philosophy

The concept can be understood through the lenses of philosophical theories such as absurdism, the philosophical understanding of miracles, and the concept of courage as a form of madness.

Absurdism, a philosophical theory, suggests that the universe is irrational and meaningless, and that attempts to find meaning often lead to conflict. This conflict can be between rational humans and an irrational universe, or between intention and outcome. The absurd arises when human aspirations for a higher form of meaning in life are ignored by an indifferent world. This implies that the absurd is not in humans or the world, but in their presence together. Therefore, the nature of humanity can be seen as absurd due to the inherent conflict between our desire for meaning and the indifference of the universe. It also calls upon the duality of life, a belief held by eastern philosophies, in which two opposing elements can be true at the same time.

The existence of humanity can be viewed as a miracle, a concept often associated with violations of the laws of nature. The usual theistic view of the world presumes the existence of an omnipotent God who, while transcending nature, is able to act within the natural world. This view suggests that the existence of humanity, with its complex biological, psychological, and social structures, could be seen as a chance happening, an exception to the ordinary course of nature.

Courage, in this context, can be seen as an act of madness. This perspective is rooted in the idea that courage often involves going against our basic survival instincts, which can be seen as a form of madness. Courage is often associated with selflessness and sacrifice, which can involve walking towards a personal loss or away from a personal gain in favor of doing the right thing. This act of going against our survival instincts for the greater good can be seen as a form of madness, thus framing courage as an act of madness.

The philosophical concept is rooted in the idea that peacemakers, by their very nature, seek to find common ground and reconcile differences. This is often associated with the political philosophy of centrism, which emphasises compromise, balance, and pragmatism.

Centrism is arguably not a conventional ideology with specific political goals, but rather a process or activity that seeks to broker deals and compromises that satisfy both sides of a conflict. This approach is often seen as a commitment to process, facilitating structured dialogue among polarised groups with the goal of enabling participants to come up with new perspectives and solutions that address everyone’s core interests.

The concept of peacemaking as a centrist activity is also reflected in the idea that peacemakers do not commit to one side of a conflict, but rather work to understand and reconcile the perspectives of all parties involved. However, it’s important to note that this concept does not imply that peacemakers or centrists are neutral or passive. On the contrary, they are actively engaged in the struggle to understand and reconstruct the perspectives of opposing camps, and to find a middle ground that can hold the body politic together. This is a dynamic process that requires overcoming cognitive and emotional conflicts between opposing sides to reach a state of justice and peace.

Critics of centrism argue that it can enable extremist and polarised status-quos, and they (centrists) refuse to make radical changes that could benefit the masses. However, proponents argue that without peace, other values – including justice – cannot be realised, wealth and prosperity cannot be achieved, and most personal endeavours cannot be pursued.

The concept highlights the power of knowledge and understanding in shaping our perspectives and influencing our ability to accept or endure different situations. When we delve deep into the nature of something, whether it’s a challenging circumstance, a different belief system, or a complex problem, we gain valuable insights that enable us to approach it with a sense of empathy and rationality. A profound understanding allows us to transcend our initial biases or knee-jerk reactions, fostering an open-mindedness that paves the way for tolerance.

By striving for a profound understanding, we develop the capacity to see beyond surface-level judgments and prejudices. It encourages us to seek knowledge, engage in critical thinking, and embrace diverse perspectives. The more we learn, explore, and empathise, the better equipped we become to comprehend the complexities of the world around us. In this process, we may encounter viewpoints or situations that challenge our existing beliefs or values. However, by choosing to understand deeply, we create the potential for growth and transformation, expanding our capacity for acceptance and tolerance.

While it is true that profound understanding does not necessarily imply agreement or endorsement, it fosters a willingness to engage in dialogue and find common ground. It allows us to recognize the nuances and intricacies of different ideas, cultures, and perspectives, leading to a more inclusive and harmonious society. Through profound understanding, we cultivate a mindset that is not easily swayed by fear or ignorance, but rather one that embraces diversity, empathy, and compassion. Ultimately, this concept encourages us to approach the world with a genuine desire to learn and appreciate the complexity of the human experience, fostering tolerance and unity amidst our differences.

The concept highlights the intriguing dynamic between censorship and human curiosity. When something is censored or restricted, it tends to generate heightened interest and allure among individuals. This phenomenon can be observed in various aspects of society, ranging from literature and art to political movements and cultural expressions. The act of censoring evokes a sense of mystery and intrigue, prompting people to seek out the censored content, often fueling a desire to explore forbidden or taboo subjects.

Censorship inadvertently imbues the censored material with a certain allure, as it creates a perception that there is something valuable, dangerous, or subversive about it. People are naturally drawn to the forbidden, as it stirs up a sense of rebellion and curiosity. The act of prohibiting or suppressing information can paradoxically amplify its significance and impact. It creates a narrative of exclusivity, wherein accessing the censored material becomes a form of resistance against authority or societal norms. This allure is particularly evident in the digital age, where attempts to censor online content often result in the Streisand effect, causing the information to spread rapidly as individuals rally against the restrictions.

Moreover, censorship also engenders a psychological reaction in individuals. The act of being denied access to certain information or expressions triggers a sense of injustice and an innate desire for freedom of expression and knowledge. The censored material gains an aura of authenticity and credibility, as people perceive it as a threat to the status quo or a dissenting voice that challenges mainstream narratives. This perception can further increase its appeal and influence, drawing individuals who are seeking alternative perspectives or alternative sources of information. By attempting to control and suppress ideas, censorship inadvertently elevates the perceived value and impact of the censored content, making it more appealing and captivating to those who yearn for unconstrained exploration of ideas and experiences.

The desire to explore the forbidden and challenge authority, combined with the psychological reactions to censorship, ultimately makes the censored material more appealing to individuals who seek alternative perspectives or unconventional ideas.

​​The concept encapsulates the tendency of human beings to rationalise and normalise extraordinary phenomena or advancements that they cannot fully comprehend. Throughout history, humanity has been confronted with remarkable discoveries and innovations that challenge existing beliefs and push the boundaries of knowledge. However, instead of embracing these wonders, humans often attempt to demystify them or reduce their significance, inadvertently limiting their potential and closing the door to further exploration.

In many cases, when faced with something unfamiliar or extraordinary, people have a tendency to strip it of its mystique and relegate it to the realm of the ordinary. This habit stems from the fear of the unknown and the desire to maintain a sense of control and familiarity. By reducing wonders to ordinary, mundane occurrences, individuals feel more comfortable and can maintain their established worldview without having to confront the profound implications of the unknown. This tendency can stifle progress and inhibit the development of new ideas and technologies.

Moreover, the inclination to steal wonders man doesn’t understand can lead to the appropriation and misappropriation of concepts, inventions, and discoveries. Rather than appreciating and respecting the original creators or the origins of these wonders, some individuals or societies may claim them as their own, denying the contributions and knowledge of others. This act of stealing intellectual property or dismissing the achievements of others further perpetuates a cycle of ignorance and hinders the collective advancement of humanity.

As a consequence of these behaviours, the future becomes increasingly obscured and uncertain. By failing to recognize and embrace the wonders that lie beyond our understanding, we limit our potential for growth and discovery. To truly progress, it is essential for humanity to cultivate a mindset of curiosity, wonder, and humility, acknowledging that there will always be mysteries that elude our grasp. By embracing the unknown and resisting the urge to make wonders ordinary, we can create a future where extraordinary possibilities flourish and propel us towards new frontiers of knowledge and understanding.