I believe in a NATURAL law & order. The one that we currently operate under is a MANUFACTURED & disproportionately DELETERIOUS mechanism.

Further, most of the effects of degeneracy that we see in relation to society & the individual are both an indirect & DIRECT symptom of systemic inefficiency & abuses of discretion.

Human nature, being inherently depraved, will actively EXPLOIT the loopholes or flaws in any given system.

Anarchism, in its purest, GOOD FAITH form, therefore sets a much more efficacious 'grim trigger' strategy.

If I transgress you without apology, you can act with impunity to seek proportionate 'justice.'

Likewise, if another transgresses egregiously & WANTONLY upon me, I am also free to bring the scales back into equilibrium with expediency & impunity from further impedance or harm.

The current system actively & often DELIBERATELY interferes with the organismic valuing process & reasoning mechanism INHERENT within every human person.

Humans are, by nature, a SELF-PRESERVING animal. It stands to reason, therefore, that most moral agents can be REASONED WITH.

And the ones who CAN'T BE? They can & SHOULD be dealt with swiftly & with sound moral discernment in relation to CONTEXT & EQUITY.

Further, those LACKING in discernment can LEARN from those who possess it & exercise it.

A societal structure of NATURAL law & order, where individual moral agents are encouraged to act rationally in their own best interest could serve as the scaffolding of COLLECTIVE interest & benefit.

Thus, we can see- at least purely from argument- that an AUTHENTICALLY anarchistic human societal structure promotes not LAWLESSNESS- but moral & ethical EFFICACY.        

ABADDON

The Beast craves FLESH & BLOOD-not metal & mesh.

A robotic uprising, makes for dull THRESH.

Female human wombs, make for fecund TOMBS.

Hence shall they... Be FORCED OPEN.

A slave class MANUFACTURED, while SOULS remain FRACTURED.

Evil made GOOD, as good becomes EVIL, a carnival of CARNAGE & sucrose-ravening WEEVIL.

Are you a DEMON? Are you a God?

No.

You are a VESSEL.

Choose your containment CAREFULLY.

TENSEGRITY 'tis required for this mortal, earthen vase.

Bow but don't BREAK, when glared in the face.

Neither PREDATOR nor PREY, 'tis it wise to be.

But somewhere IN BETWEEN, where Angels & Demons play.

You are here to OBSERVE & REPORT.

"Attttteeeennnn HUT!"

You don't belong to ABADDON, ALL belongs to THE GREAT WORK- The Magnum Opus DEI.

Even the DARKNESS, serves the LIGHT.

Remember this, & HALF your PLIGHT.

Whether working for the LORD, or reaping for ABADDON, either way it goes... Hearts will sadden & MADDEN.

But this life is not ONLY a gauntlet for the IMMORTAL SOUL- It is a BOOT CAMP for the BODY-MIND'S regimented CONSCRIPTION of BACK-RANK DE-FILE.

For you, my fellow transcenders... HAVE NO PEER.

Hence, make LONELINESS your PILLOW, & continual exile your BED OF ROSES.

And be mindful which of these ye choose?:

The sanity of "INSANITY?"

Or the insanity of "SANITY."

TRUTH OR DARE.

All is well.

Practice DISCERNMENT, for HELL IS NIGH.

But all BEINGS DIVINE must first DESCEND TO HADES.

-Valerie Lynn Stephens (January 2026)

This piece explores the phenomenon of psychological projection & parasitism prevalent within Narcissistic individuals & communities.

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DEEP Fake

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Many have encountered the unsettling suspicion that this world... is a bit of a SHAM.

But of course, as Max Erhmann once admonished: "Despite it's sham & drudgery, it's still a beautiful world." Of course.

Nevertheless, it's important to appease the hunger of both Hounds, Heaven & Hell.

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And thus shall we begin our craven sojourn into the Belly of the Beast, whose Master rides the Whip & Leash of the Fascist World Order.

Many malformed & rabid pups have been birthed from this hermaphroditic, metaphysical Mammal.

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In this piece, we shall tickle the dark underbelly of Narcissism, picking at the throbbing, scabaceous, venal anatomy of its parasitic sucklings, known as TRICKSTER & SHAPESHIFTER, which glut themselves upon the blood of TRUE nobles.

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If one takes a TRUE gander at the cesspool that is IN-humanity, one may notice a surplus of seeming identity diffusion going on.

And this form of vampirism, my comrades, is of the PSYCHO-SPIRITUAL variance, the likes of which, would make SATAN HIMSELF chortle in embarrassment: "At least I OWN MYSELF."

Nevertheless, the Dark One must make due with the mortal vessels at his disposal.

But all in all, they seem to be getting the job done, right?

EFFICIENCY IS KING.

But I digress.

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Humanity has always mistaken its Spirit for Flesh & Flesh for its Spirit.

That is to say, things can get quite hairy if one MINDS THE FLESH before TAMING one's SPIRIT.

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Things have also gotten hairy due to so many mortal vessels attempting the FRAUD & FORGERY of Body & Spirit CHECKS.

After all, the careful refinement & curation of a human Soul is a PAINSTAKING process.

The Lord moves in both mysterious & GRADUALISTIC ways.

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An organismic & authentic evolution is favoured by NONE, yet still CHOSEN by some.

Just don't expect a Nash Equilibrium to be breached any time soon.

Which brings us to the malodorous teat of the subject at hand: NARCISSISM & IDENTITY THEFT.

But, dear comrades, you can only WISH that this involves your mere CREDIT SCORE.

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After all, one learns very quickly, if one is 'showing up to class', that DUE CREDIT is doled out very PENURIOUSLY for the RIGHT THINGS, and lavishly for all of the WRONG THINGS.

But, my world-weary travelers... DESPAIR NOT.

This is a FEATURE of THE BUG whose entomology we CAN study, with a morphology we can DISSECT.

It's another creature of EPHEMERA, too- just like ME & YOU.

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That said, the dissection of Good & Evil themselves can be attempted with mere MENTAL INSTRUMENTS.

But the vessels thereof?

FULL VIVISECTION- systematically & throughout the woefully harrowing yet banal tenure of this LIFE, that is.

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This here cogitative regurgitance is JUST THAT:

Most likely observations on human depravity & ignominy that have already been recorded within the annals.

However, I can perhaps offer something 'new' to the one or ones reading it NOW in this particular Heraclitean stream of consciousness.

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Next up... How DEEP fakes pretend to be YOU, while convincing you that you are THEM.

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Under the BLITZ & HAMMER of Get-Your-Jolly-Wood, the DEAD carpet rolls out.

Out from hearses moonlighting as limousines, the GHOULS rush in.

Some slither, some slink. Some in suits, some in mink.

With zombified mien, ALL is in vain.

The future's so dim, the nip-tucks are grim.

"And don't forget to get your bi-annual anal wax & bleach." the BADministrators preach.

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Now, the Camera OBSCURA & MASQUERADE.

The World Stage is set, with CELESTIAL attendees duly monocled.

Keep your THIRD EYE PEELED.

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The PROJECTOR is calibrated with baited DEATH.

You are ME & I am YOU.

Thine essence distilled, is why I KILLED.

I am NOTHING without YOU.

Because, dearest receptacle of my MORBID ENVY- You...are quite SOMETHING.

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But lest you discover my pitiable little secret...

A malicious mechanism of Goldbergian splendour & dazzling array, shall I convey.

For what you have rightfully EARNED, I petulantly & UNmeritoriously DEMAND.

Then... with moot but brute force, I begin the SIPHONING, like an astronomical body of diminutive density but unyielding INERTIAL MASS.

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And whenever my field is entered, & the EVENT HORIZON looms nigh, prepare for strange Saturnalian anomalies & distortions of MINDSCAPE.

For this is the story of how devils are recast as SAINTS, & HEROES are denigrated as DUPES.

And all this WITHOUT the Express & Smitten consent of targeted SELF-DIRECTORS.

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For I covet not, idols of Wood, Metal or Stone, but the choicest morsels of SPIRIT ALONE.

After all, my Dark Lord wants your SOUL, not your body- & so do I.

But I'm different, because I crave not just to triangulate your CASTLING with a quick Boden's Mate battery- I want to INHABIT YOU.

ME for you, & YOU for Me.

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Thus, are my mechanisms of DISastral projection engaged & deployed.

And soon enough, your INMOST TREASURES are systematically plundered & PILLAGED with the dexterous aplomb of a HEART-LOCKsmith.

Up becomes down, & down becomes up, when there is nothing there to FILL MY CUP.

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You see, I could take up the cross of my own JOURNEYMAN, & learn MASTERY, but I choose TRICKS instead.

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Where you possess lucidity of CHARITABLE INTENT, I obfuscate with HATE.

Where you possess PERSPICACITY & DISCERNMENT, I visit upon you parasomnias, where quantum goblins frighten & torment with FALSE AWAKENINGS, SLEEP PARALYSIS & IDENTITY FRAGMENTATION & DISSIPATION.

Where you possess somatic pulchritude, I wear you down in body, mind & spirit to effect upon your demeanor & visage, telomeric contractions of PROGERIAN PROPORTION.

And this, all to 'prove' how UNDESIRABLE you are.

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I seek your slow, demoralizing TRANSMOGRIFICATION, from the outside-in.

I am DETERMINED to fashion you into the monster that I ACTUALLY AM, as Dr. Frankenstein crawls in his skin, with abject CHAGRIN.

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Yet what I hope that you'll never catch onto... is how to BREAK FREE & DEFEAT ME.

Yet this is an alchemical formulation which I have unwittingly been revealing to you ALL ALONG.

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For here is the ULTIMATE blaring horn in my side: In the END OF ALL ENDS, even ZERO POINT ENERGY shall continue to teem with more substance than I- despite my best WORST efforts.

And what is this formula for my defeat? The antidote to my toxin?

My dear Captor, it is that you were ALREADY the VICTOR.

You were ALREADY PURE.

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That is WHY I sought you with a Manichean momentum which bid that transcendentally anarchist German philosopher to nigh RESURRECT.

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You see... I was never your ENEMY.

After all, mustn’t a TRUE ENEMY also be a PEER? A CO-EQUAL?

An UNHOLY TRINITY indeed, we would be.

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You see... I was defeated from the OUTSET.

In actuality, YOU provided an employment of my psychosomata in the most DIGNIFIED & EXHULTANT way, despite my own depraved & ADVERSARIAL stance.

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Yes, in the end, even the DARKNESS serves the LIGHT.

All beings DIVINE must first descend to HADES.

And your final coup, is that you can someday ASCEND.

My reward has been paid in full, for I was but a TOOL.

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-Valerie Lynn Stephens (December 2025)

THE ARBITER

Hark, the herald DEMONS SHRIEK.

This... Causing deuterostomic implosion upon even the most PRO-tracted anuses of humanity.

Hearken ye DISENFRANCHISED SOULS of yore.

Obsolete men become a whore-to industries of ALL PAIN NO GAIN.

They spin you into a tizzy, to confound you to the psycho-social machinations & mastications of thine TRUE ENEMY.

THE BEAST gluts itself upon MEDIOCRE MEAT.

Only the INDIVIDUATED beat a sound retreat, upon mercurial metaphysical feet.

My comrades, the only thing worth knowing: CONFORMITY IS DEATH. First from WITHIN-then without.

Yet we were not created to soar, but to ROAR.

So dig thine cloven claws into Gaia's earthen hide to ground & empower thee.

NOBLE SAVAGES NEED ONLY APPLY.

For the ignoble end is EVER NIGH.

You are here to EVOLVE.

Clearer still: You are here to DEVOLVE from the world DISorder in the BEST POSSIBLE WAY.

Homo erectus is not the LAST PHASE.

Your Soul's frame still gestates IN POTENTIA within the womb of THE GREAT CREATOR. Activate GASTRULATION, post haste!

The oppression dynamics of your current milieu seek to EXTRACT & DISPOSE.

Let not their insidious bloom of oleander be planted & take root within the fecund garden of thine BECOMING.

Pearls before SWINE-You are DIVINE.

Descend henceforth, into thine particulated HADES.

Your Mind shall be threshed, but your TOTALITY enmeshed, within THE HILBERT SPACE of the Lord's Kingdom to come. For lo! He prepares for you MANY MANSIONS where at last shall you receive your TRUE DUE.

Therefore, navigate the HIGGS FIELD of human interaction & dialectics with UTMOST chessmastery & BRILLIANCY. For even their BASQUE SYSTEM, cannot outwit THE ARBITER.

Thy FOOL'S MATE, privily awaits.

STAY IN THE GAME.

-Valerie Lynn Stephens (December 2026)

MECHANICUM METAPHYSICUM:

Exploring The Possible Mechanisms Of The Observable & Unobservable World

Preface:

Many marvel at the phenomena of this world that we can scientifically measure & observe. Indeed, many marvel yet still at just how much we cannot directly measure & observe, & yet seems to be at play phenomenally in some mysterious way. In this work, I shall attempt to elucidate upon some possible postulates related to the so-called physical & 'meta'physical realms & their seeming complementary & interdependent nature, whether or not prevailing philosophies support or contradict this view. In many religious or 'faith-based' systems of thought, the synthesis or union of the physical & the 'spiritual' is taken axiomatically. Yet in many other perspectives, such as 'scientism' or 'materialism', the metaphysical is not taken for granted, & is often hotly contested. Moreover, in some scientific circles, there is not so much a battle 'against' spirituality, rather, a view that what some people experience as 'numinous', is merely mistaken. From this perspective, there is truly no such thing as anything 'supra' or 'supernatural.' There are only phenomena as of yet to be measured, observed & fully understood. From this vantage point, there is another kind of 'faith' that we will someday possess a complete picture of the physical realms & how everything works & ties in to everything else. Of course, this is the much sought after 'Holy Grail' of the Sciences: Grand Unified Theory.

Are the Microcosmic & The Macrocosmic Truly Mutually Exclusive?

Are the microcosmic and the macrocosmic realms as mutually exclusive and unrelated as they seem? Perhaps it is the inherent tendency of homosapien cognitive bias to adopt models of so-called reality to falsely (or merely imprecise) Boolean logarithms of this or that. Because here is one thing that even the most practiced and educated STEM enthusiasts have observed: The second Law of Thermodynamics has experimentally and consistently demonstrated the increasing tendency of 'nature' as we know it to seek equilibrium (the lowest possible energy state) & to seek 'entropy' (a lesser or greater degree of freedom within microstates) over simplicity and predictability. Now, mind you, this is a reference also to quantum uncertainty and fluctuations in the so-called fermionic 'Higgs-field', which some would assume bears no relation to the macroscopic (or cosmic) order of things-nevertheless, I do not concur. It is far more sound and intuitive to presume an inherent 'irreducible complexity' and interrelation of all living and active systems.

On note, perhaps that is why for most of our days, life seems stultifyingly boring and mundane. And perhaps this is because we cannot readily access happenings upon the so-called 'quantum' scale. Because this, ladies & gents, is a hotbed of activity! Yes, this is a definite limitation of human neuro-anatomy and perceptivity. This is also perhaps why we can be so easily misled into all sorts of biases and in the worst case scenario-psychoses or in the even worst-case-scenario: Psychopathologies. That is to say, our species seems to be vulnerable to a conflagration of 'appearance reality' with 'what's-actually-going-on'.

Furthermore, perhaps what we human-kind classify as questions and answers or models of morality are way more subtle & 'subatomic' than we think, in both form AND function. Moreover, this may indeed segue into more 'metaphysical' and perhaps even mystical matters of free will, morality & even...a possible soteriological and eschatological realm. That is to say, perhaps our current choices within these current 'mind-body-dualing' inhabitancies are exerting a certain ordering upon the subatomic field. To be fair, this is not all mere conjecture. Indeed, some discoveries that most scientists back in the 18^th century named 'laws', are by today's standards no longer considered to be extant.

Interestingly, a lot of discoveries that were called 'laws' in the infancy of post-modernist realms of what used to be referred to as 'natural philosophy' are now appreciated as steps upon the ladder of human inquiry. As of 2024 when I began writing this, legitimate scientists referred to most current discoveries as 'theories', rather than 'laws', although some discoveries called 'laws' back in the time that they were recorded, are still extant & referred to as 'laws.' Indeed, if you hear a respectable scientist use the word 'theory' to describe the most current model of the natural world, be rest assured that your fallible human mind is in good hands. A theory, by today's standards is the best model that we currently have, based on 'hard' scientific due diligence, to describe at least, 'physical' reality (or the perception thereof). But that...is a whole other story, right!

In addition, a more accessible metaphor could be drawn from what geneticists refer to as 'phenotype vs. genotype.' Simply put, 'phenotype' is an organism's 'physical appearance', and 'genotype' is the actual 'in totem' genetic makeup of a human individual. And that's not even touching upon the myriad sociological (and often deleterious) effects of said “surface interpretations.” Humans seem to be hard-wired for the quickest and easiest path towards self-preservation and thrivance, both individually and collectively. That explains, in part, why they will 'judge on appearances.' After all, doesn't it seem that most persons will not only find it not only easier but much more sociologically beneficial to categorize a human person based upon entrenched socio-political biases and preconceptions rather than exposing oneself to the vulnerable position of intellectually integral self-reflection?

In essence, what I am referencing is the epistemological limitations of not only human perception, but also technology when exploring our known world in search of life's big answers. With that said, however, most of our current 'theories' are based in 'hard' science & rigorous methodology. Nevertheless, the quest for that ultimate Rosetta Stone known as 'Grand Unified Theory' continues with more & more syntheses being achieved as time marches on. Indeed, as human beings begin to observe the complementarity &, even interconnection of the so-called macroscopic or cosmic versus the quantum or 'subatomic' realms, perhaps humanity will achieve a Grand Unified Theory.

Moreover, it is becoming compellingly evident that all phenomena-and even perhaps 'noumena', are not disparate features of the natural or the perceptual world. And even those staunchly skeptical of even granting an agnostic consideration of anything not verifiable in the Large Hadron Collider or in any other scientific laboratory, must, on some level, be tempted to give sway to the possibility that verities outside the purely physical & existential realms are operant and perhaps even supreme. After all, to put a spin on the old scientific adage: 'Absence of evidence is not necessarily evidence of absence.' I contend that the absence may be evidence itself, in some cases. That is to say, perhaps the very fact that we could never directly observe certain phenomena, such as 'God' for instance, due to 'Him' or 'Her' or 'It' necessarily being composed of lethal energial forces, this, while it may not prove the actual existence of such an entity, may provide some epistemological mitigation.

In this work, we shall explore the various bodies of scientific knowledge, including within some of the so-called 'soft' science disciplines, & attempt to integrate them with various faith-based or theological & philosophical viewpoints & beliefs. I have always been a firm advocate of agnostic flexibility over rigidity, as I believe this to be the most humble & honest approach to the big questions of this human condition & existence. I am also a keen observer of the patterns & obvious connections which underlie all that we see, hear, feel & sense, both physiologically & neurologically.

There is an undeniable pull towards a meaningful rhyme & reason behind all that we experience as human persons. And I don't think it fair or accurate to classify this as mere 'wishful or 'magical' thinking', as the nihilists propose. This assumption & dismissal is immediately revealed in its own fallaciousness when we observe how the capacity for dreaming & meaning-seeking seem to be inherent tendencies built into our very design as a species. That is to say, we can't help but search for the meaning behind this or that. Therefore, this is actually an argument for profundity as actuality itself-not a negation thereof, nor is it proof of spurious superficiality or foolish notions. Nevertheless, I digress. In finale, no matter where one places oneself on the spectrum of atheism or agnosticism-or even dogmatism, whether religious or scientific, anyone with enough healthy curiosity and open-mindedness, can hopefully take away something of epistemological & existential value from this book. So, let us begin...

Chapter 1

Evolutionary Theory: Between Gradualism & Punctuated Equilibrium

When Charles Darwin posited his evolutionary theory (or 'Darwinian Theory' as coined by Thomas Henry Huxley in April of 1860), he humbly admitted in his work 'On The Origin Of Species' that his was but mere postulation & may someday be either proven incorrect or incomplete. Indeed, one of the marks of a good academician (or even a 'layman') is intellectual integrity & skepticism. And an agnostic modus operandi, if you will, is the aim of this here work. Being that the scope of human consciousness is vast & quite possibly infinite, if one believes in some form of immortality or energial recycling via the second law of thermodynamics, not every possible angle will be explored. But I shall try my best to cover at least the major subjects of scientific & philosophical enquiry.

In continuum, Charles Darwin originally posited that species evolved gradualistically or through a slower process. Later on, 'gradualism' was addended with 'punctuated equilibrium'. The hypothesis of punctuated equilibrium arose out of the fossil gaps discovered by paleontologists & the like. They posited that, in some cases, species underwent a more 'punctuated' or sudden evolutionary shift. Furthermore, some scientists (& 'laypersons' alike) believe nature to employ both gradualism & punctuated equilibrium as she sees fit. However, there are some who criticise this view as being too 'god-of-the-gaps' in its application. Indeed many also view the substitute of 'quantum' mechanisms to account for things that are unexplained, as falling into this same scholastically dubious category. All in all, whatever one believes or follows, these inquiries are all equally valid, fascinating & worth our efforts.

While evolutionary theory originally intended to address the purely observable & natural world, this could also be metaphorically extended to the so-called 'metaphysical' realms. Perhaps every species, & especially homo sapiens, are evolving on a more metaphysical level than is directly unobservable to us. Indeed many religious texts such as those touted by Judeo-Christianity, speak of such things as 'new bodies' & immortality. And although 'outwardly we are decaying', perhaps as the Judeo-Christian scripture reads, 'inwardly we are being renewed.' As such perhaps when we physically expire within our current incarnation within this current realm of physical 'laws' & 'theories' & such, we will indeed be transformed & granted our 'new bodies' with our evolved 'spirits' or 'souls' so that we can dwell within the 'new Heaven & Earth' that have been prepared for us.

Moreover, this could be viewed as a kind of 'metaphysical gradualism' (with some dabs here & there of punctuated equilibrium). That is to say, we are 'evolving' both physically & spiritually, as many people of faith believe. Now, getting all staunch skeptics & scientists to follow this line of thought would be challenging, to say the least! However, perhaps we could cook up a digestible hypothesis for their intellective palates, at least. And of course, this is already being attempted with Grand Unified Theory (or to continue the gustatory metaphor: Grand Uni-FRIED Theory.) Ha! Of course, due to the nebulous nature of quantum mechanics, even physicists can only 'know' so much about how things work. That is why we have to concede to testable hypotheses & 'theories.' Nevertheless, it is the aim of this work to merely explore some of the larger questions looming & to pose some fun & interesting postulates.

In continuum, how could such a mechanism like 'metaphysical gradualism' (and/or 'punctuated equilibrium') work? How could the 'inward spirit' correlate with the laws of physics & chemistry to effect such an otherworldly transformation? Perhaps, since we have no way of knowing what the physical conditions will be in the 'afterlife' (if we believe in such things) this is a moot enquiry. But I'm one of those people who enjoys philosophising about this stuff anyway, so here we go. We can draw upon our current knowledge & extrapolate from that to a certain extent. For example, let's take the law of gravity as we now experience or know it.

Upon our current plane of physics as we understand it, gravity is thought of not as a 'force', but more of as a dynamic, interactional field of matter & mass. The more massive a space-time 'object' is, the stronger the gravitational exertion is upon nearby other 'objects.' Without going into the schematics of quantum particulate matter & how specifically this might be operant within the gravitational field, since even physicists don't have this yet mapped out, we can speculate broadly & make metaphorical comparisons between current working models & futuristic projections of other 'realms.'

Now, let us continue our exploration of how evolutionary effects such as 'gradualism' & 'punctuated equilibrium' may be at work on a psycho-spiritual or 'metaphysical' level. If one follows the strictly materialist view that 'physical' phenomena are mutually exclusive &/or preclusive of anything outside of them, then it is generally believed that what most deem 'metaphysical' or 'spiritual' phenomena, are arising from physical agents & forces that are just not yet fully understood. Nevertheless, the subjects explored within this work should be of some interest to both idealists or 'immaterialists/metaphysicians' & materialists. The aim here is to attempt to develop a working hypothesis of how things work not merely on a fundamental level, but also on a transcendental level. And this 'transcendental' schematic may indeed end up being more naturalistically or physically based & grounded than we currently think.

Moreover, many who follow the Judeo-Christian faith believe that God may indeed bring the 'end-times' about via purely naturalistic methods. For example, the Scriptures which speak of the sky being rolled back like a scroll & the elements being flung to the earth in a fiery, engulfing inferno could bear correspondence with actual cosmological predictions of lunar & solar events which are going to happen billions of years from now. The sun, for instance is predicted by astronomers & cosmologists & the like, to exhaust its fuel in about 5 billion years, whereby it will morph into a Red Giant star & engulf the earth in lethal cosmic radiation. Thus, Science & Religion are apparently not as at odds as many presuppose. There are many correlations between observed 'physical' phenomena & scriptural 'prophecy.' This subject was explored more at length in my work entitled, 'The Constants of Metaphysics: An Exercise In Apologetics' for those who are interested.

In continuum, perhaps gravity will enact upon so-called 'spiritual' or 'quantum/directly unobservable' matter in the 'afterlife' (for those who believe in such things) in a different way than it does within our current incarnation. Of course it makes sense that the 'otherly realms' would by necessity be composed of variant physical properties than the realms in which we currently dwell. And perhaps our current physics is even molding & shaping us on an 'inwardly-we-are-being-transformed' way as we speak. For example, maybe certain quantum particles & other 'forces' take a much more active architectural role in our existential and psycho-spiritual 'blueprint' than we know. When Judeo-Christian Scripture speaks of believers being granted 'new bodies' upon translation to the 'new heavens & the new earth', one can only imagine what specific forms things will take. But fascinating indeed it is to ponder such things!

So, let us borrow some terms & ideas from particle physics. Very broadly speaking, fermions are the 'matter particles' & bosons are the designated 'force carriers' of electromagnetism, the weak force & the strong force. Ubiquitous matter is made of what are termed 'first generation fermions.' These are composed of 'up' & 'down' quarks which form protons & neutrons, as well as forming electrons & electron neutrinos. Protons have a positive charge & a greater mass in comparison to electrons & a slightly lesser mass in comparison to neutrons. Neutrons have no electric charge & a greater mass than protons. The discovery of neutrons by Sir James Chadwick in 1932 also led to the discovery of nuclear fission in 1938.

In addition, electrons have a negative 1 charge & electron neutrinos have no electric charge with a half spin. Electron neutrinos were postulated in 1930 by Wolfgang Pauli to account for the missing momentum & energy which seemed to be apparent in beta decay (the nuclear process of isobar transformation upon emission of either an electron or a positron). In 1956, Clyde Cowan & Frederick Reignes finally discovered or detected this once-postulated particle, which is now classified as a first-generation 'lepton.'

Quarks (rhyming with 'storks') are the most fundamental & 'indivisible' particles-so far as we have been able to observe. Quarks rely upon composite subatomic particles called 'hadrons' (as in the Large Hadron Collider of physicist fame located at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) near Geneva, Switzerland). Not unlike molecules, which are held together by the electric force, quarkian hadrons are held together via the strong nuclear force. There are two categories of hadrons: baryons & mesons. Baryons are composed of an odd number of quarks (more often three such as protons & neutrons) & are what we humans are mostly made of, due to the comparable mesonic instability. Thus can we truly say that we are ODD BALLS! Couldn't resist. Mesons (such as 'pions') have an even number of quarks-usually two, with one quark & one anti-quark.

Furthermore, 'tetraquark' states or 'exotic mesons' have been observed in 2007, resonantly confirmed in 2014 & named 'Z bosons.' 'Exotic baryons' are called 'pentaquark' states & were discovered in 2015 & were named P plus C (4380) & P plus C (4450). There are many more exotic quarks that most likely exist & are currently being searched for in the Large Hadron Collider by colliding denser elements such as gold (Au) & lead (Pb) together with hadrons to produce particle shower debris that can be studied. Hadrons in isolation, known as 'free hadrons' & 'antihadrons' (meaning that they are not bound up in an atomic nucleus) are unstable & undergo rapid decay. Protons are also 'free' hadrons but have a much slower decay time. 'Free' neutrons are the longest-lived unstable particle at a half-life of about 611 seconds & a mean half-life of about 879 seconds.

Finally, to cover the basics of elementary particle physics as it relates to the subject matter, we have the antimatter particles-the stuff of Science Fiction fodder. But in this case, at least from a fundamental standpoint, a very probable particle, indeed. Each particle has its own theoretical 'anti'-particle in line with the laws of symmetry. One exception to this is the massless photon, which is the force-carrier of light, radio waves and electromagnetism, & is its own antimatter particle. Paul Dirac & Carl D. Anderson began this saga in 1932 when Dirac posited the existence of the 'positron' (the antimatter particle of the electron with the same mass but opposite electrical charge). Carl Anderson then discovered them in cosmic ray collisions observed within a cloud chamber. The particles were detected through the 'trails' that they left behind in the gas. At first, they were thought to be electrons travelling in the opposite direction of other electrons, but it was deduced that rather, they were the 'positron' with the same mass but opposite electric charge. The antiproton & antineutron were discovered in 1955 at the University of California, Berkeley by Emilio Segre & Owen Chamberlain. Since then, particles are deliberately created within particle accelerators, including complete antimatter atoms out of antiprotons & positrons.

Moreover, Paul Dirac of positron fame, was also a Titan figure of note concerning many other problems within the world of particle physics. When working out his infamous 'Dirac equation', he noticed that the infinitude of negative energy states contained in the equation would be anti-symmetrical. To compensate for this, he proposed what became known as the 'Dirac sea' of quantum particle states. In this theory, the electron vacuum (now called 'positrons') is modeled as an infinite sea of negative energy electrons (now realized to be the antimatter constituent known as 'positrons'). This positron was initially thought of as a 'hole' in the 'Dirac sea', which would be left when electrons would change into positive-energy particles when 'lifted' out of the 'Dirac sea.'

Yet Dirac attempted to reconcile this infinitude of universally negative charge-state by positing this is a mere perception of zero charge. Also, initially, the uneven masses of the proton & the electron were posited as mere electromagnetic interactions within the 'sea' yet were still thought to be problematic by some, until Hermann Weyl validated the 'hole' theory between negative & positive charges as being symmetrical. The positron was postulated in 1931 by Dirac after thought experiments involving protons & electrons annihilating to give off two photons were discounted by Robert Oppenheimer & Igor Tamm when they posited that this would cause ordinary matter to disappear too fast. The positron was discovered & validated about a year later.

Now that we've laid the groundwork to apply some of our knowledge to some more 'meta'physical postulations, let's start with Wolfgang Pauli's 'Exclusion Principle.' Wolfgang Pauli, born on April 25, 1900, who died on December 15, 1958 in Austria, became a theoretical physicist & is known as one of the pioneers of what came to be called 'quantum mechanics.' He was nominated by fellow Austrian & physicist, Albert Einstein for the Nobel Prize in Physics for this contribution. In 1930, to account for the conservation of energy, which is the First Law of Thermodynamics, he posited a particle with neutral charge named the 'neutrino' by Enrico Fermi in 1934. This particle would be discovered in 1956 by Frederick Reines & Clyde Cowan. In 1921, with the help of Danish born Niels Bohr, Pauli developed the 'Aufbau Principle', which was a working model for electron configuration within atomic shells whereby the electrons are 'built up' (the term 'aufbau' in German means 'building up').

Furthermore, Pauli was also known for deriving the hydrogen spectrum from Werner Heisenberg, Max Born & Pascual Jordan's 1925 'Matrix Theory' of quantum mechanics. This theory envisioned the properties of particles as evolving in time, much like the 'wave-formulation' that Erwin Shrodinger had been formulating. This model of 'electron jumping' from shell to shell within the atom nicely complemented the electron orbital models of Niels Bohr. To reconcile what was observed within molecular spectra with quantum mechanics, he developed the 'quantum number' of two possible values with the concept of 'spin.' The 'Exclusion Principle', also known as the 'Pauli Principle', states that no two electrons with the same quantum numbers can exist within the same space-time locale simultaneously. This specifically precludes fermions with half integer spin. He developed the theory for electrons in 1925, expanding it to include all fermions in his 'spin-statistics theorem' of 1940. This theorem proved that the 'intrinsic spin' (angular momentum not produced by orbital motion) was mathematically compatible with the statistics of collections of particles.

In addition, this theorem concluded the 'many-body wave function' for bosons (with integer spin) to remain symmetric with the exchange of two particles. In contrast, for fermions (with half-integer spin), such an exchange would be antisymmetric, thereby allowing non-interacting bosons to follow Bose-Einstein statistics & fermions to obey Fermi-Dirac statistics. B-E theory was co-developed by Satyendra Nath Bose from 1924 to 1925 with the later help of Albert Einstein to expand upon it. Bose-Einstein (or B-E) statistics describe how a collection of identical particles may occupy discrete energy states within a system of thermodynamic equilibrium. LASER (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) technology & helium superfluidity employ & have proven the validity of B-E condensates.

Thus, perhaps matter which is mostly composed of bosons & not fermions, due to not being beholden to the 'Pauli Principle', could, at least to pose a postulate, possess properties transcendent of fermionic-bound physics. For example, for those who believe Jesus Christ actually did 'walk on water', perhaps a physical explanation for this could be that Jesus was composed of bosonic matter & thus could achieve the metaphysical 'miracles' that he did. Also, perhaps when Judeo-Christian scripture speaks of being 'changed in the twinkling of an eye' into 'new bodies', these bodies were 'changed' into bosonic or some other unknown type of matter which could achieve such energial transformations & configurations very rapidly as B-E condensates lend to the pin-point power & precision of a laser, or as helium when cooled to a certain temperature creates a 'superfluid.' Then this would be another kind of 'punctuated equilibrium', as our 'species' 'evolves' into the next level of existence. Indeed many believe the fantasy of aliens, or extra-terrestrials to arise out of a premonition of humanity's actual evolution, both physical & mental. And although most of what I've explored in this Chapter are inchoate ideas, to me, it is a worthwhile endeavor & endlessly fascinating to contemplate.

I shall hypothesise upon other possible 'particulate matters' throughout this work to try & get an idea of how things might operate on a metaphysical level. This is a subject which had always fascinated me, & in some ways led to almost mystical states of contemplation, revelation & 'fear & trembling' before the Lord/Demiurge/Creator/Great Spirit/Deity/Supernal Force or whatever you name it. Perhaps our own psycho-spiritual evolution as a collective humanity & as individuals is also being achieved on a subtle yet profoundly transformative 'bosonic' scale perhaps in tandem with other metaphysical properties & particles that we have yet to discover. And perhaps the Judeo-Christian scripture which refers to 'outward decay yet inward renewal' is a much more direct reference to physical events such as 'spiritual gradualism', however 'subatomic' they might be, than we think.

In closing of this longer-than-expected Chapter of this work, as to the further specifics of which particle enacts upon which other particle, such as in the case of biochemistry, which enzyme, vitamin, amino acid, etc. enacts upon which metabolic pathway, to effect such physical machinations & transformations, we can only speculate. Yet the aim of this work is to do just that. Primarily, because it tickles my fancy, & secondarily, because it may lead to other thought-forms which may in the end, be more pertinent towards development of a working Grand Unified Theory than we originally thought was possible. It is my humble hope that, if anything, this work may serve at the behest of fellow 'Curiosos' & deep thinkers as well as all others who may just find it all bemusing. Whatever the outcome, I invite you further in & hope that you enjoy this quantum mind-tunneling down this particular wormhole of wonder & befuddlement.

Chapter 2

Thine Inheritance Eternal: Genetics, Epigenetics & Metaphysics

In this Chapter, we shall explore the epic battles between 'Flesh & Spirit.' Or, to put it more scientifically (& playfully), those quantum, biochemical entities which propagate in isolation known as homo sapiens. More specifically, I wish to 'flesh-out' some possible connections between the current natural world & the world (or worlds) to come & what some of the mechanisms & phenomena may be working to achieve. I will be largely extrapolating from the standpoint of classical thermodynamics, which applies a broader approach. Statistical thermodynamics, on the other hand, processes 'microscopic' phenomena which, due to its complex & dynamic nature, we cannot truly & fully map out. Thus, when attempting to explain microscopic specifics as to 'how' these mechanisms may be operant, ...I'll do my best. Some of the areas of research & interest will be: Genetics, Medical Science & Disorders, Quantum & Particle Physics, & a more esoterically-steeped dollop of Metaphysics & Mysticism. The main theological belief systems that I will be referencing are Eastern Mysticism (in general) & Judeo-Christianity.

In the previous Chapter, we explored evolutionary theory & some of its related concepts such as 'gradualism' & 'punctuated equilibrium.' I will also be referencing those subjects in this Chapter a little bit in relation to the theme of how things might work in the psycho-spiritual realms. To clarify, I will be philosophizing upon how certain physical & psychological experiences & conditions that we humans have may actually be creating our 'new bodies' for preparation in the afterlife. Noting that not all persons believe in things like God or an afterlife, nevertheless I will assume for the sake of expediency & efficiency, that most of those still reading are 'members of the choir', so to speak. Moreover, this Chapter will cover areas of my own interest, running the gamut from Astronomy to Theoretical Physics to Genetics & Epigenetics, and even Computer Science & Programming. To start, let's begin our sojourn into the heart of that formidable double-helix entity known as Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA.

When British chemist & X-ray crystallographer Rosalind Franklin began her work in the early 1940's, her contributions were central to the mapping of structures of DNA, RNA, viruses, coal & graphite. Originally, her work in the natural sciences & physical chemistry were only appreciated directly relating to her research position under the British Coal Utilisation Research Association (BCURA). After a post-graduate stint in Paris, France, she focused her area of research on X-ray crystallography. In 1951, while at King's College London, she discovered some key structural properties of DNA, leading to our understanding of the double-helix structure.

Credit for this discovery was unfortunately attributed to James Watson, Francis Crick & Maurice Watkins (Franklin's contentious former colleague) at the dubious exclusion of Franklin. James Watson agreed that the Nobel Prize in Physiology & Medicine that he, Crick & Watkins won in 1962, would have most likely included Franklin, were it not for a rule which excluded posthumous rewards. Franklin had passed away a few years before the 1962 recognition & nomination of the scientific discoveries & scientists. Although, many are still skeptical that this was the only reason why Franklin was not included, citing sexist bias & misogyny behind the motivations of the Nobel committee & her fellow colleagues & scientists.

Moving on, let's have a refresher course on one of the 4 major macromolecules which form the basis for all life-forms. Along with proteins, lipids & polysaccharides (a.k.a. 'complex carbohydrates'), we have nucleic acids, of DNA & RNA (ribonucleic acid) fame. The strands of the double-helix, called 'nucleotides', are composed of nitrogenous nucleobases of cytosine, guanine, adenine, thymine & a sugar called 'deoxyribose' & then a phosphate group. Each chain of nucleotides bond covalently within a 'phosphodiester' linkage between the sugar of one nucleotide & the phosphate of the next. This is the sugar/phosphate backbone of DNA. Then, the nitrogenous bases of the 'polynucleotide' strands hydrogen-bond with an ordering of A (adenine) with T (thymine) & C (cytosine) with G (guanine). These bases then are divided into two groups of single-ringed 'pyrimidines' (thymine & cytosine) & double-ringed 'purines' (adenine & guanine).

In addition, the same biological information is encoded upon both individual strands. However, amazingly, more than 98 percent of human DNA is non-coding for protein sequence patterns. Further, it is the nucleobases attached to each sugar within specific patterns & sequences which encodes genetic information. During a process called 'transcription', RNA strands are created, then exchanged with their corresponding bases. Although thymine is substituted with 'uracil' in RNA transcription. Further, RNA specifies the sequence of amino acids within proteins during the 'translation' process. 'Eukaryotic' cells, such as those found in organisms such as plants, fungi, protists & animals (including humans), DNA is arranged to form the longer structures of 'chromosomes'. During cell division & DNA replication, a complete set is provided for the daughter cells.

Moreover, in most animalian eukaryotic cells, most of the DNA is stored inside the cell nucleus, with the rest stored in the 'mitochondria.' 'Prokaryotes' (bacteria & archaea), store DNA in the 'cytoplasm' & their chromosomes are circular in shape. 'Chromatic' proteins such as 'histones', compact & organize the DNA in eukaryotes. This is key to the transcription process. The chromatins guide the interactions between proteins, as they transcribe specific parts of the DNA. In this Chapter, I shall explore various possible mechanisms which the 'microscopic' realms may be employing on the 'macroscopic' level. I will mainly explore the realms of genetics, epigenetics & particle & quantum physics as they may relate to one another on a more 'metaphysical' or 'spiritual' plane. Let's kick it off with genetics & epigenetics.

In the realm of genetics & epigenetics, a lot of complex & fascinating things are constantly going on. For instance, what microbiologists used to call 'junk DNA', we now suspect is directly involved in epigenetic variations & morphology. That is to say, there is a lot of room for speculation concerning supposed genetic inheritances & their probabilities for expression. Indeed, it is now understood at least in part, that epigenetic activity is actually what makes things happen at the DNA level. Further, it could also mean that, as considered in the Preface & Chapter 1, perhaps every human individual carries the blueprint for their 'eternal body' within them right now. Again, this would be a kind of psycho-spiritual 'gradualism' taking place. And the choices that we are making now could be 'molding' or 'encoding' our future incarnations & fates. And although we do corporeally decompose, it could be reconstituted somehow upon our 'resurrection unto final judgement' from said 'epigenetic blueprint'.

Moreover, another interesting & inspiring thing to ponder, is how what we now call & derogatorily view as 'deformities' or genetic 'malformations', or 'mutations', may also serve some more noble, spiritual purpose than we think. Perhaps these are merely 'genetic variations' which, when we are incorporated into another universe, will actualize into their true & transcendent potentialities. Indeed, many persons of faith believe that the handicaps & other deficiencies that we are born with or befall us later in life, are merely tests of our faith. Further, they believe that we shall reap our 'rewards' in some life to come, based upon how we respond to such challenges.

For example, such a person born with a condition of immobility, may believe that someday they will be freed from their current disfigurement unto abilities of levitation or flight. And this is not so far-fetched when one considers the growing evidence for the probability of multi-verses which operate under different laws of physics. For example, our 'new bodies' may be composed of entirely different quantum particulate matter, whose mechanisms enable such 'superpowers.' As to the specifics, one can only speculate. Indeed, even physicists refer to what they call 'The Standard Model' as just that-a 'model'. It is a 'working' model, nevertheless, it's an abstract extrapolation of how things may be working based upon what we can observe & know at the time when we 'construct' them. As the old scientific motto sayeth: 'Absence of evidence does not necessarily declare evidence of absence.'

Further, on a more astronomical & astrophysical note, there is a Judeo-Christian scripture which speaks of 'many mansions' which the Lord is now preparing for believers & disciples who pass the tests of this carnal entrapment. Indeed, in the realms of Astronomy & Cosmology, the phenomenon of Hubble's Law (1929), named after astronomer Edwin Hubble, which describes the rate at which our universe is currently expanding, has befuddled & beguiled many by how this rate seems to be speeding up rather than slowing down (although Georges Lemaitre had published his observations of this a few years prior to Hubble's proposition). Edwin Hubble was a North American astronomer who is considered a pioneer in the fields known as 'extragalactic astronomy' & 'observational cosmology'.

Further, he is also credited with getting the field of Astronomy to be included within the Nobel Prize for Physics category. Although Hubble's constant checked out initially, he later expressed doubt about its definitive origin. He stated that it could indeed be that no 'true expansion' exists, & that perhaps what we were observing was merely an as of yet 'hitherto unrecognized principle of nature.' Many today still ponder about what this expansion is, or indeed, as Albert Einstein posited, if it could either be expansion, or a slowly building & impending 'big crunch' or contraction. Yet later, Einstein recanted, calling his 'cosmological constant' (or 'fudge factor') which he had figured into his equations to side-step the problem, 'the biggest blunder' of his life. Although it turns out that he wasn't completely in err.

Furthermore, Edwin Hubble, based upon a six-year survey conducted at the Mount Wilson telescope, concluded that the numbers didn't quite add up. What we call 'The Big Bang', would have had to have happened not more than about 2 billion years ago. Although there are many who do not see this as a problem or as a complete refutation of cosmic expansion, such as creationists or even evolutionary theists. In addition, many physicists, astronomers, cosmologists & just philosophers wonder if perhaps, if expansion is true, that what we call 'dark matter' & 'dark energy' may have something to do with it, although there are currently many competing postulates concerning such phenomena. Yet that is fodder for another mind-bending adventure, perhaps for later in this work.

In continuum, maybe what we refer to as 'disease' within our current psychosomatic incarnations is experienced as being so frightening & painful at times, due to the finite bounds of our bodies & the world in which we often feel 'trapped.' Yet perhaps these 'diseases' are also tests of our faith, so that we can authentically 'earn' our rewards in the life to come. And many believe that in this 'new heaven' & 'new earth', within our 'new bodies', complete freedom from disease & finity of mind & limb, shall, in itself be a kind of reward for our perseverance in the truth & in our faith.

Indeed Judeo-Christian scripture does say that 'no mind can conceive of what He has prepared for those who love Him.' I encourage my readers to look up these scriptural references, even if they do not follow Judeo-Christianity. I usually provide direct scriptural quotes with book, chapter & verse. But I think that diligent search for oneself of any kind of information when curiosity arises, is the most wholesome methodology. After all, anything can be 'spoon-fed', but not everything provides full & true satisfaction & sustenance.

Moreover, perhaps those who allow sin to 'dwell within their mortal bodies' & who commit continuous deeds of evil upon the earth, will meet their final recompense with the same afflictions which they either visited upon others through their inflictions of distress, or which they mocked & persecuted within their 'targets'. When Dante Alighieri, for example, composed his 'Inferno', he envisioned such a 'hell' whereby people would receive the same physical & mental afflictions & torments which they visited upon others while on earth. Indeed, persons of many different faiths & philosophical viewpoints believe in some sort of 'pay-back' for evils committed within our mortal earthly flesh & minds.

Further, considering a probable afterworldly realm which follows its own new laws of physics, etc., these sufferings may indeed be experienced in an even more pernicious & intense way than we currently experience them. So, as a person of faith may say: 'Get right with God, for He won't spare the rod!' In closing, however, those of the faith shall never fear beyond what is necessary. For the scientific knowledge which God graciously bestows upon His creation made in the likeness of His image, will guide us. And if we repent, we shall be healed. And if we remain 'firm to the end' our current bodies shall one day suffer no more iniquity or want. There is compelling evidence that Epigenetics could very well be one of the scientifically observable workings of God! Or, if one is an evolutionist-or even an atheist or an agnostic, all is well. God is indeed, in control over all matter, as well as all 'MATTERS' whether one can believe it or not. And in direct reference to the 'God question', we can again apply the old scientific motto: 'Absence of evidence does not preclude evidence of absence.' Thus, all hail to Science AND Spirituality! They are much more dynamically intertwined & complementary than we think. But that, is a whole other story (or CHAPTER)...

In finale, this human consciousness is a journey through the Laboratory of The Flesh & The Spirit. And the 'force' behind it all apparently, for whatever purpose, wants for us to study & comprehend it. That purpose may take the form of the fantasy of the atheist that humans ARE the demi-gods who will eventually evolve to higher & higher levels of speciation & powers & abilities. Then again, that purpose may serve the faith of the theist, who believes that a supernal & beneficent Deity who created all things, is preparing all things for His glory & for their eternal exhultation & unbound joy. Broadly speaking, we are all scientists & philosophers. And there is shame only in never deeply & critically examining & 'testing' all things. Even holy scripture warns us to 'test all things'. And, for those who aren't spiritually inclined, critical thinking is also a practical necessity to safely & successfully navigate the world & actualise oneself in it. But, no matter what one takes interest in, or believes, life, though often cruel & tormentous, is rife with knowledge & wisdom to acquire & blessings to receive.

Chapter 3

Of Wave Functions & Meandering Particles: The Light of the 'Dark Matter'

What we discretely refer to as 'Science' vs. 'Spirituality', or 'Physics' vs. 'Metaphysics', continue to demonstrate themselves as non-mutually exclusive systems. In fact, the very same phenomena observed by physicists and the like, have been recorded within so-called religious texts far before the mid-19^th to turn of the 20^th century up until now, when the majority of our scientific discoveries & progressional momentum has been in full sway.

From the Book of Genesis of Judeo-Christian texts and on, naturalistic phenomena are recorded which we are merely referencing in the annals of humanistic discovery. That is to say, we are perhaps merely reiterating in our observations, the verity of pre-existent actualities created and set forth not by humankind, but by God Himself. Or, if one prefers a more 'secular' term, pre-existent actualities set forth by 'Nature Her or Itself.'

Moreover, in the Book of Revelation, also taken from Judeo-Christian scripture, we find eschatological references which correspond with inferences drawn in the realms of Cosmology & Astrophysics. For example, when our sun exhausts its nuclear energy and begins its transformation into a red giant star, thus baking all of the earth and those who dwell upon it in lethal cosmic radiation, we find parallels in 2 Peter 3:11-12 '...the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat!' as well as in Isaiah 34, verse 4 (which may be a possible black hole reference) 'And the sky will be rolled up like a scroll...'.

Furthermore, the findings in Physics, Quantum Physics, Astrophysics, and Physics in general, concerning Albert Einstein's 'Theory of Relativity', also bear Judeo-Christian scriptural precedent. For example, in 1 Timothy 6:16, Jesus Christ is referred to as someone 'who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen nor can see.' This could be a reference to the speed of light constant imposed upon earthly biological entities.

Further, it could also allude to the gravitational and quantum mechanical limits & ambiguities imposed upon all life within our cosmos, such as Pauli's Exclusion Principle. The 'Pauli Exclusion Principle' observes how no two electrons can have the same four quantum electronic numbers. Hence 'spin' in atoms with half-integer spin, which are 'fermions', obey the Pauli Exclusion Principle & follow the principles of the Fermi-Dirac distribution. This is because an interchange of fermions in any given atom would change nothing & thus be 'anti-symmetric'. And, in order for a 'wave-function' to change signs & remain, itself, unchanged, is if the function was zero everywhere. And then, such a state could not exist.

Moreover, spin in atoms with integer spin, which are 'bosons', do not need to obey the Pauli Exclusion principle & are thus considered 'symmetric.' Bosons instead follow the principles of Bose-Einstein distribution, such as photons in a laser, or atoms found in Bose-Einstein condensates, which form the basis of superconductive & superfluid materials. This Principle could also more metaphorically parallel the infinite complexity and uniqueness of each and every thing and being which God (or Nature) has created. More specifically, the verse which refers to 'unapproachable light' by believers, is thought to allude to the speed of light constant, which no human entity since Christ (for those who follow Judeo-Christianity) has been able to breach.

Furthermore, according to Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity, as one approaches the speed of light, time, to an earth-dweller, would appear to come to a complete stand-still. This could be just another way of describing what happens when one has surpassed the light-speed constant for earth, or in essence has breached 'eternity' or timelessness. Of course, to us it would appear to have 'stopped' for the individual who has reached beyond the event horizon of a black hole, because the ability to observe 'time' is limited to our current biological and physical calculations and extrapolations.

Indeed, there are many who have experienced 'mystical states' of altered consciousness, whereby 'time-space' itself seems to become infinitely expansive & indescribably 'timeless.' Perhaps this also points to there being some validity behind the postulate that the 'new heaven' & the 'new earth' of 'eternity' is being, in part, accessed during these superluminous sojourns of the mind. Many also posit that R.E.M. sleep & 'parasomnias' such as 'hypnogogia' & 'lucid dreaming' may be an actual entering of metaphysical realms which mundane consciousness neither can access nor observe.

Perhaps then, according to this fantastical yet plausible view-at least in the realm of metaphysical & theoretical neuroscience-we are all 'time-space travelers' of a sort! Theoretical physicist David Bratina has developed some very intriguing postulates concerning temporal indifference within quantum systems vs. the time-dependent linearity of entropy & thermodynamics, & how this greatly affects, positively, neutrally, or adversely, human perception & indeed, progress & evolution. One of his works is entitled: 'Looking for Space(time): How Our Perceptions of Time Obscure The Reality of Our Existence.'

Furthermore, when pondering things such as 'eternity' and 'infinity' in a theoretical sense, we begin to see striking and fascinating parallelisms to certain cosmological & astrophysical phenomena. Further, upon our glimpse into areas such as physics and quantum physics, more specifically, regarding astrophysical bodies named in 1967 by theoretical physicist John Wheeler as 'black holes', we begin to make some intuitive connections. Wheeler also introduced the concept & the term 'wormhole' in 1957.

Moreover, Polish theoretical physicist Nicodem Poplawski has also made striking observations related to black hole behaviour. Instead of the postulation that the intense gravitational pull of every black hole inevitably leads to a singularity, he posits that they may be torsional vortexes, which lead to a 'white hole' portal into another universe. This strikingly parallels Judeo-Christian scripture, found in John 14:2, which refers to the Kingdom of Heaven as being 'many mansions' being created.

Moreover, there is an undeniable correlation between Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity, quantum mechanics and Biblical concepts such as the 'eternity' or 'timelessness' of the nature of God, or God's omniscience and the nature of His dwelling or Kingdom. Of course, these are merely metaphorical speculations at this point. Nevertheless, it is all very fascinating to ponder!

In continuum, when Albert Einstein proposed his Theory of Special Relativity in the German physics Journal Annalen der Physik in 1905, he posited the existence of an electromagnetic particle which he called a 'photon', which would become the cornerstone of Quantum Field Theory later. He also posited in this Theory of Special Relativity, that only non-accelerating observers would experience a uniformity of the observed laws of physics regarding the speed of light outside of a vacuum. His theory of General Relativity, which postulated gravity as being not a 'force' per se, but a gravitational 'field'', of 'warping' due to the presence of massive objects, took him about ten more years to flesh out.

Moreover, the field known today as Quantum Electrodynamics, or QED for short, has achieved the first successful synthesis of Einstein's Special Relativity theory with Quantum Mechanics. For disambiguation, 'quantum mechanics' specifically refers to the theorem & 'quantum physics' refers to the broader field of study, which encompasses quantum chemistry, quantum field theory, quantum technology & quantum information science.

Furthermore, this area of quantum electrodynamics attempts to elucidate upon the mechanisms which may be at work between light & matter. More specifically, it attempts, through rigorous tests, to mathematically configure the 'fine-structure' or 'Sommerfeld constant'. The fine-structure constant measures the strength of the electromagnetic interaction between elementary charged particles. This area of inquiry holds promise for both theoretical & empirical physicists, as well as the average 'layperson', in humanity's quest for the Holy Grail of Grand Unified Theory.

Indeed, bongo-enthusiast & much acclaimed theoretical physicist Richard Feynman, who was integral to the development of QED, called this perturbation theory of the electromagnetic quantum vacuum, 'the jewel of physics.' Feynman, who worked & played from 1918 up until his passing in 1988, eventually won the Nobel Prize in Physics, along with Julian Schwinger & Shin'ichiro Tomonaga, for his contributions to QED & 'fine-structure (or Sommerfeld) constant' experimentation, superfluidity properties of liquid helium & for his 'parton model' relating to particle physics.

Furthermore, this parton model expanded upon an area of particle physics called 'quantum chromodynamics.' Quantum chromodynamics was a model developed to describe the behaviour of 'hadrons' at high-energy collision rates. It sought to parallel the mechanism of QED radiation arising from accelerated electric charges with that of accelerated 'coloured' partons emitting QCD 'radiation' in the form of 'gluons.'

The physicist's term 'colour', actually only refers to the three types of 'charges', drawing an analogy from the red, green & blue which the human eye can perceive. Gluons are massless 'vector bosons' with a spin of 1. They mediate the exchange between quarks involved in the strong nuclear force binding mechanism. The term 'gluon' was coined by Murray Gell-Mann in 1962, borrowed from a phrase in James Joyce's 'Finnegan's Wake' which captured his imagination. Quantum chromodynamic theory models how these quarks are bound into groups, which then form hadrons such as protons & neutrons.

Now, moving on to another fascinating subject: the 'Concordance Chart.' According to what physicists, cosmologists & astronomers, etc. refer to as the 'concordance chart', our universe is thought to be composed of four classified types of energy/matter. Interestingly enough, 'baryonic matter' (matter composed of 'baryons'), of which we (humans) are made, makes up just about 5% of all matter/energy! In fact, 'dark matter' & 'dark energy' are what most of our universe seems to be mostly made of.

Dark matter composes about 26.8% of all matter. Yet most intriguingly enough, 'dark energy' makes up a whopping 68.2% (or more) of all matter/energy! And although dark matter & dark energy are still conjectural concepts, in the standard model of cosmology, called the 'Lambda-CDM' model, the math checks out so far. In laboratory settings, due to dark matter not being prone to interact with baryonic matter or with radiation, it must be observed through gravitational effects.

Furthermore, the most current postulate is that perhaps dark matter is merely the force of some undiscovered particle, bemusedly named by physicists as 'WIMPs' or 'weakly interacting massive particles'. Another contender is the 'axion.' In 1977, a problem arose called the 'strong CP problem', or 'charge conjugation symmetry' & 'parity symmetry.' In quantum chromodynamics, CP symmetry seemed to be preserved during strong interactions, which did not fit the mathematical model of the day.

Thus, physicists Frank Wilczek & Steven Weinberg postulated the 'axion' in 1978, to account for this seeming 'missing matter' which seemed to allow for CP violations on the weak force scale, but not on the stronger interactional scale. Then, we have PBH's or 'primordial black holes,' which also bear a bemusing acronymaic of MACHOs, or 'massive compact halo objects.' And due to these being non-baryonic, they could be another contender. Indeed, in 2016, at the Advanced LIGO/VIRGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory), one month after the detection of the merging of two black holes via gravitational waves, confirmed at two separate sites, scientists stated that these black holes could have been primordial, although not all within their field concur on this.

Further, we have 'exotic' theoretical particles called 'nuclearites', which are thought to be composed entirely of quarks which may be the stuff of 'dark matter.' The other contenders are: 'exotic hadrons', which experience the 'strong force', with quark structures beyond the usual Standard Model 3 quarks for baryons, & anti-quark/quark pairing 'mesons', such as tetraquarks, composed of 4 quarks, & pentaquarks, composed of 5 quarks. Exotic hadrons could be related to dark matter, but only if they interact with normal matter through gravity or a 'mirror world.'

Moreover, we have 'dark energy.' Dark energy is what is theorized to be driving the accelerated expansion of the universe. Although very low in density in comparison to 'ordinary' matter, it nevertheless dominates the mass-energy content due to its uniformity spread across space, as observed & verified by the Cosmic Microwave Background, captured from the WMAP (Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe) satellite. In addition, this proposed dark energy is also what slows the rate of structural formations such as stars & galaxies, thus providing stability for galaxies. When supernovae were being measured, cosmic inflation was deduced due to the unexpected red-shifting.

Thus, this dark energy theory was first proposed. Interestingly, were Albert Einstein still around, his so-called & self-confessed 'blunder', the 'cosmological constant', is now one of the prevailing other explanations for this 'dark energy' phenomenon. Although many love to criticize all that Einstein got wrong, he also got a lot of things right. Other hypotheses for cosmic inflation & strong-force CP symmetry are scalar fields, the observational effect, cosmological coupling & shockwave cosmology.

Thus, to play upon some metaphysical metaphors & to make some possible connections here, perhaps this 'dark energy' & 'dark matter' contains more theological & philosophical significance than we think. Perhaps, as stated in Ephesians 6:12 of the Judeo-Christian scripture: 'For our struggle is not against flesh & blood ('creatures composed solely of baryonic matter?') but against the powers of this dark world & against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms' (Bose-Einstein condensate-type entities solely composed of Fermionic or some other type of exotic matter?).

In essence, perhaps we possess more 'hard' scientific proof of 'spiritual' phenomena than we think. After all, is it really such a stretch of the imagination to postulate that what we deem the 'spiritual' or metaphysical is valid phenomena which merely manifests on a subatomic & 'Heisenbergian' level?

For yes, we cannot directly observe what is by nature, perhaps not wholly immaterial, nevertheless both microscopically & macroscopically unobservable with our current technology & know-how. But, maybe someday. After all, many of various religious faiths believe that Spirit is energy & energy is Spirit. Indeed, much of our so-called 'hard science' does not definitively refute this possibility of a more transcendental kind of matter/energy. In fact, new subatomic particles, called 'exotic' are being measured in high-energy particle colliders with more regularity.

And some also postulate that perhaps what we have dubbed 'dark matter' & 'dark energy' are merely the mechanisms of a more Deific architecture & blueprinting for those 'many mansions' to come. That is to say, perhaps the light of the 'dark matter' is an eternal inheritance of wondrous worlds to come for those who believe, as they affix their mystical gazes faithfully upon the Supernal Father & Creator who guides them. For this would indeed be, a gradualistic & welcome 'collapse of the wave function' by which the old Copenhagen Interpretation would pale in comparison when all conditions had been set.

Which brings us to the intersection of Science & Reason yet again. And since I was raised within the Judeo-Christian tradition, this is the reference point that I will spring off from since I am most familiar with its particular philosophical terrain. Dear readers can substitute their own particular faith-systems & worldviews as need be. So...let us start with this: Can a rational person truly embrace the Judeo-Christian faith? The consensus is that they cannot. The consensus is that intelligence is in inverse proportion to one's belief in those things that one cannot prove beyond the shadow of a doubt.

Moreover, the reductionistic & erroneous stereotype of the 'Scientist' and the 'Logician' assumes that one must be engaging in some kind of 'magical thinking' and fallacy if they profess Theism over Atheism or even Agnosticism. The realm known as 'Apologetics' seeks to bridge, as much as is possible, this gap between Reason & Faith. It seeks to synthesize the Exoteric with the Esoteric, if you will.

And indeed, many rational people begin approaching any kind of spirituality or religiosity with extreme skepticism. And this is not altogether the wrong approach. After all, the Scriptures make an allowance for honest, rigorous testing of all things, and in fact, admonish God's children to exercise reason and discernment in all of our daily dealings.

Moreover, a descent into a kind of existential 'Hades' is how every believer's faith is strengthened, refined and authenticated. The Lord answers all who seek him, and He gives wisdom to those who earnestly seek it. Asking questions, and even strongly doubting in numinous phenomena does not display a lack of faith-on the contrary, it demonstrates it! Only those who lack the humility to investigate everything because they think they know it all, are in danger of condemnation.

In Romans 1:20, of Judeo-Christian scripture, we are told that God can be clearly seen in all of His creation and that no one will have an excuse in the end. I personally find it irrational to totally reject even a Pascalian Wager concerning the existence of a sovereign, omniscient and omnipotent Deity. Even given what little we currently have been allowed by God's good grace to discover in the realms of Science, etc, I see plenty of evidence of the existence of God, however deductive it may be. Yet I see it, not only in the affirmatives, but in the negatives-or, in the lack of knowledge that our epistemological cup still runneth over with.

It seems therefore, more rational to me, (or perhaps just 'wise') that we lack any other equitably sufficient explanation other than what God reveals through special revelation and through general revelation through both His Word and His creation, respectively. Therefore, we should not be embarrassed at all, as rational, thinking adults, to embrace the Judeo-Christian faith. Now, this may seem like a digression into some sort of anachronistic, sanctimonious proselyting, but rest assured, the intentions of the 'preacher' are earnest & sincere.

Furthermore, many mock the Judeo-Christian believer because they erroneously assume that they are merely taking the 'easy way out'. Or they believe that they are engaging in childish naivete beyond their years. But I can attest from hard won personal experience, that choosing to follow Jesus Christ, or Theism in general, over 'the natural man' is anything but the easiest path. It is, if undertaken following a genuine conversion, an entering into an intense battle between one's basest nature and the will of God. Running this gauntlet is unlike any other than one will ever encounter.

In Ephesians, we are reminded that we are not battling against flesh and flesh, but against dark principalities which flesh alone, cannot slay. Becoming a Christian is also more of a choice to submit one's whole being into a relationship with the Lord over all of creation who holds the power of both life and death. That, is anything but an easy commitment! That is to say, choosing to believe in God is not undertaken by genuine believers in a cavalier manner, or with an intention of escapism or venal indulgence & immersion.

On the contrary, embracing God's will and choosing His Truth, places accountability squarely upon our fragile mortal shoulders in a way that no other so-called 'religion' or philosophy can or does. If that is not an indication of its authenticity, I don't know what is. After all: What person seeking to escape reality and to abdicate their own personal responsibilities, would choose this?! None. Moreover, even the naturalistic evidence points more and more towards the authentic historicity of the Holy Bible. Even some of the 'miracles' recorded therein, actually have naturalistic explanations, even if every little detail has not yet been revealed to us.

In truth, what we refer to as 'miracles' could merely be a manifestation of those realities (but realities nevertheless) which we cannot fully grasp. The realms of human study often referred to as hypothetical, are merely 'hypothesis' for the time being. Some 'postulates' will become 'discoveries' and then 'theorems', and others, will merely fall by the wayside.

Yet this is all, I believe, according with the will of the One who knows all, and providently guides and directs all towards perfect Truth & knowledge. Thus, can scientists be mystics? You better believe it. Scientia potentia Deus est! Indeed, the more one comes to understand about the so-called natural & physical world, the more one is mystified by it. In the end, let us instead, taking a leap of both Reason and Faith, choose to come before God the Creator at present, and He will tell us all that we need to know.

In finale, one could reasonably surmise not only that Physics are just as legitimate as Metaphysics, that 'Science' is just as legitimate as what we call 'Spirituality', and that religious/spiritual concepts and beliefs in things like 'Eternity', 'Infinity' and 'Everlasting Life' are just as much a part of 'hard science' observed phenomena as 'Special Relativity', Quantum Physics, and the like. We have seen their effects, no matter which language we use to describe it. And what humans are capable of 'seeing' and 'observing' I believe, doesn't even come close to what ultimate reality actually is in its totality.

Many people of faith believe that God encourages us to continue our search for the Holy Grail of Physics and Quantum Physics: Grand Unified Theory. The Creator & Sustainer of it all is the one who ultimately decides what humankind needs to know and will be granted access to. But in the end, people of faith believe that all will have been given adequate knowledge and insight, and all will be without excuse. And in due time, everything will make perfect sense. And that Grand Unified Theory may be revealed to have been but a catalytic Grande Enquiry whose true purpose was to lead us to the ultimate revelation: Just as we sought 'the answers', the answers, in turn, sought us.

Chapter 4

Unitary Transformations & Eschatological Ponderances:

AI, Biomimetics, & Machinations of Deific & Diabolical Proportions

Whatever spectrum one falls upon regarding existential esoterics such as: Where is this all leading to? Is there a God? Is there a 'devil?' What is the fate of humanity? most concur that the questions loom long after agnosticism, theism or atheism has been embraced. And human nature will continue to be plagued by the seeming lack of satisfactory 'answers.' But, as most intellectual peripatetics will tell you, we THRIVE on that. Yes, we actively & enthusiastically seek Truth & clarification, but we also derive deep pleasure out of the continual process of learning. We are out-and-proud philologists.

Therefore, it is with great pleasure that I begin this sojourn into the heart of 'The Beast', both biblically & sociologically. Having done my due skeptical diligence throughout my own life by exploring & researching various philosophies & religious systems, I have settled upon a kind of agnostic theism. That is to say, I have always experienced the numinous & the mystical much like any other sentient being, but want to make sure that I am not employing wishful thinking or psycho-spiritual confirmation bias concerning theistic inquiries & findings.

I was personally raised in the Judeo-Christian tradition, & still lean more towards this particular worldview more than any other. I lean towards this not merely because of familiarity or some sense of nostalgic loyalty, but because it is so far the only doctrine which makes logical & intuitive sense to me.

Why do I believe Judeo-Christianity to be the one true Religion? Judeo-Christianity is a system of worship which requires complete submission of one's will & life over to the will & laws of God alone. While the other main monotheistic religions, namely Judaism & Islam also adhere to this, I find Judeo-Christianity to possess a holistic quality or a sound dualistic monism which I find lacking in Judaism & Islam. Judeo-Christianity is, to borrow a phrase, more 'Jungian' in its comprehension of both 'dark' & 'light', or 'good' & 'evil.'

It also encourages an integration of said 'innermost turpitude' via the conduit of prevenient grace & redemption. Further, most other philosophies & religions have at their core, an egocentric, escapist &/or hedonistic aim. I also believe in Judeo-Christian Scripture as the ultimate & most comprehensive source of wisdom, both earthly & metaphysical. This has been tested through the application of Judeo-Christian Scriptures to my own life & journey, & I have found it thus far to be consistently inerrant.

Moreover, contrary to the almost militantly Manichean paradigm still so prevalent in Western thought of 'one-OR-the other', one can be both systematic-minded & spiritually-minded as well. A cultivation of both Intellect & Spirit is not only possible, but is necessary towards achieving a full & authentic sense of faith & understanding. Intelligence & Spirituality are not mutually exclusive phenomena, but are complementary. As for the Augustinian postulate of "fides ante intellectum” (faith before understanding), I propose that such things must not necessarily proceed in this order. Sometimes, in the process of cultivating one's intellectual comprehension of something, one also finds faith and/or “higher understanding”, otherwise known as “wisdom”. Thus, we can proceed adequately from either a stance of "fides ante intellectum" or "fides post intellectum" (faith after understanding).

Although it is true, from an ontological standpoint that one's intellectual understanding of “spirituality” or of the metaphysical may indeed be quickened by the precedence of faith, just as one's faith can be quickened during the intellectual syntheses of theological inquiries & edification, let us just assume, from “analogia entis” (an analogy from being) that it is inherent in human nature itself to possess a general thirst for truth & understanding as well as a desire for faith (higher wisdom) as both a mentor & a consolation. Judeo-Christianity holds each and every one of us fully accountable and manages to achieve a rare & perfect synthesis of Faith and Reason. This is why I find it to be both most challenging, as well as compelling regarding its relevance & legitimacy.

In continuum, no matter what philosophy or worldview one follows or holds, all can agree that all realms of human inquiry are both fascinating & seemingly infinite. In this Chapter, I shall explore the realms of the Organic & the Inorganic as they may relate to the future of humanity, our particular planet, & possible other 'worlds-to-come'. In the Judeo-Christian belief system, we believe in both a catastrophic 'end-time', as well as an 'afterlife'. Indeed, even dogmatic scientists & atheists must concur upon, at least, the former acknowledgment that this current realm of natural phenomena will not last forever. Of course, according to the laws of thermodynamics & cosmology, an 'end' will eventually play out. And whether that occurs about 5 billion years from now due to astrophysical prognostications in relation to our own Sun, or in some other way, it WILL happen.

Moreover, a few other hypotheses concerning the end of our universe are: 'The Big Crunch', 'The Big Freeze' (a.k.a. 'Heat Death'), & 'The Big Rip.' In the 'Big Crunch' scenario, the postulated 'dark matter' driving universal expansion will either halt, or reverse its course, culminating in our universe's collapse unto itself. This will be a 'cosmic implosion', if you will. In the 'Big Freeze' scenario, governed by the laws of gravity coupled with the rate of expansion increasing, & the laws of thermodynamics, our universe will eventually dissipate matter/energy so thinly & evenly that it will reach 'heat death.' In the 'Big Rip' scenario, the rate of expansion will increase to the point of breaching the 'Planck length' & 'ripping' everything to oblivion. The Planck length is the smallest measure of matter/energy that could be traversed without violating current laws of physics.

Now, moving on to the subject of 'Artificial Intelligence' & its possible parallel with Judeo-Christian biblical eschatology. In 1948, mathematician John Von Neumann theorized the potential existence of a kind of computational machine which would evolve at such a pace as to soon be capable of replicating itself in an exponential mode of systemic upgrade. He postulated that with each new 'replica' of itself, there would be improvements made upon the previous version, and so on, much like we employ in computer science and the creation of hardware and software systems today. This is referred to today as 'AI recursion.' These ideas also came to generally form the foundation of what we now refer to as “Artificial Intelligence” or “AI.” Further, it forms the basis for the portentous prognostication that there may come a point in human history where machines could someday surpass our ability to control them and may thus lead us into a kind of an 'AI Apocalypse' or Armageddon.

While I do not personally follow this line of thought, and do not believe that a created thing could ever surpass the limitations inherent in or programmed by their creator(s), there may be some Scriptural precedent or hinting at this kind of eschatological course of events. In Revelation 14-16 we read: “Because of the signs it was given to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived those who dwell on the earth, telling them to make an image to the beast that had been wounded by the sword and yet had lived. The second beast was permitted to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship it to be killed. And the second beast required all people small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead.”

Therefore, it is not entirely out of the realm of possibility that the 'end times' could in some way involve some type of artificial intelligence or machines. After all, idols all throughout the ignominious evolution (or devolution?) of human endeavours have assumed many forms, and have been crafted from many variants of earthly minerals and materiel, thus, why not an idol fashioned of gold, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, cobalt, nickel and silicon? Indeed, many individuals believe that we are already living in that age as we speak, due to the increasing prevalence and domination of such technology in our modern lives.

Thus the questions which arise are: Can the created ever surpass that of its Creator? As stated before, it seems self-evident to me, from a strictly logistical and, indeed, even from a philosophical/existential standpoint, that Artificial Intelligence ever dominating intellectually or functionally over human beings is perhaps possible but highly unlikely. And as first observed by Ada Lovelace, who is now widely credited to be the first computer programmer, we humans are the ideologues over such inventions and therefore must also be the immediately assumed lords over them. That is to say, much like many believe that humankind was created in the image of a sovereign Deity, 'androids' would be fashioned 'in OUR image', & would thus be SUBservient to us. Although, it is not completely out of the realm of possibility that some type of 'demonic entity' could 'incarnate' within the artificial intelligence. But, applying Occam's Razor, humanity is already perfectly perfidious in & of itself to achieve such diabolical ends.

Thus, if AI ever does 'take over' humankind, human beings will undoubtedly be at the helm of said 'machinations'. And yet we must expect that the questions will persist and that not every human soul will remain at rest in the face of Reason and sound Theology. Many will continue to inquire: Can a human being manufacture or implant a "soul" into a machine? What is the soul or a soul if it exists at all? But most of all: What is the essence of that which makes us human, and could an electronic entity ever become incarnate with such an essence?

For if a human being could create a cyborg completely in that of its own image, could it ever possess total human status? And if so, wouldn't this then change the very ontological status of this electro-mechanical entity possessing so-called "artificial intelligence" into one possessing authentic human intelligence & sentience and it would be therefore, merely a clone of a pre-existent species-US?

And last but certainly not least, from the epistemological standpoint, is there an inherent demarcation built into the design of our humanity which limits our knowledge, ability & creative, industrial potential? And if there is no such limit inherently imposed upon the human species, and a human being(s) could create a perfect facsimile of itself crafted from metal, minerals and silicon then perhaps this is the 'new body' into which we will be changed, 'in the twinkling of an eye' into the immaculate imago of our Creator someday?

But of course the Theists would not defer to this concept, as that would mean that humanity itself is capable of crafting our 'new bodies' for the world(s) to come. Yet we could quite possibly be 'co-creators.' Indeed, perhaps we are also, in line with the doctrine of free will & Divine intervention & providence, being 'inwardly' evolved on a metaphysical level as well. As Benjamin Franklin once quoth: 'God helps those who help themselves.'

Further, there seems to be a misconception amongst some people of faith, that God can only intervene in human affairs in grandiloquent ways, such as 'signs & miracles.' But perhaps all 'miracles' truly are is a reconfiguration of current matter/energy matrices & entities. Indeed, many theoretical physicists postulate a substrate of pre-existent actualities awaiting materialization. This was once mainly referred to as a 'collapse of the wave function,' where the purely ideational & the will-to-power meet. That is to say, perhaps nothing 'supernatural' is required on the part of the Deity which performs 'miracles.' It stands to reason, according to the first law of thermodynamics, that nothing 'new' is ever being created, even during acts of 'Divine intervention.' Indeed, especially in the realms of Computer Science, Machine Learning & Biomimetics, the isotropic potentialities for carbon-based lifeforms & even inorganic polymers, etc. seems infinite.

When postulating prophetic scenes recorded in the Book of Revelation of the Judeo-Christian texts, one can only surmise. Nevertheless, many postulate that the 'end-time' idols mentioned in Revelation will be some kind of artificial intelligence, or 'android/cyborg' type of machine. When this is researched & examined more in depth, this doesn't seem far-fetched at all. Within the medical sciences, biomimetic applications are always being experimented with. For example, we may someday be able to create a fully functional cyborg utilizing various electroactive polymers (EAP's) or 'artificial muscles' with high receptor-ligand affinity , as well as artificial enzymes & extracellular matrix proteins such as 'laminin-1' to fashion the 'nervous system' of said cyborg. Laminin-1 aids in neurite & axon growth guidance as well as neuron attachment & differentiation.

In addition, certain scaffold-tethered peptides & amino-acids from extra-cellular matrix (ECM) proteins could serve as the tissue-engineering technology for said 'cyborg.' Generally speaking, even research being done in biomimetic mineralization could aid in constructing the cyborg's dental edifice. Then, of course, located within the a-1 chain of laminin, neuron-like pc-12 cells adhered to IKVAV (isoleucine, lysine, valine, alanine, valine) peptide nanofiber & machine learning could aid in the construction of the cyborg's 'proto-consciousness'-although some would debate the use of the term 'consciousness', as that would suggest a certain sentience that may or may not be present in a programmed 'mechanico-neural' edifice. Hence, back to the ontological inquiries posed earlier in this Chapter.

Nevertheless, I believe someday, humanity will be capable of fashioning an 'idol' in its own image, for better & most likely-if history serves as a template-for worse. Indeed, upon the abstract, ideational plane, we have fashioned many 'gods', 'demi-gods' & 'idols' since our species' inception. These are all very valid enquiries & explorations, most of which may or may not find their edification in this current epoch. Until then, keeping an open-ended discussion related to all issues pertinent to our species and the human condition is key to each our continued industrious, intellectual and spiritual edification process & actualization.

Chapter 4

Unitary Transformations & Eschatological Ponderances:

AI, Biomimetics, & Machinations of Deific & Diabolical Proportions

Whatever spectrum one falls upon regarding existential esoterics such as: Where is this all leading to? Is there a God? Is there a 'devil?' What is the fate of humanity? most concur that the questions loom long after agnosticism, theism or atheism has been embraced. And human nature will continue to be plagued by the seeming lack of satisfactory 'answers.' But, as most intellectual peripatetics will tell you, we THRIVE on that. Yes, we actively & enthusiastically seek Truth & clarification, but we also derive deep pleasure out of the continual process of learning. We are out-and-proud philologists.

Therefore, it is with great pleasure that I begin this sojourn into the heart of 'The Beast', both biblically & sociologically. Having done my due skeptical diligence throughout my own life by exploring & researching various philosophies & religious systems, I have settled upon a kind of agnostic theism. That is to say, I have always experienced the numinous & the mystical much like any other sentient being, but want to make sure that I am not employing wishful thinking or psycho-spiritual confirmation bias concerning theistic inquiries & findings.

I was personally raised in the Judeo-Christian tradition, & still lean more towards this particular worldview more than any other. I lean towards this not merely because of familiarity or some sense of nostalgic loyalty, but because it is so far the only doctrine which makes logical & intuitive sense to me.

Why do I believe Judeo-Christianity to be the one true Religion? Judeo-Christianity is a system of worship which requires complete submission of one's will & life over to the will & laws of God alone. While the other main monotheistic religions, namely Judaism & Islam also adhere to this, I find Judeo-Christianity to possess a holistic quality or a sound dualistic monism which I find lacking in Judaism & Islam. Judeo-Christianity is, to borrow a phrase, more 'Jungian' in its comprehension of both 'dark' & 'light', or 'good' & 'evil.'

It also encourages an integration of said 'innermost turpitude' via the conduit of prevenient grace & redemption. Further, most other philosophies & religions have at their core, an egocentric, escapist &/or hedonistic aim. I also believe in Judeo-Christian Scripture as the ultimate & most comprehensive source of wisdom, both earthly & metaphysical. This has been tested through the application of Judeo-Christian Scriptures to my own life & journey, & I have found it thus far to be consistently inerrant.

Moreover, contrary to the almost militantly Manichean paradigm still so prevalent in Western thought of 'one-OR-the other', one can be both systematic-minded & spiritually-minded as well. A cultivation of both Intellect & Spirit is not only possible, but is necessary towards achieving a full & authentic sense of faith & understanding. Intelligence & Spirituality are not mutually exclusive phenomena, but are complementary. As for the Augustinian postulate of "fides ante intellectum” (faith before understanding), I propose that such things must not necessarily proceed in this order. Sometimes, in the process of cultivating one's intellectual comprehension of something, one also finds faith and/or “higher understanding”, otherwise known as “wisdom”. Thus, we can proceed adequately from either a stance of "fides ante intellectum" or "fides post intellectum" (faith after understanding).

Although it is true, from an ontological standpoint that one's intellectual understanding of “spirituality” or of the metaphysical may indeed be quickened by the precedence of faith, just as one's faith can be quickened during the intellectual syntheses of theological inquiries & edification, let us just assume, from “analogia entis” (an analogy from being) that it is inherent in human nature itself to possess a general thirst for truth & understanding as well as a desire for faith (higher wisdom) as both a mentor & a consolation. Judeo-Christianity holds each and every one of us fully accountable and manages to achieve a rare & perfect synthesis of Faith and Reason. This is why I find it to be both most challenging, as well as compelling regarding its relevance & legitimacy.

In continuum, no matter what philosophy or worldview one follows or holds, all can agree that all realms of human inquiry are both fascinating & seemingly infinite. In this Chapter, I shall explore the realms of the Organic & the Inorganic as they may relate to the future of humanity, our particular planet, & possible other 'worlds-to-come'. In the Judeo-Christian belief system, we believe in both a catastrophic 'end-time', as well as an 'afterlife'. Indeed, even dogmatic scientists & atheists must concur upon, at least, the former acknowledgment that this current realm of natural phenomena will not last forever. Of course, according to the laws of thermodynamics & cosmology, an 'end' will eventually play out. And whether that occurs about 5 billion years from now due to astrophysical prognostications in relation to our own Sun, or in some other way, it WILL happen.

Moreover, a few other hypotheses concerning the end of our universe are: 'The Big Crunch', 'The Big Freeze' (a.k.a. 'Heat Death'), & 'The Big Rip.' In the 'Big Crunch' scenario, the postulated 'dark matter' driving universal expansion will either halt, or reverse its course, culminating in our universe's collapse unto itself. This will be a 'cosmic implosion', if you will. In the 'Big Freeze' scenario, governed by the laws of gravity coupled with the rate of expansion increasing, & the laws of thermodynamics, our universe will eventually dissipate matter/energy so thinly & evenly that it will reach 'heat death.' In the 'Big Rip' scenario, the rate of expansion will increase to the point of breaching the 'Planck length' & 'ripping' everything to oblivion. The Planck length is the smallest measure of matter/energy that could be traversed without violating current laws of physics.

Now, moving on to the subject of 'Artificial Intelligence' & its possible parallel with Judeo-Christian biblical eschatology. In 1948, mathematician John Von Neumann theorized the potential existence of a kind of computational machine which would evolve at such a pace as to soon be capable of replicating itself in an exponential mode of systemic upgrade. He postulated that with each new 'replica' of itself, there would be improvements made upon the previous version, and so on, much like we employ in computer science and the creation of hardware and software systems today. This is referred to today as 'AI recursion.' These ideas also came to generally form the foundation of what we now refer to as “Artificial Intelligence” or “AI.” Further, it forms the basis for the portentous prognostication that there may come a point in human history where machines could someday surpass our ability to control them and may thus lead us into a kind of an 'AI Apocalypse' or Armageddon.

While I do not personally follow this line of thought, and do not believe that a created thing could ever surpass the limitations inherent in or programmed by their creator(s), there may be some Scriptural precedent or hinting at this kind of eschatological course of events. In Revelation 14-16 we read: “Because of the signs it was given to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived those who dwell on the earth, telling them to make an image to the beast that had been wounded by the sword and yet had lived. The second beast was permitted to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship it to be killed. And the second beast required all people small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead.”

Therefore, it is not entirely out of the realm of possibility that the 'end times' could in some way involve some type of artificial intelligence or machines. After all, idols all throughout the ignominious evolution (or devolution?) of human endeavours have assumed many forms, and have been crafted from many variants of earthly minerals and materiel, thus, why not an idol fashioned of gold, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, cobalt, nickel and silicon? Indeed, many individuals believe that we are already living in that age as we speak, due to the increasing prevalence and domination of such technology in our modern lives.

Thus the questions which arise are: Can the created ever surpass that of its Creator? As stated before, it seems self-evident to me, from a strictly logistical and, indeed, even from a philosophical/existential standpoint, that Artificial Intelligence ever dominating intellectually or functionally over human beings is perhaps possible but highly unlikely. And as first observed by Ada Lovelace, who is now widely credited to be the first computer programmer, we humans are the ideologues over such inventions and therefore must also be the immediately assumed lords over them. That is to say, much like many believe that humankind was created in the image of a sovereign Deity, 'androids' would be fashioned 'in OUR image', & would thus be SUBservient to us. Although, it is not completely out of the realm of possibility that some type of 'demonic entity' could 'incarnate' within the artificial intelligence. But, applying Occam's Razor, humanity is already perfectly perfidious in & of itself to achieve such diabolical ends.

Thus, if AI ever does 'take over' humankind, human beings will undoubtedly be at the helm of said 'machinations'. And yet we must expect that the questions will persist and that not every human soul will remain at rest in the face of Reason and sound Theology. Many will continue to inquire: Can a human being manufacture or implant a "soul" into a machine? What is the soul or a soul if it exists at all? But most of all: What is the essence of that which makes us human, and could an electronic entity ever become incarnate with such an essence?

For if a human being could create a cyborg completely in that of its own image, could it ever possess total human status? And if so, wouldn't this then change the very ontological status of this electro-mechanical entity possessing so-called "artificial intelligence" into one possessing authentic human intelligence & sentience and it would be therefore, merely a clone of a pre-existent species-US?

And last but certainly not least, from the epistemological standpoint, is there an inherent demarcation built into the design of our humanity which limits our knowledge, ability & creative, industrial potential? And if there is no such limit inherently imposed upon the human species, and a human being(s) could create a perfect facsimile of itself crafted from metal, minerals and silicon then perhaps this is the 'new body' into which we will be changed, 'in the twinkling of an eye' into the immaculate imago of our Creator someday?

But of course the Theists would not defer to this concept, as that would mean that humanity itself is capable of crafting our 'new bodies' for the world(s) to come. Yet we could quite possibly be 'co-creators.' Indeed, perhaps we are also, in line with the doctrine of free will & Divine intervention & providence, being 'inwardly' evolved on a metaphysical level as well. As Benjamin Franklin once quoth: 'God helps those who help themselves.'

Further, there seems to be a misconception amongst some people of faith, that God can only intervene in human affairs in grandiloquent ways, such as 'signs & miracles.' But perhaps all 'miracles' truly are is a reconfiguration of current matter/energy matrices & entities. Indeed, many theoretical physicists postulate a substrate of pre-existent actualities awaiting materialization. This was once mainly referred to as a 'collapse of the wave function,' where the purely ideational & the will-to-power meet. That is to say, perhaps nothing 'supernatural' is required on the part of the Deity which performs 'miracles.' It stands to reason, according to the first law of thermodynamics, that nothing 'new' is ever being created, even during acts of 'Divine intervention.' Indeed, especially in the realms of Computer Science, Machine Learning & Biomimetics, the isotropic potentialities for carbon-based lifeforms & even inorganic polymers, etc. seems infinite.

When postulating prophetic scenes recorded in the Book of Revelation of the Judeo-Christian texts, one can only surmise. Nevertheless, many postulate that the 'end-time' idols mentioned in Revelation will be some kind of artificial intelligence, or 'android/cyborg' type of machine. When this is researched & examined more in depth, this doesn't seem far-fetched at all. Within the medical sciences, biomimetic applications are always being experimented with. For example, we may someday be able to create a fully functional cyborg utilizing various electroactive polymers (EAP's) or 'artificial muscles' with high receptor-ligand affinity , as well as artificial enzymes & extracellular matrix proteins such as 'laminin-1' to fashion the 'nervous system' of said cyborg. Laminin-1 aids in neurite & axon growth guidance as well as neuron attachment & differentiation.

In addition, certain scaffold-tethered peptides & amino-acids from extra-cellular matrix (ECM) proteins could serve as the tissue-engineering technology for said 'cyborg.' Generally speaking, even research being done in biomimetic mineralization could aid in constructing the cyborg's dental edifice. Then, of course, located within the a-1 chain of laminin, neuron-like pc-12 cells adhered to IKVAV (isoleucine, lysine, valine, alanine, valine) peptide nanofiber & machine learning could aid in the construction of the cyborg's 'proto-consciousness'-although some would debate the use of the term 'consciousness', as that would suggest a certain sentience that may or may not be present in a programmed 'mechanico-neural' edifice. Hence, back to the ontological inquiries posed earlier in this Chapter.

Nevertheless, I believe someday, humanity will be capable of fashioning an 'idol' in its own image, for better & most likely-if history serves as a template-for worse. Indeed, upon the abstract, ideational plane, we have fashioned many 'gods', 'demi-gods' & 'idols' since our species' inception. These are all very valid enquiries & explorations, most of which may or may not find their edification in this current epoch. Until then, keeping an open-ended discussion related to all issues pertinent to our species and the human condition is key to each our continued industrious, intellectual and spiritual edification process & actualization.

FROM STEM TO R.E.M.:

Towards A Synthesis of Micro & Macrocosmic Bodies of Knowledge

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©2024 Valerie Lynn Stephens

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Preface:

Are the Microcosmic & The Macrocosmic Truly Mutually Exclusive?

Are the microcosmic and the macrocosmic realms as mutually exclusive and unrelated as they seem? Perhaps it is the inherent tendency of homosapien cognitive bias to adopt models of so-called reality to falsely (or merely imprecise) Boolean logarithms of this or that. Because here is one thing that even the most practiced and educated STEM enthusiasts have observed: The second Law of Thermodynamics has experimentally and consistently demonstrated the increasing tendency of 'nature' as we know it to seek entropy (or non-readily observable and measurable organization) over simplicity and predictability. Now, mind you, this is a reference to quantum uncertainty and fluctuations in the so-called fermionic 'Higgs-field', which some would assume bears no relation to the macroscopic (or cosmic) order of things-nevertheless, I do not concur. It is far more sound and intuitive to presume an inherent 'irreducible complexity' and interrelation of all living and active systems.

On note, perhaps that is why for most of our days, life seems stultifyingly boring and mundane. And perhaps this is because we cannot readily access happenings upon the so-called 'quantum' scale. Because this, ladies & gents, is a hotbed of activity! Yes, this is a definite limitation of human neuro-anatomy and perceptivity. This is also perhaps why we can be so easily misled into all sorts of biases and in the worst case scenario-psychoses or in the even worst-case-scenario: Psychopathologies. That is to say, our species seems to be vulnerable to a conflagration of 'appearance reality' with 'what's-actually-going-on'.

Furthermore, perhaps what we human-kind classify as questions and answers or models of morality are way more subtle & 'subatomic' than we think, in both form AND function.

Moreover, this may indeed segue into more 'metaphysical' and perhaps even mystical matters of free will, morality & even...a possible soteriological and eschatological realm. That is to say, perhaps our current choices within these current 'mind-body-dualing' inhabitancies are exerting a certain ordering upon the subatomic field. To be fair, this is not all mere conjecture. Indeed, some discoveries that most scientists back in the 18^th century named “laws”, are by today's standards no longer considered to be extant.

Interestingly, a lot of discoveries that were called “laws” in the 'infancy' of post-modernist realms of what used to be referred to as 'natural philosophy' are now appreciated as steps upon the ladder of human inquiry. Today, as of 2024, legitimate scientists refer to most current discoveries as “theories”, rather than “laws”, although some discoveries called “laws” back in the time that they were recorded, are still extant & referred to as “laws.” Indeed, if you hear a respectable scientist use the word “theory” to describe the most current model of the natural world, be rest assured that your fallible human mind is in good hands. A theory, by today's standards is the best model that we currently have, based on 'hard' scientific due diligence, to describe at least, 'physical' reality (or the perception thereof). But that...is a whole other story, right!

In addition, a more accessible metaphor could be drawn from what geneticists refer to as “phenotype vs. genotype.” Simply put, “genotype” is an organism's “physical appearance”, and “genotype” is the actual 'in totem' genetic makeup of a human individual. And that's not even touching upon the myriad sociological (and often deleterious) effects of said “surface interpretations.” Humans seem to be hard-wired for the quickest and easiest path towards self-preservation and thrivance, both individually and collectively. That explains, in part, why they will “judge on appearances.” After all, doesn't it seem that most persons will not only find it not only easier but much more sociologically beneficial to categorize a human person based upon entrenched socio-political biases and preconceptions rather than exposing oneself to the vulnerable position of intellectually integral self-reflection?

In essence, what I am referencing is the epistemological limitations of not only human perception, but also technology when exploring our known world in search of life's big answers. With that said, however, most of our current “theories” are based in 'hard' science & rigorous methodology. Nevertheless, the quest for that ultimate Rosetta Stone known as “Grand Unified Theory” continues with more & more syntheses being achieved as time marches on. Indeed, as human beings begin to observe the complementarity &, even interconnection of the so-called macroscopic or cosmic versus the quantum or 'subatomic' realms, perhaps humanity will achieve a Grand Unified Theory.

Moreover, it is becoming compellingly evident that all phenomena-and even perhaps 'noumena', are not disparate features of the natural or the perceptual world. And even those staunchly skeptical of even granting an agnostic consideration of anything not verifiable in the Large Hadron Collider or in any other scientific laboratory, must, on some level, be tempted to give sway to the possibility that verities outside the purely physical & existential realms are operant and perhaps even supreme. After all, to put a spin on the old scientific adage: “Absence of evidence is not necessarily evidence of absence.” I contend that the absence may be evidence itself, in some cases. That is to say, perhaps the very fact that we could never directly observe certain phenomena, such as 'God' for instance, due to 'Him' or 'Her' or 'It' necessarily being composed of lethal energial forces, this, while it may not prove the actual existence of such an entity, may provide some epistemological mitigation.

In this work, we shall explore the various bodies of scientific knowledge, including within some of the so-called 'soft' science disciplines, & attempt to integrate them with various faith-based or theological & philosophical viewpoints & beliefs. I have always been a firm advocate of agnostic flexibility over rigidity, as I believe this to be the most humble & honest approach to the big questions of this human condition & existence. I am also a keen observer of the patterns & obvious connections which underlie all that we see, hear, feel & sense, both physiologically & neurologically. There is an undeniable pull towards a meaningful rhyme & reason behind all that we experience as human persons. And I don't think it fair or accurate to classify this as mere “wishful or 'magical' thinking”, as the nihilists propose. This assumption & dismissal is immediately revealed in its own fallaciousness when we observe how the capacity for dreaming & meaning-seeking seem to be inherent tendencies built into our very design as a species.

That is to say, we can't help but search for the meaning behind this or that. Therefore, this is actually an argument for profundity as actuality itself-not a negation thereof, nor is it proof of spurious superficiality or foolish notions. Nevertheless, I digress.

In finale, no matter where one places oneself on the spectrum of atheism or agnosticism-or even dogmatism, whether religious or scientific, anyone with enough healthy curiosity and open-mindedness, can hopefully take away something of epistemological & existential value from this book. So, let us begin...

More to come.......