Holism

In this entry I'm going to go over a concept that is quite central to my world view, and that is the titular philosophical idea of Holism. Holism is a school of thought, dictating that to some degree or another, everything is interconnected. This is something that I very much agree with. On the broadest level I would say that everything in this world is connected in the very simplest sense of being in this world. Each and everything that we know of exists, and it that most basic sense, it is all part of the larger whole. However there are further degrees to which one could and, in my opinion, should, break down the holistic school of thought. Degrees of relevancy may vary, but I could never deny that the relevancy is there. All dots can be connected, I don't think that's up for debate, it's only how far away they are that is the center of discussion concerning a holistic world view. Not only do I see everything as interconnected, I see the world as complex by its very nature. Given that, if you were to assume that I am quickly frustrated by reductionist rhetoric, you would be correct. When anyone tries to oversimplify anything, I need to fight the urge to lose my temper. I know it's important to maintain composure because my worldview is not the only one, but none the less, I find it infuriating whenever someone tries to make the argument for the idea that everything is either separate or simple because that's just not how I see the world, and it's not how I have ever known it to be. It is also a frustrating experience to encounter someone who does not see relevance between two factors when a connection or correlation is excruciatingly obvious to myself, however that goes back to the need to remind myself that not everyone sees the world in the same way that I do. Make no mistake, I'm fully cognizant of the fact that many things aren't particularly relevant to each other. If someone were to make that assertion, I would have no problem with it. I would, however, have a problem if they were to throw out any possibility of relevance whatsoever. The reason that bothers me is that in my experience, when there is an adamant refusal to acknowledge relevance between things, individuals, or even entire groups, shut themselves out from the possibility of finding answers. In my life, I want nothing more than to find answers, but not only that, I want others to do the same. I would love nothing more than for the blinding light of knowledge to cast out every single shadow of ignorance in the world, but I also acknowledge that there are some pretty persistent shadows out there. That brings me back to the main topic, because I have found that holistic thinking is the most effective means of casting out ignorance in the world. If one is consistent in their approach of "big picture" thinking, they are far less likely to be plagued by ignorance, or perhaps more dangerously, tedious distractions. That is what Holism is at the end of the day: big picture thinking. That's why I love it and that's why I pursue it at every opportunity that I get. Many might say that my views have a certain bias, and I fully acknowledge that. But I would not say that this in any way skews my pursuit of seeing the world how it truly is, with each and every aspect of it. Everyone has their biases and I'm very aware that I'm not any different from the general population in this matter. However I practice awareness each and every day. I'm very careful not to let my personal views and feelings affect my judgement, despite the fact that sometimes I'm unsuccessful in this endeavor. None the less, I still make the effort and at the end of the day, that's what is important. This world that we live in is massive and complex, but if anyone is open enough in terms of their thought process, they can and will see the lines that connect everything. Sometimes the lines are thin, sometimes they are thick, sometimes they are short, and sometimes they are of great distance, but they are there. That much I will never deny. Once again, above all else, I want to understand the world. I want to see it for what it is; the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly. There is light and there is dark in this world, but there is also so much more than that. In this existence where we live, there is an infinite see of grey area, and I'm aware that I've referred to that before, but it's a simple truth that must be reiterated as often as possible, as a mantra of sorts in order to dispel the persistent plague of ignorance that wishes to haunt every individual that exists. Consistently holding on to the notion of connection among all things is central to dispel that ignorance, and that is why it is so important to me, as I wish it was for everyone.