Does a cosmic consciousness exist?
The phenomenon of emergence is the way complex systems or patterns arise out of simple interactions. Think of a school of fish. Without a leader, each individual fish goes in the same direction as the other guy, never getting too close or out of line. It’s beautiful to watch. But what’s going on here a collective consciousness?
Society operates through its collective groups: family, community, organizations, regions, nations, etc. Each group is capable of thinking, judging, deciding, acting, and reforming its actions and interactions. But when behaviors of one group transcend and influence other groups, then those groups adapt and influence others, that is emergence.
Collective behavior is born out of relationships. Relationships create networks. Networks are pathways for shared ideas. Shared ideas form systems. Systems influence behaviors. Behaviors then can be controlled, but not by any one part/person/organization. It simply emerges without direction. It’s truly fascinating. Look no further than memes.
Is your head hurting yet? Well, let Bobby Azarian blow your mind then!
//Bonus Material
James Glattfelder studies complexity: how an interconnected system is more than the sum of its parts. He shares a groundbreaking study of how control flows through the global economy, and how the concentration of power in the hands of a shockingly small number leaves us all vulnerable.