cruise control

I am convinced that a major reason that some do not understand what I am talking/writing about in this blog is because of not having the "relevant background knowledge" (see this seminal article by Sol Stern on E. D. Hirsch's approach to education).

I am writing from the perspective of and to those who already have background knowledge in the exploration of, and findings in, the study of human consciousness.

This basic background curriculum is based upon an insatiable appetite for understanding human thought processes through an avid reading of novels (American, European, Asian, African, South and Central American and from all cultures everywhere), the devouring and comprehension of the major thinkers (regardless of national or cultural origin, and the more "outside the box" the better) of psychology, philosophy, spirituality, religion, politics, sociology, anthropology, economics, communication, physics, poetry, alchemy, astrology, and so on. This must be supplemented by deep unafraid encounter with humans of all types, "classes," and understandings, ESPECIALLY if their belief systems and ways differ from your own. Learn how to weld and raise bees and fire guns and slaughter your own meat or vegetables (even beans scream when boiled or bitten). Stop aligning yourself with one encampment and ignoring or being against all others.

Acknowledge that you don't know zip and are constantly learning.

This may sound overwhelming but what else do you have to do? Jump on that same old pogo stick over and over? Surely you have perfected its every nuance by now.

Read Stern's article. Even if you decide to keep driving the same old consciousness vehicle you have been in for so long with its set cruise control and butt warmer, what the heck, you can drive while multi-tasking can't you?