conventions or short statements for organizing and explaining experiences. They cannot reveal reality as it really is but can revel how consciousness puts things in relationship, in regard to our knowledge and technological framework. 4. personalism A school of thought--very similar to idealism--which professes that person and personality are the highest forms attained in the universe. Reality is a system of persons (selves, personalities, consciousnesses, egos). Persons are keys to existence and cannot be explained in any other way. 5. objectivism World exists as it does, totally independent of our perception of it. The true facts about reality could be obtained only through our senses. 6. reductionism The claim that all fields of knowledge could be reduced to one type of methodology or to one science. For instance, chemistry, biology, psychology, etc could be seen as branches of Physics. [Reductionism is based on Aristotle’s teachings and was wide spread approach, commonly accepted and practiced by many scientists.] 7. scientism Science is (currently, at least) the only (reliable, appropriate and acceptable) method for finding the truth. 8. rationalism Reason is the prime source of knowledge. In this approach, reason is above and independent of sense data or senses. In other words, intellect (all by itself) is sufficient for finding the truth about reality. The universe (reality) follows the laws of rationality. The universe is a rationally designed system that complies with logic. 9. indeterminism Some events do not have a cause. People can make at least some moral or other decisions totally independent from outside influences, solely depending on the working of mind. 10. naturalism The universe (or nature) is the one and only reality. It is eternal and self-sufficient. There is no such thing as god or supernatural realm; nor there are

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souls, spirits, angels, poltergeist, demons, immaterial forces. 11. phenomenalism is a philosophical view which claims that only sense data could be known. We cannot know the ultimate nature of reality because our knowledge of it is limited by the data which we perceive through our senses. 12. The Stoics A school of intellectual exploration that emerged in Athens (305 B.C.) as propagated through the teachings by Zeno of Citium; as well as Socrates and Heraclitus. They proclaimed reality to be a rational entity, pervaded with consciousness. Through understanding of the workings of the universe as a whole--we learn of our place in the grand scheme of things; what is our ulterior purpose for being, including our modes for (moral) behavior. Everyone must obey the laws of the universe; and strangely enough they also believed that this implied that citizens ought to obey the laws of the country. I tend to agree with the notion in general--but I also recognize an exception in some instances, for instance if a state or a system is forcing men to violate the fundamental laws of nature then the moral duty of such men is to overthrow that government and replace it with one that will help them follow and comply with the will of the grand cosmic design. In other words, if a society relies on its enormous resources--some of which was taken from us (usually as taxes)--to brainwash and force some people to collaborate in their own genocide and the destruction of their culture then such country is inducing that group of citizens to violate the most basic laws of nature, in particular the one known as Self-Preservation Principle, thus is inadvertently compelling them to sin (against nature)! Also, they believed that each and every person must accept, with equanimity, his rightful place in the grand scheme of things; especially, since they claimed: we were predestined! Knowledge (and rational quest for it) was seen as the ultimate ingredient of good. Reason, courage, justice, and self-discipline were considered cardinal virtues, ends in themselves. [In fact, to clarify the above statement, I go so far as to assert that if a female lacks courage that is normal but if a man lacks courage then such is rather deplorable! Also, it goes without saying that any civilization which denigrates intellect--by promoting or favoring physical abilities (athletics), superstitions--is

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destined to perish, will be reduced to rubble, by the cosmic tides of progress.] Ideals of human existence are manifested though complete indifference or insensitivity to feelings or emotions (i.e. pleasure or pain)--a complete psychic detachment from mental and physical disruptions or disturbances--a state of inner tranquility. In addition to obtaining a self-sufficient form of existence, in so far as rationally fulfilling one's own duty or purpose for being: this was a road to virtuous and most rewarding life. At this point, I must intervene and insist that ideas of complying to the will of the universe and notions of asceticism might be incomparable; since, I tend to reason that we are genetically programmed to seek pleasure and avoid pain--it is nature's way to guide and instruct us in which directions to go. Hence, if we deny our capacity to experience emotions, we are cutting one of our main links, communication channels, with the Entity. Finally, they saw intellect as the essence of reality; with people as the connected islands on the everlasting continent of reason. I personally prefer to see us as brain-cells within the Absolute Mind--still this does not imply, in any way, that we ought to tolerate our enemies or that, for instance, the lions will tolerate other predators [which, in fact, they don’t!]. 13. existentialism A philosophical movement that is characterized with the following set of believes: existence precedes essence, truth is subjective, individual has no identity, universe is meaningless and absurd and has no moral rules built in it, individual has free will and their actions are unpredictable, philosophy should concern itself with human predicament. [This movement has emerged in the second part of the twentieth century, at the time when there was a concerted effort to denigrate and ultimately destroy philosophy and our entire tradition. Thus I see this destructive line of thought to be nothing more but a byproduct of a deviant society or various insidious groups with power that secretly pulled strings and encouraged or promoted such thinking and believes.] 14. The Sophists A group of ancient Greek teachers of philosophers (4th and 5th centuries BC) that were educating anyone who would pay for their services. Other philosophers have considered the Sophists something of a nuisance, immoral opportunists that would say to their students what they want to hear, or as those that would go

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to any length just to argue for the sake of argument or just to oppose and to obtain a monetary gain in the process. Some of their main ideas were: Everything is relative. There is no absolute truth. The individual is the measure of all things. The things are only that what someone says them to be or as he sees them. There is no ultimate reality beyond our senses; the world can only be known through our sensory perception and in respect to our consciousness. All our knowledge is based on our experience [empiricism]. Laws, in society, are made by those in power, in order to keep the oppressed under their rule; or laws could be made by the weak to protect themselves from the powerful. Society is a progressive development where humans elevate themselves from the sate of primitive nature, in which there was a perpetual war of each person against everyone else. Morality is manmade. Whenever a group of humans gathers to live together, morality is created as a way to define their interactions. Humans are egoistic and evil by nature. Egoism and selfinterest are the basic motivating forces. Through intellect and social conditioning, humans could become virtuous. The worth of an individual should be determined by what perfections he has achieved. 15. individualism A political theory that society exists for the sake of its individual members (the people). Political and social institutions must serve the general public, preserve and protect the rights and privileges of the citizens. 16. nihilism Knowledge cannot be obtained. Nothing is knowable! Everything is futile and pointless. Universe and life are meaningless. 17. materialism Philosophy which claims that only matter in motion exists! That is the ultimate reality. Matter and the universe do not have purpose, awareness, meaning, intelligence, goals, will, etc. There is no such thing as non-material existence. There are no such entities as god, supernatural domain, ghosts, souls, poltergeist, telepathy, spirits, demons, angels, etc. Matter is the essence or reality and all is manifestation of matter. Every change has a material cause and is happening in matter and/or as a result of matter. Matter and its activity are eternal. Matter cannot be created or destroyed, even though it

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exists in great variety of forms that can intermingle and/or interchange. 18. cyrenaics is a Greek hedonistic philosophy. It was developed by Aristippus of Cyrene. The Cyrenaics believed that the meaning of life and the ultimate purpose for our existence is for us to obtain pleasure. In other words, we should seek pleasure, at all cost and regardless if this might, latter on, result in pain or suffering. Our prime objective, according to them, is to seek and obtain pleasure. “Live for the moment,” could be there motto, and in such a way as to get the most pleasure immediately. I tend to see their claims as inadequate and shallow assessments of our true nature and reality, in general. In other words, our feelings of pleasure and pain are nature’s ways to guide us as in which direction it wants us to go. But it does not mean that we should go there. We do posses the faculty of reason and it must be used before we make any decision, including those, whether we ought to indulge in a specific pleasure or sustain from it. Just because something feels good to us, does not mean that it is really good for us; hence, intellect must take over the decisive role in deciding whether or not we should do something. 19. social Darwinism A scientific theory that society is a state of struggle where only those best fit will win or survive. [This school of thought was developed while based on the theory of natural selection and evolution by the English naturalist, Charles Darwin (1809-1882).] According to them, for a person to be fit, he needs the following qualities: egoism, intelligence, ruthlessness, ambition, aggressiveness, cunning, energy, wealth and power. They also claim that there is such a thing as social selection that operates in society, in the same way natural selection operates in nature: where unfit are relentlessly eliminated! Socially unfit are those with the following set of characteristics: stupidity, non-competitiveness, laziness, idleness, altruism, weakness, poverty. 20. fatalism All events are predetermined and cannot be stopped, changed or prevented from happening. There is no free will. 21. idealism The universe is a product of mind. Nothing can exist if mind does not conceive it, first. Only mind and its contents (ideas, images, feelings, perceptions) actually exist. Reality entirely depends on mind. The

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external world is not physical: matter and physical world do not really exist. All that exists is mind and it creates or rather gives impression of everything. 22. egocentric predicament Human beings are destined to observe reality from their own perspectives, in such a way that all knowledge is subject to individual consciousness and no knowledge is possible of anything outside our own consciousness. In other words, each person can only possess knowledge of his own experiences and could never really know what outside world really is like or what other individuals might experience. 23. The Cynics Founded in the 4th century B.C. by Antisthenes of Athens and Diogenes of Sinope (who according to legend, roamed the ancient streets with a lantern during a futile search for an honest man). Their essential creed culminated in affirmation of virtues. Its essence being the ultimate goal of self-control and independence. Happiness is achieved through virtuous living, which also implied using one's innate intellect for survival. Further on, they distinguished between the natural propensity (compliance with the rhythms or tendency of nature) and the artificial values (those imposed on men by other men or the system). Unhappiness is the result of ignoring the natural tendencies and accepting the ways of a corrupt society. Though I consider these claims to be appropriate, even enlightened to some extent, they went further on to conclude--what I consider to be traces of incongruous fallacy: individuals should live in a state of nature, ignoring or minimizing carnal desires or needs. In a way, they reasoned that those who want nothing or need nothing are manifestations of divinity that is totally selfsufficient and self-contained. In nutshell, the Cynics were ascetics, opposed to establishment,... 24. monism An idea that reality is one entity while everything else is the illusion. 25. empiricism Philosophical view that experience (or sense data) is the only source of information. All that we know is the result of our senses. We can gain information directly through our senses or we can use reason, afterwards, to indirectly gain knowledge from our senses. [This could also mean that there is no such a thing as ESP (extra sensory perception), which includes telepathy, clairvoyance, telekinesis, etc.]

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26. pessimism Idea that our world is the worst of all possible worlds. Schopenhauer (1788-1860) went even further and claimed that we should not be glad for being alive but should morn such unfortunate fact or that nonexistence is preferable and much better than existence. Life is a hopeless state: because it is mostly made of pain, frustration, struggle, despair and suffering. Only philosophy and noetic endower could set us free. 27. analytic philosophy is a recent cognitive development, prevalent throughout England and the United States that emphasizes elaborate study of language, as the medium of philosophical utterance and one of the main sources of fallacies. In other words, though I recognize the fact that each person is a (highly volatile) set of experiences, opinions, mental processes, feelings and beliefs--thus any two men presented with identical problem are liable to reason in their idiosyncratic ways and possibly arrive to adverse conclusions--still, this example of intellectual conflict, is further aggravated though imperfections of language, as our main method of communication. For that reason, analytic philosophers--of the 20th century--tried to minimize the damage, resulting from phonetically and/or grammatically ambiguous transmission of thoughts. In particular, Bertrand Russell sought the aim of analytic philosophy as the mean to translate grammatically misleading forms into logically correct structures. On the other hand, G.E. Moore understood task for this branch of philosophy, not to discover the facts but rather to define and clarify concepts--which for some reason I tend see as the same thing: to clarify or define is to great extent, an essence of, (rational) discovery! In a way, analytic philosophy movement tried to assign blame for all philosophical inaptness to imperfections of language. Though, I personally, agree with the premise that language is a dreadful source of ambiguities--still, I recognize the fact that other corporates are to be found; such as, environment (external conditions or influences), people with diverse intellectual abilities and/or different sets of data: would be some additional and frequent contributory to intellectual disagreement. Also, our egotistic tendencies will compel some (or all) individuals to--consciously or subconsciously--customize their conclusions as to benefit their understanding of the self. [This is not necessarily bad--rather, it is yet another piece of the puzzle, revealing that mental conflicts or

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disagreements might be one inevitable form of universal interaction.] 28. phenomenalism Philosophy which claims that only sense data could be known to us. The ultimate reality could never be known. External physical objects exist only if someone perceives them. All our knowledge is result of our perceptions and our abilities to mentally analyze those perceptions about the outside world. For that reason, intellect and consciousness are significant factors in our quest to make sense of reality; while reality is the totality of all conscious experiences. 29. experientialism The idea that actual experience is the only source of knowledge and the only way to evaluate all claims (theories, hypothesis). 30. Platonism is a school of thought devised by Plato (c.428-c.348 BC), which was further developed by his numerous followers. This is one rather colossal and very original approach to understanding reality, which has mesmerized and influenced so many individuals through the centuries. Its main statements were: (1) There are two domains: (a) the world of ideal, unchanging, eternal forms (or ideas) which we can realize only through intellect; (b) less real or unreal world of material and individual objects which constantly changes and which we can perceive through our senses but which is actually only inaccurate copy of the real and ideal world. The ideal or real world is eternal and is not placed in space while the second world is its contradiction, hence is placed in space and has limited duration. (2) Abstract concepts (like soul, the whole, forms, essence, etc) exist in the real world, regardless of how we perceive them and are much more real than anything in our apparent world. (3) Human beings could use reason to control their fundamental instincts and intrinsic irrationality, thus that way they should be able to elevate themselves mentally and spiritually. (4) Philosophical knowledge--that is obtained through rigorous application of reason within dialectic process--is a significant factor for adequate development of a person and for his acquisition of appropriate morality. (5) People have souls, which are immortal. (6) The universe is permeated with rationality and spirituality. All I can say is that Plato is amazing and that our media and/or schools should talk much more of what Plato and other philosopher had to say, on the significant

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issues, rather than what some celebrities are saying concerning their latest project, or what is their favorite food, or what model of car they bought last month, for instance. 31. realism A noetic attempt to see reality as it really is, without any idealization or speculation. 32. absolutism The philosophical view that there is the absolute truth, and it is eternal and unchanging. This also implies that there is one and only one final and correct description of the ultimate reality. 33. skepticism A great variety of philosophical approaches all stating to some extent that our abilities to realize the absolute reality are hampered by our innate reliance on our senses. In other words, senses are not perfect and we cannot be sure just how accurate is the data perceived through senses. The skeptics simply doubt that we can ever know anything, with any degree of certainty, concerning the outside world or reality. Extreme case of skepticism professes the total disbelief in everything. In other words, the skeptics doubt that we can ever know what is true or what is false since all we have, in our consciousness, are images that we receive through our senses but there is no way for us to verify them or to know just how accurate those images are. A milder version of skepticism claims that all a person can be certain is that he exists and that he has some ideas but nothing else… Various skeptics, from ancient time to the present, have made diverse claims, such as: (1) CARNEADES: Truth does not exist, only degrees of probability exist. (2) CRATYLUS: No knowledge is possible concerning reality; no one can say anything about anything. (3) also CRATYLUS: Objects change with time and so does language (the meaning of words and ideas change) so any kind of communication is impractical and that makes impossible the transition of knowledge. In other words, we cannot say anything about anything and furthermore, we should not even try to do so. (4) GORGIAS: Nothing exists! (5) HUME: No empirical or rational justification can, ever, be given for believing that external world, substance, god and self really exist. (6) LOCKE: The external world exists and can be known, by us, but only to a limited extent; however, the essence of substance cannot be known. (7) SEXTUS EMPIRICUS: Nothing can, ever, be proven or disproved. (8) PLATO: Nothing can be discovered through

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senses; only intellect and reason could tell us what reality is. (9) SOCRATES: “All I know is that I know nothing!” or “I consider myself to be the wisest man because I am aware of just how little I actually know.” This is one rather powerful school of thought-practiced by many, from the ancient Greece to the present-if for no other reason then because they are totally correct in realizing our epistemological predicament. However, it is also very destructive or self-defeatist approach and from pragmatic point of view it is a waste of “time” or rather worthless. My stand is that we, as intelligent beings, have a purpose in life and that is to seek the answers and acquire the knowledge. The skeptics have pointed out the biggest obstacle and the ultimate problem that will hamper our eternal search for wisdom; but if we are to fulfill our prime objective and the purpose for our very existence then we have to overcome the intrinsic limitations that were inherently built in the structure of reality and find ways out of this major setback. My personal motto could be stated as: “When there is a will there is a way!” and the way, I did it is by devising the Fundamental Assumption, which in effect made science (philosophy, physics and mathematics) possible. 34. solipsism The theory, in metaphysics, that only one’s self exists and that it constitutes all of reality, for nothing else exists. In other words: “Only I exist.” The self (consciousness) constitutes the totality of existence and it creates all other apparent objects or perceptions. Those objects are just fictions of my mind, figments of my imagination, and do not exist in reality or are in any way independent or possible without my conscious though or my consciousness. From epistemological standpoint, solipsism claims that one’s consciousness can only know its content. In other words, all we can know is what is in our heads. 35. agnosticism The approach that we cannot have any knowledge of god or anything of that nature (soul, spirit, ghost, afterlife, immortality, etc). Also a belief that we cannot, in any way, prove or disprove the existence of god. 36. pluralism There is more than one kind of realities. The universe contains many distinct things. The universe is undetermined and has no basic harmony, continuity or order.

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37. atomism School of thought developed by Leucippus, Democritus, Epicures and Lucretius. They claimed that universe is made of atoms, which are the smallest units of matter that do not have parts and cannot be cut or divided in any way. By their nature, atoms are eternal, indestructible, unchangeable, impenetrable, and invisible (to the naked eye). Atoms have the following properties: shape, size, position, arrangement, movement; but they do not possess characteristics, such as: color, taste, smell, sound, temperature, etc since these features are actually the result of atomic interaction with the sense organs. Reality is made of empty space (or void) in which atoms eternally move and interact or combine with each other thus creating or dissolving all other entities. All that exists is made of atoms; which means that atomism is, to some extent, aligned with materialism. All I can do is to pay profound respect to their brilliance, and their foresight, even though my concept of reality is rather different. 38. pyrrhonism Teachings of an ancient Greek philosopher Pyrrho and his followers: all we can know about reality is based on our subjective sensations; a person should strive to obtain the inner calmness by accepting that what happens; the highest virtues in life are calmness, independence, self-sufficiency,… 39. vitalism Activities of live organisms are due to one very special force (élan vital), which is actually the force of life and it is present in all that is alive. This remarkable force is generally considered invisible and nonphysical. Living things cannot be reduced to a complex of inorganic substances. Elan vital gives live organisms something unique that distinguishes them and separates them from inanimate objects. Most vitalists believe that this force [like soul] can exist by itself and apart from the body. To me, however, intelligence is a far more significant and intriguing phenomenon than life: hence, it would make more sense, to me, for some extraordinary (soul like) feature to be associated with intellect rather than with life. 40. substantialism is a belief that unchanging realities are beneath all apparently changing phenomena.

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4 Ontology and the Burden of Proof When it comes to proving or disproving the genuine existence of something or anything, there are three distinct logical and relevant possibilities; or rather we can, in our approach, uphold the following general principles: 1. Something exists until it is proven the opposite. 2. A supposed thing (or something) does not exist until it is proven that it does. 3. A supposed thing (or something) exists or does not exist only if it is proven one way or another. All of them are liable options but to choose the best option we need to examine their advantages and disadvantages. If we accept the first approach, then it could be an open invitation to all sorts of strange, even bizarre, claims or for some questionable characters to say whatever they want. As a matter of fact, this method is widely used, usually by various religious devotees, to “prove” the existence of god; because this principle has enabled some non-scientists to claim whatever they like and thus has forced scientists to try to prove them wrong, which in fact could be a futile endower. If something does not really exist, then it is not possible to prove that it exists or that it does not! For instance, let’s imagine one incredible monster, which does not exist (anywhere in

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reality). There is simply no way for anyone to prove that it exists or that it does not exist. Hence, what is to prevent someone to say that on a faraway planet in a distant galaxy there is just such a monster. So from the pragmatic viewpoint, this is rather unacceptable. Thus we need to look at other two options for the answer. Perhaps, from scientific perspective, the third principle would be the best one but under closer analysis this might not be so. In other words, it is a scientific way of thinking, and commonly practiced, that all claims must be proven or based on some facts before we can take them seriously. [As a matter of fact, Descartes was the first to postulate such idea: which laid the foundations for modern philosophy.] But in doing so greater damage than good was enacted. Because, if there are actually only two acceptable possibilities: something either exists or it doesn’t then if we assume that it does not exist until it is proven the opposite, we can drastically improve our ability to explore reality, since we don’t have to waste time in proving that something does not exist, which in many cases is a futile attempt, anyway. In other words, the second approach is most pragmatic and therefore the best. However, it should be noted that both the second and the third approach have some advantages and disadvantages. If something really exists we can prove that it does-assuming that, for instance, our empiric data is reliable source of facts--and in cases that the entity is easily accessible to us. Which means that there is just one possibility for a thing to exist but we still would not be able to prove its existence if it is not accessible to us thus we don’t have any empiric evidence for its existence. This would present problem for both second and third approach but while in the second approach the situation would be still defined in the way that the object is considered non-existent, until some evidence appears; in the third approach the situation would be undefined for the object, in question, could be either existent or nonexistent. Which in case that the object really exists is better (or more correct) stand but in case that object is really none existent then the second approach would be more correct. In other words, if something does not exist, for instance that mysterious monster on that imaginary planet in one unknown galaxy: then we could not prove that it exists or that it doesn’t but the second approach would automatically treat it as non-existent while the third

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approach would be once again stuck in some form of uncertainty. Hence, even though both approaches have their inherit limitations both are scientifically acceptable. Still number two approach is better from a pragmatic point of view, since it is eliminating uncertainty and unnecessary work. That essentially leaves us with the option number two, but only if we are cautious and aware of the fact that if something is not accessible it will also appear to us as non-existent. [That is if we really only on our empiric data; but we can still use logic to conclude that even though we don’t see a planet when it rotates at the opposite side of the sun, thus is inaccessible to us: yet it is reasonable, for us, to conclude that it still exists!] Thus we can with greater certainty prove that something exist but only with a conditional certainty that something does not exist. Or stated differently, we should concentrate on proving that something exist if it really exists and is accessible to us; thus not bother to prove that something does not exist whether it exists or does not exist in reality: for it will be automatically assumed that it does not exist! And such claim will hold until someone proves that it does exist. This way we can bring some order in philosophy and prevent weird claims from clogging our intellectual explorations of reality. The second option is the best one for a number of reasons: most notably since it makes job much easier to scientists and conversely renders non-scientific minds defenseless. Especially since those that like to claim anything frequently relied on inability of scientists to prove their off-colored claims to be false as their proofs that they are correct. The third option is also scientifically acceptable approach but since there are only two logical possibilities: something either exists or it doesn’t, then it is much better to concentrate on proving that something exists. Especially since all limitations that are encountered through the second approach are also encountered in the third, while some problems associated with the third approach are not problem in the second case. Thus inability to prove some existence should be taken as a sufficient proof that it doesn’t exist, until some evidence or proof is found for the opposite. Our approach, therefore, ought to be that if something is to be considered existent, it must be first proven to exist. Furthermore, to be able to prove that something exists it is necessary for it to really exist and perhaps to be accessible to us (or for us to have or to be able to

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obtain some evidence). [We can still try to prove that something exists even if it is not directly accessible to us, providing that we can utilize logic, instead of empiric evidence, to generate the proof.] In essence, that means that god, demons, ghosts, poltergeist, ESP (telepathy, clairvoyance, telekinesis), space, time, among other things, are NON-EXISTENT, since there is no credible evidence of any kind or a genuine proof that they are existent! Further on, that same could be stated about aliens, unicorns, dragons, etc; but while aliens might one day become real as the evidence for their existence suddenly appears--the chances are not so good, and in fact are next to none, that such evidence will suddenly appear for god, space, time, demons; because, we have known those concepts for great many centuries but in all that period there was not one single proof that any of them really exists! Thus it would be far fetched to expect that such evidence would suddenly appear; since our inability to find any so far implies that, most likely, there isn’t any since those entities are fictitious by their true nature. After all, the facts concerning the life in outer space is not easily accessible while there is no evidence to point the existence of dragons, even thought they should supposedly live on Earth, if they indeed exist. And equally, so there is no evidence of the existence of god, plus the fact that the entire concept is not clearly defined, since different religions have different beliefs of what he is, what are some of his characteristics and/or where he resides: but, as of now, there is not a single reliable evidence that such being really exist and even thought in most religions it is not clearly specified where such entity resides it would be rather unreasonable any claim that such being would not be accessible by us. Thus the second approach is the best, in this case as well, for it states that god does not exist until someone provides some reliable proofs. Further on, there is no way that anyone could possibly claim that space and time are not accessible by us, since we are generally understood to reside within both space and time. Therefore our inability to find any proofs for their existence implies that it is because they are none existent and not because they are not easily accessible.8 8

Also the innate complexity of the object is not of any concern since, we can prove existence of the simplest or the most complex entities, with apparent or equal ease if they really exist. In fact, we can state that complexity of the subject could only possibly affect our ability to correctly define it. But the complexity is not a factor for our ability to prove or disprove the existence.

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In a related subject, we should consider the possible forms of existence. So far and as far as I could perceive reality, there are two kinds or conditions of being: existence (or real existence) and abstract existence. Real existence is all that or those entities, which are actually part of reality. As far as we can perceive the intrinsic aspects of our Cosmos and overall reality: that seems to be the same as material existence since mater is most likely all that exists, at the moment and as far as we can perceive through our senses and in so far as we can rely on them. However, I’ll grant a possibility that there is something more profound, something much deeper and more significant thus will permit a possibility that real existence is something else, something deeper and/or more significant than material existence. In which case material existence might be only one aspect of real existence. [Also if we ignore the fundamental assumption then it might be possible to postulate that material existence is only an abstract form of existence, thus that matter does not really exist. Which would be a claim of idealism.] On the other hand, abstract existence is imaginary existence: they are concepts created through thoughts, images, ideas, feelings, mental processes which exist in our minds. Thus if we perceive or imagine a house then it has abstract existence and in case that it is perception of a real house than the house also has real existence since we have perceived it through our senses and thus created image of it in our minds. [Hence while the house is real and our perception of it or the image of it (in our heads) is real, the house in our heads is of abstract nature (is not real).] On the other hand if we have imagined a house, which does not actually exist, in reality, then it has only an abstract form of existence. The question to be considered is if some object could have only real form of existence. The answer is not easy to give since everything is part of reality. Reality exists as a whole or as the sum of its parts. If it is the whole then its parts are insignificant and their distinction is arbitrary. However, no matter how hard or improbable or probable it might appear: we see ourselves as distinct entities thus never consider a rock on the road as our extension, which implies that the second option is better one or more justifiable. So reality is, more correctly perceived as the, sum of the parts; in which case

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it is possible for objects to have real existence even though there is no one to perceive them. Finally, it should be stated that, in our eternal quest for the truth, the following methods should be acceptable: (1) empirical evidence (2) logic (and reason) (3) scientific method (which in fact are the first two, augmented through the scientific principle) (4) compactness9. Scientific method is, by far, the most reliable and the best way of exploring reality. Empirical evidence is made possible through the fundamental assumption and it is the second best method and for us the most trusted method. In other words, due to evolution, our ancestors--from the earliest life forms (in particular, those with developed nervous system)--have learned to rely on their senses as a mean to survive and prosper. Thus it is not surprising that we too pay the biggest attention to our sensory apparatus, especially eyesight. However, it might be conceivable that in the future, evolution among intelligent beings would result that logic become more readily acceptable source of information. Until that time, however, logic will remain less significant compared to our senses. Finally, it goes without saying that the compactness is, by far, the least trusted and also the least reliable way to seek the facts and truth.

9

Compactness is the least reliable method and should be used only as a possible guide to what might be true or to some extent correct. It is based on the idea that reality is a compact entity thus that some of its parts might or should also be or appear compact.

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5 The Fundamentals The father of modern philosophy, Rene Descartes, thought of the following: “I think therefore I exist.” His idea was that the only certain fact, which a person possesses, is that he exists thus that all other information has to be proven [which is completely in compliance with the second principle, from the previous chapter]. However, I will expend it to somewhat different statement, which will be the most certain fact, which we could possibly have. Actually, I call it the rudimentary fact: Something exists! In other words, I am aware of some feelings, emotions, thoughts, perceptions: thus my conclusion is that something must exist! Further on, I can come back to Descartes’ notion, by stating that whatever is that which exists, I call it myself. That is, unfortunately, all I can know for certain. Everything else is uncertain and/or should be assumed to exist. However, it also represents the end of all philosophy or science. In order to make reasoning possible, there is an urgent need for the fundamental assumption: Our ability to perceive reality, through our senses, is sufficient enough to enable us to make, at least, some correct conclusions. This way, we have made philosophy and science not only possible but have, in effect, justified their noble

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endeavor. As the secondary outcome, we have validated our senses as the acceptable source of information. However, we can still go a step further and make the fundamental theory or conclusion; which was made possible by analyzing the evidence gathered through our senses thus realizing that there are two rudimentary tendencies in nature: There are two main groups of forces in reality: those that try to keep something (or everything) as it is (or the same) and those which try to change something (or everything)! The first group is mostly manifested through inertia, reaction, resistance, self-preservation, forces of adhesion and cohesion, etc; while the second group mostly contains innate forces such as action, decay, erosion, corrosion, change, rot, evolution, etc. The end result is reality as the mixture of the two groups in mutual interaction. Thus we can restate the previous claim that there are two fundamental concepts, which define reality: existence and change. Furthermore, we can add one more essential concept: eternity. In other words, reality could be seen as eternal existence and change. To be more prices, reality on the global scale could be understood as infinite, eternal and unchanging entity; while locally--or from our perspective--it might appear something else: matter in change (or motion). Hence, possibly [or I would say very likely] the third fundamental factor in describing reality should be, none other then, eternity. In a more profound analysis, we could most likely equate matter with existence (especially material form of existence). The idea is that even though, to us, there seem to be changes, from a far enough perspective, reality would be fixed and unchanging. For instance, if inside a theater is continually shown one and the same film and this goes forever: this could appear to us as an example of change--especially if from our mortal or limited perspective, we come in at the beginning of one (extra long) film and die before it ends--but to an immortal observer that would be a case in point that all is the same: that infinitely many presentations of one and the same movie implies that ultimately there is no change, on the global scale. At this point, I should introduce one more rather important idea that might drastically improve or perhaps

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justify our exploration of reality. of Repeating Patterns:

I call it the Theory

Reality is made of patterns, which are frequently repeated in great variety of forms. This really implies that there are several patterns [or possibly just one single pattern], which constitute all of reality. In a more brother sense this might be taken to mean that there are some patterns in reality, which are occasionally repeated. This latter approach is easier to be observed and perhaps could more easily be accepted, as there is ample evidence for it. But my hunch is that the more strict approach [the interpretation of one single pattern] is even more warranted or will eventually turn to be more correct. In any case, this theory is actually, readily used by scientist, even though no one has clearly stated its definition. Any time we say, just as A is the case so must C be the case, we actually rely on this theory for justification of our argument or proof. [Eg. Just as planets circle the stun, so do electrons around the nucleus of an atom. Or just as stars are spherical so are atoms; and just as planets are spherical so are electrons. Or just as the birds of pray must follow their instinct to hunt in order to survive, so the carnivorous mammals must obey their inner longings for kill. Or just as computers have hardware and software, so people might (or should or must) have body and soul. Or just as tree has branches so our blood vessels tend to branch, in a similar fashion. Or just as countless other people have died before us; we too must die, eventually… All these statements are actually relying on the theory for their justification.] By continuing the previous reasoning, I could make one more conclusion that could further shed light on our existence, in reality. Various temporary entities, such as human beings, seem to lead short lives: which commence with birth and end with death. At the same time we are programmed to want to live thus to avoid death. However, as intelligent beings, we are aware of eventual demise and this upsetting knowledge can, and often does, create great deal of anxiety. So far, only religions have attempted to ease up our innate fear of dying: but religions are irrational and people who thought them out were anything but the wisest among us--and in many instances, were simple folk from primitive societies--thus it might not be easy for any intelligent or educated person to accept inferior

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or irrational believes which were thought by some uneducated groups of people from who knows where. Especially, since their explanations have nothing to do with (empirical) facts, logic or sanity, and since there is not a single proof of what they claim to be true. By saying all of that it is apparent that only science (especially philosophy) should solve the problem. And, as a matter of fact, it could be done perhaps this way. Ever since Pythagoras various thinkers have considered possibility of eternal recurrence. Most notably Nietzsche has concluded that we shall lead infinitely many identical lives. However, I don’t see any reason why we should not go a step further and conclude that we could have infinitely many same, similar and totally different lives and all of those infinitely many different lives lead infinitely many times. This way, a person is immortal because if someone has infinitely many short lives he is an immortal being even though he might not be aware of it, even though he is born and he dies countless number of times. Although, we don’t necessarily have any evidence to support such claim, still logic allows it, as a viable option, and that is the proof, enough. Especially, since our innate fear of dying makes it reasonable and desirable to welcome and accept such claim even if there is much less reasons or proofs for it. [After all, that was the main cause or the initial need for the creation and maintenance of religions.]

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6 Intellect It is not hard, for us, to see and realize that intelligence is one rather special faculty or extraordinary characteristic. It is really a remarkable ability to perceive reality as to what is happening currently, thus to envision what has already happened and to predict what might yet happen. This ability is a definite survival advantage, thus intelligence improves our abilities to survive, reproduce and prosper. Therefore, it is also the way of the universe (or the innate tendency built in reality). As a matter of fact, it is possible to postulate the intrinsic significance of intellect is of the highest degree. Or we can say it this way: Intellect is one of the most crucial states of being.10 That implies that intelligent beings are also extremely important entities, in such a way that the more intelligent entity is the greater its significance should be. In other words, the universe has evolved for billions of years, creating conditions for the emergence of life, then it has refined life till intelligence was started; thus fine tuning intellect so that it (the universe) could, perhaps, through us become conscious. Cosmos is an intelligent entity since we are rational beings and we an integral part of it. Our ultimate purpose is, or could be, to become eyes and mind--the nervous system--of the universe or Cosmos. Or to become conscious entities--brain cells-within the absolute mind. Our present day society, however, is one extremely deviant structure, which openly goes against this universe, 10

A more strict approach would be that Intellect is the most fundamental or significant entity or feature, in this Cosmos or reality.

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its innate propensity, the apparent Cosmic evolution and reality, itself. As a matter of fact, this current society is favoring great many entities and/or tendencies and/or practices which are utterly sick or perverted while, at the same time, rather antagonistic toward intelligence or innate or normal things and/or behavior. For instance, it should be enough to point out that superstitions are promoted and financed with great deal of money or that thousands of movies are made each year to make us believe in some form of superstition and/or to demote science. In our schools, they already teach of alternative medicine or homosexual lifestyles… Finally, we must not ignore the shocking fact, that in current society, entertainers and athletes are much more favored, valued, respected, paid and they have far greater access to general public (especially credulous children) than any intellectual. Which is alarming fact, since most of the athletes and great many of the entertainers are rather insufficient, as far as their intellectual capacities go.

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7 Definitions This chapter will attempt to define and/or describe various concepts that I consider essential and necessary or rudimentary for better understanding of reality, and my philosophy, as well; or for my attempt to make sense of reality. They are presented in three distinct groups: general, time, space; plus there will be some relevant thoughts at the very end. In any case, this chapter is intended to present some of my ideas; and in case of time and space they will be compared to other philosophers and their approaches… Also, time and space are presented separately because of their importance and especially since they, actually, in my opinion represent the biggest problem or mistakes that prevent more correct understanding of reality; because, those expressions are key concepts of reality and they are frequently used even though not many individuals know what they actually mean. Or in the words of St. Augustine: “Quid est ergo tempus? Si nemo ex me quaerat, scio: si quaerenti explicare velim, nescio.” (“What is time? If nobody asks me, I know, but if I want to explain it to someone, then I don’t know.”)11 The inherent problems with space and time are compounded by the fact that they are mistaken concepts, either used to represent something that actually already exists: existence, change, eternity; or they are used to represent some mysterious entities: in which case they are resulting in even greater fallacy since they are implying that space and time exist as distinct entities, that they exist in themselves and for themselves; which is totally wrong, since there is no such a thing as time and/or space. In fact, there is not a single evidence or proof, of any kind, that they exist and are part of this reality and such fact implies that it would be wise for us to consider them 11

J.R. Lucas, A Treasure on Time and Space; (London: Metheu & Co. Ltd., 1974); p. 3

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non-existent and to keep thinking that way until someone provides some proof for their ontological existence. Furthermore, we can use one more argument to prove that space and time do not exist. It is based on the fact that there are so many diverse definitions of what space or time are. Since there is no way for us to determine which of those definitions are correct or whether any of them is correct or if they are all wrong: that could imply that those concepts do not exist. In other words, any time when something does not exist in reality--let’s say some mysterious compound, we can call it Alpha--then we will not be able to define it in a reasonable way, since if I say that it is a yellow thing that weights 99kg; anyone could say that it is wrong or that it is a blue thing that weights less than 5kg and there will be no way, for us, to prove one or the other claim as correct. Only if a thing is existent and easily accessible we can judge which claim is correct concerning its true nature or appearance. Thus if I take an object and place it in a box then ask a group of people to describe what is inside without first seeing the object: they could come with diverse explanations but at the end we will be able to determine which of those definitions is correct or closer in describing the object. Our inability to decide which of those definitions of time and space are correct, or if any of them is correct or if all are correct or wrong implies that we are dealing with either inaccessible or nonexistent objects. Since not many of us would dare to imply that space and time are inaccessible then it goes without saying that they are nonexistent.12 Since I have proven, in this short text, that space and time do not exist and since there are no proofs, of any kind, that they actually exist then it would be smart for us to realize that space and time have been mistaken perceptions of reality, intellectual mistakes that have been made long time ago and that we need to correct if we want to grasp reality for what it really is. In other words, my suggestion is that we need to reject the notions 12

Complexity of the entity is not of any concern since the complexity might make it more difficult for us to correctly define the object but it should not be a significant factor in our ability to judge which of the definitions is correct or more correct or whether any of them is correct or if they are all correct and/or wrong. For we can place a single glass marble in the box or a computer and even though the later is much more complex we can still easily decide which definition is more correct in describing the object. Hence if one person describes the object as a large body of water and the other definition describes it as the machine made of hardware and software then we can easily decide that the second definition is more appropriate one. [Also this example might imply that we could as easily define complex objects as we can simple ones.]

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of space and time for they are cognitive mistakes; and in their place, as the fundamental concepts for better understanding of reality, we need to use the most rudimentary or most fundamental concepts: existence, change, eternity. In other words, reality could be seen as being comprised of existence, change and eternity. We can state this rudimentary fact as even more basic description of reality: eternal existence and eternal change. Thus the ultimate reality could be seen as eternal existence and change. PART ONE: Some Significant Concepts the absolute mind is the overall intellect in the universe, Cosmos or reality, seen as an entity in itself and for itself. It can be understood as the ultimate mind made up from all intellects. Just as our brains are made of many interconnected brain cells so is the absolute mind comprised of intelligent beings13 that are connected (by language) and able to communicate. reality (1) Endless duration of existence and/or change. Eternal existence that undergoes (possibly constant) changes. (2) All that was, is, or will be and/or occur. (3) The absolute truth. (4) Eternity which contains all that has ever existed or occurred, is existing or occurring, will exist or occur. society The innate development among various animals, that posses adequately advanced brain mass, which allows them to structure their lives and interactions as an organized group of individuals. Human society is characterized with the highest degree of order that manifests itself through laws and/or morals. Realm The most sacred entity, in existence, comprised of all that is part of us and what we are part of: white race, our culture and civilization, males, intellect, life (in general), universe, reality. system (1) A group of interrelated elements forming a structural entity. (2) Society or the way it is organized to function. (3) A complex process.

13

This is one of great many arguments that is actually based on the theory of repeating patterns.

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culture (1) High culture and low culture. culture. (3) Low culture.

(2) High

high culture (1) A noetic quest for higher meaning such as those achieved through the studies of genuine science (and true art). A prodigious search for the absolute truth. (2) Art and science. low culture live. civilization development.

The way some people, in a given civilization, A human society with an advanced cultural

Western Civilization The most dominant and advanced civilization of the world that originated in Europe and was based on science and art. It was built on the foundations of preceding ancient civilizations: Greece and Rome, which in turn could have been (and most likely have been) built on the remnants of Vinca Civilization. Vinca Civilization Probably the birthplace of European miracle. Emerged some 10,000 year ago around the Danube [Lepenski Vir], near the contemporary city of Belgrade. Most likely, the beginnings of mathematics, ethics, religion, and writings. This was the very first and by far the most advanced society of the period. The first monumental sculptures. They had a complex social structure and practiced metallurgy and farming 7,000 years ago. Europe inherited its culture and heritage from Vinca. [Also referred to as Lepenski Vir] European Civilization The civilization which commenced at Lepenski Vir [Vinca Civilization] and has evolved into Western Civilization, such that all those civilization are seen as one or the continuation of Vinca Civilization. art Craft which is used to create something aesthetically appealing, interesting and/or original. Greater art will concern itself with presenting some essential truth to the observer, as well; and/or on preserving our genuine tradition. Thus the greater truth or the more important the tradition and the more esthetically pleasing the creator is the greater the piece of art will be. Artists could also be seen as the significant protectors of our tradition and/or promoters of an appropriate vision. Art can be divided into: music, paintings, sculpture, writings.

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noetic (1) Something intellectual or which is based on intellect. (2) A mental process with the highest degree of excellence. insidious Something extremely evil or dangerous that pretends to be or is promoted as friendly or benign, thus uses deceit and deception to secretly cause harm. [For instance: when a politician claims to work for the people but in reality and secretly conspires against the people. In such case, it can be stated that he is an insidious crook and his actions are equally insidious.] number A mathematical concept that represent the distance (usually from the coordinate center on number line) or some precisely defined length. Numbers could be infinite, finite or infinitesimal. There are other kinds of numbers, as well (real, integers, whole, rational, irrational, complex, etc). Glorians

White race and/or culture.

empirical knowledge Facts or information that is gathered through experience, observation, and actual events. All information that is obtained through the senses. intelligence A phenomenon or a capacity for acquiring the truth or for obtaining deeper and more profound understanding of reality. Cosmos [with capital “c”] The biggest possible material object and/or structure or all the substance (matter) that exists in reality. (2) The compilation of all universes. [Actually, it is very likely that Cosmos is identical to the universe, if our universe is the only one and if there is nothing else outside of it.] (3) All that exists at the moment. [This is also the definition of the present. In which case, Cosmos could be equated to the present.] (4) All that has ever existed, that exists now or that will exist. [This is also the definition of reality. In which case Cosmos is same as reality.] cosmos [with small “c”] The universe. matter (1) The substance of which is made all that is in existence, actually that we are capable to detect through our senses. Substance of which is made the universe, as

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much as we can perceive it. (2) Loosely stated, it is the substance, which is made of atoms and/or that atoms are made of. existence The fundamental characteristic of reality that could be divided into abstract or real. Abstract existence is fake form of existence that does not really exist in reality but is the creation of a mind. It is a figment or our imagination [Everything that we perceive or conceive through our mental capacities has abstract existence]. Real existence is the actual existence or everything that exists in reality, for itself and of itself [For now, real existence might be the same as material existence, since mater is all that we are capable to detect]. change Process by which a given entity loses one or more of its characteristics and/or is gaining one or more new ones. Change is, also, one of the essential features of reality. substance The rudimentary form of existing or the unite of existence; which is or could be equated to matter, as the only form of substance that we can detect, for now at least, and actually have a posteriori knowledge, of its existence. universe is the material entity or the overall structure that contains all galaxies, stars, and other astronomical objects and/or stuff that we could detect or know about or could deduce to exist by perceiving reality. consciousness The all important realization--closely associated with intelligence--about the existence of the self (within reality). theoretical (1) Something that is probable or logically possible or has some chances to be possible but for which there are no material proofs that it is real [that it actually exists (or is happening) in reality]. (2) Nonexistent. (3) Something that is not real. abstract

Something that exists (only) as a mental concept.

eternity is the third fundamental characteristic or reality and could be described as the endless duration. [Or possibly, the never ending existence.]

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the Entity Reality (or Cosmos) seen as one thing or as the whole. [This particular expression has some deeper philosophical or even spiritual connotations.] void The abstract or theoretical concept of totally empty space. a posteriori Knowledge that has resulted from empirical data or that was achieved through senses. a priori The fundamental knowledge that is prior to or independent of the senses.

PART TWO: Time The following are some of the ideas and/or definitions about time that were promoted, through centuries, by various scientists. STOICS: Time is an independent concrete entity that is superadded to things.14 PLATO: Time is the moving image of perfect eternity. [By this Plato might mean to say that time is an imperfect imitation of the timeless unchanging realm of perfect ideal forms.] ARISTOTLE: Time is a kind of affliction of motion. Althouth time cannot be simply equated with motion or with change, it also does not exist withoug change.15 Time is number of motion in respect to 'before' and 'after'.16 STOICS (Apollodoros of Seleuca): Time is the interval of movement of the cosmos... and the whole time is passing just as we say the year passes, on a larger circuit (the Great Year: which is one complete cycle of the universe from its begining to its end).17 LUCRETIUS: Time exists not by itself, but from actual things comes a feeling, what was brought to a close in time 14

Milic Capek (editor), The Concepts of Space and Time (Dordrecht, Holland: D. Reidel Publishing Company, 1976), p. 145 15 Aristotle Physics; BK IV, ch 11, p.218b 16 Capek, p. 159 17 Capek, p. 164

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past, then what is present now, and further what is going to be hereafter.18 POSSIDONIUS: Time should not be concieved as a point-like present in the strict mathematical sense, but more broadly, as the perceptible minimum of time in which the future and the past are being joined.19 NEWTON: Absolute, true and mathematical time, of itself, and from its own nature, flows equably without relation to anything external, and by another name is called duration; relative, apparent, and common time, is some sensible and external measure of duration by the means of motion--which is commonly used instead of true time--such as an hour, a day, a month, a year.20 BARROW: Being.21

Time is the continuance of any Thing in its own

MAXWELL: The idea of Time in its most primitive form is probably the recognition of an order of sequence in our states of consciousness.22 HUME: It is impossible to concive... a time when there was no succession or change in any real existence.23 LEIBNIZ: Time is the order of noncontemporaneous events. Time is something, an ideal entity.24 KANT: Time is a necessary representation that underlines all intutions.25 Time is the intuited infinte continuum (of all present and possible experiences) and also the immediately given innate a priori form by which the given is experienced as a flow.

18

Lucretius, On The Nature of Things; (De Rerum Natura, trans. H.A.J. Munro) 4th ed. (London: George Routledge & Sons Ltd, c.1886); p. 15 19 Capek, p. 197 20 Capek, pp. 160, 209 21 Capek, p. 203 22 Capek, p. 231 23 Hume, A Treatise of Human Nature; (Oxford: University Press, 1888); p. 40 24 Bas C. van Fraassen, An Introduction to The Philosophy of Space and Time; (New York: Columbia University Press, 1985); p. 97 25 Fraassen, p. 101

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McTAGGART: There could be no time if nothing changes.26 RUSSELL:

Time is the series of instants.27

FRAASSEN (the causal theory of time): Whatever actual physical connections there are must be reflected in the logical space; a certain mathematical structure is such that whatever actual physical connections there are can be reflected in it in this manner; and we choose this mathematical structure as the logical space time.28 GLAVASIC:

Time does not exist!

(There is no time.)

PART THREE: Space The following are some of the ideas and/or definitions about space that were promoted, through centuries, by various scientists. EPICURES: Space is that in which things exist and where they move.29 ATOMISTS: Space is a void (pure empty space) that exists between atoms and in which atoms move. PLATO: Space and time differ from everything else.30 Space is a receptacle that contains or receives the activity of matter, and restrains that activity by providing the structures and limits in which that activity can take place. ARISTOTLE: The basic meaning of space ought to be found within the concept of place. LUCRETIUS: Space is the void which contains objects but in the way that those objects are not space. Matter and void exist and everything that exists is either matter (that

26 McTaggart, The Nature of Existence; (Cambridge: University Press, 1927); II, p. 11 27 Fraassen, p. 105 28 Fraassen, p. 198 29 Capek, p. 34 30 Capek, p. 199

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which can be touched) or void (that which cannot be touched); there is nothing else.31 PHILO: Place is understood to pertain to the things which are at rest while time to the things which are moving.32 DESCARTES:

Space and matter are one and the same thing.

NEWTON: Space is the entity in which things could be, sometimes they are, and often they are not. REDUCTIONISTS: Space is completely filled with matter. [Glavasic’s interpretation of the reductionists’ claim: Space is matter.] LEIBNIZ: Spaces is something relative, as is the time; the order of combined existence, as is the time actually structured order. Space signifies, in the context of possibilities, the order of things, which exist together, at the same time.33 GLAVASIC:

Space does not exist!

(There is no space.)

PART FOUR: Some Relevant Thoughts These are some of my believes and/or ideas that will be elaborated to a far greater extent when the “time”34, for it comes. 31

Lucretius, pp. 13-14 Capek, p. 199 33 Capek, p. 273 34 Even though I do not consider that time or space really exists, still those words have become an integral part of language and everyday conversation. Hence although the concepts of space and time do not exist, in themselves and for themselves, still we can use them (as abstract notions) to communicate just as we often use the ideas of sound, color, taste or smell: which too are just fictional creations of our minds and which are not real. In other words, color is nothing more than perceived radiation with a specific wavelength, which was emitted from an atom that our brain perceived though eyesight and interprets as color. So even though color doesn’t exist as such, still it is a significant source of information on the nature or the kind of atoms, which are releasing it. [Different colors really represent different atoms.] Thus we could continue to use the abstract notion of colors as long as we realize that it actually tells us something about the atoms. In the same way, we can continue to use the words “time” and “space” but only if we are aware that they represent some abstract ideas that do not exist in reality... Considering the widespread use of those words, it might be the only sensible thing to do, at this moment; however, as our awareness of the genuine reality increases then we might be able to eliminate their use all together and place them in the archive of old and forgotten concepts such as “ether” or “void” or “ghosts”… 32

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1. Homosexuality is an unnatural sexual practice where members of the same gender engage in sexual act. [Since the main purpose for sex is the reproduction and because the only natural way humans could reproduce is by heterosexual interaction.] It is a deviant practice and it could be considered as a severe illness or the most reprehensible crime against nature! Yet those currently in charge of our planet have declared homosexuality to be a legitimate lifestyle and are actually encouraging people to behave in such a way.35 Among homosexuals (both gays and lesbians) perhaps a small percentage is a result of genetic defect while the rest are, probably, the result of social influences. USA and some other countries seem to be designed or structured as to mass-produce homosexuality among their citizens! [Which, if it turns out to be the case, is not only extremely bizarre but also totally deviant, and above all the unprecedented crime, atrocity of unseen proportions!] For instance, they constantly degrade males and empower females. They break families and belittle male or father figure. They make great many films and use media to promote and glorify homosexuality and those that practice it. They give them legal protection, support and encouragement… And there are countless other reasons why USA might be secretly conspiring on turning a significant portion of its population into gays and lesbians. It goes to reason that some evil coalition could be behind this form of most extreme and utterly dangerous perversion! 2. Natural Selection is an innate force, which leads toward the creation of intellect and further refines and enhances the capacities of reason. On the other hand, Negative Selection is the opposite and one rather detrimental force that goes against the universal tendency and works to prevent or hamper the development of cognitive structures. 3. Patriarchy is a system where men rule the society. Since the dawn of time it was the most normal social structure. However, ever since the second part of the 20th century it was, gradually and systematically, declared immoral or illegal. Which really means that some deviant characters have gained the control of our planet. There isn’t any epoch in human history that females had any power over males. Matriarchy was a form of human 35

All the way, up to mid 1970s, American Association of Psychology has listed--in their official publications--homosexuality as a mental illness.

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society where males used to leave their initial tribe in search of another one to join. [Which prevented inbreeding, thus was a beneficial practice, from the evolutionary standpoint.] But in all those tribes males were the natural leaders and they ruled women and children, as indeed should always be the case. As a matter of fact, the lions (and the deer) live in a form of matriarchy since all lionesses (and all female deer) stay together in distinct groups while male lions (deer) roam around in search of a pride (herd) to take over and/or claim. 4. Pacifism, as a belief that is totally opposed to any violence, is really a weapon that could be effectively used against a group which is fooled to accept it! In other words, struggle and competition is an innate factor in this universe and pacifism is an unnatural practice. It makes sense for us to behave among ourselves in a way as to cooperate and help one another, thus try to avoid any form of conflict; but it would be unnatural and impossible to apply this rule for moral conduct to everything else in this universe. That is unnatural and the universe would retaliate by eradicating us! 5. Intellectual Revolution is a philosophical idea that the wisest among men should have the greatest power and influence. Just as the body is ruled and controlled by the brain so should society be under the dominion of the intellectual elite [a small percentage of the men (let’s say, well under 5% of the population), in that society, who are the brightest]. Furthermore, to achieve this noble state, intelligentsia36 is allowed or obligated to do whatever it deems necessary. And such would most likely call for, and result in, Intellectual Revolution. 6. There is nothing more normal than a man with a young girl or for powerful men to rule and dominate innately submissive females! On the other hand there is nothing more perverted or abnormal than homosexuality or interracial marriages or females that look and/or behave like men. Yet, in this horribly deviant world, all those abhorrent activities are allowed, even encouraged while at the same time white men are discriminated against and punished for any reason or no reason at all. 36

Intelligentsia are those people, within society, that are of the highest intellect, morals, and that concern themselves with matters of culture and philosophy (or science), as well as of unconditionally protecting and serving the Realm. It can also be seen as the class of intellectuals.

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7. Needs, desires, instincts are nature’s way to guide us as to inform us not only which way to go but also what is right and what is not. However, we require genuine wisdom in order to correctly interpret nature’s intentions and our genuine interests. Thus, if something feels good it does not imply that we ought to do it or that it is really good for us. 8. Democracy is a big farce37; free speech is an illusion. There has never been and never will be any genuine democracy or free speech. USA is a proof that there are different ways of preventing free speech and controlling or manipulating the populace. Hence, a state does not need to imprison its citizens or to (publicly) burn books in order to limit or control what the masses could be exposed to or what they ought to think or believe in; or, for that matter, whom should they vote for. 9. Polygamy [as a social practice where a man had, at the same time, several wives and/or mistresses] was common and widespread throughout Europe, before the arrival of Christianity. It is also very natural form of interaction and one that fosters greater procreation, which could be rather important for us, since our race is the only one with negative demographic figures. 10. Political philosophy, in regard to our current overall status, could be reiterated with one sentence: in our decadent countries, the majority is insidiously oppressed, ruled, terrorized, and exploited by a minority! The horror is so complete, we can be even prosecuted just for mentioning our dreadful predicament. We are, actually, forced to keep quiet and look the other way… Hence, the question is how we can avoid genocide and liberate ourselves if the minority has total and absolute control of media, entertainment, “education”, politics, economy and big business; thus is abusing its immense power to make us willingly self-destruct. The answer is that, first of all, everyone should become aware as to what is really happening! Our goal ought to be that everyone should talk to anyone as to what has happened to us; or the people need to talk to each other as to what bizarre predicament is bestowed on us. 37

This idea was, most likely, first introduced by the Russian writer, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn; who also claimed that there is no culture in the West or as he said it: “What they call culture is just a bottled excrement sold at high price through elaborate marketing!”

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That way, each and every person should become acquainted with our sad predicament and openly discuss it. Ultimately, that will be our way out or, at least, the first step toward our emancipation and liberation. Because there is nothing more perfidious and nothing worse than when we are systematically induced to willingly selfdestruct and to accept it as something desirable, proper, morally right, just or good. 11. Philosophy is the eminent intellectual endower and the ultimate goal for human existence. 12. Masochism is an innate trait for all normal females; just as sadism is a rudimentary quality for all normal adult males. 13. Patriotism as a love of one’s country could be and often is somewhat destructive concept; for it might, and often does, result in harming the Realm. Proper and desirable form of patriotism would be the one, which implies unconditional love and protection of our Realm. Hence a genuine patriot is someone who serves, champions and protects his Realm. Such is the noblest and most moral act or mode of behavior. All of us should choose this to be our ultimate goal, our guiding principle; therefore, we must never allow anyone or anything [bizarre media, entertainment, “education”, corrupt politicians, etc] to persuade us in abandoning our Realm. 14. Over all, females tend to mature much sooner, or at much earlier age, than males. For instance, currently, it is rather common that a girl reaches maturity before she turns a teenager while males could become mature well after the age of thirty. 15. Propaganda is a lie, which is frequently repeated so that exposed masses start believing it to be true. This particular method of brainwashing will be effective only if the promoters of propaganda also have the absolute monopoly on media, entertainment and “education”. Their task is made easier by the fact that population generally posses herd mentality [i.e. People are “sheep”.] However, this does not mean that the oppressors could keep on oppressing the oppressed, indefinitely, especially if the oppressed are actually of higher intellectual abilities. After all, if they do something good or natural to us, it still could go wrong: but they are performing the

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most decadent or detrimental act against us and the universe as well; hence the chances are even greater that something unexpected would come up and prevent them in their ghastly agenda. 16. Media is one extremely powerful tool and unprecedented weapon for controlling and manipulating the population. It can be effectively used for creating, altering or controlling public opinion, by those that have absolute monopoly of media. Since, at present, questionable characters rule all of media then we need to devise ways as to limit the damage which they systematically induce with their deviant and perverted programs. However, since boredom is a powerful motivating factor that compels all of us to turn on TV sets and/or the radio, to buy newspapers, magazines, etc in spite of all the horror, which they constantly give us; it would be essential for us to realize what they are really doing. Hence, the best we can do, at this very moment, is to: (1) select to watch only programs that do not contain propaganda or with as little propaganda as possible; (2) teach our children that some evil people control media and are using it to brainwash us as to willingly self-destruct (3) have a list of movies, music, programs, etc that are decent enough for our children to be exposed to (4) avoid any collaboration with the media, thus refuse to participate in their programs, or to give them any interviews, comments, etc (unless reasonably certain that the media personnel has some honorable intentions). 17. Intellect is, by far, our most important trait, our fundamental characteristic. While other animals rely on their strength, size, speed, shape, or their innate ability to camouflage, mutate, mass reproduce for their survival and the survival of their specie; we rely on intelligence. It is our main survival advantage! Therefore, it is utterly wrong to have our society structured in such a way as to reward and value physical abilities and/or appearance. In other words, it is perverted and bizarre for our society to favor athletes over intellectuals. 18. Males and females are not the same. They differ in so many respects--both physically and mentally--thus they ought not be treated identically or be induced to behave the same way or be forced, by society, to think or act as

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if they are the same. What is appropriate for males might not, and often is not, proper for females, and vice versa. Some innate male traits are: aggressiveness, power, dominance, courage, relentlessness, persistence, egocentric tendency, intelligence, decisiveness, perseverance, ruthlessness, egoism, ambition, ingenuity, strength, toughness, sadism, brutality, determination, etc. Also, some men are born leaders… Additionally, most men posses strong character and are naturally inquisitive but the brightest among men have also a propensity or a moral obligation to quest for the truth. On the other hand, some innate female traits are: obedience, tolerance, docility, patience, meekness, subservience, kindness, mothering, gentleness, masochism, coward ness, altruism, gullibility, passivity, powerlessness, indecisiveness, weakness, lack of ambition, etc. Over all, females tend to be easily willed, controlled and/or influenced; because they posses weak character. Finally, both men and females have rudimentary need to procreate (have many children). That really means that men have a proclivity to conquer as many females as possible, as well as to commence and protect their families; while females have a longing to have children, often with the most powerful or desirable man. 19. Overall survival strategy, as far as biology is concerned, could be divided in three main categories or types: (1) REPRODUCTION or massive reproduction [which is generally practiced by various primitive organisms and lover life forms (some amphibians, insects, bacteria, plants, some fish, etc.] is most crude survival method and is characterized by an increased or extreme offspring output, on the part of the specie. That way, the large number of new units assures their survival. This is rather crude method and in those cases, their lifestyles and their physiognomy are customized to assure high reproduction output. Among insects, for instance, the main concern is to enable “female” to produce as many eggs and/or larva as possible. [For instants, only female mosquitoes suck blood, as to enable her to produce great many eggs.] Actually among such primitive life forms there are no genuine males or females, as we know them, but rather diverse units and/or stages of metamorphosis set on the principle of massive reproduction. Another advantage of this type is that extensive reproduction and short life-span give opportunity of rapid mutations thus enables the specie to

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adjust itself to new environmental conditions, through the genetic alterations, as well. (2) SPECIAL TRAIT or appropriate physical abilities [such as speed, size or strength; or capability to fly, hide, see at night, etc.] is somewhat refined and more advanced survival tactic that is common among the higher life forms and which actually enables the specie to successfully compete with the other species and organisms. That usually results in males taking the leading role as the pivotal figures in protecting and assuring the survival of their specie. (3) INTELLECT or rather increased intellect, which is a very sophisticated survival tactic, exclusively present among the most advanced life forms and which inadvertently enables that very specie to survive and prosper solely on the advantages and powers of mental capacities. Once again, it incorporates the role of males as the leading and dominant gender, which enabled their kind to successfully compete with other species and/or races for the purpose of survival and prosperity. 20. White race is the only racial group that currently has negative demographic figures: our numbers are stagnating or are going down while other races have demographic explosion! The reason for this reprehensible situation [i.e. white plague] could be found in the way our morbid society is structures and in some utterly unnatural beliefs and/or practices that were insidiously forced on us. 21. Sex is a violent act; a productive form of aggression exerted by innately dominant men over innately submissive females. The end result is the propagation of the specie. However, if a society is structured to empower females--as is the case in the current society--then we have a bizarre situation that is designed to effectively castrate the stronger sex and force females to assume the role of males. To be more precise, this does not mean that any male should be allowed to rape any female; just as we are not permitted to steal or forcefully take a TV set that belongs to someone else: but it is equally wrong for a society to force a married couple to behave unnaturally [E.g. By making laws that favor females and punish males for behaving as nature has intended!]; thus a proper society must take under consideration innate tendencies of males and under no circumstances should try to castrate us. Not so log ago--before the twentieth century, to be more precise--it was legally impossible to take a man to court for forcing his wife to sex. And if I recall

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correctly that was, also, the time when white plague did not exist. But that was, also, much more normal time; as many other deviant practices, that are currently enacted, have not been possible. 22. Feminism is one utterly sick and totally deviant movement of morbid men-haters: “females” that desire to take the role of men thus use unnatural society to legally force men to assume the role of the weaker sex. Such is so perverted that the only question is just how abnormal a society has to be in order to allow such destructive groups of extreme perverts to exist or to actually encourage such ghastly decadence. 23. From economic perspective, the most significant factor is the way a given society (or country) is organized to function. The most important difference between a successful and less successful or unsuccessful country is the way they are structured. Hence, the better organized a society is the more successful it will be.

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8 Problems in Science Science is an elaborate search for truth or if stated more accurately, the profound quest to discover reality. Currently, at least, it is the most potent weapon, at our disposal, for finding what is out there thus for fulfilling our prime objective. Unfortunately, from a historic perspective there were frequent obstructions in such a process. For instance, in the Middle Ages, the church has done great deal to oppress and stifle the truth. In order to maintain their religious dogma, they have, ruthlessly, burned Giordano Bruno (c.1548-1600), at the stake, just because he claimed there were other worlds in this infinite universe; while a Polish astronomer, Copernicus (1473-1543) dared to publish his ideas only at deathbed; and as Galileo (1564-1642) was forced to publicly denounce some of his claims! We can go even further in the past and recall that Socrates (c.470-399 BC) was sentenced to death and that Anaxagoras of Clazomenae (c.500-c.428 BC) was taken to the Athenian court, as well. All those were, just a short list of, obstructions that society has placed, in the past, on our cognitive quest to seek the truth. It would be rather naïve and feebleminded for us to assume that present day society is any better, in this respect. As a matter of fact, our society is anything but better: if for no other reason then because, of its blatant control of media, education, politics and their systematic promotion of specific ideas, people (scientists), concepts [for instance: the big bang, the theory of relativity, cultural relativism, Einstein, Hawking, the quantum theory, Lynde, etc]; while keeping

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other intellectuals and “politically incorrect” ideas in complete anonymity. And in some extreme instances, “undesirable” intellectuals are--like in the shocking case of the historian David Irving--bankrupted, taken to court and sentenced, while at the same time being viciously harassed, attacked, slandered and belittled through corrupt media and equally warped legal system. This way, they can try to bury the truth and to substitute it with utter lies. This means, that in order to return credibility to science, it is necessary to systematically re-evaluate all of science, especially that which has appeared since the beginning of the 20th century! But, to be honest with ourselves, that will not happen, as long as the same groups that rules this world, continue to do so, from their stale hideouts. However, our realization that they are the epicenter of all fundamental problems associated with the current society could also be our first step toward finding the urgently needed solutions! The crux of the problem is this: we don’t really know who those morbid individuals and/or groups are; we have never elected them or given them a permission to rule us-but they seem to have all the power and they pull all the strings and, most of all, they do not want to do things which are good or beneficial for us. And just one aspect of great many evil deeds that they consistently perpetrate is the promotion of superstitions, manipulation of public and degradation of science and genuine scientists.

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9 Ethics PART ONE: Morality Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with human actions and/or believes in the sense of what is appropriate conduct. In other words, it examines the nature of morality. Ethics, therefore, is a significant inquiry in the essence of what it means to be human within the framework of reality; since reality is rather all important subject that affects what we are, where we are and what we should do. In order to present my approach to ethics, it would be necessary to introduce some significant concepts. The most important of them is the idea of Realm [or the Realm]. Actually, it should be pointed out that I base ethics on the all-important idea of Realm. Realm is the most significant structure in existence. It is made of intellect, white race, men, life (in general), the universe, Cosmos, reality. Essentially, Realm is all that we are part of or that is intrinsically part of us, as observed from our particular perspective. Extended forms of the Realm would also include our immediate family and relatives, as well as our culture and civilization38. And there is nothing more normal or proper than to protect and benefit that which 38

We could go even further and include our country to be a part of our Realm but such would be a creation of unnecessary division that could ultimately endanger or harm Realm. For what is to prevent us from going even further and claiming that our town, street, school, football club, etc would also constitute the fundamental elements of our Realm. And that would be rather detrimental. Hence, the purpose of intelligence--as our leading and most important faculty--is to conceive and realize the concept of realm, to understand its true boundaries (or as accurately as possible) so that more intelligent its members are the greater chances for that particular realm (and its members) will be to survive and prosper. Because that well-known saying could be applied in this instance, as well: divided we fall, united we stand!

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constitutes the extensions of us. To emphasize that point I’ll introduce several more crucial concepts. Self-preservation principle is the most important law or rule in this entire universe and all of reality. It actually states that the entity would not (intentionally) harm itself (or intelligent entities would also not do anything against their realm) and furthermore would do all it (or they) can to personally benefit and/or prosper (alongside their Realm). Furthermore, this rudimentary concept is of extreme importance for more profound understanding of morality, especially the part professing that intelligent entities, which are capable to correctly discern what realm is and what its boundaries are, have additional need to protect and benefit this innate and intrinsic extension of themselves. Self-interest is yet another important concept, for the understanding of ethics. In particular, this concept is a part of self-preservation principle, since by promoting our self-interests we are asserting our well being, in general, thus are enabling our preservation. Self-interest implies that a person would think, behave or work on achieving the conditions of benefiting itself. Within this concept we can also include greed, which to some extent might benefit the individual but is overall considered a bad trait since it does not take into the consideration other member of his realm, thus could be, and often is, a destructive factor therefore should be considered immoral. Greed could also be very dangerous, since when some other groups or entities want to harm our Realm, in any way or for any reason, they can use this innate tendency, of our members, to achieve that goal. In other words, personal greed could induced an intelligent person to forfeit that which is moral for the sake of benefiting himself, personally. But if his action results in harming of our Realm than he has acted immorally. However, it is those that have used this innate instinct that have actually forced the person to violate the self-preservation principle and in particular induced him to harm his extended self. They have forced him to choose between himself and the extended self. By doing so, they have perpetrated one of the gravest crimes, since they have caused a person to harm our Realm.

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Moral are all those actions that benefit (our) Realm. Immoral are all those actions that tend to harm (our) Realm. Amoral are all those actions that do not affect (our) Realm in any significant or noticeable way. It is the purpose and obligation of society to help us and assist us as to be moral and if necessary, in some instances, to force us or restrict our behavior as to be moral thus to prevent various (usually secretive) groups or individuals from skimming on harming our Realm, or from using our innate greed as a backdoor for destroying our Realm. That also means that our society must protect our Realm at all costs and prevent anything, which is trying to harm it, in any way, shape or form. If we more closely examine the idea of society, it could become apparent that it is based on the notion of social contract [concept that individuals, by nature, live in a state of all out war, where each individual is pitted against all other people, in their individual struggle to survive and personally benefit] thus by giving up on some of our rights and freedoms, we assure that we all benefit through the creation of society--thus through mutual cooperation--which will be based on law and order to which we all subscribe. As such, society is a natural stage in the development of intelligence and a process by which humans enable themselves to survive and prosper, by uniting and combining their abilities and resources. Also to successfully compete against other such groups or societies; since according to natural selection, the competition among diverse societies and races will determine which is better fit [and that should mean more intelligent] thus ought to be allowed to carry on. At this point, I should introduce yet another rather important concept for better or more correct understanding of ethics. It is the idea of Egocentric Predicament or maybe I should call it, the Fundamental Law in Ethics: Our Realm must always be the most important to us! The above statement could, as well, be interpreted: We have to perceive reality from our particular reference point (and also sometimes to adjust our understandings as to fit our innate needs). Even if the truth and the quest for truth are one of the guiding principles--which they are-still we need to keep in mind our rudimentary interests and

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never endanger them. Because, no matter what: WE MUST, in importance, COME FIRST! Or to put it more appropriately: OUR REALM MUST, always, BE FIRST! [This is actually, very similar to Nietzsche’s concept of master morality; or perhaps it is apparent that master morality could be deduced from this law!] Most of all, we need to realize that this is something very much normal hence that we should not feel bad because of it. Therefore, we need to curtail our approach to reality as to always benefit our particular interests! Which is the most normal thing that there is (as long as it benefits the realm)! To disobey this fundamental principle would, most likely, result in our termination. Because, in the grand scheme of natural selection, if among several competing groups only one of them forfeits this law of nature, then it will be extinct in the relentless struggle, for survival, with the other groups. PART TWO: Political Philosophy Society is an innate development among various animals that posses adequately advanced brains--with the possible exception of some insects39, such as the bees and the ants-which allows them to structure their lives and interactions as an organized group of individuals. Society is both necessary and desirable state for it will prevent possible anarchy where each individual could be in a perpetual war or struggle against all others. Instead, by creating society--accepting social contract by which they relent some authority to the state, and some selective loss of personal freedoms--they are making much more desirable overall conditions for living and interaction. [Unless the given country is acting detrimental toward Realm!] In addition by fostering cooperation they are making their society better prepared to overcome other, less successful, societies or to prevent being itself taken over and/or destroyed by other organized groups. 39

Perhaps it would be much more appropriate to view the colony of bees or ants as a live organism rather than a society! Thus a beehive could be perceived as a living creature such that some bees are specialized to do all the work (like our muscles), some are protecting it against intruders (like our leukocytes), some are scouting the surroundings (like our eyes or sensory apparatus) and there are sex organs (the queen bee and the drones). Because, just as our body cells have no will of their own but are acting collectively as integral parts of the organism: so do bees, ants, termites act exactly that way. Members of a society (e.g. people) have much greater degree of autonomy and independence. Hence, it would be wrong to consider beehive as a society; on the other hand, most likely, it should not be a mistake to see a herd of deer, a pack of wolves, a pride of lions, or especially a group of monkeys as having some forms of rather primitive “society”.

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For any society to be proper, it must be structure in a way that the most intelligent men would be the absolute leaders. That means that a small percentage of the wisest adult males should be granted total power, such as in making all major decisions in that society. This would assure that the society would have best possible chances for success and prosperity thus could succeed in the innate struggle with other societies. Consequently, in accordance to nature’s plan, it is this innate struggle that will ultimately determine which organized group will be favored to survive and that most likely will be the one with the most intelligent members: for they are most likely to organize in the best way as to most effectively cooperate and to adequately utilize available resources. Democracy, in a way that is currently practiced [such that all citizens above certain age (E.g. 18 years old) could vote thus “decide”] is not appropriate form for human society since in any such group of people there will be individuals of diverse intellectual abilities (those very smart and even more of those that are not so smart, or well bellow the average) thus the overall decision could not be the best possible outcome but the average of all intelligences involved. Beside, democracy is a big farce, since those that control media also control and effectively create public opinion; hence it is they who, in most instances, decide what the majority will choose; only that is not what democracy was supposed to be. Which means that democracy is just a big lie used by various groups as a mean to fool, manipulate, oppress, exploit and rule the duped majority. A proper society should be structured to assure several major points: 1. protection of Realm (2) service, protection and benefit to its citizens (3) protection of the society. Realm must be placed in the most important position since it is all that we are part of and one of the main laws that govern all interaction in this entire universe is--already mentioned--the rule of self-preservation which implies (let me say it once again) that an entity must not intentionally harm itself or do anything that might endanger its survival. The only possible exception to this law is, in cases, when someone identifies himself with something else hence is ready to sacrifice himself for the benefit of the extended self. For instance, if a person gives his life to save his own child (or family) or to defend his country. But, at the same time, it would be considered extremely bizarre or morbid for a person to give

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his life for an animal, or a virus, or that which is not part of him [or a part of his Realm], for instance. Intellect is also very important aspect since the entire evolution seems to be lead to the creation of higher forms of life and consequent refinement of intellect. Thus to allow denigration of intellect, in any shape or form, is unnatural practice that is going against the grain of reality or (the tendency of) nature. Since white race, and in particular white men, have discovered almost all (significant or semi-important) facts and knowledge: it would also imply that genocide or any form of discrimination toward white men in favor of children, females, mentally retarded, animals or other races could constitute the gravest sin against this universe and its innate proclivity. In any case, society must never force us to disobey nature or induce us to deviate from universal rules or from our innate character. That also implies that society ought to be created and structures in such a way as to enable us to be moral and to assure our personal well being as a way to benefit our Realm. It also means that citizens of a society have moral obligation to make such a society [to create desirable and appropriate commonwealth] or to alter, replace or terminate a deviant society. Perverted society could be considered any union where its citizens are forced to disobey their rudimentary instincts or innate nature and harm their Realm or any society that is punishing its members for being what they really are, for obeying the laws of this universe. However, it would be equally wrong or immoral for us to concern ourselves with anything else other than our own Realm. Thus the most normal and moral thing would be for us to preoccupy ourselves as to exclusively champion and benefit ourselves and especially our Realm. That is the essence of morality and what it means to be moral. All man-made laws must take these simple and all-important facts under consideration if they are to be just or proper. Thus one of our main concerns should also be to have proper set of laws enacted (by legislators) that would govern our behavior, in a normal and legal sense, hence to enable us to be moral as nature has intended and as reality, ultimately, demands from us. Or I can present this, just elaborated, claim as the Fundamental Law in Politics: Society and man-made laws must serve individuals and be moral (protect our Realm).

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This could imply that politics is just a part of ethics; or at least it should be that way. Because, it would be evil, in essence, for society to be structured (or to create manmade laws) as to be immoral or amoral, in any way.

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10 The Ancient Fables European mythology is a precursor to our philosophy and our art, as well. In addition, it is still the main line of defense: protecting what we are and where we came from. Thus it is crucially important to remind ourselves of our noble ancestors and what they believed, long time ago, when the world was still young, and before science could provide the answers! And it is even more important, for us, to teach our children who their earliest ancestors were thus to introduce them to our rich heritage. By the way, Europeans are: Slavs [the Russians, the West Russians, the Ukrainians; the Serbs, the Croats (or the West Serbs), the Mountain Serbs, the Slovenians, the Macedonians, the Bulgarians; the Checks, the Slovaks, the Sorbs (or the North Serbs), the Poles], Germanic people [the Germans, the Anglo-Saxons, the Swedes, the Norwegians, the Danes, the Icelanders, etc], Celts [the Scots, the Irish, the Welsh, etc], Greco-Romans [the French, the Italians, the Spanish, the Portuguese, the Greeks, etc], Ugro-Fins [the Hungarians and the Finish]; as well as their direct progenies that now live at various locations all over the world, especially in North America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Celtic Mythology The Celts are a group of Europeans that was dominant in Central Europe during the Iron Age, where they initiated

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the La Tene culture. They rode horses, used iron weapons and in the 6th and 5th century B.C. [or in 74th and 75th century f-LV (from Lepenski Vir)] they spread, from their home in present day southern Germany, to what are now the British Isles, France, Spain, Italy, Macedonia, etc. Their society was centered around a leader, that was a king-like figure, and priests known as druids. Druids were very important and influential for they supposedly had magical powers. Other significant figures were poets [or bards], warriors, heroes, seers, storytellers, wizards, etc, such that some of them also had various rather special or unique abilities and skills. Currently, the Celts and/or their descendants are present all over Europe, especially in Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man, Wales, Cornwall, and Brittany; as well as in the USA, Australia, etc. But their profound influence is even more widespread. DRUIDS were leading priests of a highly ritualistic religion that centered on the warship of the pantheon of nature deities. Their ceremonies were filled with magic and they were usually held in the woods (like oak groves), on large fields or near rivers and lakes. Druids held powerful positions in the society but they were much more than just religious leaders--they were also judges, advisers, educators and they oversaw the intellectual life of their communities. REBIRTH was a significant feature of Celtic religious belief. In other words, after a person dies, his immortal soul goes to the otherworld where it waits to be reborn once again. Thus a person is perceived an immortal entity leading infinitely many different lives. OTHERWORD was an invisible realm of gods, spirits, fairies, giants, elves; it was a remarkable place of utter joy where souls went after death to wait for another rebirth. It was a kind of divine resting place, filled with plenty and happiness, were a person would recharge his life-force (élan vital) for his next existence in the real world. Two common names for the otherworld were Avalon and also Annwn. The lord of Annwn was the gray-clad god known as Arawn. He had a pack of hounds, sometimes referred to as the Celtic “hounds of death” for they flew at night in pursuit of human souls.

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Inside this glittering place of utter enchantment was a stream of life that could heal the sick or injured and there was also a Celtic Magical Cauldron that was a recurring theme in all of Celtic mythology, which also had abilities to cure the ill or bring back to life. Seers and poets could enter and/or leave this amazing place through delightful spirit-flights of imagination or rather journeys of the soul. Bards often went there for their inspiration. Some privileged heroes (i.e. Finn MacColl, Cuchulainn) have also managed to enter and leave otherworld during their lifetime; but poets did it on regular basis. CELTIC CAULDRON was a remarkable vessel of plenty and, even more importantly, rebirth. It could heal the sick or injured and return to life those that were dead. ARTHUR is the best-known and most famous Celtic hero. His father was Uther Pendragon (“dragon head”), his mother’s name was Igraine. [This could imply that, or be interpreted as if, Arthur might have descended from a dragon.] He united the people and according to the legend became the first king of entire Britain. His castle was Camelot where he made a large round table for his group of rather special and carefully chosen knights that were collectively known as the Knights of the Round Table. Sir Lancelot was his best and most loyal knight, even though he fell in love with the queen. Merlin [the best and most famous wizard] played a significant role in the Arthurian myths, for he was his main adviser and in fact he had skillfully influenced and led the king throughout his life. Thus Merlin had a major part in the unification of Britain, according to the legend. Arthur’s wife was Guinevere; his sword was the fabulous Excalibur which he received, thanks to Merlin, from the Lady of the Lake [a mysterious figure that dwelled inside a lake], whose white-clad arm appeared above the surface holding Excalibur for Arthur. It was most amazing sword that had special powers and that was so shiny (as bright as a score of torches) it could mesmerize or frighten enemies in battle. At the end of his life, Arthur was mortally wounded in a battle, so he returned the sword to the enchanted lake then he went on a magic boat ride and simply disappeared. His last words were that he was going to Avalon so that he could return to lead his people--in the time of gravest

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danger--once again. He is, also, a historical figure and on his grave at Glastonbury is written: “Here lies Arthur, king that was, king that shall be.” DAGDA was the great god of Irish mythology. He was the father of gods and the mighty protector of druids. Dagda led the Tuatha De Danann beings or rather deities that defeated the Famorii gods that ruled before them. He was often presented as a man in rustic clothes that carried an enormous club on wheels. He used, one end of, it to slay his enemies and the other to restore dead back to life. He was wise, all knowing god and most powerful divine being. He was a great warrior and his love interest was Morrigan, the war goddess. In battle, he was without equal and he used his devastating club to terminate all that opposed him. Dagda was the leader and main participant at the second battle of Magh Tuireadh, when the Tuatha De Danann finally defeated the Fomorii. As the consequence, these earlier gods went to live under the water (Oceans) while these new gods took over. However, in due time, they too were defeated by the sons of Milesius (who were actually the ancestors of the present day Irish). So, in turn, the Tuatha De Danann gods went to live underground thus are known as ferries and mysterious beings from Irish folk stories or legends. BRIGID was a goddess of healing and fertility. She was assisting pregnant women. Her husband was Bres, the halfFamorii god, who briefly led the Tuatha De Danann. HOLY MARRIAGE ceremony was an event that occurred at the beginning of each year. It involved a sacred ritual during which chieftains and druids were deflowering young females. The main purpose for it was to assure prosperity, strength and peace, by introducing innocent virgins to womanhood. Or, alternatively, it might have involved a sexual act between the main leader and a young priestess. FOMORII were early gods that ruled Ireland. They were ugly deformed creatures or rather the most violent and monstrous sea gods. They were evil and tyrannical, by their intrinsic nature. They were forced to live underwater after the Tuatha De Danann gods defeated them. BALOR was the one-eyed Cyclops and the god of death. He was the most formidable among the Fomorii. His eye was so

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dreadful and devastating that he could destroy anything he looked at. The sun god Lugh killed him, in a battle. CUCHULAINN was perhaps the greatest and most powerful of all Celtic heroes, a larger than life figure. His mother was Dechtire and she was the daughter of druid Cathbad. His father was the sun god Lugh. Cuchulainn inherited great deal from his famous father thus was a fierce warrior that during battle transformed into the state of utter frenzy or extreme fury and his physical appearance changed accordingly, as well. Cuchulainn was very popular among the weaker sex and his wife was Emer, the daughter of Fogall, a chieftain whose castle was near Dublin. His loyal protector was goddess Morrigan. The hero had great many adventures and he even briefly journeyed to the otherworld. He was extremely brave and skillful warrior. In his last battle, he went alone against entire army; when queen Medb tried to invade Ulster so her troops attacked at the unfortunate time when a curse was placed on Ulster men rendering them unable to fight for five whole days and nights. Only, Cuchulainn was not affected by Macha’s curse. However, the witch placed a spell on him, as well, thus magical powers were used to weaken his impressive strength. But in spite of it all, he won; only the victory was bittersweet for he had to forfeit his life in the process! It happened after five days of battling and winning against odds and great many invading soldiers. The curse caused his arm and shoulder to whiter and he sustained a terrible stomach wound. So he tied himself to a post as to be able to stand and fight till the very end. However, by the time he died the other Ulster men have come out of the Macha’s curse. They arrived too late, thought, to help Cuchulainn but in time to finish off what he has started, and to defeat the enemy. At the end, Conall, his foster brother, has chased and killed all those, in any way, responsible for the death of Cuchulainn but Ulster was subdued in a veil of deafening sadness for the loss of their most remarkable champion and most loyal protector. FINN MACCOOL was another great hero. As a child he had unusual abilities with the animals, and was actually able to communicate with them. His father was Cumal and his mother was Hurna. His tutor was the druid Finegas, who gave Finn MacCool to eat the Salmon of Knowledge. That

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made him extra wise, thus he could know the past and predict the future. When he grew up he became the leader the Fianna, the select group of warriors. They had many remarkable adventures; one of which was the pursuit of Diarmuid Ua Diubhne, the foster-son of the love god Aonghus. This relentless chase lasted sixteen whole years. According to one tradition, he is undead, inside a mystical cave, suspended in a deep animation, waiting to wake up from this enchanted sleep, one day when Ireland needs his aid the most... I think that such time will come rather soon. In fact, the time is now!

Slavic Mythology Not much is known about the mythology of Slavs [the biggest national group in all of Europe], which is unfortunate since there are some indications that it was rather a rich cultural tradition. However, ever since the most significant findings have been--possibly intentionally-destroyed and lost forever, all we can do is attempt some calculated guesswork on what Slavic myth might have looked like. Nevertheless, considering the fact that Slavic and Germanic peoples have lived near each other and/or together from the prehistoric time, and because the linguistic study implies that they are related groups, which might have had the common ancestry,40 we could conclude that their mythologies and the initial religions might have been similar or, at least, had some shared characteristics. Which is important, especially since there are some records concerning Germanic tradition that have survived but all traces of Slavic early believes have been destroyed and/or lost. In its essence--or perhaps there are some indications that--the myth of Slavs (or Vends, as their Germanic neighbors would call them) was centered on the interaction between three worlds: the world of light where people lived, the world of darkness or underworld where magical 40

Some of the most fundamental words--that the earliest human societies might have developed--are very similar among Slavs and Germans, which implies that they have lived in a close proximity or together in that earliest of times. For instance, the word for water in Serbian is voda, for the sun is sunce, for son is sin, for the moon is mesec, for river is reka, for fire is vatra, for brother is brat, for sister is sestra, for night is noc, for ma is mama, for wind is vetar, for snow is sneg, etc. [All these words are pronounced very similar and/or have identical root.]

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forces resided, and the enchanted domain of mighty gods. Also, rather common to Slavic tradition, all of nature was filled with numerous spirits (some good and some evil). Those forces were everywhere: lakes, rivers, trees, fields, mountains, and especially in forests. THE ABODE BETWEEN LAND AND SKY was a mythical castle that was suspended in midair, among the clouds. It was occupied by a dragon, who once took a princess thus one rather valiant knight had to find a way to enter it and defeat the impressive opponent as to fulfill his destiny and save this damsel in distress. Actually, to be more precise, he has managed to win three more young girls and a rich treasure. MYESYATS was the moon deity. According to some traditions he was a cold and bold uncle of the sun god Dazhbog. In another tradition, this was a female deity in the shape of a beautiful woman and consort to Dazhbog. Together they had many children (the stars). Every autumn the divine couple would part, as Dazhbog leaves his beautiful bride for the duration of winter, but as soon as spring arrives, the two reunite. VESNA was the beautiful goddess of spring. BABA JAGA was a witch in Russian mythology. she was called Baba Roga.

Among Serbs

WEREWOLF was a man-beast that appeared as a human but would mysteriously transform into a wolf during the full moon. This creature was actually an evil monster that only looked like a big wolf but was much more powerful and dangerous. It could be killed only with weapon made of silver. When the full moon passes the creature would return into the human shape, thus be able to hide his true identity. This way, werewolves could secretly live among the people and prey on them. Any human that survived the attack of a werewolf (i.e. that was bitten or scratched by the monster) would turn into this beast, himself, when the full moon returns. PRINCE MARKO was a remarkable hero, in latter Serb folk stories and legends. He was one important warrior against the alien forces of evil. He had great many adventures and in all of them he appears as the powerful and relentless protector of his people. [There was actually a genuine

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historic figure to which the name is associated. The real Marko was one of the Serbian noblemen from the Middle Ages, whose castle was located in present day Kosovo or Northern Macedonia.] ROD was the god of light, fertility and creation or becoming. It is believed that he played all-important or the key role in the creation of the world. He was mostly worshiped among eastern Slavs [Russians, West Russians, Ukrainians]. His cult was rather impressive and very powerful, in part, because he was a very popular deity. THE RUSALKI were water nymphs. They were magical beings that assumed the shapes of beautiful young girls. [Some traditions consider them to be souls of drowned girls.] They resided in various rivers, especially in the Dnieper and the Danube. In summer months, they would come to the shore and swim or play. They could be sinister or demonic forces, too, that might drag unsuspected swimmers deep into the water till they drown. SVANTOVID [or Svevid] was one of the early gods. He used to be the main god [and possibly as the father of all other gods], until that special role, in Slavic pantheon, was taken over--it is not known how or why that happened--by all mighty Perun. Later on, he resumed a role of being only the god of war. Svantovid rode a white horse and sometimes, at night, he would hunt for those who dared to deny his authority. He is occasionally presented with four heads. His 30 feet statue was built, at his temple Arcona, on the Baltic island Rugen. DRAGON was a mighty mythical beast of enormous power, with wings and claws, which resembled a reptile and could breathe fire.41 This fabulous monster could be either with one head or with several heads (most often with three, seven or nine). The more heads it had the more dangerous dragon was, for the hero had to cut off all his heads in order to defeat the beast.

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European dragon is a distinct fabulous beast that is not to be mixed up with, or in any way associated to, so called “dragons” from other parts of the world (e.g. Asia). Because the Chinese “dragon” is really just one large worm or snake with legs, thus could not fly, and in fact is not the same concept or even similar creature to European dragon. Therefore, it is inherently wrong and misleading to translate that gigantic Chinese snake with the word “dragon”.

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Dragon was the ultimate adversary and the greatest trial of courage, strength or wit that a man could ever encounter. A duel with such a creature was the final trial of valor and skills. Actually, the dragon represented the biggest danger that humans could come across; hence it was the symbol of the absolute power and unpredictability of nature. Not all dragons were considered evil or were personifications of such forces. Some dragons were good and were, actually, helping the valiant knights in their noble quests. LESOVIK was a spirit of the forest. He had the human form with long green beard, only he would not cast any shadow. His intentions were often very unkind toward the unsuspected hunters and travelers whom he tried to lead astray. Lesovik had the ability to change his size, from being extremely small (like a mouse) to being immensely big (like the biggest tree). Every October, he would go into a kind of voluntary hibernation only to return back next spring. PERUN was the main and most powerful god. [He was the Slavic equivalent not only to Germanic Odin but Thor, as well. In Greek mythology his equivalent was Zeus.] According to some believes, Perun has controlled the atmospheric occurrences hence one of his potent weapons was thunder and lightening. The thunder god was involved with great many females. One of them was Saule [Baltic goddess of the sun] and as the result of their prolonged love affair came the Morning Star (Venus). Also, according to Slavic believes--which was actually a kin to Germanic tradition--the world was just like the tree, divided in three parts: the root was inhabited mostly by dark or sinister forces, in the trunk lived people, while the canopy was the realm of gods, in such a way that Perun had the greatest power and the biggest influence in all three domains, of this cosmic tree. SVAROG was the sky god. He was one of the powerful, or among the most potent, deities. BASCELIK was one extremely strong mythical creature, with the ability to fly and his actual shape was that of a winged man. He was belligerent, in character. However, a

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brave knight, who enlisted the aid of friendly dragons, eventually defeated him. The legend of Bascelik is, actually, centered on the valiant deeds of an unnamed hero, who was also a prince. According to the story, a king who had three sons and three daughters was dying and while he lied in his deathbed, he called his sons and told them that his time would soon be over and when he was gone they should give their sisters to whoever came to ask for them. Soon father the old king was dead and not long after someone visited their castle asking for the eldest daughter but the two older brothers refused to give her away. However, the youngest brother remembered what their father told them so he persuaded the other two to give her in marriage. The following night, another mysterious power came and once again asked for the hand this time of the middle daughter; and the third day, a new stranger asked for the hand of the youngest princess and each of those times the two elder brothers at fist refused only to be persuaded by the young price who did not want to disobey his father. After their sisters went away with powerful but unknown characters, the brothers decided to find out where they were, so the princes agreed to go and look for them. All three gathered the necessary provisions, mounted the horses and commenced to find their sisters. They traveled several days and after leaving their kingdom far behind, they came into an unknown land. There, near one lake, high up in the mountains, they decided to have a rest. As the eldest brother was keeping a night watch, suddenly a dragon appeared and after a long duel the older brother managed to kill him. Then he woke up the middle brother and--without telling him anything concerning the duel--went to sleep. As soon as the oldest brother fell asleep, another dragon (only this one with two heads) appeared but the middle prince managed to kill him after a big struggle. Then he returned to sleep while the younger brother kept the watch. And as his two brothers, he too encountered a dragon, only this creature had three heads. He also managed to kill the beast but during their duel the fire got extinguished. So in order to lit it again, he went into the forest. After a long walk, the young knight, saw some light, in the distance. As he walked toward it, he was suddenly surrounded by a group of giants. However, he was a rather valiant and smart young man, so he immediately pretended to be one of them thus he greeted them as if he was really

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pleased to see them. So giants invited him to join them and they all set around the fire. They offered him to eat, however they were roasting and eating some people, so the witty prince pretended to dine with them while throwing away the body parts when they were not looking. As they finished eating human flesh, they decided to hunt for some more; and thus all of them walked to a nearby town. The giants pulled out some tall evergreen tries and used them as ladders to climb the city walls. However, the prince was first to go and as the giants went after him, he took his sword and cut off their heads, one by one. Then he looked around the town and realized that it was desolate place and only in one toll tower was lit. He climbed it and saw a beautiful young girl--actually the princess-sleeping on her large bed with a candle nearby while from darkness a large snake appeared. The prince, immediately, jumped over and killed the reptile. Eventually, the king found out what has happened so he gave the young prince half of his kingdom and his daughter as wife. The two older brothers received gold and treasure as they wanted to return to their own kingdom and to their wives who where waiting on them, all this time. They all lived happily and peacefully, until one day, the king went on a long hunt and gave the prince keys to his castle, while he was away. He asked the prince to be careful thus not to use one of the keys. But the young man was curious and being of valiant nature, he opened the forbidden door, as well. There he saw a man in chains. [Actually, it was Bascelik!] The man asked him to give him some water and in return he would give the prince three extra lives. The young knight was impressed by the offer and as he gave water to the prisoner, the iron chains suddenly broke and the creature opened his concealed wings thus flew away. As if this was not bad enough, the creature, on his way out, also managed to grab the princess and carry her away, with him. When the king returned, the young man told him what happened… The ruler was saddened by the fact that his only daughter was stolen, by Bascelik, but he still looked at the valiant knight with kindness and told him not to worry for he would find him another young girl for wife and they could still stay with him. But the prince was determined to find his young bride so he took his sword and jumped on his horse and rode off. After seven days and seven nights, he came in a distant city and there he saw a beautiful palace. In it lived his eldest sister and she asked him to come in and

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meet her husband, who was actually the leader of dragons. The dragon king wanted to help the brave knight thus gave him a magical straw, which he could burn, if he needs their assistance and dragons will come to his aid. So the prince went on and eventually met his middle sister who was married to the lord of falcons; and his youngest sister that was married to the lord of eagles. In each of those instances, the prince was given a magical feather, which he could use to enlist the aid of falcons and eagles, if needed. After some time, the hero finally managed to find Bascelik. He battled with the fabulous beast but the creature was extremely powerful and as he lost three of his extra lives, the young knight remembered the magical gifts so he burned them. However before the army of dragons, falcons and eagles could come, Bascelik has cut the young prince in half. When the flying squadrons came they started immense battle with the beast and it lasted several days but they could not defeat him. Then the fastest among dragons, flew over to the mystical mountain and returned with the water of life. They used it to bring the prince back to life. So the brothers-in-law advised the brave knight to find out where the courage and strength of Bascelik were hidden. So he secretly went to see his wife and told her what to look for. The next day, she asked Bascelik where his courage and strength lie and he told her, immediately, being rather confident that nothing could ever harm him. Then the prince returned to the lords of dragons and birds of pray and all of them took off and flew to a nearby mountain. There they found a fox and eagles stared to chase her but the fox changed into a raven and flew up into the sky but the dragons went after it and as they caught it and cut it open, from its hart a small bird appeared and flew fast into the night but he falcons caught it and as they killed it, Bascelik fell on the ground and died. The prince then went over to find his pretty princess. They said goodbye to the flying armies, and returned back to their castle. SVARAZIC was the fire god. His father was Svarog. According to some believes he was a brother to Dazhbog. He wore a helmet and always carried a sword. His symbol was the head of black bison, which was engraved on his clothes. TRIGLAV was a three-headed god. He had several temples built in his name at Stettin (in present day Poland). His

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temples were maintained through the war booty, such that one tenth, of everything pillaged, belonged to this god. VAMPIRES were walking dead or corpses that had some appearances of being alive even though they were not. They were stalking humans since they used blood for their food. If a vampire bits a human then the victim eventually dies before becoming a vampire, himself. This half-alive and half-dead creature had no reflection in the mirror. One of the ways to repel vampires was the usage of garlic, for which reason strings of garlic were put at the entrance of the house and sometimes inside the house or all around it, as well. Vampires represented the forces of evil. They could fly, by transforming themselves into bats. [This motif of shape changing was also very common in Germanic mythology.] In one old Serbian legend, when a vampire was killed he has still managed to survive when from his severed body a white butterfly escaped into the night. These mythical creatures could not take the daylight therefore they were active only at night, when they were seeking human victims. During the day they hid in graves or in dark rooms of a castle, where they often used coffins instead of beds. A vampire could only be destroyed if a wooden stake--made of a very special thorny tree--was driven deep into his heart, or possibly by exposition to direct sunlight; otherwise they could persist indefinitely. VILENJAKS and VILAS were natural forces [like sprites or fairies]. They were living in forests, rivers, lakes, or mountains. Some of them were essentially good while some were evil, by nature. These supernatural beings could have been male (vilenjak) or female (vila) and they always had some special powers and superhuman abilities. Vilenjaks were often depicted as being tricksters who liked to have fun thus enjoyed to fool humans or would do some unsuspected or unusual pranks to the people that enter their sacred realm. Vilas were usually depicted as young and very pretty girls that wore light transparent dresses. They lived in nature and were also very playful thus liked to horse around with unsuspected passers by, often while they were sleeping. However, unlike vilenjaks, these fairies were much more good, by their innate nature, and were much more ready to help the people. WIZARD was a wise man with great magical powers that he could implore to achieve incredible or mind bugling deeds.

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He could use his magic to cure or cast spells, foresee the future, control nature or forces of nature, as well as to help or harm valiant heroes. Wizards could be good and/or bad.

Teutonic Mythology This is one remarkable and rather inspiring fable about the realm of gods, which was designed to explain this universe and our place in it. Most amazingly, the contemplators of these myths have envisioned the doom of gods which could imply that they might had the vision of the future where gods will not play any significant role, in human life, and this sets Germanic Mythology apart from all others, as most profound and philosophical intellectual achievement, long before the age of science. Their universe was divided into nine worlds that were interconnected and where mighty gods, evil frost giants, people and fearless heroes, skillful dwarfs, powerful wizards, etc interacted. Also there were monsters, rigs of power, and great deal of magic and enchantment. Perhaps it should be mentioned that this was, actually, the religion and the myth of the Vikings [the valiant group of tribes, from Northern Europe that between the 8th and 10th century, skillfully sailed the seas and rivers, in their amazingly designed dragon ships, hence ravaged all that they came across: inducing the sword age and the axe age]. In the very beginning, however, and before anything else, there was a bottomless pit, the world of fog, where suspended, within the web of nothingness, was a well from which twelve rivers ensued toward different directions. In due time, those rivers froze up and filled the abyss… That’s how the stage was set for the commencement of the most fascinating tales, ever envisioned by human minds, the Norse sagas. GINNUNGAGAP was the fundamental or initial emptiness, which lay between the realm of fire and the realm of cold. As the warm winds from the domain of fire melted some snow, the drops of water combined to create Ymir (the first frost giant and the first living thing) and Audhumla (the primeval cow). The cow lived by licking the salty ice and

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it gave milk to Ymir. [He was, later on also, the father of all giants that came out of his sweat.] While Audhumla was licking the ice she stumbled on Buri (the first man-like entity, and ancestor to all gods). He had the child whose name was Bor and three grandsons: Odin, Vili, and Ve that killed Ymir and all giants except one family which, somehow, managed to survive. [This mishap, eventually, turned out to be the initial seed of destruction, an innate flaw within the framework of ultimate reality, that would, much later, end up with Ragnarok.] They took his carcass to the center of Ginnungagap and out of it they made Midgard, the world of men. Ymir’s flash was transformed into the earth, his bones became the mountains, his blood spilt into lakes and seas, his hair was the trees and out of Ymir’s skull they made sky, such that four dwarfs had the task of holding up the corners of the skull (sky). The sun, the moon and the stars were made out of the sparks, which gods caused while creating the universe. The three brothers then used ash tree to make the first man and elm tree to make the first woman. Odin breath into them the spirit of life, Ve enabled them to hear and see, and Vili gave them intelligence and emotion. ASGARD was the divine fortress, abode of the younger and more powerful family of gods, the Aesirs. [The other divine family, the Vanirs, lived in Vanaheim.] This citadel had impressive, extremely massive and strong, walls [that were, interestingly enough, made by a frost giant] and many monumental and splendid halls where gods resided. THE RINGS OF POWER were potent symbols of might, magic, destiny and/or doom in Norse myth. For instance, Odin had a fabulous golden ring (Draupnir) that every nine days created similar rings. It was an emblem of abundance and power. Draupnir was crafted by a dwarf, who used fire and potent magic to forge this amazing ring in his secret underground dwelling. Thor also had a ring that was a symbol for fair play and good faith. Other magical rings held power, good fortune, wealth, curses, bad luck, etc. BIFROST was a magical bridge (rainbow) that connected Midgard (the world of men) with Asgard (the home of gods). FREYJA was a fertility goddess. She lived with the Aesir gods even though she was from the family of Vanirs. The two groups of gods had a war at which end the Aesirs, led

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by Odin, won and it was, mutually, agreed that to assure the future peace, they ought to exchange some of their family members. Freya, Njord, Fryr came to live in Asgard; while a few of Aesirs deities went to live at Vanaheim with the Vanirs. SIGURD (or Siegfried) was a man and one of the greatest heroes. He had many adventure during his lifetime, including the slain of dragon Fafnir, for which he relied on his cunning and valor as well as on his magical sword. This way he gained big treasure, wisdom and ability to understand birds. Another his adventure involved great bravery when he dared to enter the ring of fire in order to free the imprisoned Valkyrie, Brynhild. She has displeased Odin (the supreme god) and as her punishment he placed her in a deep enchanted sleep within the ring of fire. Only the most valiant hero could penetrate the ring, break the spell and set her free, by displaying daring valor. Sigurd was the one to free Brynhild and consequently the two of them became lovers. HEL was the daughter of fire god Loki and frost giantess Angrboda. She was banished, by Odin, to rule the netherworld or underworld (also referred to as Hel). She was semi-decomposed (half live and half dead: such that her arms and legs were only skeleton) and her subjects were those humans that died as cowards. IDUN was the pretty goddess who guarded the apples of youth. She was married to Bragi, the god of poetry. These apples grew on a very special tree and they had ability to kept gods young and powerful. VALI was a god and one of great many Odin’s sons. His mother was Rind. His destiny will be to kill blind Hodr, as the revenge for the killing of Balder. He will survive Ragnarok. LOKI was fire god and the essence of evil. His parents were giants Farbauti and Laufey, which could explain his character. He was rather witty and only a trickster or trouble-maker, at first, [at which time he was also a frequent companion to Thor] but his evil progressively grew until it overtook him completely; henceforth, the other gods, had no other option but to bound him in a cave, where he was to remain till Ragnarok. Loki had two wives,

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Angrboda and Sigyn; and several children, including monsters: Fenrir, Jormungard, Hel, as additional representatives of his evil nature. All his life, Loki had caused great deal of troubles to the gods until, finally, they decided to punish him. To avoid the wrath of gods, he turned himself in a salmon but Odin, from his high seat at Asgard, saw his hideout and the gods eventually caught him. They placed him in a dark cave and one of his sons was transformed into a wolf that immediately attacked and killed his other son Narvi; whose intestines were, then, used to restrain Loki beneath the dripping mouth of a venomous snake. He was sentenced to remain, in this dreadful prison, till Ragnarok when he was to emerge as the leader of the army of frost giants. During this battle Loki will die at the hands of god Heimdall. MJOLLNIR was Thor’s magic hammer. It was made by dwarfs [who were the best craftsmen in all nine words] and it had some amazing powers: abilities to foster fertility, resurrection and of course total destruction. It was the ultimate weapon used by gods--actually by Thor--against their archenemies, frost giants. It was specially designed to crush giant’s hard skulls. At one time, giant Thrym managed to steal it, which made gods very uneasy. So Loki and Thor went to recapture the hammer. Since Thrym demanded goddess Freyja, in return for the hammer, Loki suggested Thor to take Freyja’s clothes and her famous necklace before the two of them would visit the frost giant. As they arrived at the giant’s impressive palace at Utgard, Loki presented disguised Thor as if he was Freyja. Since it was customary for Viking marriages to be blessed by placement of hammer on bride’s knees, that was done this time as well; but as soon as they placed Mjollnir on Thor’s knees, he took it and ruthlessly pulverized all frost giants that were present, in such a display of most brutal violence that it was unparalleled in the annals of mythology. On some other occasions, Thor used it to restore to life some goats that were actually eaten, by him and his companions, the night before, as well as for sacred ceremonies during funerals. After Ragnarok (the doom of gods and the end of the world, as we know it) this mighty hammer is to be owned by Thor’s divine sons Magni and Modi. NIDHOGG was awesome dragon that lived at one of the three roots of the great cosmic tree, Yggdrasil. He lived in the

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lowest of the nine worlds, Niflheim, which was hostile region flooded with the freezing mist and permanent darkness. There, he was ripping carcasses and eating them. Occasionally he would also nibble on the root of the cosmic tree, in an attempt to inflict damage on the universe. His appetite was enormous and nothing, neither fire nor flood, neither terrible cold nor complete darkness could deter him from feasting on the inexhaustible supply of the dead. NJORD was a sea god from the Vanir family of gods. He lived with the Aesir gods together with his son Freyr and his daughter Freyja. He was also seen as the god of fertility; not only because his two children were fertility deities but also because Njord provided, to all that worshiped him, safe sea voyage and good fortune in form of land and sons. THE NORNS were fates or goddesses of destiny. They were Urd (fate} whose well was under one of the roots of Yggdrasil, the tree of cosmic [actually at the very place where deities met daily for the purpose of assembly]; Verdandi (present) and Skuld (future). The three fates would provide destinies for gods, giants, dwarfs and men. The idea was that our destinies were set and could never be changed, not even by divine beings as the most powerful entities in existence. THE VALKYRIES were sinister spirits of slaughter and bringers of death that would majestically ride, flying horses, over battlefields where valiant warriors were meeting their destiny, in the name of Odin. Actually they would take chosen heroes--at his request--to Valhalla, the Odin’s splendid abode and the divine home to his ghostly army of slain heroes. Sometimes they are envisioned as Odin’s shield-maidens and blond virgins with extremely white complexion that would obediently serve the Viking heroes, with the aid of the magical horn of plenty, which contained everlasting mead and meat. The beautiful Valkyries were very feminine and fragile figures that would often fall in love with the fearless human heroes. Sometimes the mortals would manage to catch Valkyries-especially those ones that took shape of a swan--and keep them imprisoned, as they were so desirable property.

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ODIN was the most powerful deity and the main god, the absolute rule of all worlds and the mighty leader of gods. He was the god of magic and wisdom. His father and grandfather were Bor and Buri, respectively. This one-eyed god had two brothers: Vili and Ve; and many children: Thor, Balder, Hodr, Vali, etc. He also had great many wives. One of them was Frigg, who lived with him in Asgard. He loved battle and was the protector and father of the slain heroes. Those that died bravely in battle would come to his abode at Valhalla to feast and enjoy in the anticipation of the final showdown, between gods and frost giants, the ultimate event at Ragnarok. In the grand scheme of things, the valiant heroes are to assist the divine beings in their epic war against the giants. So gathering the heroic dead was one of the main preoccupations of this dominant god. Odin was so much admired by the Vikings that he could incite, in them, a state of total battle frenzy when they could fight so violently and with so much courage that it was behavior, which could be considered really out of this world. [This is somewhat similar to the astounding transformation of Cuchulainn, in Celtic mythology.] As a mater of fact, Odin’s name was, commonly, associated with “fury” or “divine madness”. His favorite weapon was his spear (Gungnir) that was made by dwarfs and it had a very special ability: never to miss its target. He had a very interesting golden ring that could replicate itself every nine days. His horse was, also, a somewhat unique creature with eight legs. This supreme deity gained unlimited wisdom by casting one of his eyes into Mimir’s well. But his fanatical interest in even deeper wisdom induced him to hang himself, for nine whole days, from the cosmic tree, Yggdrasil. This voluntary death and consequent resurrection, by means of his incredible magic, gave Odin greater knowledge and power than anyone else could ever have. The powerful god used his immense skills to set up the rules of conduct for mortals, deities, giants, and dwarfs. This way he tried to delay the inevitable arrival of Raganarok, the ultimate doom, which he could not prevent in spite of all his wisdom and might; and which to great extent was the working of Loki alongside the giants. Odin was all-knowing and to be informed as to what is happening in the nine worlds, he used two faithful ravens: Huginn (thought) and Muninn (memory). They would patrol the worlds and keep him current about the affairs within his dominion.

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To test his immense knowledge, Odin journeyed to Utgard, disguised as an old man. He challenged the wisest among frost giants, Vafthrudnir, to a contest of wits. They were asking each other questions, for a long time, until one of them, finally, did not know the answer. At the end, Odin won, when the frost giant could not tell what Odin whispered to his dead son Balder, at his deathbed. [As a matter of fact, due to his incredible insight of what is to come, Odin has told his dead son, Balder, not to worry, for he would eventually resurrect and claim the new and better earth.] The leader of all the divine beings is to die at Raganrok (the doom of gods and the end of the world, as we know it) but his son Balder will remain and he will take over to rule the Universe and the new world that will come out from this ultimate catastrophe. RAGNAROK was the final apocalypse, the preordained doom of gods, and the ultimate climax to the cosmic drama. It will occur after a series of disasters and one terrible winter that would last three whole years; when Loki will break free from his prison cave and set sail toward the fiery end. This will be the concluding battle, the grand finale that will take place at the icy plain of Vigrid, as the concluding struggle between the gods and their eternal opponents, frost giants. On the side of divine beings will appear the glorious dead, valiant warriors that died in battle and were taken, by the Valkyries, to Valhalla. On the side of Loki and frost giants, will also fight the unworthy dead, those that died as cowards, as well as three fearsome monsters that were spawned by Loki, himself: fearless wolf Fenrir, incredible sea monster Jormungand (which will, by that time, grew so big that his body could cover all of Midgard), and Hel (the queen of the dead with her ghastly army of unworthy corpses). At the very moment of Ragnarok, Asgard’s walls will suddenly crumble, the mythical creature Surt will burn out Bifrost bridge that connect Asgard with Midgard. Fenrir would break his chains and would roam the earth spreading rampant death and destruction; two mystical wolves would swallow the sun and the moon; Hel would appear with her army of the pale cadavers and would start moving toward the Vigrid Plane. Loki will sail the sea with his giant hosts toward the ultimate battleground. Odin with his army of heroic dead, together with other gods, will appear at Vigrid Plane; as Jormungard bursts out of the ocean in an attempt to swallow everything. At the very end, Surt sets

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all nine worlds on fire. The earth is ablaze and reduced to ashes before it sinks bellow the boiling ocean. During this ultimate conflict, Odin will be killed in combat with the fiery wolf Fenrir; Thor will slain great many giants and the incredible sea serpent Jormungand, in the most amazing of all combats, but will also die from its poisonous venom; while Loki will be killed by god Heimdall. Ragnarok will not be the end of cosmos. After most of the gods were killed, in mutual onslaught with the frost giants, a new world would emerge out of this catastrophe and it will be greener and much better place; and some gods will survive, as well (Odin’s sons: Vidar, Balder [who will, actually, return from the dead] and Vali; Honir; Thor’s sons: Modi and Magni). Furthermore, during the ultimate battle, two humans (a man and a woman: Lif and Lifthrasir) will shelter in the sacred cosmic tree thus after the carnage they will repopulate the earth. SKOLL is a wolf that is chasing the sun across the sky. At Ragnarok, he will catch and swallow her but only after she gives birth to a new sun that will be brighter and that will shine over a new and greener earth that will emerge from the ocean. Another creature, Hati would also swallow the moon. Skoll and Hati came from Iron Woods. THE DWARFS were mystical creatures that lived in one of the nine worlds. Their domain was deep below the surface and their kingdom was underground, lit with shiny gems. They were skilled craftsmen that used magic to make incredible and very sophisticated contraptions. For instance, they made: Iduna’s golden apples (or the tree), Thor’s Mjollnir, Sif’s golden wig, Gungnir (Odin’s great spear), Freyja’s beautiful necklace, Freyr’s wondrous long ship, various rings of power, etc. The dwarfs were vulnerable to daylight so they appeared only at night, since direct exposure to sunlight could turn them into stone. BEOWULF was a great hero who fought with monsters and dragons. He was brave, strong and skillful. He had great many adventures. SURT was the fire giant with a fiery blade. He was destined to set the universe on fire. All nine worlds will turn into furnace. At the time of Ragnarok, Surt will come out of the land of flame (Muspell) hurdling fire in all directions, turning people and animals to ashes. The

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scorched earth will then sink into the deep ocean before it reemerges once again, as a new and greener place. THOR was the second most powerful god, in rank and strength only after his divine father Odin. His mother was Fjorgyn (the goddess of earth). Thor was all mighty thunder god [his name actually means “thunder”]. He fathered many children to great many females. He had Mjollnir, the magical hammer--which was made by dwarfs--that was used to crush giant’s thick skulls. The weapon had huge head with short handle and amazing ability to always hit its target, as well as some other magical properties, such as inducement of fertility or the ability to restore a living creature back to life. Perhaps it should be stated that Mjollnir was really a thunderbolt. It was, above all, the most potent weapon that the gods had in their arsenal for their everlasting conflict with the frost giants. Thor also had special iron gauntlets and the power belt, which increased his already impressive strength to new levels. In essence, Thor was the mightiest of all gods--even though his father was the supreme god--and Thor was definitely the main champion and protector of the divine beings against the frost giants. Thor was not only incredibly strong but his body was, in addition, rather large. He sometimes rode his chariot, which was pulled by two immense goats, across the sky. This hot-tempered, redheaded divinity had great many adventure; and in many of them he was accompanied by Loki (the fire god), while they were still friends. In one of them, Loki has changed his shape into a hawk and was caught by Geirrod (a frost giant). [Loki often used magic to change his shape, as indeed, many gods or giants, with knowledge of magic, liked to do.] Geirrod allowed Loki to leave only after he promised to bring the unarmed thunder god to Geirrod. Thus, Thor was tricked by Loki to enter the hall of the frost giant, without his belt, gloves and hammer. However, at the entrance of Jotunheim (the land of frost giants), they stayed with a friendly giantess Grid, who warned Thor of the possible danger and gave him another belt of power, her iron gloves, and unbreakable staff. When they arrived at the hall of Geirrod, his servants led them to the table and gave them plenty to drink and eat. After a rich feast the two gods fell asleep. Suddenly, Thor dreamed that he was floating in thin air, so he opened his eyes and realized that his head was about to be smashed against the ceiling, so in an instant and with lightning speed, the thunder god used Grid’s staff to push

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against the ceiling, causing his seat to slam down against two Geirrod’s daughters, that were actually trying to kill him. Witnessing his daughters’ abrupt demise, the frost giant viciously attacked Thor. He threw red-hot iron ball at the thunder god but Thor was ready and with iron gloves caught the projectile before launching it back at Geirrod. This time, the fiery missile was unstoppable as it went straight through a massive pillar before it became enlarged into giant’s belly, killing him on the spot; which allowed the god to jump on his feat and smash skulls to all the servants and other giants, that were around. In another of his adventures, Thor had a single combat with Hrungnir, who was extremely big and powerful frost giant, who once came to Asgard and while their guest insulted the deities. So the god of thunder challenged him to a duel. To assist Hrungnir, the giants made enormous clay figure that was animated through magic and was intended to scare Thor. But the god overcame the awesome sight and his fear thus won the challenge. At the end, one of Thor’s strongest sons [whose mother was a giantess] helped him return to Asgard. Thor had many other adventures, as well. For instance, at one occasion, together with Loki and their servants; he went to Utgard and met giant Skrymir. He was the biggest of all giants, but Thor was not impressed as he commented: “the bigger they are, the heavier they fall”. During this stay at the giant’s stronghold, the frost giants used some spells to gain advantage over the gods. However, at the end it was discovered that this entire episode was actually an illusion, which frightened frost giants invented as they tried to scare Thor and prevent him from paying them another rather embarrassing visit, that could once again turn very unpleasant for them. THE FROST GIANTS were the first living creatures and the archenemies of gods. They had enormous size and equally big strength. The giants were also personification of evil and at Ragnarok there will be final and mutually destructive battle when most of the gods and all of the giants would perish. They feared Thor, most of all, since he was their greatest enemy and the powerful killer of giants; and his magical hammer (Mjollnir) was specially designed to pulverize giant’s massive skulls: task which he could accomplish with a single blow and apparent ease.

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TYR was the god of war. He was a valiant god that once put his hand in the gaping mouth of monstrous wolf Fenrir, whom gods tried to restrain. No chain was strong enough to hold the beast down, so the gods used a magical one. But before they could place it around Fenrir’s neck one of the divine beings had to put his hand in the monster’s mouth as a gesture of good will. Tyr was brave enough to do so; however, as soon as Fenrir discovered that the magical rope could not be broken, he bit off the god’s hand. So that is how, according to the legend, Tyr has lost one of his hands. It is very likely that once upon a time, he used to be the all important sky god, but eventually some of his powers were, probably, transferred to Odin and Thor. As a matter of fact, even Odin’s mighty spear Gungnir, was once associated with Tyr. The Vikings used to perform a very special ritual, by throwing the initial spear above the heads of their enemies, before the battle, as a sacrifice that they made for Odin or Tyr. At Ragnarok, it was destined that the hound Garm [which stood at the gates of Hel, preventing anyone from leaving] would jump at Tyr’s throat and that they both would be killed, during their combat. UTGARD was the immense icy citadel and the frost giants’ stronghold at Jotunheim (the land of the giants). VAFTHRUDNIR was the wisest of all frost giants. Just like Odin, he too gained his immense knowledge by consulting the dead. As a matter of fact to achieve that task, similarly to Odin, Vafthurdnir had to die, temporarily. The two of them, took part in a competition of wits, that occurred at Utgard, at which time Odin won by asking Vafthrudnir, what he had whispered to his dead son Balder, while his motionless body laid on the funeral pyre. Vafthrudnir could not have known that Odin told his dead son not to worry, since he would eventually resurrect and take over the rule of the new and better earth that would emerge from the sea after Ragnarok. VALHALLA was Odin’s majestic abode at Asgard. This was the most impressive structure where Odin, also, gathered and housed the heroic dead, those that died bravely in battle and were specially chosen by Odin to be his followers and soldiers. They were his ghostly army that awaited, at Valhalla, the arrival of Ragnarok.

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There were over 500 doors, at the grand citadel, each of them wide enough for 800 men to march through abreast. The design, for the doors, was made with one special purpose, to allow them all to charge, at once, toward the Vigrid Plain, at the first sign of Ragnarok. The new arriving heroes had to enter Valhalla through the special gate, called Valgrind (the sacred entrance for the slain). They were awaited and welcomed by beautiful virgin girls and/or Odin’s own sons. Odin would personally welcome the bravest among them. However, before they could enter Valhalla, the dead warriors had to overcome several obstacles, like the river of air. But once in, the dead were suddenly and miraculously cured of all wounds and illnesses thus they could immediately indulged in food and combat. There was plenty of food and endless supply of drinks (that was a special mead prepared with magic). They were served by beautiful young girls that were also virgins. The men would spend their time in total enjoyment: eating, drinking, socializing. Early every morning they would go out to practice combat. In case some of them get hurt or killed, they would be miraculously restored back to life and/or healed. At midday they would return to Valhalla to drink, eat and be merry, while in the company of young girls. As a matter of fact, Odin was considered the father and protector of the heroes while Valhalla was also seen as the hall of the slain. Odin would, daily, send the Valkyries as to seek the valiant warriors. Once in Valhalla, the girls would serve the men. The gathering of the heroic dead (Einherjar) at Valhalla was just one of god’s ways for getting ready in the anticipation of the final and ultimate battle. VIGRID PLAIN was the enormous piece of land and a sacred place, like no other, that was also the scene of the final battle between the gods and the frost giants. The two sides and their allies would engage in the ultimate combat that would end up with mutual destruction. YGGDRASIL was (and still is) the incredible cosmic ash tree. It is the largest and most impressive structure and its branches cover all nine worlds. It had three enormous roots that descended deep into different regions. One went toward Jotunheim (the land of the giants) and where Mimir’s well stood; the other went toward foggy Niflheim, in the vicinity of Hvergelmir spring, where dragon Nidhogg eats

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corpses; and the last root is embedded near Asgard, beneath Urd’s well, where gods met daily and held their assembly. The Norns would take water from the well and mix it with earth as a way to nourish Yggdrasil and to prevent it from rotting. This remarkable tree was envisioned as being the backbone of the entire universe and also as a unique structure that supports the nine worlds. Yggdrasil will survive Raganrok thus enable universe to continue. Perhaps, in a more philosophical sense--and from our perspective--this ultimate tree of cosmos could, also, be perceived as the rudimentary propensity of reality: the all-important feature we have come to know as existence; or possibly, with a more profound approach, Yggdrasil is nothing else then Viking’s prodigious representation of reality, itself.

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BIOGRAPHY Dragan Glavasic was born on 19th January 1958 in Belgrade, at the time of communism. His father was a judge. D.G. studied philosophy and mathematics in the United States of America and received his college degree at Davis & Elkins College in 1987 and Master’s degree at Marshall University in 1990. During his studies, he was working as a DJ for WDNE-FM93 (radio station), and he also published several of his writings for Aurora and some other magazines. He is a lifetime member of the scientific fraternity Chi Beta Phi and the mathematical fraternity Pi Mu Epsilon, as well as of the American Mathematical Society. Mr. Glavasic has founded a publishing house (Infinity Books Ltd.) thus was working as its Editor-in-Chief. At that time, two of his books (Ethics and 50,000 Miles Within My Brain) were published. He was accepted, as assistant, at University of Maryland, in 1992. Aside from spending 13 years of his life in USA, Mr. Glavasic has extensively traveled all over Europe. He is currently working on his PhD at the College of Philosophy, Belgrade University. His PhD thesis is titled Metaphysical Concept of Time and is one profound and rather remarkable intellectual achievement that will demonstrate, to one and all, that time and space do not exist! D.G. has written and/or translated several books. His interests are in the field of metaphysics, epistemology and ontology. He has also worked on translating various philosophers, as well as Greek, Roman, Celtic and Nordic mythologies.

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This is the 1st Edition of The Cosmic Tree by Dragan Glavasic. This book is distributed free of charge! The extended and improved 2nd Edition of The Cosmic Tree by Dragan Glavasic can be bought at various bookstores or it could be ordered from our: WEB SITE www.glavasic.com or www.glavasic.co.yu as well as through our EMAIL [email protected] or [email protected] or by PHONE (381-64) 239-5722.