What I Believe and Why

The true nature of reality is unknowable

Descartes defined the limits of certain knowledge with 'I think. therefore I am.' Beyond this all is speculation. My entire experience of reality is mediated by the senses, I experience nothing that doesn't enter by these channels, including my study of accumulated knowledge. Perceived reality behaves extremely consistently, suggesting the likelihood that it exists independently of the perceiver, but there is no certainty. I could be a brain (of some kind) in a vat, fed perceptions by something entirely unknowable.

Science postulates a material universe operating in accord with rigid laws could theoretically explain all that exists including consciousness. There is no meaning, everything is essentially the product of blind chance. However, there is an abundance of EVIDENCE from parapsychology, numerous accounts of spontaneous anomalous phenomena (including several experiences of my own) as well as compelling cases in the domains of 'near death experience', reincarnation and spiritualism. But might these be explained by delusion, the law of large numbers (coincidence) or even fraud? There is no definitive answer. (more…)

Can I Change My Destiny?

What is Destiny?

Our destiny is the tentative future path that lies ahead of us at any given now, subject to everything that affects us continuing along its current trajectory. Of course, we cannot possibly know our destiny even if that condition of continuance were satisfied because we cannot possibly know about everything that affects us.

What Determines My Destiny?

Spiritually we are part of an infinite existence, of which our current incarnation forms but the smallest step. Before beginning the journey known as life we agree, with our guides and helpers, what the overall purpose of that adventure will be, ie the experiences we will seek and the lessons we will try to learn. But to have any meaning whatsoever we are also endowed with free will. (more…)

Fate vs Free Will

Predestination, Free Will, or Both?

Are we victims of inescapable fate, or do we really have the power to create our own destiny? That is the age-old question.

The Scientific View

In the 17th Century Isaac Newton formulated his laws of motion and gravitation which gave rise to the concept of a mechanistic "clockwork" universe in which everything proceeded deterministically. Everything that happened was no more than the inevitable consequence of all it followed, including human behavior. God and the soul were redundant.

The clockwork universe was shattered in the 20th century. First Einstein discovered neither time nor space are as we perceive them, but are intertwined in a 4-dimensional continuum. Next Quantum physics found that, far from following principles of cause and effect, reality at its fundamental level is inherently indeterministic.

Yet the prevailing view of science as expounded by the likes of Richard Dawkins is that life (including humanity) is no more that sophisticated machinery. (more…)

How to Make Good Decisions

For many, making a decision is one of the hardest challenges presented by life. It need not be. The very fact we are faced with decisions emphasizes our very special gift of free will. Without free will we would be mere automata, biological machines going through the motions. Consciousness without meaning or purpose.

So, why is decision making so difficult? Perhaps because of imperfect knowledge. We cannot know in advance how each option will “pan out”.

Perhaps because making a choice means by definition the rejection of one or more previously existing potentialities. It’s comfortable to have choices. Making a decision means closing doors.

Being faced with decisions is a very real reminder that we are more than flesh and blood, atoms and molecules. We are Spiritual beings temporarily clothed in flesh. Although subject to the constraints of physical existence we maintain responsibility for, and control over, our personal destiny. (more…)

Purpose and Motivation

A Personal Manifesto

The motives we display often differ from our true purpose. Finding and pursuing that true purpose is a major part of life’s mission. I hope these words may help you maximize your motivation through discovering and aligning with your true purpose, and in so doing find both happiness and fulfillment during this journey we call life. (more…)