LOST as a Battle in the War on Stupidity (aka Operation Mind****)

[chester]

A popular way to depict the ‘life’ of the universe in comparison to the evolution of life on earth, is to condense it down to a 24 hour day, starting and ‘finishing’ at midnight. Life turned up on earth at approximately midday, and the whole of human history (i.e., homo-sapiens) has occurred in the last half of the last second before the next midnight, which is now.

This gives a very good impression of how short a time we’ve been around, from the objective point of view of the universe. However, it also might give the misimpression that ‘now’ is some kind of ‘end’. A better analogy, based on the proposed life-time of the sun and its ability to support life on this planet, is that ‘now’ is really around 8 o’clock in the morning. The universe has been unconscious/asleep (as far as we are currently aware, for at least this section of it) all morning, and is only ‘now’ just waking up……perhaps.

Even if we just consider the life-time of life (on earth) itself, humans have only been around ‘consciously’ observing it and trying to make sense of it (the universe) still in the last second; a fraction of that if we consider that now is around 8am. Life on earth, is only just waking up……perhaps.

The evolution of life on this planet, from single-celled organisms and plants to us humans, displays a progression of ‘consciousness’ in three main stages, all of which are still apparent and in operation within each of us.

- The first, ‘vegetative’, stage is of course the most basic and the result of interacting with the raw environment; approach something that is likely to help one’s survival, and retreat from danger.
- The second, ‘mammalian’, stage is the result of animals interacting in a social environment. It is the desire to control territory, obtain status and acquire ‘mates’. To dominate or submit.
- The third is the ‘rational’ circuit, restricted (we think) to humans, due to the advent and use of a symbolic language; developed individually, it is the result of interacting in the intellectual/analytical environment.

Individuals differ in which of these circuits are emphasized in their day to day lives. Everyone seems to be always interacting with the world using one or more of those three ‘scripts’……perhaps.

Maybe there is a fourth level of consciousness. Logically, given enough time, this is almost certainly to be the case. But is it also available, at least to some, now?

This seems to be what all religion, mysticism, and spiritualism, is all about – at least fundamentally. And might also be the goal of ‘The Craft’ in Freemasonry (and many other secret and esoteric societies): to open the ‘third eye’; to foster ‘enlightenment’. But what does this actually mean?

Is LOST trying to provide an answer to that question?

To be continued.....perhaps. :)





(References: See Prometheus Rising, Cosmic Trigger, Illuminatus Trilogy and Historical Chronicles, etc, by Robert Anton Wilson)

[SpaceBar]

I was hoping there'd be an 'Or not.' at the end of that. Lol.

[chester]

'Perhaps'....'or not'.....same thing.

[LissaMarie]

I think there has to be more to the story, Chester. We shouldn't arrogantly think that we are at the apex of human evolution. We're aware that human beings only use 10% of the brain and many have speculated that the other 90% is what is utilized in those higher levels of consciousness. I think another analogy that fits nicely is outer space. We can't arrogantly think that we're all there is in the universe, right? I see that as being akin to wasting more than 90% of our brains' potential.

I believe this is where the story of Lost is going as well. I think anyone who reads Robert Anton Wilson's works would be hard pressed not to! Consciousness evolution and the dawn or birth of a new period of enlightenment. Can't wait!

[chester]

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[wiley]

We were at the apex of life the moment we invented beer, it's all downhill now.

[losttime]

I think there has to be more to the story, Chester. We shouldn't arrogantly think that we are at the apex of human evolution. We're aware that human beings only use 10% of the brain and many have speculated that the other 90% is what is utilized in those higher levels of consciousness. I think another analogy that fits nicely is outer space. We can't arrogantly think that we're all there is in the universe, right? I see that as being akin to wasting more than 90% of our brains' potential.

I believe this is where the story of Lost is going as well. I think anyone who reads Robert Anton Wilson's works would be hard pressed not to! Consciousness evolution and the dawn or birth of a new period of enlightenment. Can't wait!

LIssaMarie dont sell yourself short. We use more than 10%, that is just a myth. I think many people waste their capabilities but we pretty much use the whole brain.

[LissaMarie]

I think the average is 10%....some of us more and some of us less. Yes, it's spread out to all different lobes of the brain but I think we're selling ourselves short to think that we don't have a LOT more potential. We're squandering our most valuable natural resource! :)

[chester]

With neurons, like muscles, you use it or lose it. Babies are born with a huge amount of neurons, but most of these die off as they get neglected as the brain learns. Most of the brains volume, however, is made up of cells (glial cells) that are not considered to take active part in cognitive processing, but rather seem to be simply for 'insulation'. These glial cells may very well have another function that we have not yet 'discovered' though.

[chester]

For those unaware, here's the link to what Operation Mind**** is.

Warning, contains profanity.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Mind****

[Jelena]

Aren't we taking this a little too far, saying that Lost is a battle in the war of stupidity? I don't see any third eye opening in the show - I see fourth dimension - namely, time, being of major importance in the show, but no fourth stage - the way you were discussing it. If you have any concrete examples that would shatter this statement, please do so.

But fyi, I do like everything you were saying there Chester. ;)

P.S. On a completely unrelated note: where's Krak? Haven't seen him in a while:confused: (I'm not attempting to hijack your thread, just seemed like a really good place to ask this Q, hope you don't mind)

[LissaMarie]

With neurons, like muscles, you use it or lose it. Babies are born with a huge amount of neurons, but most of these die off as they get neglected as the brain learns. Most of the brains volume, however, is made up of cells (glial cells) that are not considered to take active part in cognitive processing, but rather seem to be simply for 'insulation'. These glial cells may very well have another function that we have not yet 'discovered' though.

That's right, Chester. It's actually quite interesting really. The theories I studied 15 years ago stated that a baby is born with something like 50 or 100 billion brain cells (neurons). The pathways that connect the neurons (synapses) are thought to be developed and made stronger through repeated life experiences and while a baby at 1 year of age is thought to have trillions of synapses, the number is cut in half by the time the child reaches its teen years. Use it or lose it is exactly right!

There is a lot of debate, however, as to what capabilities the "discarded" and unused portions of our brain hold and if it's possible to tap into those natural resources.

[LissaMarie]

Aren't we taking this a little too far, saying that Lost is a battle in the war of stupidity? I don't see any third eye opening in the show - I see fourth dimension - namely, time, being of major importance in the show, but no fourth stage - the way you were discussing it. If you have any concrete examples that would shatter this statement, please do so.

But fyi, I do like everything you were saying there Chester. ;)

P.S. On a completely unrelated note: where's Krak? Haven't seen him in a while:confused: (I'm not attempting to hijack your thread, just seemed like a really good place to ask this Q, hope you don't mind)

Krak was having a bit of computer trouble last I heard. I hope he comes back soon! I miss that crazy Aussie!!:)

[LissaMarie]

For those unaware, here's the link to what Operation Mind**** is.

Warning, contains profanity.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Mind****

Bummer, Chester. I don't think there is a direct way to link to your Wiki page without spelling out the "eff" word, rendering your link a road to nowhere....sort of.

There is a way to find the page I'm assuming you were referencing by typing out the "eff" word through your link. I'm just guessing it is the Robert Anton Wilson / Discordianism page and not the song by Ween!;)

[Jelena]

Bummer, Chester. I don't think there is a direct way to link to your Wiki page without spelling out the "eff" word, rendering your link a road to nowhere....sort of.

There is a way to find the page I'm assuming you were referencing by typing out the "eff" word through your link. I'm just guessing it is the Robert Anton Wilson / Discordianism page and not the song by Ween!;)

You're guessing right Lissa. You can also type in the wikipedia.

Thanks for the info re: krak. I too hope he comes back soon. His is one of the finer minds on this forum. :)

[LissaMarie]

I agree!! He is a man who chooses his words but sure says a lot, isn't he? :)

[Jelena]

Yep, he is.
I hope he comes back soon enough to read our public praises of him. :)

[chester]

Aren't we taking this a little too far, saying that Lost is a battle in the war of stupidity? I don't see any third eye opening in the show - I see fourth dimension - namely, time, being of major importance in the show, but no fourth stage - the way you were discussing it. If you have any concrete examples that would shatter this statement, please do so.

But fyi, I do like everything you were saying there Chester. ;)

P.S. On a completely unrelated note: where's Krak? Haven't seen him in a while:confused: (I'm not attempting to hijack your thread, just seemed like a really good place to ask this Q, hope you don't mind)

Of course there are different theories as to what the 'opening of the third eye is'. I will be using RAWilsons suggestion that freedom to consciously move in time is one of the things that becomes available to the truely 'enlightened' -- "Only fools are enslaved by time and space" is heard being repeated in reverse in the room 23 video, sounds very relevent for a 'War on stupidity' in light of the time-travel element in the show, if you ask me -- consious travel right through one's genetic vector. But you anticipate me. I was getting to that.

[chester]

Bummer, Chester. I don't think there is a direct way to link to your Wiki page without spelling out the "eff" word, rendering your link a road to nowhere....sort of.

There is a way to find the page I'm assuming you were referencing by typing out the "eff" word through your link. I'm just guessing it is the Robert Anton Wilson / Discordianism page and not the song by Ween!;)

I knew Ween must've been Discordians. Some of their music is definitely on the 'edge-of-chaos'.

Like this one:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsBgJovpbBo

Yes the link is supposed to go the "Operation MindF[ornicate]" but not that eff word ;)

[LissaMarie]

I knew Ween must've been Discordians. Some of their music is definitely on the 'edge-of-chaos'.

Like this one:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsBgJovpbBo

Yes the link is supposed to go the "Operation MindF[ornicate]" but not that eff word ;)

LOL....F[ornicate]!:D

Oh my goodness! I think this should be the theme song for Discordianism!

"Candy.........custard and berry (tink) Candy.......peaches and cream (zoing) Candy? Candy."

Tres bizarre!!! Hahahaha!:D

[bunnydixon]

:eek:

*pop*

[chester]

An interesting analogy that can be used to describe the three levels of human consciousness is to compare them to the three dimensions of space. The first circuit can be thought of as being along the ‘length’ dimension – forward or back; approach or retreat. The second can be thought of as along the vertical axis – up or down; standing tall or shrinking into a submissive pose. The third circuit can then be thought of as being lateral – side to side; signifying the abstract nature of a symbolic language. This of course might lead to a clue as to what aught to be the nature of this hypothetical (?) fourth circuit – in its possible relation to the fourth dimension; time.

“Only fools are enslaved by space and time”

The LOST 'answer' could be as simple as that; through enlightenment one gains the ability to consciously travel through time (and space?), possibly not just through one's own life-time, like with Desmond, but through one's whole genetic vector. Three billions years of learning is stored in every cell, including neurons. Or it could be something else or more. Perhaps, as with the clue given with the LOST University Physics course, the fourth level of consciousness might have something to do with Zero Point Time, and all the paranormal phenomena that are proposed to go along with that.

Whatever it is (or will be), there certainly seem to be, and have been, groups of people who believe it, throughout history, and have endeavored to keep what is learned and/or how it is gained, extremely secret. There could be two reasons for this; one benevolent and the other self-interested. Creating the basic distinction between the two main groups that are proposed to have been secretively operating with this knowledge, centuries, or millennia.

In Robert Anton Wilson's writings on this subject (satirically based on thousands of letters he and Illuminatus! co-writer Robert Shea received while doing a piece on civil liberties for Playboy in the 70's) he distinguishes these two groups along the lines of science vs. (black) magick.

One group (The Legion of Dynamic Discord) is attempting to bring the whole of humanity into the next phase of life’s evolution on this planet - in accordance with Leary's SMILE (Space Migration from Intelligence expansion and Life Extension). These would be my 'good' guys. The 'intelligence expansion' is akin to 'enlightenment'. And this can be achieved (refer to research by Dr John Lilly) through particular chemical ingestion and bio-feedback (see Room 23). And through scientific research, space migration (whether physical or mental) and life extension (whether through cybernetics or genetics) will follow.

The other group (the Illuminati?) isn’t interested in other people. In fact they would like to use them to achieve their goals (immortality and absolute power), their way - through human sacrifice.

[chester]

I think there has to be more to the story, Chester. We shouldn't arrogantly think that we are at the apex of human evolution. We're aware that human beings only use 10% of the brain and many have speculated that the other 90% is what is utilized in those higher levels of consciousness. I think another analogy that fits nicely is outer space. We can't arrogantly think that we're all there is in the universe, right? I see that as being akin to wasting more than 90% of our brains' potential.

I believe this is where the story of Lost is going as well. I think anyone who reads Robert Anton Wilson's works would be hard pressed not to! Consciousness evolution and the dawn or birth of a new period of enlightenment. Can't wait!

I agree it is very arrogant and short-sighted to think that we have reached the pinacle of our cognitive developement and that we are the only planet in the universe to have life on it.

[chester]

So, maybe the Dharma is like the LDD in Illuminatus; recruiting suitable individuals to expand their consciousness, break down their conditioned reflexes and reprogram more appropriate one etc, and also to perform experiments in life extension and space migration. And the others would then be like the Illuminati who want to keep the cattle roboticised and killing themselves for their own selfish needs. Or maybe in LOST the 'good/evil' intentions of the two opposing groups is inverted.

But what is the Island then, and how does the story of our Losties fit in?

Hmmm, perhaps this might give us some clues....

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[LissaMarie]

Somehow I knew that was a rhetorical question. Funny that we've both been studying up on Jungian philosophies and have noticed more than a few tie-ins to Lost.

I love the notion of Freud and Jung discussing the tenants of extrasensory perceptions & intuition. What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall for that conversation! Fascinating!

So what are your thoughts on how it relates to the island? Which of the 3 described schools of thought do you think fits best? The hidden-variable theory? Multi-universe model? Copenhagen?

Do you believe there is a "subquantum world"?

[chester]

Somehow I knew that was a rhetorical question. Funny that we've both been studying up on Jungian philosophies and have noticed more than a few tie-ins to Lost.

I love the notion of Freud and Jung discussing the tenants of extrasensory perceptions & intuition. What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall for that conversation! Fascinating!

So what are your thoughts on how it relates to the island? Which of the 3 described schools of thought do you think fits best? The hidden-variable theory? Multi-universe model? Copenhagen?

Do you believe there is a "subquantum world"?

No I was really hoping someone would have some ideas :o:p:D

Well that article just talked me into the hidden-variable interpretation, and that consciousness and information are the same thing and provide this hidden variable. A great way to hide yourself would be to be the very thing that is doing the looking. Kinda like trying to see your own eyeball without looking in a mirror.

[LissaMarie]

So basically that knowledge / insight / understanding is in itself is the hidden variable?

Perhaps the island is a sort of an Outward Bound camp, teaching our Losties the things they needed to learn in order to intellectually evolve?

(By the way, my eyes are permanently crossed now from trying to see my own eyeball. Thanks for that.)

[chester]

So basically that knowledge / insight / understanding is in itself is the hidden variable?

Perhaps the island is a sort of an Outward Bound camp, teaching our Losties the things they needed to learn in order to intellectually evolve?

(By the way, my eyes are permanently crossed now from trying to see my own eyeball. Thanks for that.)

I like that idea - an Outward Bound type camp. Or like "The garden of delights", Arcadia perhaps, or even "the cave of the nymphs", where 'candidates' are tested - and even in success the path taken might be the right-hand or left-hand path. Perhaps it has been 'discovered' many times in history.

(Oh, and I meant more like a one-eyed person trying to look at their own eyeball without looking in a mirror).

[LissaMarie]

Right! I'll post the link I sent you about Unus Mundus & the Cave of Nymphs. Really fascinating read...at least I thought so!! I think the notion of Jung's synchronicity is one of the most obvious tie-ins to Lost. I think everyone who reads about it will feel the same!

http://www.thezodiac.com/mundus3.htm

(I kind feel like I have one eye now. Let this stand as a warning to anyone else who is thinking of trying it.)

[chester]

Right! I'll post the link I sent you about Unus Mundus & the Cave of Nymphs. Really fascinating read...at least I thought so!! I think the notion of Jung's synchronicity is one of the most obvious tie-ins to Lost. I think everyone who reads about it will feel the same!

http://www.thezodiac.com/mundus3.htm

(I kind feel like I have one eye now. Let this stand as a warning to anyone else who is thinking of trying it.)

I agree, synchronicity is an obvious element. It has even been confirmed by TPTB early on when they said that the only number, of the numbers, of any real significance in the story of LOST, was the number 23. Which was inspired by the 23 enigma mentioned in Illuminatus, and which itself refers to Jung's synchronicity.

[LissaMarie]

Just reading (again) in The Papers about Bell's Theorem. The part that keeps drawing me back to it is this;

"What Bell seemed to prove was that quantum effects are "non-local" in Bohm's sense: that is, they are not just here or there but both. What this apparently means is that space and time are only real to our mammalian sense organs: they are not really real." My understanding of the theorem is that there is an "instantaneous" exchange of info from one particle to another.

So my question to you, dear Chester, is how you think this "non-local hidden variable" theory (non-local, right?) ties into Lost? I would love to hear your thoughts. :)

[chester]

Just reading (again) in The Papers about Bell's Theorem. The part that keeps drawing me back to it is this;

"What Bell seemed to prove was that quantum effects are "non-local" in Bohm's sense: that is, they are not just here or there but both. What this apparently means is that space and time are only real to our mammalian sense organs: they are not really real." My understanding of the theorem is that there is an "instantaneous" exchange of info from one particle to another.

So my question to you, dear Chester, is how you think this "non-local hidden variable" theory (non-local, right?) ties into Lost? I would love to hear your thoughts. :)

I will let you know more when I get around to finishing 'The Field' but at the moment I think that perhaps evolving beyond a 'mammalian' level of consciousness might remove one from the enslavement of space and time, Jacob's behaviour in the last ep might be an example of this.

[3d-aholic]

Maybe there is a fourth level of consciousness. Logically, given enough time, this is almost certainly to be the case. But is it also available, at least to some, now?

This seems to be what all religion, mysticism, and spiritualism, is all about – at least fundamentally. And might also be the goal of ‘The Craft’ in Freemasonry (and many other secret and esoteric societies): to open the ‘third eye’; to foster ‘enlightenment’. But what does this actually mean?

Is LOST trying to provide an answer to that question?

To be continued.....perhaps. :)

(References: See Prometheus Rising, Cosmic Trigger, Illuminatus Trilogy and Historical Chronicles, etc, by Robert Anton Wilson)

I think you are giving them too much credit and digging too deep into the story. However, I suppose if they don't give us anything else on Jacob and Nemesis as to origin. You could just as easily paint this picture of their origin.

I personally do not believe its as complex as to a new level of consciousness....I think its plain old run of the mill science fiction story. I know people hate that though.

[chester]

I think you are giving them too much credit and digging too deep into the story. However, I suppose if they don't give us anything else on Jacob and Nemesis as to origin. You could just as easily paint this picture of their origin.

I personally do not believe its as complex as to a new level of consciousness....I think its plain old run of the mill science fiction story. I know people hate that though.

I agree it is science-fiction. I don't see a more evolved level of consciousness as a complexity beyond the thoughts of the writers, however, and nor would anything else be, that I have seen or could think of. RAW has been cited as an influence for the story of LOST. Run-of-the-mill? I don't think so. I recommend reading Cosmic Trigger.

[chester]

Here's an interesting article on the possible processes involved in conciousness evolution:

http://www.lifescientists.de/publication/pub2003-04-11.htm

[chester]

And this one, with cancer curing, and magneto-biology. About half down the page you can listen to bio-photons.

http://www.21stcenturysciencetech.com/articles/summ01/Biophysics/Biophysics.html#harmony%20of%20biophotons

[3d-aholic]

Run-of-the-mill? I don't think so.

Only run of the mill in terms of comparison to your OP.

I recommend reading Cosmic Trigger.

Can I ask why?

[chester]

Only run of the mill in terms of comparison to your OP.



Can I ask why?

Because I think you will enjoy the many LOST connections contained in its pages, and I think you will like his ideas and his way at looking at the universe and our place within it.

[LissaMarie]

Because I think you will enjoy the many LOST connections contained in its pages, and I think you will like his ideas and his way at looking at the universe and our place within it.

I agree, Chester! I think anyone who appreciates the mysteriousness of Lost would really love Cosmic Trigger. You will certainly see a myriad of connections to our story as well as change your thinking about life in general (if you're open to that sort of thing). There are few books that have fundamentally changed me to the extent that Cosmic Trigger has.