Latest Posts
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The Monument
The mayor proudly cut the ribbon of a newly built monument – a statue of a soldier: a tribute to the fallen heroes in the Great War. “This monument should ensure that no one forgets the enormous sacrifice of these… Continue reading
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Is the universe alive?
How would we know if the universe was actually alive? Tantalisingly, it shows many of the vital signs of a living organism. Life on Earth is organised into systems and structures: atoms, molecules, macromolecules, cells, organs, organ systems, organisms, populations,… Continue reading
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Podcast Episode: Reality is a load of balls
Pip: Paul Carney’s Blog is asking the kind of questions that make you stare at your hands and wonder what exactly they’re made of — and the answer, apparently, is: not much. Mara: That’s where we’re headed today. Paul Carney… Continue reading
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Podcast Episode: Where does mathematics come from?
Read the blog post here: https://paulcarneyartist.blog/2026/07/08/where-does-mathematics-come-from/ Pip: Paul Carney’s Blog asks the kind of question that sounds simple until you’re three paragraphs in and suddenly reconsidering the nature of reality over your morning coffee. Mara: That’s a fair summary. Paul… Continue reading
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The game of life
What is the role of chance in the universe? How does chance create the complex life we see all around us? We all know the basic rules of life: eat, sleep, procreate, love, age, whither and die. We also know… Continue reading
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Where does mathematics come from?
In the late 19th century, the artist Paul Cezanne said that everything in nature is formed upon the sphere, the cone and the cylinder. His reduction of forms to simple, blockish structures became the basis of George’s Braques and Pablo… Continue reading
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The incredible unlikeliness of our being
Scientists have confirmed that the universe is pulsing with the chemical ‘seeds’ of life. It seems as though the potential for life to evolve is ubiquitous throughout the cosmos. So, what does that say about our own existence? A few… Continue reading
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Same universe, different perspectives
The universe is an incredible, awe-inspiring, and as far as we know, completely unique place. The circumstances that led to its creation were mind-bogglingly precise and extreme. For example, the early universe was created in a tiny fraction of a… Continue reading
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Supergrass
A key turned in the lock of an imposing, grey steel prison door. A bolt was pulled across with a clang, then a prison guard swung it forcefully open. “New inmate for you, Higgy. As agreed. Look after him and… Continue reading
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Does random chance rule the universe?
‘Many people do not believe God exists. They consider the universe is ruled by chance rather than providence.’ Liber revelationum compiled c. 1200 by Peter of Cornwall I was reading a great book about England’s thirteenth century ruler, King John… Continue reading
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Are we at the centre of the universe?
Recent cosmological findings suggest we may be at the centre of the universe, upending five hundred years of scientific understanding. In the 5th century BCE, Greek scholar Parmenides outlined one of the first geocentric models of our solar system. He… Continue reading
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Incel Worriers
‘Incel’ is a demeaning masculine term which implies that girls are only interested in the best-looking guys, hence all other guys are forced into involuntary celibacy. It’s twisted, toxic masculinity of course, which leads to intense resentment towards girls who… Continue reading
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Remembering past lives
Reincarnation: There are many compelling cases of children who recall past lives. They are able to provide such convincing accounts and details of events that are not easy to dismiss. One such case is that of James Leininger, a young… Continue reading
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A kinder, grumpy old man
How kindness can help you lead a more fulfilled life: As I get older, I find it harder and harder to be kind. Grumpy old man’s syndrome, or irritable male syndrome, is a real phenomenon for me. I seem to… Continue reading
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My beautiful, time travelling, adventurer
A time travel short story about a soul lost to time: Priya paused before putting the sleek, black headset over her weary, hungover eyes. A sudden surge of reflux engulfed her mouth, no doubt a residue from last night’s ill-advised… Continue reading
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The kindness conundrum
How kindness can become your human superpower: Kindness is linked to improved happiness and a reduction in stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. There’s hard science to say it boosts mood, compassion, empathy, and self-esteem. But why are we kind?… Continue reading
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Emotions in the driving seat
Far from being a weakness, your emotions may actually be a source of strength: All of my life I have been labelled as an emotional person. “He’s moody.” “He’s a sulker.” “Cry baby.” “Whinger.” “Moaner.” Later in my life, work… Continue reading
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Microbe Series 2
Microbes 2 – pencil on paper. Another very satisfying transfer of digital drawings into traditional media. There’s something beautiful about this subject matter combined with the process of drawing. #drawing #microbes #scienceart Continue reading
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The will to live
What is the mysterious force that pervades all things and drives all of life on Earth? How knowing it can help us lead richer lives: Throughout recorded history, thinkers and natural philosophers have commented on the innate, energetic spark that… Continue reading
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Reality is a load of balls
What do the world’s greatest minds say about the metaphysical nature of matter? It is easy for imaginative humans to slip into science-fiction, or non-evidence based beliefs, simply because they fit our own world view and yet the reality is… Continue reading
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How to find truth in the chaos of modern life
How do we form our beliefs? We all construct our own truth, a personal, world-view mindset that we feel is right and just, from our own experiences, thoughts, happenings and memories we collect over our lifetime. Our beliefs are shaped… Continue reading
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Has feminism destroyed the traditional family unit?
Feminism is a force for good: I heard a young US woman talking recently about how Feminism has destroyed the traditional family unit. She called herself a Trad wife, which is another new term to me, and she said that… Continue reading
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Part of something greater
Is the universe alive? If the Earth were a hydrogen atom, and I looked out from my window at the electron whizzing past in the air above, I might be tempted to think that this was all there was. After… Continue reading
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What is the purpose of our existence?
How can you find more happiness and meaning in your life? For the majority of the world’s population, God is the purpose of their existence. According to the 13th-century Italian scholar Thomas Aquinas, the ultimate goal of human existence is… Continue reading
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Loneliness of the long distance space traveler
Why you’re unlikely to ever see your loved ones again if you went into deep space. I’m a huge fan of Sci-Fi programmes such as Star Trek where they travel from star to star, trekking the universe in search of… Continue reading
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Believing in Something is better than Believing in Nothing
Why believing in implausible things can be good for you. Learned people tell us that there is nothing to this world, save that which can be observed, measured and recorded. They state quite firmly that we must savour things in… Continue reading
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Near Death Experiences
Why do so many people experience overwhelming spiritual experiences when faced with death? I’ve been reading an old book about Near Death Experiences called Life After Life by Dr Raymond Moody. It very much relates to a topic I wrote… Continue reading
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Hand of God?
Is there a Divine Hands moulding and shaping your life? Many years ago I had a marine fish tank which took a lot of hard work to keep. I had to make sure it was always at the right temperature.… Continue reading
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The Spirit Within Me
How important is spirituality in your life? I define the spirit as the living essence of a person, which includes consciousness, and the bioelectrical life force within all living things. In this way, the spirit is my mind and my… Continue reading
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Beyond Words
Knowing what lies beyond the limits of language is an incredibly powerful and profound aspect of our existence. All of our thinking is through words, all of our actions, all of our science, all of our literature, all of our… Continue reading
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Valuing our Values
How can you shape your values to help you lead a better life? We live in a creative universe; an incredible cosmic web of galaxies, miraculously derived from an infinitesimally small singularity. By default, the universe produces positive things; things… Continue reading
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How to lead a good life
What are the most important things needed to live a good life?Here are five life lessons I’ve accumulated over the years. I hope they will help you become happy and healthy when you grow up. There are many more life… Continue reading
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I Believe…
Beliefs are the foundations upon which we build our sense of self. They are pivotal to our well being and happiness. But our beliefs are also personal, insecure and subjective. That’s partly because of the nature of knowledge itself, but… Continue reading
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Make your head a nice place to be
What fears have you overcome and how? Phobias have been a constant ‘associate’ of mine throughout my life. They have sometimes been so crippling that I have been unable to work and my relationships have certainly suffered. Breakdowns and traumas… Continue reading
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Get away from it all
It’s hard to be happy if you’re constantly looking inward. When we focus on ourselves too much, when we live inside our own heads, or even when our ailments occupy more of our time than they should, we suffer. It’s… Continue reading
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Going where the Evidence Leads
My reason for believing that a Deist, non-interventionist God created our universe, is that, while no evidence for God has been found within the universe, there are enough reasons to assume one created it. This is because: The universe is… Continue reading
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What is the shape of the universe?
What is the shape of the universe? Cosmologists aren’t sure what shape the universe is. And, while this may sound like a pointless thing to think about, it is actually a profound question that has significant implications. Continue reading
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And Still the Weeds Grow
A story about a lifetime with ADHD. My seed was not chosen from the finest organic stock, then gently scattered on a bed of finely tilled soil. No, mine was a mangy spore, spread through the root of an irksome… Continue reading
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An Elegant and Persuasive Power
Why should we believe in something that only adds an immaterial layer to the scientific view, and which takes away the profound, revelatory nature of religion? I’ve set out in earlier blog posts what my evidence is for believing there… Continue reading
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I am that I am
I am that I am. A poem by Mike Flanagan, to be read at my funeral. Continue reading
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Oaths to Yourself
Things to help you lead a more fulfilling life. Continue reading
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More is Different
The phenomena of Emergence is how incredibly complex, profound things stem from humble components and flies in the face of Reductionist science. Continue reading
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What Matters?
Is matter all there is? The prevailing scientific viewpoint leaves some big unanswered questions. Here are my answers. Materialism is a philosophical and scientific viewpoint that states that matter is the fundamental substance in nature, and that all things, including… Continue reading
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Explaining premonitions of future events during dreams
Much has been written about premonitions during dreams, which seem to be a recurring phenomenon throughout human history. My theory is that some people can ‘tune in’ to EMF waves emitted by temporal future events during deep sleep. Continue reading
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Is God an invention?
Are religious people deluded? Do we simply invent Gods that don’t exist in reality? Evidence shows that religious belief is actually a natural state of human consciousness. This may actually prove God’s existence, rather than disproving it. I argue that… Continue reading
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Evidence the Universe was created
A scientific summary, from an agnostic viewpoint, as to why I believe the universe was created. I’m not religious, or an atheist. I am agnostic, but I am coming to the increasing conclusion that the universe was created. My reasons… Continue reading
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Does evil exist, and if so, who or what creates it?
An agnostic’s analysis of the big question: is God evil? One of the biggest questions philosophers and theologians ask about our universe is: if there is a Creator, how could He/She possibly create a universe with such evil and suffering… Continue reading
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What is a flower?
If you want to know what a flower is, be mindful of who you ask, because this will determine the answer you get. Continue reading
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The hard problem of Paul
What is it about us that makes us, us? What is it that makes our conscious experience? Scientists and philosophers battle it out to try to define it, but in the end, we just have to sit back and enjoy… Continue reading
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What in the World…
Why do we exist? Where do we come from? Science tells us that everything is made from particles and forces, but this does not tell us why these things exist or where they come from. Continue reading
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Am I going bananas?
Alethea thought she was going mad. When she awoke that morning, she went downstairs for breakfast and her banana started talking to her! It said it wasn’t really real. It told her it was just a shadow on a cave… Continue reading
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The Great Creative in the Sky
“I often wish (God) would manifest himself a bit more. He limits himself to once in a million years if we’re lucky.’ Peter Cook ***** I’m not an atheist – I don’t disbelieve in God, but I’m not religious either.… Continue reading
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The Electric Life Orchestra
How bioelectricity shapes the whole universe and every living thing. Why is life so incredibly persistent, energetic and determined? Where does this vitality come from? What is it that makes us alive? Wherever it is encountered, life is imbued with… Continue reading
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Where do we go when we die?
Where do we go when we die? I’ve been thinking quite a lot about spirits lately, and what happens to us when we die. Unfortunately for me, the spirits are the out of body kind, not the alcoholic kind, as… Continue reading
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A Potted History of Art Pedagogy
‘Pedagogy, most commonly understood as the approach to teaching, is the theory and practice of learning, and how this process influences, and is influenced by, the social, political and psychological development of learners. Pedagogy, taken as an academic discipline, is… Continue reading
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Artistic development in Children
By Paul Carney This blog post contains extracts from an essay by Anna Kindler – Art in early Childhood “One man may sketch something with his pen on half a sheet of paper in one day, or may cut it… Continue reading
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Progression in Art & Design using revised Blooms
Revised Blooms Learning Objectives for Art & Design that facilitate progression. Continue reading
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The Aquarium
A man was admiring the fish in an aquarium pet store. “Your fish are incredible,” he said to the shopkeeper. “I want my aquarium to be as beautiful as this.” “Thank you, but remember, I’ve had a lot of experience,”… Continue reading
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Life Notes…
What app eats up most of your screen time — and do you even feel bad about it? I don’t use social media. The app I use daily is the Notes app on my phone and tablet. It is an… Continue reading
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The Arthrobot Scriptures 2 – the corvids rise again
What’s a book you think deserves a sequel? My debut novel, the Arthrobot Scriptures was a long, complex and difficult book to write. In addition, the whole process of trying to market it and make it available for sale was… Continue reading
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Free CPD Professional Development training videos for art teachers
Since I retired from education in 2024, I have released most of my art teacher training sessions as free videos for teacher development. Hopefully they will serve as support and guidance for art teachers in Key Stages 1-3, I wish… Continue reading
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What should life be like?
An analysis of life in the 21st century. What you should expect from being alive: What should life be like? What can we reasonably expect from our existence? I’m not referring to those ultra people, with extreme lifestyles, who live… Continue reading
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Paul’s music on Youtube
Here are some tracks I wrote and produced around 2010: This track, Miss You is a poignant, self-penned, autobiographical song I wrote when my Mam died in 2008. It’s a real heartbreaker. From my second album Suspicion, this next track… Continue reading
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K2-18b, a planet with 97% certainty of alien life
New scientific evidence on the question of is there life in the universe? Scientists have detected a molecule called dimethyl sulfide, or DMS for short, which is the gas that gives beach areas their distinctive smell. The gas is produced… Continue reading
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Mind Control
Oh, how I wish I had the ability to control my thoughts like a meditation master. Bad thoughts would occur, and I’d simply swat them away, able to resume my super-controlled, zen-like mental state without a care in the world.… Continue reading
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It’s Life Jim!
How the building blocks for life may be scattered around the universe : Some scientists now believe the chances of life emerging on Earth by itself are too remote. In a very honest, refreshing, (but complex), scientific paper, Robert Endres… Continue reading
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Finding God in an age of reason
What is the evidence for a Deist Creator and how can this belief bring a sense of purpose to our lives? What evidence is there that God exists? In my opinion, the likelihood of the universe springing into existence by… Continue reading
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The Blob
An evolutionary short story that illustrates the origins of complex life forms: The blob floated mindlessly in the darkness. It had no eyes, or senses, save the ability to touch. To feel. It had no explicit conscious thoughts as such.… Continue reading
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One in a billion
The incredible unlikeliness of our existence, and why our universe should not exist at all: In the Big Bang, when the universe was formulated, there should have been a blinding flash of radiation as these opposing forces cancelled each other… Continue reading
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Welcome to the spirit world.
A ghostly short story. It had been another excellent meeting, Wendy thought, as she tidied her props away into her handbag and picked up her phone. Her back was killing her from sitting on a hard seat all night, but… Continue reading
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Come on down, try your luck on Fortuna’s Wheel of Fortune!
There’s no such thing as luck or fate. Everything has already happened. If physicist Sabine Hossenfelder is right, then it means we live in a Predetermined Universe – everything that can happen has already happened, we just don’t know it… Continue reading
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Stephen Hawking: Is there a God?
What did Stephen Hawking believe about the nature of God? “One could define God as the embodiment of the laws of nature. However, this is not what most people would think of as God. They mean a human-like being, with… Continue reading
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Star Trekking
If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be, and why? As a huge Star Trek fan, I would be Captain James T. Kirk for the day. I’d lead a mission to go boldly where no… Continue reading
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Beyond Words
How do the limitations of language affect your existence?: All of our thinking is through words, all of our actions, all of our science, all of our literature, all of our history, all our technology, all our kingdoms and empires.… Continue reading
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Pure awareness is heaven
What will life after death be like?: What are your thoughts on life after death? Where do you think we go when we die? Perhaps you think you’ll live eternally in a heavenly paradise surrounded by your loved ones. Maybe… Continue reading
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Here’s some flowers for you…
Some examples of my most recent paintings I’ve been doing. These are hand-painted and a return back to traditional media for me. I’m loving it! Continue reading
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False Perceptions
How you might find truth and peace in a world of hate and misinformation: Perceptions, the Buddha said, are very often false, which leads to suffering. We see people as threats, we weave fake narratives, we create all kinds of… Continue reading
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Movie Night
A mysterious short story about the struggle to find the meaning of life ‘Where the hell am I?’ she muttered to herself, as the vortex gave way to a dimly lit room, complete with brightly-coloured, patterned furnishings and the kind… Continue reading
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Roads to Happiness
Learn profound insights into human existence from two Holy men: Two eastern mystics with profound insights into the nature of existence and how to lead happier lives are Sri Ramana Maharshi and Thich Nhat Hanh. Maharshi was a Hindu sage… Continue reading
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Classroom Catastrophes
Learn about Paul’s autobiography as a teacher, written under the pseudonym Peter Carling. Continue reading
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Old man Hokusai
How do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life? “From the age of 6 I had a mania for drawing the shapes of things. When I was 50 I had published a universe of… Continue reading
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How can an inanimate force become a God?
This article will give you an eastern insight into the nature of God: When we think of a force such as the quantum field, we don’t think of an omnipotent, personified being, we think of an abstract mass of crackling… Continue reading
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The axis of evil
Instead of pointing in random directions, fluctuations in the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation point roughly along a common axis relative to our Solar System. Aristotle’s geocentric model of the universe, with earth in the centre, fitted with western Biblical ideologies… Continue reading
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Bhagavad Gita
What books do you want to read? Books I’m reading at present: The Ethics of Aristotle The Bhagavad Gita the Upanishads The Varieties of Religious Experience, William James Concentration & Meditation Swami Paramananda Tao Te Ching, Lao Tsu The Complete… Continue reading
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True Survivor (the pom-poms)
Harry woke up before the alarm and instinctively woke his wife, Jacinda, too. ‘Hey Jac, come on, you’ve got a long day today, you’re on lates.’ ‘What? Huh, oh God, my head hurts.’ ‘I’ll let you go in the shower… Continue reading
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The grand coder
Eastern metaphysics on the nature of reality: A computer coder creates a virtual world which replicates our ‘real’ world, and the characters have a form of artificial intelligence. Characters in this world have the ability to sense their environment, and… Continue reading
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Find your inner creative
If you had a freeway billboard, what would it say? Find your inner creative. Being creative, in whatever form that takes, is a powerful way to make meaning in your life. It is fun, enjoyable and stimulating. It enhances brain… Continue reading
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