Not sure if anyone noticed this yet, but I thought it was cool.
After seeing Jacob reading "Everything That Rises Must Converge", I decided to look into this book, since most of the literature that is blatantly placed in Lost is usually very significant.
The book is a collection of short stories by Flannery O'Connor, one of which shares the name of the book. I read this particular short story, and it seems not to have much to do with Lost at all. It is an awkward tale of a college graduate and his bigot mother riding on a Bus in the 1960's after desegregation.
I did find something else very interesting, though. The title "Everything That Rises Must Converge" is taken from a passage written by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a French philosopher and Jesuit priest. He is known for conceiving the idea of "The Omega Point".
Basically, Chardin theorizes that the universe is constantly evolving and becoming more and more complex and conscious. The point of ultimate complexity, which the universe is constantly moving towards, is called the Omega Point. This Omega Point is not only what the universe is moving towards, but is the force that is drawing the universe towards it. The point is independent of the universe, much like God transcends his creation.
Now, think about what Jacob said in the beginning of the finale. "There is only one ultimate end, everything else is just progress". There is a definite correlation between Jacobs words and the idea of the Omega point.
So, I think this is what the book Jacob was reading was possibly meant to symbolize.
Not sure if anyone noticed this yet, but I thought it was cool.
After seeing Jacob reading "Everything That Rises Must Converge", I decided to look into this book, since most of the literature that is blatantly placed in Lost is usually very significant.
The book is a collection of short stories by Flannery O'Connor, one of which shares the name of the book. I read this particular short story, and it seems not to have much to do with Lost at all. It is an awkward tale of a college graduate and his bigot mother riding on a Bus in the 1960's after desegregation.
I did find something else very interesting, though. The title "Everything That Rises Must Converge" is taken from a passage written by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a French philosopher and Jesuit priest. He is known for conceiving the idea of "The Omega Point".
Basically, Chardin theorizes that the universe is constantly evolving and becoming more and more complex and conscious. The point of ultimate complexity, which the universe is constantly moving towards, is called the Omega Point. This Omega Point is not only what the universe is moving towards, but is the force that is drawing the universe towards it. The point is independent of the universe, much like God transcends his creation.
Now, think about what Jacob said in the beginning of the finale. "There is only one ultimate end, everything else is just progress". There is a definite correlation between Jacobs words and the idea of the Omega point.
So, I think this is what the book Jacob was reading was possibly meant to symbolize.
Thoughts?
Definitely a possibility. Looking at how the author describes her work may give a hint as well:
"All my stories are about the action of grace on a character who is not very willing to support it, but most people think of these stories as hard, hopeless and brutal." - Flannery O'Connor
Will the characters accept their destiny, use their free will to live peacefully together? The story itself, "Everything that Rises Must Converge", makes me think of how humanity can choose to be so segregated, even when free will may be the "action of grace" designed to give humanity a chance to show its good side. We sadly often don't show that good side.
Aw, Epy! Great job! I also spent a few minutes looking up the book but didn't take it to the next level like you did. That is fantastic stuff that you found and I completely agree that must the reason that book was part of the show last night. I also agree that it ties in perfectly with Jacob's quote about progress. The Omega Point! The notion about the universe constantly evolving sparks my interest as well because of the 4 toes on the statue. I think this is very meaningful, Epy. Thanks for sharing...
__________________ "And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."
Basically, Chardin theorizes that the universe is constantly evolving and becoming more and more complex and conscious. The point of ultimate complexity, which the universe is constantly moving towards, is called the Omega Point. This Omega Point is not only what the universe is moving towards, but is the force that is drawing the universe towards it. The point is independent of the universe, much like God transcends his creation.
Thoughts?
I shouldnt be surprised by how good the writters are, but they have once again shown us how brilliant they are taking this route with the show. Wasn't quiet expecting them being this deep.
I think if this is the case they are going into a very meaningful theritory that reflects what might be a universal truth for mankind. Thats my beliefe at least, hence my name here
Definitely a possibility. Looking at how the author describes her work may give a hint as well:
"All my stories are about the action of grace on a character who is not very willing to support it, but most people think of these stories as hard, hopeless and brutal." - Flannery O'Connor
Will the characters accept their destiny, use their free will to live peacefully together? The story itself, "Everything that Rises Must Converge", makes me think of how humanity can choose to be so segregated, even when free will may be the "action of grace" designed to give humanity a chance to show its good side. We sadly often don't show that good side.
Great thread and intuitive posters here!
I haven't read this book but it is on my list of must reads now!
I believe that we're victims of constantly exposing ourselves to a news media that seeks to sensationalize the bad acts that people do. Everyday we are bombarded with negative stories underlining the badness of human beings. There ARE plenty of negatives out there, but there are far more GOOD people living good lives, loving their kids and each other, working hard and taking responsibility for themselves than not. It just doesn't "sell" to bring out stories of the everyday goodness that humans can do-the random acts of kindness, etc.
I think it was Doc Jensen who suggested that Jacob's "touch" may have imbued our Losties with the a release from fate and an increased freedom of will or free will. I hope I remembered that correctly. I thought it was a stunning idea that Jacob's touch may have imparted part of his spirit into each one so that he could be like the Phoenix and rise from the ashes again when they converge in 2007. (This may have come from Vozzek/DarkUFO.IDK)
These are themes that enrich and take us all to to a higher level. I just love this!! The writers have woven a very rich tapestry of ideas into Lost--making it all the more worthwhile IMO.
Yeah, Doc Jensen brought this up in Thursday's blog and it seems to be the most likely theory I've read or thought about. Here's an excerpt from the article describing the Omega Point reference:
"As it happens, Flannery O’Connor’s aforementioned book takes its title — Everything That Rises Must Converge — from a phrase coined by an egghead and fellow Catholic provocateur named Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, who concocted a theory of evolution called “Omega Point.” Basically, it’s the idea that there is some kind of transcendent entity or consciousness that is guiding everyone and everything toward greater complexity and enlightenment, until everyone and everything becomes transcendent, too. I think. More simply, it’s Jacob’s view: There is a single end; everything before then is progress. Chardin believed his Omega entity was basically Jesus Christ himself. His phrase, “everything that rises must converge,” is a poetical expression of a key Christian idea known in the Greek apokatastasis. It’s like the opposite of apocalypse, or rather, what comes after apocalypse. I’m not trying to get all religious on you, but it is what it is: apokatastasis is the idea that in the end, Satan will be defeated and that all of creation will be redeemed and unified under Christ. “Now is the judgment of the world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to myself.” (John 12:31-32) Or, again, to use a line from the show: “He who will save us all.” That, my friends, is the answer, translated from Richard Alpert’s Latin, to Ilana’s riddle: “What lies in the shadow of the statue?’
CONCLUSION Jacob was “quibbling” during his flashbacks; he was building loopholes and failsafe devices into each castaway’s life that will allow them to cheat death by Jughead. By physically touching each of them, he marked them in a magical way. And now, he’s going to draw them to himself, i.e., the Island, just like the electromagnetic anomaly at the Swan site started drawing anything metal into is powerful singularity. Perhaps they will all be immediately beamed to the Island in reincarnated bodies. (The promo for next season seemed to imply as much, what with Jack’s eye shooting open and reflecting back the jungle.) Or maybe it will be like this: the souls of the annihilated castaways will migrate into their bodies at the point in time that Jacob touched them. And more, I’ll bet you that they will retain all the memories of their past lives. Which means, for example, that Young James Ford will have knowledge of his fate — and can choose to try to change it, if he wishes. This is part of the great gift Jacob has given them: Not only new life, but the capacity to create their own destinies — a destiny which could include, if they wish, to go to the Island of their own free will. And they will. Remember Jacob’s last, bloody sputter: “They’re coming.”
Yeah, Doc Jensen brought this up in Thursday's blog and it seems to be the most likely theory I've read or thought about. Here's an excerpt from the article describing the Omega Point reference:
"As it happens, Flannery O’Connor’s aforementioned book takes its title — Everything That Rises Must Converge — from a phrase coined by an egghead and fellow Catholic provocateur named Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, who concocted a theory of evolution called “Omega Point.” Basically, it’s the idea that there is some kind of transcendent entity or consciousness that is guiding everyone and everything toward greater complexity and enlightenment, until everyone and everything becomes transcendent, too. I think. More simply, it’s Jacob’s view: There is a single end; everything before then is progress. Chardin believed his Omega entity was basically Jesus Christ himself. His phrase, “everything that rises must converge,” is a poetical expression of a key Christian idea known in the Greek apokatastasis. It’s like the opposite of apocalypse, or rather, what comes after apocalypse. I’m not trying to get all religious on you, but it is what it is: apokatastasis is the idea that in the end, Satan will be defeated and that all of creation will be redeemed and unified under Christ. “Now is the judgment of the world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to myself.” (John 12:31-32) Or, again, to use a line from the show: “He who will save us all.” That, my friends, is the answer, translated from Richard Alpert’s Latin, to Ilana’s riddle: “What lies in the shadow of the statue?’
CONCLUSION Jacob was “quibbling” during his flashbacks; he was building loopholes and failsafe devices into each castaway’s life that will allow them to cheat death by Jughead. By physically touching each of them, he marked them in a magical way. And now, he’s going to draw them to himself, i.e., the Island, just like the electromagnetic anomaly at the Swan site started drawing anything metal into is powerful singularity. Perhaps they will all be immediately beamed to the Island in reincarnated bodies. (The promo for next season seemed to imply as much, what with Jack’s eye shooting open and reflecting back the jungle.) Or maybe it will be like this: the souls of the annihilated castaways will migrate into their bodies at the point in time that Jacob touched them. And more, I’ll bet you that they will retain all the memories of their past lives. Which means, for example, that Young James Ford will have knowledge of his fate — and can choose to try to change it, if he wishes. This is part of the great gift Jacob has given them: Not only new life, but the capacity to create their own destinies — a destiny which could include, if they wish, to go to the Island of their own free will. And they will. Remember Jacob’s last, bloody sputter: “They’re coming.”
The Omega Point
"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."
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