A detailed critique of modern cosmology and physics, arguing for a fundamental re-evaluation of core concepts like space, matter, and the historical narrative of science itself. The analysis posits that the prevailing scientific worldview is founded on historical distortions and a flawed, reductionist methodology that excludes consciousness as a primary component of reality.

The central arguments are as follows:

Historical Misinterpretation:
Widely accepted scientific histories, particularly concerning Isaac Newton, are inaccurate. Newton's actual physics, for instance, held that all motion requires a continuous force, a concept diametrically opposed to the principle of inertia central to "Newtonian mechanics." This illustrates how foundational ideas have been altered and simplified over time.

The Archetype of the Sphere:
The ancient conception of the cosmos as a finite, all-encompassing sphere with no "outside" represents a coherent metaphysical system. This "sphere metaphysics" integrated all life through a universal "World Soul" (Anima Mundi), providing a sense of cosmic belonging that has been shattered by the modern view of a meaningless, mechanistic universe.

The Indispensability of the Ether:
The 19th-century concept of a mechanical "ether" as the medium for light was abandoned following the reportedly "null" results of the Michelson-Morley experiments and the rise of Einstein's relativity. However, this historical account is flawed; the experiments consistently showed small, positive results. The concept of the ether is, in fact, indispensable for physics and has continually reappeared in other forms, such as the quantum vacuum's zero-point energy.

The Primacy of Consciousness:
The most profound failure of modern science is its reductionism—the attempt to explain life and consciousness as byproducts of fundamentally "dead" matter. Any cosmological theory that does not treat consciousness as an integral, foundational aspect of the universe is inherently incomplete and leads to insoluble contradictions. The fundamental fields of the universe are ultimately proposed to be fields of consciousness and will.

In essence, the analysis calls for a new scientific paradigm that reunites physics with philosophy, reinstates a form of the ether concept, and places consciousness at the core of cosmic reality.

1. Re-evaluating the History of Physics

A critical examination of the history of science reveals that established narratives often misrepresent the original theories of key figures, leading to a distorted understanding of scientific evolution.

The True Newtonian Physics:
The common understanding of "Newtonian mechanics," particularly the principle of inertia (that uniform rectilinear motion is force-free), is a significant departure from Isaac Newton's own beliefs. Newton was convinced that any motion, regardless of its nature, required a continuous, sustaining force to maintain it. The version of his work that became standard was heavily influenced and reinterpreted by figures like Leibniz, creating a simplified and altered "school mechanics" that is not faithful to Newton's original, more subtle interpretations.

Einstein versus Newton: Popularization and Legacy:
A key difference between the two physicists lies in their relationship with public perception. Albert Einstein was the first great popularizer of his own theories, skillfully using his media stardom in the 1920s to shape his own legacy. Consequently, most modern interpretations and perceived oddities of relativity theory can be traced back to Einstein himself. In contrast, Newton's work was largely interpreted and popularized by others, leading to the aforementioned distortions.

2. The Archetype of the Sphere: Ancient and Modern Cosmology

The geometric form of the sphere has served as a central, archetypal figure in cosmological thought for millennia, representing a model of a complete and integrated universe.

The Ancient Spherical Cosmos:
For nearly 2,500 years before Copernicus, the cosmos was almost exclusively conceived as a perfect sphere. This model was not merely geometric but deeply metaphysical. A crucial dogma of this Aristotelian worldview was that the cosmic sphere had no outside. The existence of an "outside" would open the door to the possibility of other cosmic spheres or worlds, a concept that was fiercely rejected. The realm beyond the sphere was considered a non-spatial, non-temporal domain of the divine.

The World Soul (Anima Mundi):
This spherical cosmos was not empty. Following Plato's Timaeus, it was understood to be completely filled with a "World Soul," an all-encompassing life force. Every single living, sentient being was considered an integral part of this World Soul, incapable of "falling out" of the totality. This created a coherent "sphere metaphysics" where everything had its place within a single, shared interior space.

From Finite to Infinite:
The concept of the World Soul was revived in the Renaissance by Marsilio Ficino, still within the context of a finite sphere. It was Giordano Bruno who first extended this idea to an infinite cosmos, which he metaphorically described as an "infinite sphere."

Parallels with Modern Cosmology:
The ancient Aristotelian universe bears a surprising resemblance to the modern Big Bang model. Both posit a self-contained totality. This raises a critical and often ignored question for modern cosmologists: "What is space expanding into?" If space is not expanding into a pre-existing, larger space (a "hyperspace"), then the claim of expansion is a pure, unproven assertion.

The Modern Alienation:
Referencing the work of Peter Sloterdijk, the modern consciousness is described as having been "catapulted" out of this containing sphere into a "numbing nothingness." The contemporary cosmological model presents a universe of mechanistic, senseless, and ultimately dead processes, leaving humanity feeling isolated and thrown back upon itself. This psychological void fuels counter-movements like astrology, which represent an attempt to regain a sense of integration with the cosmos.

3. The Contentious History of the Ether

The concept of an "ether"—a fundamental substance or medium filling all of space—has been a persistent, if controversial, idea in both Western and Eastern thought.

Ancient and Asian Conceptions:
The ether was originally conceived as the "quintessence" or fifth element, a fine, subtle substance from which the celestial bodies were formed. A parallel concept exists in Asian philosophy as "Akasha," which is seen alternately as a form of consciousness radiation (Buddhism) or as space itself (Hinduism). This ambiguity—whether the medium is in space or is space—is a recurring theme.

The 19th-Century Problem of Light:
After the work of Thomas Young and others proved the wave-like nature of light, physics was confronted with a major problem: if light is a wave, what is the medium that is waving? The hypothesized medium was the ether. This led to profound paradoxes, as the ether had to possess contradictory properties: it needed to be thousands of times denser than steel to support the immense speed of light waves, yet simultaneously be so fine that it could permeate all matter without resistance.

Field Theory vs. Ether Theory:
Michael Faraday's introduction of the "field" concept in the 19th century created a parallel line of thought. A distinction was drawn between the two ideas:

• Ether: Was conceived as a quasi-material, a subtle substance.

• Field: Was conceived as explicitly non-material. Einstein particularly admired this aspect of Maxwell's field theory, as it dispensed with mechanical, material components.

4. A Critical Perspective on Relativity and the Ether's "Demise"

The rise of Einstein's theory of relativity is commonly credited with abolishing the need for an ether, a narrative that is presented here as a significant oversimplification.

The Michelson-Morley Experiments:
These famous experiments were designed to detect the "ether wind" created by Earth's motion through a stationary ether. The canonical story is that they produced a "null result," proving the ether did not exist. This is presented as a historical falsehood. In reality, the experiments never produced a perfect null result; they consistently measured small but persistent "ether wind" effects.

The Foundation of Special Relativity:
Einstein's theory is re-characterized not as a "relativity theory" but as an "absolutist theory." Its foundational move was to take the observed constancy of the speed of light and elevate it to a fundamental, absolute principle. To maintain this absolute, all other physical quantities—namely space and time—had to become relative and malleable. The entire framework of space-time was thus rebuilt around this single axiom.

The Ether's Apparent Abolition and Subsequent Return:
Physicists like Max von Laue celebrated relativity for having "freed" them from the vexing ether problem. The ether was declared non-existent and became a taboo topic in mainstream physics. However:

• Einstein's Reversal: In a 1920 lecture, Einstein himself reversed his position, stating that physics could not do without an ether, though it had to be a new kind, different from the 19th-century mechanical model.

• General Relativity: The theory of General Relativity describes space-time as a dynamic, malleable entity, which is in itself a quasi-materialistic conception.

• Quantum Ether: The idea re-emerged in quantum physics through the concept of the vacuum's "zero-point energy," effectively a quantum ether.

5. A New Framework: Consciousness, Fields, and Gravity

The final and most critical part of the argument proposes a radical restructuring of physics to integrate consciousness as a fundamental property of reality.

Gravitation as a Radial Field:
An alternative theory of gravity is proposed, drawing on Renaissance philosopher Giordano Bruno. In this view, gravity is not an attractive force between particles of matter. Instead, it is the effect of a radial field that extends from the center of a celestial body outwards. At the very center, the gravitational effects would cancel out, meaning that celestial bodies are, in a fundamental sense, neither "heavy" nor "light." This model avoids the paradoxes of infinite density that plague standard gravitational theory.

The Primacy of Consciousness:
This is the central philosophical thesis.

• Any theory that fails to include consciousness as an integral component is inherently reductionist. Reductionism, the attempt to explain life by reducing it to dead matter, is deemed logically impossible and leads to a "vicious circle of contradictions."

• Consciousness is not a late, accidental byproduct of material evolution. It must be a fundamental property of the universe, existing at all levels and in various dimensions.

• The fundamental fields of reality—the modern successor to the ether—are ultimately consciousness fields and will fields ("Willensfelder und Geistfelder").

Distinguishing the Ether from the World Soul:
A crucial distinction is made: one should not be too quick to simply equate this fundamental field/ether with the classical concept of the "World Soul." The relationship between them is complex and non-identical, representing a subject for future inquiry.

6. Conclusion and Future Outlook

The analysis concludes by asserting the necessity of reviving and reformulating the concept of the ether and fundamentally reorienting scientific inquiry.

The Ether's Necessity:
A coherent physical science is impossible without some concept of a universal medium or fundamental substrate, whether it is called "ether" or something else. To deny it is to remain trapped in an untenable materialism.

A Predicted Resurgence:
The topic of the ether is predicted to grow in importance and urgency in the coming years, as the limitations of the current paradigm become increasingly apparent.

Reuniting Science and Philosophy:
The ultimate goal is to heal the "fatal" schism between the natural sciences and the humanities. This can only be achieved by creating a unified understanding of reality that fully integrates the objective phenomena of physics with the subjective, spiritual, and conscious dimensions of existence.

Plant polarity is a fundamental, intrinsic property that dictates the asymmetric organization and growth of plants, most visibly expressed in the root-shoot axis. Experiments on monocot leaves and inverted cuttings demonstrate that this polarity is not determined by cell age, plane of division, or gravity. While the mechanism of polar auxin transport is now well-characterized, the primary origin of polarity itself remains one of botany's great unsolved mysteries, with environmental electrical gradients proposed as a compelling, yet under-explored, initiating factor.

1. The Obvious Clues: It's All About Direction

You can see polarity everywhere in the plant world:

Roots vs. Shoots:
The most basic polarity. Roots seek darkness and soil; shoots seek light and air.

The Regeneration Trick:
If you cut a willow branch into pieces, each piece knows which end is which. The end that was closer to the roots will sprout new roots, and the end that was closer to the sky will sprout new shoots. It’s as if every piece has its own tiny compass.

Like a Magnet:
If you break a magnet, each piece becomes a new, smaller magnet with its own north and south pole. A plant is the same. Its polarity runs through the whole thing and is replicated in every part.

2. The Hidden Messenger: The "Growth Hormone" Auxin

So, how does this "compass" actually work? The key is a plant hormone called Auxin. Think of it as the body's messaging system.

It Flows One Way:
Auxin is made in the shoot tips and actively transported downwards towards the roots. It’s a one-way street. This flow is the physical expression of the plant's polarity.

It Controls Growth:
This flow of Auxin tells the plant what to do:

• It keeps side branches in check (a principle gardeners use when they "pinch out" tips to make a plant bushier).

• It tells the roots where to grow.

3. The Detective Work: Testing the Theories

We knew Auxin moved with polarity, but why? What sets the direction? Sheldrake spent years testing the popular ideas.

Theory 1: It's about cell age.

• The Idea: The older end of a cell might determine the direction.

• The Test: He studied grass leaves, which grow from the bottom (so the oldest cells are at the top—the opposite of most plants).

• The Result: Auxin still flowed straight down to the roots. Verdict: Not about cell age.

Theory 2: It's about how cells divide.

• The Idea: The direction a cell splits might set the polarity.

• The Test: He looked at tree stems that thicken, where cells divide sideways.

• The Result: Auxin still flowed straight down. Verdict: Not about the plane of division.

Theory 3: It can be reversed.

• The Idea: Maybe we can flip the plant's compass by growing it upside down.

• The Test: He rooted a tomato cutting from its top and grew it upside down. The plant adapted, but when He measured...

• The Result: The Auxin inside the stem still tried to flow to the original roots, even though they were now at the top! Verdict: The polarity is deeply stubborn and hard-wired.

The Big Conclusion from all this:
The polarity isn't a simple result of growth; it's a fundamental, built-in property of the plant's very cells.

4. The Deep Mystery: Where Does the Compass Come From?

This is the frontier. If polarity is so fundamental, how is it established in the first place? My work with simple ferns gave a clue. When their cells shrunk, they pulled away from their walls in a polar way, showing that one end is literally "stickier" than the other. This proves the polarity is physical.

But what sets that up? Sheldrake has a hypothesis: Electricity.

• The Earth itself has a giant electric field. The ground is negative, and the air is positive. A tree, rooted in the ground, is like a lightning rod in this field.

• Recent experiments show that flower petals have their own electric fields, guiding charged particles to their tips.

• The Proposal: This natural atmospheric voltage might be the invisible hand that initially "tells" the plant cells which way is up, setting their internal compass for life.

This is the exciting, unanswered question. It’s a simple idea that no one has fully tested on growing leaves. It’s a mystery waiting for a curious mind to solve.

In a nutshell:
A plant’s polarity is its internal, unshakable compass. We know it uses the hormone Auxin to express this direction, and we know it's a physical part of every cell. But the secret of how the compass is first set may be written not in biology, but in the very electricity of the world around us.

https://www.hermeticinstitute.org/
https://voxhermes.wordpress.com/

Executive Summary

This document synthesizes a comprehensive body of Mark Stavish's appearances on recent podcasts(Through A Glass Darkly) and teachings on Western esotericism, focusing on the nature of collective thought-forms (egregores), the principles of initiation and self-creation, and the practical application of Hermetic disciplines. The central thesis posits that the primary objective of esoteric work, or the "Great Work," is the creation of the self by the self—a complete conquest of one's faculties to achieve the perfect emancipation of the will. This path is not merely theoretical but demands rigorous, disciplined practice aimed at achieving a continuity of consciousness that transcends physical death.

Key takeaways include the concept of the egregore as a powerful, semi-autonomous psychic entity that shapes human destiny, with examples ranging from political ideologies like communism to societal norms like consumer capitalism. Initiation is presented as a series of progressive interior experiences designed to relieve the fear of death by preparing the individual for it. This process is fraught with risk, with a significant percentage of practitioners experiencing severe psychological distress, underscoring the necessity of a qualified teacher and a supportive community. The foundational philosophies of Hermeticism—principally alchemy, Kabbalah, and astrology—are framed as tools for understanding the relationship between consciousness, matter, and cosmic cycles. Practical work, including lucid dreaming, the formation of a "Body of Light," and energy-centric exercises like the Middle Pillar, are presented as essential for developing the psychic faculties required for this journey. Finally, a critical assessment of the modern esoteric milieu reveals a trend toward superficiality, historical ignorance, and the commodification of spiritual knowledge, diluting its transformative potential.

I. The Nature of Egregores: Collective Thought-Forms

An egregore is defined as a collective thought-form that becomes animated by an external or "other" force. It is distinguished from a simple group thought-form by this vivification process. The concept is rooted in the biblical statement, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them," implying that when a group focuses its intention, something else "comes in from the outside."

Definition and Creation

Classical Egregore:
A collective thought-form created by a group of people, which is then animated or inhabited by an external, non-human intelligence or force.

Modern/Jungian View:
A reductionist interpretation that views an egregore as merely a collective thought-form without any external entity attaching to it. The teachings presented adhere to the classical definition.

Mechanism of Creation:
Egregores are created through the focused will and shared identity of a group. This can be intentional or unintentional. Slogans, chants, incantations, and mantras are common tools used to consolidate the group's energy and focus, reducing complex ideas into potent, unifying phrases.

The Philip Experiment

The Philip Experiment, in which a group of paranormal researchers in the 1970s created a fictional character and then seemingly made contact with it, is analyzed as a phenomenon "somewhere in between" a simple thought-form and a classical egregore.

Process:
The group came together to create an artificial character, "Philip," and then something stepped in to animate it.

Distinction:
It is not considered a full, classical egregore because the creators "didn't know what they were doing." Their lack of intention and esoteric knowledge created a psychic vacuum. It is compared to leaving one's door open and finding a transient or an animal has entered—"nature abhors a vacuum," and something will fill the void created. The entity took on Philip's characteristics because that was the mold the group created.

Life Cycle and Influence

Egregores are described as living things that possess a life cycle and an arc. Once well-established, an egregore can take a very long time to die. Instead of dying completely, it can become like a deflated, brittle balloon that has the potential to be reinflated at a different point in history, though it will never be identical to its original form due to the changed historical context.

Contemporary Examples of Powerful Egregores

Several powerful contemporary egregores are identified as shaping modern society and perverting the human capacity to plan for the future.

Communism:
Described as a big and destructive egregore, responsible for 80 million deaths and the enslavement of hundreds of millions more. Various forms of socialism are considered related thought-forms.

Consumer Capitalism:
This is the notion that consumption is an end in and of itself and will bring happiness. It is distinguished from "real capitalism," which is defined as investment in growth, people, and infrastructure, and from the productive role of a mercantile class that builds and creates.

Anti-Profit Mentality:
A thought-form connected to the negative view of capitalism, which sees profit as inherently evil. This is critiqued with the statement: "Profit is the cost of being able to do business into the future. If you don't make money, you have nothing for the future. So, you die."

Victimhood Culture:
An idea seen as particularly powerful and often accompanied by an "infantile understanding of the word karma." This is related to the need to control both physical and psychic consumption, as ideas are consumed far more easily than food.

II. The Great Work: Initiation and the Path of Return

The ultimate purpose of esoteric practice is described as "The Great Work," a concept articulated by Éliphas Lévi as "the creation of man by himself, that is to say, the full and entire conquest of his faculties and his future; it is especially the perfect emancipation of his will." The primary function of any spiritual path is to make oneself, not to discover a pre-existing self.

The Purpose of Initiation

The fundamental purpose of initiation is to relieve the practitioner of the fear of death. Any spiritual path that does not prepare an individual for death is considered to have limited value. The goal is to achieve a continuity of consciousness that is not wiped clean by death, allowing one to direct their next incarnation, whether in a physical or metaphysical dimension. Spiritual practices that direct a person away from this goal and toward purely social or political causes are described as a "lie."

Defining Initiation

Initiation is not a single event but "a series of progressive interior experiences." It is a guided process, leading one toward a specific direction that develops inner awareness, which in turn creates a feedback loop with outer awareness. This can manifest as synchronicity, intuition, precognition, and other paranormal phenomena.

Formal (Ritual) vs. Interior (Awakening):

• Formal Initiation: A ritual recognition or imparting of information and symbols that may or may not trigger an inner awakening.

• Interior Initiation: An inner awakening that may be encountered in dreams, visions, or meditative states.

Risks and Requirements

The esoteric path is presented as aggressive and dangerous, with a high risk of psychological destabilization.

"Battlefield Casualties":
It is noted that among those on intensive retreats, such as a three-year Tibetan retreat, approximately 5% "went on...and maybe not completely insane, but highly neurotic." This highlights the reality and danger of the work.

Necessity of Guidance:
One must approach the path slowly, in an organized fashion, and with a trustworthy guide or community. Trust must be earned and verified. The ultimate goal is to arrive at a "well-founded inner confidence."

Unwillingness to Follow Directions:
The single greatest cause of failure and psychological breakdown is identified as an unwillingness to follow instructions, believing "I know better." This leads to a form of "spiritual materialism" and pushing limits without understanding the heroic consequences.

The Three Cornerstones of Tradition

For a spiritual path to be successful, three elements must be present:

1. The Teacher: A "friend and guide" who possesses knowledge, demonstrated practice, and the ability to transmit it clearly.

2. The Teachings: Must come from a valid source, have proven efficacy, and be transmitted intact.

3. The Student(s)/Community: Fellow travelers on the path who provide mutual support. This is referred to as the "Household of the Faithful" in Masonic terms.

III. Foundational Philosophies of Western Esotericism

Western esotericism is a broad field with Hermeticism at its core. It is not a monolithic system but a blend of overlapping traditions.

Hermeticism Defined

Hermeticism is described as a survival of classical Egyptian religious beliefs that, in the 4th century CE, amalgamated with Gnosticism, Christian mysticism, proto-Kabbalah, and Greek philosophy (specifically Neoplatonism). It is a syncretic but organized system, not a random collection of ideas. Its modern expression is most familiar through the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, which synthesized diverse practices like ceremonial magic, alchemy, and astrology.

Core Disciplines

The primary tools and areas of study within Western esotericism are:

• Kabbalah: Deals with the relationship between consciousness and symbols. The Tree of Life is a key map.

• Alchemy: Deals with the relationship between consciousness and matter.

• Astrology: Deals with the relationship of consciousness and cycles.

Together, these disciplines explore the interrelation of energy, matter, and consciousness.

The Kingdom Within: The Mind Palace

The phrase "The Kingdom of Heaven is within you" is interpreted on multiple levels, culminating in an initiatic understanding.

Exoteric:
Refers to the historical presence of Jesus.

Religious Mysticism:
Refers to inner visions of saints or angels, interpreted as prophecy or mystical journeys (e.g., Merkavah mysticism).

Initiatic (Esoteric):
The "Kingdom" is understood as one's own memories, ideas, thoughts, and psychic anatomy. The "Memory Palace" is one's own body. Esoteric texts like the Book of Revelations can be read as documents of personal initiation.

This inner space, or "Mind Palace," is a concept explored by figures like Giordano Bruno. Mnemonic devices such as the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, Masonic Tracing Boards, or Tibetan mandalas are not just for memory but are tools of realization. When taken to a deeper level, they become "objective domains in the subject realm of the Invisible." This allows an initiate to build an "inner sanctum in the invisible" that continues to exist after death, ensuring the continuity of consciousness.

IV. Practical Application and Psychic Development

Theory must be paired with disciplined practice to achieve results on the esoteric path. This involves training the mind, adhering to ethical principles, and engaging in specific psychic exercises.

Mental and Spiritual Discipline

Foundational Training:
The first step is to "know what you're dealing with...the nature of your mind." This requires developing discipline, relaxation, and concentration, which is described as boring and difficult but necessary, like doing push-ups. The study of the classical Trivium and Quadrivium is recommended to "get your mind in order."

Obstacles to Overcome:
Key obstacles are identified as Distraction (putting practice off), Laziness (procrastination), Criticism (being overly analytical), and The Curse of Perfectionism (waiting for ideal conditions that never arrive).

The Role of Ethics:
Ethics and virtues are not merely rules but "expressions of our inner potential and our inner capacity." Responsibility is a key concept that many who seek power through magic try to avoid. One must always ask of a teaching: "Where does this come from? How do I do it? And what can I expect from it?"

Progression of Psychic Practice

A clear progression of practice is outlined, moving from internal awareness to externalized consciousness.

1. Lucid Dreaming: The process begins with inducing lucid dreams to bridge the inner and outer worlds. A specific practice is described: when preparing for sleep, focus on the throat with a visualized red sphere, affirming the intention to dream lucidly.

2. Astral Projection: From lucid dreaming, one moves to astral projection, connecting the waking state to other dimensions of awareness.

3. The Body of Light: The final stage is the creation of the Body of Light, an objective "vehicle of spiritual reality." This allows one to realize that other psychic worlds and dimensions exist independently of one's awareness, just as a physical place like Hawaii exists whether one is there or not. This is the vehicle that ensures continuity of consciousness after death.

Core Esoteric Practices

The Middle Pillar Exercise:
Described as the "pillar of consciousness" or the central channel. Proper practice involves visualizing the psychic centers (sephiroth) as small focal points (like a marble) rather than large plates. The exercise cleanses the psychic centers of residue to allow cosmic energy to flow.

Spagyrics (Plant Alchemy):
A practical form of alchemy is detailed. The process involves creating a tincture using alcohol (the Mercury, or spirit), which extracts the essential oils (the Sulphur, or soul) from a plant. The remaining plant matter is burned down to a white ash to produce purified mineral salts (the Salt, or body). These salts are then reintroduced to the tincture, creating a complete medicine that reunites the plant's three principles: body, soul, and spirit.

V. Critiques of the Modern Esoteric Milieu

A sharp critique is offered of the current state of Western esotericism, which is seen as having devolved from a serious, demanding pursuit into a superficial and commercialized field.

The "Three Ps":
Esotericism has shifted its focus. It "used to be concerned with perfect peace profound; now it's concerned with podcasts, publishing, and products."

Dilution and Noise:
There is more access to materials than ever, but also "more noise, more garbage." Teachings that were once demanding and given only to the few have been diluted "like adding water to the soup" for mass consumption.

Historical and Practical Ignorance:
The esoteric community is criticized for being populated by "too many artists and social workers and teachers...people who live in their head," and not enough scientists, engineers, and people involved in the day-to-day runnings of the world. This leads to historical ignorance and a disconnect from how things work in real life.

Spirituality vs. Ethics:
A critical distinction is made: spirituality is not inherently ethical. "Exploration of the invisible doesn't make you ethical. But ethics will lead you to an exploration of the invisible." This counters the common assumption that simply engaging in spiritual practices makes one a better person.

Mediated Experience:
Most modern ideas about spirituality do not come from direct engagement but from media sources, leading to distorted notions of what constitutes an adept or a valid practice.