Duane Elgin

Jon–   The article describes a single celled organism without any neural structure that is “pointing it ocelloid in different directions.” It is  looking for its prey, not simply passively and mechanically responding to its environment, and it is doing this without any nerves or brain. There is choiceful or deliberate action as it actively s…[Read more]

Jon– The article describes a single celled organism without any neural structure that is “pointing it ocelloid in different directions.” It is looking for its prey, not simply passively and mechanically responding to its environment, and it is doing this without any nerves or brain. There is choiceful or deliberate action as it actively seeks…[Read more]

Ursula– I do not view the universe as a biological system and I am not trained as a biologist, so I was hoping that the theme of “emergence” might offer a place of common ground. As we have each written, this notion has important application both above and below the atomic level. 

Ursula –   “The Sacred Emergence of Nature” is an elegant and beautifully written essay and I agree with much of it. Your development of the core theme of emergence it is one that I deeply resonate with and have developed in my own writing. Importantly, I think this principle can be taken much further and, in doing so, potentially provide a common…[Read more]

Ursula – “The Sacred Emergence of Nature” is an elegant and beautifully written essay and I agree with much of it. Your development of the core theme of emergence it is one that I deeply resonate with and have developed in my own writing. Importantly, I think this principle can be taken much further and, in doing so, potentially provide a commo…[Read more]

Terri– I’m pleased to hear the first chapter of the updated Voluntary Simplicity is helpful. I want to recommend another resource: a website called “Choosing Voluntary Simplicity.” Here is an important distinction made by the creator of the website, Shirley: Simple living results in a better LIFE.Voluntary simplicity results in a better life… bu…[Read more]

Ursula — Inducing means “to bring about or give rise to.” Where is the sentience located that has the capacity to bring shape changes about? 

Jon–   My key point was simply that consciousness does not require complex neural networks or a brain. If “consciousness” is the capacity to be aware of one’s surroundings, then the behavior of this single-celled organism satisfies that definition.   Regarding the plane on autopilot, who programmed the auto-pilot?  In turn, are you saying the si…[Read more]

Jon–   My key point was simply that consciousness does not require complex neural networks or a brain. If “consciousness” is the capacity to be aware of one’s surroundings, then the behavior of this single-celled organism satisfies that definition.   Regarding the plane on autopilot, who programmed the auto-pilot?  In turn, are you saying the si…[Read more]

Jon– My key point was simply that consciousness does not require complex neural networks or a brain. If “consciousness” is the capacity to be aware of one’s surroundings, then the behavior of this single-celled organism satisfies that definition. Regarding the plane on autopilot, who programmed the auto-pilot?  In turn, are you saying the single…[Read more]

Ursula: In your view, is there a difference between “awareness,” “consciousness” and “sentience”? 

Here is a wonderful example of “consciousness” or “sentience” without the presence of a “brain” or even “nerves.” A tiny, single-celled organism has an eye (“ocelloid”) that it moves to detect its prey using polarized light. The latest issue of “New Scientist” magazine (June 20, 2015) describes a single-celled organism called Erythropsidinium that…[Read more]

Here is a wonderful example of “consciousness” or “sentience” without the presence of a “brain” or even “nerves.” A tiny, single-celled organism has an eye (“ocelloid”) that it moves to detect its prey using polarized light. The latest issue of “New Scientist” magazine (June 20, 2015) describes a single-celled organism called Erythropsidinium…[Read more]

Hi Orla. I would be delighted to have you take a copy of “Voluntary Simplicity” to India and share it with others. Are you someplace in the U.S. where I could send it? Also, as I mentioned above, I’m happy to share widely an important chapter in the updated edition: here is a link to the first chapter titled, “Cool Lifestyle for a Hot Pla…[Read more]

Dear Angela. Thank you for your kind comments regarding The Living Universe and other writing! This was an unexpected and wonderful affirmation of a lifetime of work. I hope all goes well with your hospital visit. Blessings for your journey!Duane

Angela: Thank you for this eloquent and beautiful response to the Encyclical of Pope Francis and the writings of Teilhard de Chardin! Jennifer: Thank you for your helpful referrals to these key Catholic organizations!

Ed: Yes, the Sheldrake-Shermer dialogue is a great inquiry! Also, I fully agree with your view, “Ask the questions, do the experiments and let the facts speak for themselves…”  In my three years of laboratory experiments at the think-tank, SRI International, the core question was whether consciousness is encapsulated within the brain or does it…[Read more]

Dear Jennifer and Community,   I did a content analysis of the encyclical and the Pope uses the word “lifestyle” 22 times and the word “simplicity” 2 times. In addition, several weeks ago, when addressing more than 20,000 pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square during his weekly General Audience, Pope Francis called for “. . . a Church that practices a vol…[Read more]

I recently discovered a wonderful dialogue underway that I highly recommend as it is so relevant to the conversation here:   Sheldrake-Shermer Dialogue on the Nature of Science, May thru Julyhttp://www.thebestschools.org/special/sheldrake-shermer-dialogue-nature-of-science/#TOC    Beginning May 1, 2015, and continuing through July, Th…[Read more]