Thought as a system
author David Bohm takes as his subject the role of thought and knowledge at every level of human affairs, from our private reflections on personal identity to our collective efforts to fashion a tolerable civilization." "Elaborating upon principles of the relationship between mind and matter first put forward in Wholeness and the Implicate Order, Professor Bohm rejects the notion that our thinking processes neutrally report on what is 'out there' in an objective world. He explores the manner in which thought actively participates in forming our perceptions, our sense of meaning and our daily actions. He suggests that collective thought and knowledge have become so automated that we are in large part controlled by them, with a subsequent loss of authenticity, freedom and order." "In conversations with fifty seminar participants in Ojai, California, David Bohm offers a radical perspective on an underlying source of human conflict, and inquires into the possibility of individual and collective transformation."--Jacket.
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- Whether a billionaire in the condo or a beggar on the street, both are equally subject to laws of the universe. This is true under both physical and mental platforms. That's the position of every human.
The so-called master and slave both "obey" the dictates of the universe.
For instance, you were given no choice about where/when and in what conditions you were born. There is no choice on the matter of upbringing either. Upto an extent, no influence over the early education process as well.
You have zero control over most of your bodily and mental processes.
The body ages and disintegrates over time. And there's not much you can do about it.
And let's not get started about the mind.
Quick check: What's going to be your next thought? You have no idea what your next thought is going to be.
Given these indisputable indications at human helplessness (mostly), we still go on about all sorts of narratives about master, slave, freedom, equality, whatnot.
I recommend you read David Bohm's Thought as a System [1] to learn about what I am talking about in more depth. It may free you from some potentially problematic assumptions you make in your answer.
[1]: https://www.amazon.com/Thought-as-System-Key-Ideas/dp/041511...
PS: It is important to differentiate action from understanding. More and more action doesn't clear up mental fog on its own (that is, more "contribution", will not automatically give more "clarity"). Bohm recommends "dialogue" as a way to cultivate insight (not that it always works, but there's some potential in it).
- David Bohm's
- Thought as a System
- On Dialogue
These are great books for removing mental fog, confusion, about the nature of our existence. They have great healing value, allowing us to integrate the world around and within us. They can also help in dealing with practical challenges in how we run organisations, develop teams, and in general help people cooperate together. It is a kind of "red pill" to enter the matrix :)
- Here is my list, which excludes fiction. Mostly philosophy. I prefer to read fewer books but more deeply.
Currently reading:
Republic - Plato
Being and time - Heidegger
On the list to begin reading:
Nicomachean Ethics - Aristotle
Recursivity and contingency - Yuk Hui
Wholeness and the implicate order or thought as a system - David Bohm
Finite and infinite games - James P Carse
Book lists:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/31590496?shelf=to-read
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/31590496?shelf=current...
- Listening to it now (thanks, +interesting). This is 1974 so predates the seminar for the OP book (1990) but it is definitely related. 'Thought as a system' is apparently Bohm's answer to the question of 'what is the root cause' of mankind's perplexity and misadventures ("stupified" per '74 audio), and this '74 is where they are asking this question.
"We're in a terrible mess because there has been 10,000 years of stupidity".
p.s. found it: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAmzziUZMYuRIEeCImzmX...
- Books on my "to read list":
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/31590496-ismail-dhorat...
Thought as a system by David Bhom
An Introduction to General Systems Thinking by Gerald M. Weinberg
