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The Quest for the Nature of Light
... an original inkwell philosophical analysis
Light, heat & life... and the incredible role of fire
(1st edition - November 2008) by A.O. Kime
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'renting' this article, see Rent-a-Article
In trying to quantify the nature of light beyond its mechanical properties,
that is, to determine its overriding and godly aspects, but without symbols,
academic symbols which could represent it and other spiritual phenomena
such as ‘life’, makes it awkward for the mathematical theorist. At least that’s
true for those of us outside the ever-present academic circles of conventionalism.
We aren't 'assigners' of any official capacity.
Of more significance, and troubling, the lack of academic symbols makes it appear science
doesn’t believe these metaphysical matters a reality. Perhaps though, it’s just
an indication science believes their use in equations will never happen… that
is, of any value. Well, we shall see.
Although conceivably there isn’t any department of science responsible for
assigning symbols, new discoveries don’t happen often enough, being more likely
a process of the various fields adopting symbols once commonly accepted, it’s
nonetheless a sign of either neglecting these realities or no progress.
While spiritual realities often seem beyond the scope of mathematical equations,
if ever to try there is a need to assign them symbols. Since light seems
intertwined with ‘existence’ in some phenomenal way, heretofore undiscovered, it
demands representation. Likewise ‘life‘ needs a symbol, since it does, for all
practical purposes, represent existence. For reasons soon explained, fire also
desperately needs a symbol.
Official or not, premature or not, to begin filling the voids, perhaps ‘Ʋ’
for ’vita’ (the Latin term for life) would be apropos. And, to disentangle itself
from the symbol which merely represents its speed (c = celeritas, meaning swiftness
in Latin), a symbol representing the underlying nature of light itself is needed.
Perhaps 'Ŀ' for the Latin ‘lumen’… meaning “light” or “light of day“. Amazingly,
as if the foretelling of an actual connection, or perhaps derived from some ancient
belief, typically insightful, one description is “the light of life”.
For fire, ignored for 2,000 years, perhaps 'Ĩ' for the Latin
'ignis'.
However, before presenting a daring new hypothesis concerning light, heat, fire
and even life itself, a little more about symbols in order to drive home some
points.
The speed of light takes a back seat
While symbols such as ‘E’ (energy), ‘m’ (mass) and ’c’ (speed of light)
represent a few of the scientifically established phenomenal-type realities
(being mathematically reconcilable), but in just representing the
mechanical aspects our knowledge is still falling short. The ‘greater whys’ in
respect to their ultimate nature are missing… not to mention many of the
particulars… such as why 186,000 thousand miles a second is the particular speed
in which light travels. Why is it not a bit faster, a bit slower?
Meanwhile, as these 'established realities' sit on a pedestal in the opinion of
science, which would include any truth to ‘light waves’ or ‘light particles’,
they are no more real than life itself. Incredibly, the reality of life is not
represented by any scientific symbol. Although it’s unlikely the scientific
community would subscribe to the idea of assigning a symbol to represent ‘life’,
perhaps the following will explain the scientific reasoning.
While a search revealed no such symbol existed, but in order to be certain and
out of curiosity as to the scientific response, to discover their reasons why
not, I recently emailed the following question to the ‘physics department’ at
the University of Arizona:
“I was wondering if there is a professionally-recognized letter or symbol a
physicist might use (if so inclined) which represents the phenomenon of 'life'
for use in equations. I can't seem to find one. Since life is as much a reality
as E (energy) or M (mass), there should be something available regardless the
current lack of understanding (helpful if ever to be scientifically addressed).”
Expecting this question to be answered by a professor, or at least by a
‘seasoned equal’, it was instead assigned to a student to answer… beneath that
of a professor apparently. Assuming it represents the scientific point-of-view,
this was the student’s response:
“Well, the concept of "life" isn't a fundamental thing like energy or mass.
Life isn't a fundamental part of the universe -- it's an incredibly complicated
arrangement of those fundamental pieces. As physics is the science of the most
basic bits of the universe, there's no need for a symbol for "life" just as
there's no need for "toaster oven". Both a toaster oven and a living cell are
just different arrangements of protons, neutrons, electrons, and so on, and it
is those things with which physics is concerned. How exactly they get put
together to make a living thing isn't a question for physics -- perhaps you
should ask the biologists?”
While ‘life’ may not be a question for physics today, it should be. Although
there is nothing to put one’s finger on just yet, maybe not for centuries, the
‘metaphysical senses’ of empirical thinking suggest a connection between life
and most, if not all, established scientific realities. Perhaps though, it is
premature to catapult physics into the realm of
metaphysics… turn physicists into metaphysicians.
The ultimate nature of light
Likewise, it seems odd the ultimate nature of ‘light’ is also being ignored,
unaddressed scientifically, amidst the fact sunlight is necessary for life and
that the sun serves no other purpose… therefore some ’connection’ (with the sun)
would seem to exist beyond our obvious physical dependence. Apparently, it
hasn’t drawn any mathematical attention at all… as if ’c’ and ‘Ʋ’
(proposed symbol) cannot be reconciled. Well, no wonder, ‘c’ only represents the
speed of light, not light itself. Furthermore, there is no symbol for life.
Of course, going unrealized is that equations concerning ‘ultimate nature’ must
include ‘ultimate purpose’ as the common denominator. Yet, to ever demonstrate this
scientifically, or other corporeal-incorporeal relationships, symbols are
needed.
On the other hand, symbols are, or can be, invented when the need arises such as
a discovery of a new element or being the result of an equation. For example, if
x plus y equaled something never before known, or even if it is largely conjecture, as
E=mc² once was until proven, it is the prerogative of the author of that equation to
assign the result a symbol (a letter). Who could say no? Whatever the case,
whether truth or conjecture, the newly assigned symbol brings attention to the
matter… and why we need them.
Aristotle's theory of light
While perhaps it is not within the human capacity to reconcile light and life,
to scientifically demonstrate a connection, time presents opportunities.
Seemingly far beyond the average mentality, as if an instance to only
occasionally occur, it was Einstein who first theorized that the speed of light
(squared) had a relationship with energy and mass. It was a phenomenal
observation. Yet, the questions relating to the underlying nature of phenomena
such as light and life have still gone unanswered.
However, a few times the human intellect came close. According to
Philoponus’
interpretation of Aristotle’s theory of light, Aristotle was surely on track in
believing light to be incorporeal. In viewing it as incorporeal, in every sense
of the word, is what will lead somewhere. It's also the reason electricity is not
fully grasped... because it's incorporeal. Although a different matter, so too was
Plotinus on track concerning divine
intelligence… but that’s because these men weren’t hung up on the details like
the scientists of today.
At any rate, even though that which constitutes ‘life’ may never be
mathematically reconciled, although probably better if it never happens, it
should still be regarded as a scientific reality. In other words, without an
assigned symbol, it’s as if life doesn’t exist. Of course, to assign a symbol
without a value is to admit having no knowledge… it’s professionally degrading.
While it is uncertain whether some mathematical equation concerning the speed of
light applied differently will end up being another breakthrough, or one
concerning a more complete understanding of gravitational forces, success
demands re-contemplating the basic nature of things. The lack of progress says
philosophy should be called upon once again to provide science with something to
work with. Straight-line thinking (like Darwinism)
is a common inhibitor within the scientific community and why, for metaphysics,
they need help.
Some would say, however, that philosophy is dead... but its just temporally
stymied.
Fire, the great initiator of light and heat
Even though these type stones were turned-over centuries ago, and
contemplated in countless ways since, we can’t assume nothing was there. The lack
of knowledge about metaphysical matters indicates there must have been profoundness
overlooked. For example, has something been missed about the basic nature of
fire? Possessing the life-sustaining qualities of both heat and light, without
which life could not exist, should say we haven‘t looked into its essence deep
enough. As if the 'initiator', albeit of divine design, we owe everything
to fire.
From a much broader perspective (metaphysical), thus beyond the willing reach of
science so far, might fire have some relationship with life… perhaps even
deserving to be called ‘lifelike‘? Of course, from a technical standpoint it
wouldn‘t but what about from a metaphysical standpoint… ethereally? Although
without the consistency of body as one would normally expect, and without any
recognizable ‘will‘ of its own, fire is about consumption. Likewise, living
beings consume. While this commonality may only hint at a possible relationship,
albeit grossly insufficient as stand-alone proof, it is nonetheless bizarre to
think we’d have anything in common with fire whatsoever. Yet, as you shall soon
see, there seems to loom a greater commonality.
To ever fill this embarrassing void of knowledge concerning the greater scheme,
embarrassing because we’ve allowed religions and science to lead us astray,
it will be by such daring divergence from which to give 'real progress' a chance
and civilization a worthwhile existence. As
it has been, escapes the whole picture when one worships only tenets and details.
While it is obvious to everyone that heat and light are necessary for life, sadly
this is often looked upon as being no more than a biological need. In effect, a
‘mechanical necessity‘.
Since nobody knows what the phenomenon of life really is, or how it is created
(the spark of life), or how it can be described, all along it’s been just a
vague idea of what it entails. Until we know precisely, fire should remain in
the running as somehow related. After all, with the parameters unknown the
notion can’t be ruled out. We can’t even rule out fire is ‘alive‘.
Incorporeal nature of fire, light and heat
Democritus
saw a relationship too in believing ‘the human soul consists of globular atoms of
fire’. In another account, he called it ‘a sort of fire’ or ‘hot substance’. It is
obvious he was in the same ballpark in sensing the great role of fire but in a more
intimate way (by concerning the soul).
While life can be characterized as incorporeal, but if the soul ‘consists of
fire’ in some unknown and bizarre way, this would equate to fire also being
‘incorporeal’. Likewise in Aristotle’s view, light was incorporeal. If
metaphysically true, then life, light and heat are all incorporeal… with fire
being the central figure. It's an important point. Actually, it doesn't matter
whether Democritus was right or not, it takes no special talent to see fire as
being somehow incorporeal...with light and heat being the easiest. It's just
that it isn't commonly viewed as such.
While the foregoing may seem inadequate arguments, keep in mind the difficulty
in expressing ethereal relationships. Imagine trying to relate anything sensory
such as the sound of a saxophone or smell of a rose. For all theorists, it's been
the problem. Largely because of this, metaphysical hypotheses which could have led
somewhere are always set aside by science in favor of following the mechanical trail
because you can see where you're going. Mainly though, it's been for material gain.
However, exploiting the modus operandi of nature can only lead to ruination,
distinction. It seems only the science of metallurgy is ecologically
compatible... otherwise the ’better life’ comes at the expense of the
future (excessive non-biodegradable trash). Nature cannot be 'out-engineered'.
Since light and heat are the effects of fire, of life-giving properties, should
give fire great status in the scheme of things. On this point, nobody could
argue. This would equate to playing a fundamental role… seemingly that of an
'initiator'. Although such an initiator can only be found within the metaphysical
arena, being either God himself or his instrument, fire would be unique for
‘spiritual phenomena’ since it is commonly utilized and its properties
intimately known. Nonetheless, so central is fire in the scheme of things, it
must be 'life-related'.
Actually, since life would be the 'effect' from a metaphysical standpoint,
whereas fire is the cause (the instrument of the conditions), one could say fire
exists on a higher plane. While fire is a fundamental instrument, and the most
ancient of all things, logic would say the result of a mission has to hold
importance as well. One is a divine tool, the other creation. But… isn’t fire
just the result (effect) of combustion and not a cause? Well, again, in the current
scientific sense it is but in the metaphysical realm it can only be a cause.
Is fire alive or not?
While on the surface seemingly a preposterous notion that fire is somehow
‘alive’, having no truth whatsoever, but we can’t ignore the fact it is active
(very animated), mobile and must consume to exist just like all living creatures.
In this respect it would be entirely unique if, in fact, it is lifeless. Aside from
living creatures and fire, all else on earth is effectively stationary, lifeless and
thus exhibiting lifelessness.
Of course, collectively ‘all else on earth’ would comprise the concept of 'Gaia'
which equates to a ‘living earth‘. Finally freed from its centuries-old ‘myth’
status, this ancient Greek concept (Gaia being the Supreme Goddess in Greek
mythology) has recently grown into an ecological hypothesis and theory… but
that’s a different subject.
The effects of atmospheric and geological forces (non-volcanic) are a different
matter from fire also… they don’t, in the strict sense, ‘consume’ anything.
Nor do they display any real 'animation'. Although a substance in the process of
biodegrading could be considered a ‘consuming activity’, which would include
chemical reactions in general, they too belong in a different category because
of the uniqueness of fire. After all, fire is the only natural thing that emits
both heat and light… both necessary for life itself. Without fire, there would be
nothing… which brings up the sun.
Although the sun is commonly explained away as simply nuclear fusion doing its
thing, it’s still fire… of life giving properties. Yet, whether occurring on
earth or upon the sun, fire commands little respect nor attracts much
in-depth curiosity. Can we be so sure fire is not similar to life in some
manner? Especially due to it’s role, our dependency? Or, might this only apply
to the sun (or any star)? After all, domestic fires can be created by man.
Still troubling however, and apt to upset the applecart, is that such in-depth
knowledge of fire would be atypical for spirit world phenomena. To explain this,
perhaps it’s a dimensional (size) thing… a lighted match being of little spiritual
influence whereas the grandness of the sun a different matter? Perhaps it's why
humans have always had an affinity for largeness as the ancient
pyramids can testify. Man seems to sense a spiritual significance... with
awe being the tell-tell sign. As if there is 'power' associated, creation is
largely about stupendousness.
Fire, the instrument of light and heat... a heavenly matter
Greek mythology, being far more credible than commonly believed, would
explain our atypical knowledge of fire however… and it should draw attention why
fire was even mentioned. As the story goes, albeit to a degree a parable, Zeus
tortured Prometheus for stealing fire from heaven and giving it to man. If fire
was considered less than something phenomenal in those days, the ancient Greeks
of classical times wouldn’t have eluded to it as having spiritual origins.
In trying to discredit early Greek writings, it is more than just ‘myth’ as
the hierarchy of the Catholic Church once profusely claimed… and who were
responsible for labeling it ‘mythology’. Instead, the nine darling
muse, another ancient Greek concept, are testimony to its
metaphysical insightfulness. The reason the ancient Greeks expressed their tales
analogically, similar to parables, was for the same reason Bible utilized parables.
This is due to semantics (lack of)... and thus
explains any unclearness within this article.
The chameleons of the incorporeal
Although science has thoroughly explained fire, combustion in general and how it
occurs, we mustn’t let mechanical explanations be our guide. They are only
surface explanations… shallow. Knowing how things work within nature (the
mechanics) doesn’t ‘explain away’ the totality… certainly not the underlying
magnificence. This purposeful magnificence, of course, is what continually
escapes the scientific mind.
Aside from the particular speed of light surely saying something profound, yet
gone unanswered, light’s everlasting nature should give rise to questions as
well. After all, starlight is effectively immortal. Why does distance and time
have no effect when, for all else, it does?
Of the many questions however, some are surrounded by a stronger scent. That
which creates and sustains such an essential environment, one of light and heat,
must surely be lifelike itself… in some yet unrecognized way. While the full story
may never be known, perhaps, at least, some connection between fire and life can be
demonstrated. Success will make clearer the differences between the corporeal
and incorporeal… a matter more complicated than meets the eye.
At some point, an equation tying light, heat and life into a single package will
become a reality. While fire will stand alone on left side of the equal (=)
sign, representing the result, assigning values to the essence of the rest will be
the tricky part. Beyond one (1), what numbers could there possibly be for the
ethereal? As in computer language, maybe zero?
However, since the speed of light is an incorporeal action, as well as time,
although man's concept of the latter is only good for relative matters, and
since numbers can be established for actions (forces), these two will factor in.
First though, we need to get the right handle on time.
Bottom line... all things incorporeal are related.
A.O. Kime
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