"COSMIC PERSPECTIVE"
Introduction
Physical
Evolution
Spiritual
Evolution
The Cosmic
Pyramid
Cosmic
Reincarnation
Beyond
Human Evolution
We find ourselves living in an age which is likely to prove unique in the history of our planet. Never before, in the brief span of a human lifetime, has so much knowledge been made available to those with inquisitive minds. Emerging from the depths of a dimly perceived evolutionary past, the guiding light of science shines as a promising beacon amidst the darkness of ignorance and superstition. But the influence of tradition often dies hard. An inherent reluctance exists to abandon an appealing philosophy or religious viewpoint, no matter how baseless or improbable. This has led to a number of rather disconcerting spectacles.
Unfortunately, science has so far managed to present only a very fragmentary glimpse of a vast and mysterious universe. In so doing, it has managed to destroy the false religions and philosophies of many pious souls — but without providing a viable alternative! Such an ensuing vacuum cannot fail to leave many confused and disillusioned with regard to their faith in a meaningful creation. As events have turned out, there is presently little correlation of science with the idea of an underlying Cause or Motivation. This is a problem which must be dealt with before addressing the issue of organized religion. It is the author’s contention that sufficient scientific clues are now available to formulate a truly viable cosmic philosophy.
The very idea that present-day mankind is the product of a long evolutionary history — from a microscopic origin — has always been resisted by mainstream Christian theologians, who prefer to cling to an erroneous and outworn literal interpretation of the Old Testament. Over the past century or so this official attitude has experienced little change, even if the more enlightened members of their flocks have long since entertained grave doubts as to the wisdom of ecclesiastical authorities. Some members of the clergy, unable to completely ignore overwhelming scientific evidence, would attempt to mitigate the situation by means of a compromise. In effect, they would begrudgingly accept the reality of evolution up to a point — namely, to the extent that man himself is not included in the overall scheme. This highly arbitrary exclusion is necessary, of course, in order that they might retain what must be described as a bizarre interpretation of the Adam and Eve narrative, along with an equally bizarre redemptionist doctrine requiring a mystical fall of man.
In addition to conclusive scientific evidence, confirming man’s evolutionary heritage, there is strong support from such sources as philosophy and common sense. From a philosophical point of view, the fossil record is one of ever-increasing complexity and intelligence. This is precisely the pattern needed to inspire contemplation of the dynamic principle of evolution — leading to the conviction that we must reside in a universe ruled by Purpose. Plain reasoning (common sense) is able to prove the evolution of man by the simple expedient of eliminating the sole alternative of "Special Creation." Other than by accepting the evolutionary premise of changing species, the staggering profusion of fossil entities can only be explained by postulating an almost endless number of separate creations, extending over vast periods of time! But if God be the Creator, why all the trials and tribulations and "experiments" before finally deciding upon creating the myriad forms of life existing today? In terms of "Special Creation" the whole affair is obviously preposterous. Evolution — including that of man — is capable of providing not only a far simpler explanation, but it is the only one which makes any sense at all!
But where did the first life come from? Indeed, where does this "spark of intelligence" -- representing the difference between life and death — continue to come from? For some unknown reason very few serious attempts have been made to incorporate the presence of spirit into a theory embracing evolution. Why this has been so constitutes a great mystery; for does not all life — including our own soul — consist of spirit! Furthermore, if we are to believe in the existence of a future life, and since there is overwhelming evidence as to the truth of evolution, we have no alternative but to recognize the presence and interaction of spirit with all levels of creation, from man down to the most elementary gene-complexes — even to the ultimate depths of matter itself!
A truly fundamental problem, which has long intrigued philosopher and scientist alike, is that of defining the term "spirit." Stripped of associated attributes of intelligence and memory, it may well be constructive to define the broad spectrum of "spirit" as specific and varying segments of Perfection, or whatever God consists of. In essence, a spiritual entity is basically a particular degree of unselfishness — nothing more! It is surely this feeling of Universal Love — expressed as a "level of reality or righteousness" — which determines the actual status that a spirit is given, in the sense that the higher this level the more advanced its status with regard to the evolutionary structure of the universe. Thus it will be seen that spirit cannot be divided into classes or categories. On the contrary, during the long course of evolution our planet must have witnessed an unbroken procession of spirit of gradually increasing worthiness or degree of Perfection. Principle, in which spirit forever seeks to equate intrinsic worth with physical status, is acknowledged to be the one dominant cosmic feature — completely transcending such mundane characteristics as space and time should this be necessary to preserve Harmony and Justice. Of great importance, it is to be emphasized that — due to evolution — no one spirit is able to progress to a higher state of manifestation to the exclusion of all others!
The old biblical notion that we have but one all-determining life in which to prove ourselves worthy of passing to "heaven" is seen to be quite illogical. For example, what happens to the soul of one who dies in infancy? Should we be so naive as to think that it passes automatically to a higher existence we are faced with the thought that those who live longer are unlucky, inasmuch as they have risked not making it, so to speak! Furthermore, at what specific instant of time does a child cease being a child and become responsible for its actions? Clearly, no time limit whatsoever can be established. A similar parallel exists with regard to adults. Who is to say that time will not lead to profound changes in one’s spiritual outlook? And yet, we know that death shows respect for neither time nor person. Are we to relegate Divine Justice to the whims of blind chance, by failing to give all individuals an equal length of time and equal opportunity to evolve spiritually? Upon the premise of reincarnation such objections will be found to have a simple and common solution. By acknowledging the immortality of soul, or spirit, the time limit impasse is at once removed. The mystery surrounding premature death (or any death, for that matter) no longer exists, since an appropriate rebirth will prevent the injustice which would otherwise ensue. To an increasing number of thinkers, a belief in reincarnation offers the only alternative to the spectacle of a chaotic universe.
Coexistent with the idea of reincarnation is the highly relevant phenomenon of evolution. Although feared initially by religious leaders in general (and still feared by many) as a materialistic doctrine, evolution was soon accepted by the scientific world as an undeniable truth. However, upon a philosophical basis, how are we to reconcile immortality of the human soul with certain inescapable implications of evolution? If man really did evolve, from at least a microscopic origin, then where are we to draw the line as to the specific stage in which he suddenly became blessed with this great potential? Most certainly, precisely the same problem arises as must accompany any notion of one all-determining existence. A little reasoning is sufficient to show that the two are indeed connected, and that the answer to the one difficulty is also the solution to the other!
Rather than striving to impose a time limit where none may be imposed, or draw a line where none can be drawn, we are led to only one sensible conclusion. Without a doubt, it simply boils down to a case of all or nothing with regard to the issue of a life after death. Either all forms of life — including the most elementary forms of matter — are eligible for a future rebirth, or else it is a false hope that does not exist at any level, including that of man himself.
Proceeding with the fundamental assumption that spirit is capable of rising to immense heights, from the depths of obscurity, we are at once confronted with an intriguing observation. It so happens that the further one goes down the scale of life the greater the numbers encountered of the lower spiritual entities. The difference in the abundance of the many species of biological life alone is positively staggering — to say nothing of the vast multitudes of atoms comprising the simplest cell. How could they all hope to evolve, individually, to higher levels? For if these countless swarms of lesser spirits are blessed with the potential to eventually progress to the level of man at least — and they must be, since man himself is the product of a less than microscopic beginning — then does it not appear that only a fantastically small proportion could ever reach this advanced status?
There can, of course, be only one sensible conclusion: We must deduce that many spirits of a low order may — in conformity to some cosmic law — be combined to produce fewer entities, of a higher overall nature or status! Solely by recognizing the principle of fusion, as a vital and dynamic feature of the universe, may we escape an otherwise absurd situation.
Designating the lowest possible segment of spirit (or quantum of energy) as an "A," the least degree of fusion that it may enter into is union with another entity of like value. Should the two sufficiently deserve the resulting status they will surrender original identities in order to give birth to a new and higher overall entity (to which we might assign the symbol "B"), of twice previous individual worths. Similarly, the fusion of two "Bs" could be viewed as leading to the formation of one "C," etc. The spiritual cosmos, upon the basis of such a doubling concept, might be pictured as a series of "steps" extending to higher levels of existence, with each successive "step" containing an equal value of "A" but only half as many entities. (So effective is this doubling process that a mere 100 "steps" is roughly equivalent to the huge sum of 1030.) This is not to imply that the incidence of fusion is reduced to twofold jumps in status. On the contrary, there is every reason to presume a wide variety of intermediate complexes. For instance, the union of an "A" with a "B" must lead to the creation of an entity with a value of three "As." The fusion of a "C" with a "B" would produce a structure valued at six "As," etc. (Time and space are inferred to have no meaning to spirit between incarnations.)
By way of analogy our mysterious universe might be likened unto a vast pyramid, with rows of "steps" leading to its upper reaches. The base of the structure is wide, representing numerous entities of low worth, tapering steadily with height toward a point signifying fewer and fewer spirits of higher and higher value. At the top of this Great Cosmic Pyramid we have a peak or pinnacle which might be held to depict a state of Maximum Fusion, or Oneness with God.
Acknowledging that the basic principles of evolution and spiritual fusion must combine to produce a steady upward flow of spirit from lower levels, we may well ask where this dynamic process is likely to terminate. Regardless of the momentous and startling conclusion which must arise, no valid excuse can be advanced to predict an end to the evolutionary scheme only part way up the Cosmic Pyramid. This being so, we are left with no alternative but to recognize the inherent right of all creation to rise to the height of Perfection, or Total Fusion. For it must surely follow that, ultimately, all spirit — man included — is destined to terminate in none other than God Himself! Truth, or fusion into the One Body of God, is invariably our glorious Destiny! Therein is to be found both the Purpose and Motivation behind creation.
Both theoretical and observational evidence would appear to lend support to the concept of a bound and finite physical universe. But many questions remain unanswered. Not the least of our problems is to devise a formula linking cosmic expansion with the Motivation behind creation. Furthermore, it must be conceded that the very existence of an enclosed system does not preclude the real possibility of other universes! However, restricted as we are by limited insight at our present stage of evolution, it is perhaps prudent to reserve such comment to that which is conducive to investigation. In so doing, it will be shown that the physical cosmos is characterized by a rather unique series of mathematical relationships — a feature which would seem to indicate that, for all practical purposes, our own universe must constitute a bound system sufficient unto itself!
By way of illustrating the close interrelationship between cosmic extremes we might point to five rather curious numerical associations embracing phenomena of the ultra-small and the ultra-large. Involving the immense sum of 1040 (1 followed by 40 zeros), these similarities may be stated as follows:
1. The electrical charge of a positive/negative pair of material particles, at really close range, exceeds their mutual gravitational influence by a factor of very nearly 1040.
2. The density ratio between highly degenerate stars and the average density of matter throughout the expanse of the universe is of the order of 1040.
3. Stretched out in a straight line, like a string of beads, it would take about 1040 proton nuclei to reach the distance at which the galaxies are receding at the speed of light.
4. The repulsive aspect of the force of gravitation, at a distance equal to the diameter of a "maximum" particle nucleus, is seen to be some 1020 times weaker than attraction — in essence, strength of repulsion is the square root of attraction.
5. The square root of the number of protons, within the expanse of our "observable universe" (1080) , is none other than 1040.
In each instance these relationships may apparently be looked upon as an expression of fusion versus non-fusion. Not only do they tend to substantiate the underlying cosmic principle of fusion, but there is even reason to suspect that a valuable clue lies therein as to the number of "A"s fused within the level of a "maximum" particle.
In the final analysis, gravitation may be defined as an inborn desire for fusion on the part of all material components of creation — a universal expression of intrinsic worth dissipated over the depths of space. Essentially, it is a reflection of a particle’s ability to achieve attraction by means of communion with the physical universe as a whole. In contrast, the electrical force of a particle is a manifestation of this same worth condensed to a volume of space equal to that of its immediate self — namely, the halo of energy surrounding the material body in question. Since there is good reason to believe that the value of "A" fused within a proton or an electron does not exceed that of the halo by a really exorbitant figure, it follows that exposure to another such charged particle will produce a magnified reaction that is proportional to the quantity of "A" involved! Hence, it is logical to infer that a "maximum" particle likely consists of roughly 1040 "A"s. In a sense, the electrical force may well be considered an indication of achieved fusion; whereas gravitation may be viewed as a sign of potential fusion associated with Destiny.
With regard to the second similarity, a fully degenerate star must represent a state of communion tantamount to "total" density or fusion into one overall entity. On the other hand, the average density of matter in space may be defined as the "minimum" degree of interaction that is permitted to exist without requiring new creation. Within the Cosmic Creation Zone, the introduction of "A" will be inferred in all regions falling below average density, in contrast to those forms that are able to achieve critical condensation leading to a degree of total fusion. In essence, these extremes may be thought of as depicting maximum and minimum concentrations of energy within the framework of a bound system — one in which the velocity of light denotes a total separation among components of creation.
The connection between the diameter of a proton nucleus and the size of our universe is, of course, directly linked to the issue of average density and hydrogen abundance. Starting with the fused state of such a particle, it will be seen that this overall distribution is consistent with a twofold increase in distance (an eightfold increase in volume) for each fourfold increase in the number of proton nuclei. Restated slightly, the pattern is one of a fourfold decrease in cosmic density with each doubling in the quantity of matter residing within the universe.
A philosophical basis for the inferred distance/repulsion (D/R) factor is implicit in theory. It is surely more than a coincidence that, at the point where this subatomic repulsive force first becomes manifest, it does so as the square root of the number of fused "A"s which are now believed to constitute the level of a "maximum" elementary particle. Indeed, it is essential that a twofold increase in the strength of any repulsive force induce a fourfold increase of distance in order to achieve a balance between the rate of new creation and the rate of cosmic evolution. In effect, it is the rate of spiritual advancement which determines the time scale of Hubble’s constant!
With a total of 1080 protons comprising our physical universe, and 1040 fused "A"s per proton, it will be deduced that Perfection — or any one "level" within the Great Cosmic Pyramid — is equivalent to some10120 "A"s. In terms of spiritual evolution, this Ultimate State would involve approximately 400 "steps" or occasions of doubling. As a result, an entity of the status of a proton is computed to reside 1/3 of the way toward the top of the Pyramid, having already climbed some 133 "steps" from its origin as an infinitesimal "A." Upon this premise, slightly less than one percent of all the mass-energy in the universe is likely to be incorporated into actual "maximum" particles — in excellent agreement with the dictates of a universe featuring continuous creation.
Certainly a most intriguing prospect now awaiting us is that of determining the universal "time constant," which must surely regulate the entire process of spiritual fusion. For it is an integral feature of theory that all levels of spirit, within the Great Cosmic Pyramid, must succeed in doubling their worth in some common interval of time. (Were this not so it would lead to the spectacle of a catastrophic clumping of spirit at some levels and a virtual vacuum at others — resulting in a total collapse of the Cosmic Pyramid.) A solution to this problem will make it possible to derive a useful picture of the average time that an individual must serve in order to achieve the equivalent of one doubling of status. Moreover, it will also provide insight into the highly relevant question as to when one may expect a future rebirth.
Clearly, the rate of expansion of the universe must constitute a key factor in any approach to the time aspect of cosmic evolution. Why does the universe double its size in an interval of approximately 12 billion years? Why this particular figure? Obviously, the greater the rate of expansion, the greater the degree of disintegration at the edge of the universe. Inasmuch as this annihilation factor must be balanced through creation, it will be seen that the introduction and evolution of new "A" is closely related to the recession velocity of the galaxies. The issue, therefore, is basically one of determining precisely how "A" is introduced with respect to each cycle of Hubble’s constant.
Upon due consideration, the one logical probability would seem to embrace the premise that one entire level of new "A" is created in just such a span of time and is able to fulfill its Ultimate Destiny by evolving to a state of Perfection in this same interval! Should this be the case, it must follow that the time required by spirit to double its worth may be determined by dividing Hubble’s constant by the number of "steps" or doublings separating "A" from Perfection.
Assuming a proton to consist of 1040 "As," and a physical universe of 1080 protons, we have a spiritual pyramid of some 10120 "As" per level and a total of approximately 400 "steps." (In view of the most unique relationship of the sum of 1040, as it relates to the size of our finite universe, along with the inability of material forms to communicate at velocities exceeding that of light, it is perhaps in order to treat such a region as though it constituted a complete and closed system terminating in what — for all practical purposes — we may define as God.) Subsequently, a period of roughly 30 million years per occasion of doubling may be derived.
Proceeding upon this basis, it will be deduced that only 1/400 of an entire level of new "A" will be created in a time span of some 30 million years. In effect, this means that only one spiritual entity in 400 may have a "conscious" (or physical) manifestation at any given instant. But if 30 million years is the allotted time, in which one entire level of spirit must double its status, this very restriction will introduce an additional factor of 400 into the time permitted for actual instances of physical incarnation. Dividing our 30 million year period by this further factor of 400, we are left with about 75,000 years as the average elapsed time for such a "conscious" existence between doublings.
With 400 "steps" extending between "A" and Total Communion, it becomes essential to determine the position of mankind in this overall scheme. With a hydrogen atom now established at "step" 133, this problem may be resolved by a comparison of the relative abundance of the proton to man throughout the Cosmic Creation Zone.
By way of assessing this ratio, it may be estimated that about 1022 Earth-type planets presently exist in the universe, of which roughly about one in 105 will currently feature biological evolution equal to man at his present level. Multiplying our estimated 1017 planets by the sum of 1010 (representing an average long-term population of man per planet), we arrive at a total of 1027 human beings at this one particular level. Since some 1080 protons constitute our physical universe, we may deduce a proton-to-man ratio of about 1053 to one. Translated into "steps" in the Cosmic Pyramid this sum is equivalent to some 177 doublings. Accordingly, the level of man may be derived by adding these 177 "steps" to the 133 "steps" believed characteristic of a proton — leading to the conclusion that man presently resides at about "step" 310. (Any uncertainty in computing the ratio of man to proton will not seriously affect the aforementioned estimate, since an error by a factor of a million will only make a difference of about 6%; and an error of a million million by just 12%.)
After making due allowance for a disintegration factor at the edge of the universe, and upon the basis of deduced evidence, the "time constant" for man translates to an average "conscious" existence of something like 4,800 years in order to achieve one doubling of status. In other words, it will likely take about 70 lifetimes of 70 years for the average person to evolve to the next "step" on the Great Cosmic Pyramid.
Armed with such knowledge, we may now face the issue of reincarnation in terms of Earth evolution. During what past age did we last live? In what future era are we likely to be reborn? (Memory, of course, does not survive incarnations — only the soul, or true spiritual essence remains unaffected during such events.)
Considering the necessity of accommodating displaced spirit from other worlds, along with the overall cycle of doubling which is of the order of 30 million years, reincarnation may essentially take the form of a projection well into the future and into quite another planetary environment. Thus, if man requires 4,800 years as a "conscious" life form to achieve one doubling of status over a period of 30 million years, it will be tantamount to an elapsed time of almost 6,200 years for each year of a past life. Based upon an average life expectancy of 70 years this would call for a rebirth some four to five hundred thousand years into the future. However, if only 1/400 of an entire level of "A" is created per 30 million year cycle, in terms of Earth evolution the apparent elapsed time will be less than the actual time by this very same factor. When this cosmic equation is solved for mankind, and translated into terms relating to the environmental status with which one was last associated, the final figure for a subsequent rebirth comes out to be of the order of some 1,100 years. (It is to be presumed that the actual era into which one is reborn will be determined somewhat by the progress made during a previous life.)
Upon contemplating the future of mankind, as a biological species, it may be theorized that each additional doubling will require some 75,000 years in terms of Earth evolution. The eventual passage of man, beyond his present transitory and rather frail human form, could very well have a solution in the astronomical curiosity of a celestial black hole! (Neutron stars, which may in time evolve into stellar black holes as gradually declining rotation permits still further contraction, could also share such an exalted status.) Best described as immense concentrations of mass-energy contracted into a state of virtual spatial oblivion, the ratio of mankind to this unique state of fused matter should allow computation of the number of "steps" needed to achieve the inferred evolution. If this is indeed the case, it may in truth be said that man’s destiny is in the stars!
Strange as it might first appear, there are some very convincing arguments for linking man’s future to a phenomenon that would tend to tax the imagination. Not only does this state of "maximum" density meet all the required attributes of complete fusion — thereby creating a spiritual entity of a specific level — but an excellent agreement of numbers can be derived which would connect theory with observation. It is surely more than a mere coincidence that an estimate of all the stellar black holes likely to exist in the universe should turn out to be equal to the probable number of Earth-type planets that are allowed to fulfill their evolutionary roles. Moreover, it can be shown that the quantity of "A" fused within a typical stellar black hole (some1058 protons x1040 "As," or about1098 fused "As"), when multiplied by the number of such objects in the entire universe, is very likely of the same order as the total spiritual worth (or "A" content) of one complete population of Earth-man multiplied by the number of all other worlds of a similar evolutionary level. The implication is perhaps little short of obvious: A stellar black hole may well represent the eventual destiny of a humanity, so deserving of intimate harmony, as to become fused into a new entity of truly enormous magnitude!
Without a doubt, a truly amazing picture emerges as to what lies beyond the human form. We are at last in a position to glimpse a future that must exceed our wildest dreams. Upon contemplating the premise of an Eternal Universe, it may be concluded that man now stands at the threshold of an entirely new and promising field of philosophical inquiry, the surface of which has barely been scratched.
H.W.G.A.