SUSBSTACK OUTLINE

 SUBSTACK

Substack is a platform that allows writers and journalists to easily publish and distribute their work through email newsletters. It provides tools for writing, editing, and designing newsletters, as well as managing subscriptions and sending out email updates to subscribers. Substack also offers tools for monetization, allowing writers to charge for subscriptions and earn revenue from their work. It has grown popular in recent years as a platform for independent journalists and writers to reach an audience and generate income directly, bypassing traditional media outlets.

The question is, am I ready for SUBSTACK? In theory, this would bring my work to a larger (larger than zero) audience, provide a way to communicate with subscribers and even "monetize" my efforts in the long run. It would also enforce some discipline that is lacking in the current blog. 

Raising the curtain on a SUBSTACK presence may encourage me to work systematically to make regular posts around a theme. What theme should that be? Broadly speaking, the plan would be to start with a topical source of mystification and then proceed by baby steps to reveal the source of the phenomenon and how we have attempted to deal with it.

100,000 words is "book-length" eventually total or 500 to 1,000 words per concept would need 100 topical posts. Not terribly unreasonable over a period of 2-3 years. The current blog has over 500 posts over a period of 5 years or so.

Corkulous outline essential to keep track of it all.

Suggest careful indexing of the current blog and polished drafts of potential topics. The first few should be "barn burners."

Let's take a shot at an outline of a dozen or so posts around the theme "It's all in your head or The Reality Distortion Field."

1. RDF: The "Reality Distortion Field" (4)
2. On the use of AI tools
3. Time, space and the self
4. Evolution of Mind (Damasio) (5)
5. Kant, Plato and Shoppenhaur
6. Einstein and Bohr (1)
7. Metaphors: The Matrix (2)
8. Metaphors: Hinduism (3)
9. The restless brain-psychosis
10. Hallucinations
11. Psychosis
12. Religion: Hinduism
13. RDF: Christianity
14. RDF: Trump
15. RDF: Musk
16. Viral Psychosis (Trump)
17. Viral Psychosis (Christianity)
18. Viral Psychosis (Climate Change)

------------

(1) The Copenhagen interpretation of quantum physics

 is a philosophical framework developed by Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg in the 1920s. It provides a way to understand the behavior of quantum systems and formulate predictions about their properties.

According to the Copenhagen interpretation, quantum systems do not possess definite properties (such as position or momentum) until they are observed or measured. Instead, they exist in a superposition of all possible states until the act of measurement "collapses" the superposition into a single, definite outcome.

The interpretation also emphasizes the role of the observer, asserting that the act of measurement or observation fundamentally affects the system being observed. This implies that the classical understanding of a neutral observer, separate from the system being observed, does not apply at the quantum level.

Another crucial aspect of the Copenhagen interpretation is the notion of complementarity. It suggests that certain properties of a quantum system are mutually exclusive and cannot be measured simultaneously with arbitrary precision. For example, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle states that it is impossible to simultaneously know both the precise position and momentum of a particle.

The Copenhagen interpretation has been highly influential in shaping the field of quantum physics and continues to be widely taught and accepted. However, it has also prompted debates and alternative interpretations, as it involves philosophical and conceptual questions about the nature of reality and the role of the observer in quantum phenomena.

 Albert Einstein was critical of the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics. He famously disagreed with the idea that quantum particles exist in multiple states simultaneously until they are observed, as stated in the interpretation. Einstein believed that the Copenhagen interpretation was incomplete, stating his famous quote "God does not play dice with the universe." He thought that there must be underlying hidden variables that determine the properties of quantum particles. However, despite his reservations, he respected the work of Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg, who were major proponents of the Copenhagen interpretation.

(2) In the movie "The Matrix," the Matrix

 refers to a simulated reality that has been created by intelligent machines... to deceive the human mind and make them believe they are living in a normal reality, while in actuality, they are living in a digital construct...

(3) Hinduism - the world is a dream

In Hinduism, the concept that the world is a dream is closely tied to the belief in Maya, which refers to the illusory nature of the material world. According to Hindu philosophy, Maya is the cosmic illusion that makes the physical world seem real and tangible, while actually being transient and unreal.

The idea that the world is a dream can be understood in several ways within Hinduism:

1. Illusion of Reality: Hinduism views the material world as an illusionary realm that deceives individuals into perceiving it as permanent and separate from the divine. Just as in a dream, things appear real and solid, but they are ultimately unreal and temporary. This illusionary nature of the world is believed to prevent individuals from realizing their true nature and the ultimate reality.

2. Transitory Nature: Hinduism teaches that everything in the physical world, including our bodies, thoughts, and emotions, are constantly changing and impermanent. Similar to a dream that fades away upon waking up, the world is seen as ever-changing and transient. This perspective encourages individuals to detach from the material world and seek a deeper understanding of the eternal reality beyond transient experiences.

3. Veil of Ignorance: The world being a dream suggests that individuals are living in a state of ignorance, unaware of their true spiritual nature. Hinduism teaches that the ultimate reality is Brahman, the formless and limitless aspect of existence, and our individual selves (Atman) are an extension of Brahman. However, due to the illusion of Maya, individuals remain trapped in the dream of worldly pursuits, attachments, and desires, forgetting their ultimate connection to the divine.

4. Awakening to Ultimate Reality: Just as awakening from a dream brings one closer to the state of wakefulness, in Hinduism, the goal is to awaken from the illusion of the world and realize one's true nature and the ultimate reality. This awakening is often referred to as self-realization or enlightenment (moksha). Through spiritual practices like meditation, self-inquiry, and seeking knowledge, individuals can transcend the illusory nature of the dream-like world and attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

It is important to note that this concept is not meant to demean or dismiss the significance of the physical world but rather encourages individuals to recognize its temporary and illusory nature and seek a deeper understanding of the eternal reality beyond it.

See also "Dream of Brama" 

(4) "Reality distortion field" (RDF) 

is a term coined by Andy Hertzfeld, a member of the original Macintosh development team at Apple, to describe the persuasive and charismatic effect Steve Jobs had on others. It refers to Jobs' ability to convince and manipulate people into believing in his vision and ideas, often distorting the perception of reality to align with his goals

The term suggests that Jobs had the power to bend and mould reality according to his desires, making others see things the way he wanted them to be seen. This skill enabled him to inspire and motivate his team to achieve seemingly impossible tasks or standards. It was believed that his charisma, confidence, and persuasive communication style created a "field" around him that influenced others into accepting his versions of reality.

In a broader context, the term "reality distortion field" is sometimes used to describe the phenomenon when someone has an influential, persuasive effect on others, leading them to adopt a distorted view of reality. It implies the ability to shape perceptions and affect people's judgments and decisions.

(5) Damasio's theory of the evolution of mind 

suggests that the mind originated as a consequence of the evolution of the nervous system and the need for organisms to successfully adapt to their environment. He argues that the mind emerged from the constant interaction between the body's physiological responses to stimuli and the brain's processing of these responses. This process eventually led to the development of emotions, feelings, and consciousness, which allowed organisms to assess and respond to their surroundings in more complex and sophisticated ways. Damasio's theory emphasizes the crucial role of emotions and feelings in guiding decision-making and adapting to the environment, ultimately shaping the evolution of the mind.