The Emergence of a Second Renaissance:
This essay relates the work of the u3a “Science, Philosophy, and Spirituality” group, to the currents of thought that are leading some people to claim that we are entering a “Second Renaissance”.
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Author: Dr Terry Cooke-Davies
The Interplay of Crisis, Ideas, and Movements: Reimagining a Future Beyond the Enlightenment’s Legacy
In a world grappling with environmental, economic, and social crises, we must ask: how can we foster transformative change? Drawing from the historical legacy of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, this essay explores how new ideas emerge in times of crisis, shaping movements that reshape society.
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The Universality of Mystical Experience: Knowledge, Ignorance, and the Maps We Use to Navigate Reality
The universality of mystical experience reveals that there are multiple paths to the same destination—a direct encounter with the ultimate reality that transcends knowledge and ignorance. Both knowledge and ignorance serve as doorways to this experience, guiding the seeker toward a state of non-dual awareness where conventional distinctions fall away.
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Pestilence and Recovery: Eurasia between 1300 AD and 1500 AD
The era of “Pestilence and Recovery” illustrates how societies respond to existential threats not merely with survival, but with transformation. Whether through the consolidation of state power, the revival of cultural traditions, or the exploration of new frontiers, the aftermath of the Black Death set in motion processes that would define the course of global history for centuries to come.
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A New Era of Thought: Reassessing the Enlightenment for a Holistic Future
Our world is facing challenges that Enlightenment-era thinking, with its emphasis on rationality, individualism, and reductionism, seems increasingly ill-equipped to address. In response, a growing movement of thinkers is advocating for a more holistic, integrative approach that transcends the limitations of purely materialistic and individualistic perspectives.
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