Thoughts On the Theory of Unity -- "We Are All One" -- Why Interconnectedness Needs to Be Understood More

Alex Mos's Synopsis:

The Theory of Unity proclaims that, despite apparent separation, we are all interconnected beings. We might be a part of collective consciousness, a unified energy field, or even the universe itself. Some claim that all beings can love and that love fills the universe.

This radical view challenges us to consider a deep level of Unity and that love is the easiest and most moral way to achieve greater cooperation. The author sees interconnectedness as a universal system of cause and effect. Choices enabling love, compassion, and empathy might positively influence the future. Our actions, emotions, and thoughts ripple outwards, impacting the world.

Therefore, collective consideration should be in everyone's self-interest, leading to a more harmonious world. The Theory of Unity intersects with religious ideas of divine beings, design, and free will.

Yet, it aligns more accurately with Spinoza's pantheistic view that God is the universe. The theory's agnostic character resonates with the author, who deeply cares for the human race.

Interconnectedness doesn't oppose the importance of the individual, similar to cells or organs that are necessary for an organism's functioning. Further exploration of the theory could transform our lives for a better world.

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Rethinking Our Place in the Universe

The human experience is deeply rooted in the concept of individuality. From a young age, we're conditioned to see ourselves as separate entities, distinct from those around us. It is even why I consider separation as one of the seven essences of existence. However, what if this perspective, isn't the whole picture? This is the core idea of the Theory of Unity -- that we are not as separated as we think we are, but part of a larger being, or essence (like a force or energy).

The Theory of Unity asserts that, despite our apparent separation, we are all fundamentally one interconnected being. An example of that comes from the claim that of the claim that "we are all capable of love". According to this claim, as I quote Dr. Seyed Mahmood Alavi (From his Philosocom article):

Love encompasses the whole universe. All beings float in love, and its waves wave everywhere and crystallize in all the particles of the universe.

The universe is the hotbed of love, the divine creatures are its home, and love is its symbol.  

 The world of creation is based on love; love is complete with wisdom and faith; all beings are in motion according to innate love, from the creation of the earthly man to the single heavens, all are moved by love.

The world of creation is based on love; love is complete with wisdom and faith; all beings are in motion according to innate love, from the creation of the earthly man to the single heavens, all are moved by love.

This might sound radical, especially to Westerners accustomed to a more individualistic worldview. However, the theory challenges us to look beyond our perceived differences and consider a deeper level of unity, unheard of, and rejected, by most people. After all, even with our difficulties of loving, it is something, perhaps, we are all capable of, least in potential. Even people with anti-social personality disorder, and those suffering from antisocial tendencies, are capable of describing love as a feeling. Furthermore, narcissists can also love, although less commonly, and you can tell that by their actions.

Therefore, on a practical scale, learning how to love humanity can bring you to greater cooperation with other beings, allowing you to feel what you were capable of doing in the first place -- to unite with them. Instead of hatred, which is easily tempting, and instead of demanding forgiveness, which can be hard for them to oblige to, use the Occam's razor to understand the easiness of choosing the good of love, in your relationships.

Apply this as a habit, and you'll see how contingent love and kindness really are. Perhaps love is a universal power after all, which merely remains dormant under our morally-depraved, socially-engineered habits? What if we just have to overcome our adversities, see beyond them, and prioritize the mutual unlocking of love's healing power?

Because, if we're to imagine the human body, each cell, while seemingly distinct, plays a vital role in the functioning of the whole. Similarly, the Theory of Unity suggests we are all individual "cells" within a larger, universal "being". This "being" could be interpreted in various ways – some might view it as a collective consciousness, a unified energy field, or even the universe itself.

I choose to see it as a highly complex system of cause and effect. Nothing exists in a vacuum, so we can design the environment around us using our behavior. As both things and beings can be influenced by the things and beings around them, our choices may matter more than we might think, as we're all unified under this cause-and-effect universal system. And like a boomerang, our own choices may return to haunt us in the future, due to the effect on the environment, in which they enable. Enabling cycles of love, compassion and empathy are far better options than enabling suffering, coercion and mockery.

Never forget that love has healing powers, and that the reduction of psychological safety through toxic behavior, can harm our health. Humanity as of now is very sick, with both physical and mental illnesses on the rise. Let's do our best to restore our health, using pro-social contingent ways, in a cause-and-effect reality. We influence each other more than we think.

The concept of reality being so interconnected, can be unsettling. How can a dictator and a stranger on the street be considered influential on us? That's a good question to contemplate on. Because that dictator can contribute to a trend of international democratic reduction, and that stranger may compel you to experience passive smoking.

Our actions, thoughts, and emotions ripple outwards, impacting the whole. This interconnectedness compels us to move beyond self-interest and recognize the inherent value in all beings. Should we actively choose to remain unbalanced, and prioritize our own self-interest than general consideration, we ironically will not contribute as much to our own interests. For worsening the situation of others, [they] can come back at us, whether through our regret, and/or through their revenge. Therefore, collective consideration should be part of anyone's self-interest, for "no man is an island".

The Theory of Unity doesn't diminish individuality. It simply proposes a different framework for understanding our place in the universe -- as one that cannot exist in an impenetrable vacuum. By recognizing our interconnectedness, we can cultivate a sense of shared responsibility and can work towards a more compassionate and harmonious world.

Warming the Relations of Unity with Religious Diversity

The Theory of Unity suggests a fundamental oneness underlying the apparent multiple-layers of existence. This concept naturally intersects with various religious ideas of a divine being or beings. However, the Theory doesn't require adherence to any specific religion or deity.

Shinto-ism is a good example of a religion that applies a good theory of unity, as it allows anyone to practice its ceremonies, under the sole condition that respect and mindfulness are to be maintained to the land and to the kami, reality's many spirits/gods.

Monotheistic Interpretations

For those who subscribe to monotheistic traditions like Judaism, Christianity, or Islam, the "one being" could be interpreted as God. However, the Theory goes beyond the Abrahamic concept of a separate, external creator. It suggests that this oneness isn't a singular, personified being (like Jehovah) with independent emotions, but rather an underlying essence or force that permeates all existence.

Here's where Baruch Spinoza's philosophy becomes relevant. Spinoza, a Jewish philosopher, argued that God is not separate from the universe but identical with it – a concept deemed heretical by some, to the point of him being excommunicated, and generally rejected like other Jewish philosophers. The Theory of Unity aligns more with this pantheistic view, where God is not just the creator but the very nature of reality itself.

Using religion as a way to separate, divide and even manipulate people, is how religious leaders unfortunately breed hatred, fueled by the tribal bias and by the desire to disregard others. This can hinder many people from these religious sects to use the healing power within them, to love and accept those who are and will be different than them.

The Theory of Unity embraces a wider perspective than just monotheistic religions, who often persecuted pagan religions throughout history. In our era, Christians unfortunately are likelier to be persecuted, but I digress. 

Should we prioritize religions as a way to actually care for other people, and for the world's health in general, and not as a justification to persecute others, the world could be a better place to live in. Not only we would decrease the agony of others, but we can also decrease the agony of our own. We can choose to spread health, instead of aimlessly promoting behavior that leads to illness.

Unity vs. Determinism:

The Theory acknowledges the idea of a source or design, but it doesn't necessarily endorse determinism. Determinism proposes a preordained plan for existence, discarding the idea of free will. The Theory doesn't preclude the possibility of individual choices and the impact they have on the whole. Interconnectedness does not imply universal design, whether or not universal design is factual.

Agnosticism and the Divine:

The Theory of Unity is compatible with agnosticism, my personal stance.  It doesn't require belief in a specific deity, but rather a recognition of the interconnectedness that transcends individual identities.

What if religious faith could unfortunately diminish our desire to connect with those different from us, despite their influence on us? What if religious faith could lead to conflict, as it indeed did before, such as holy wars, and even terrorism?

We have an overflow of hatred towards each other based on mere demographics. Of course we would suffer so much as a result. I prefer to not add on the suffering but aid in the effort to reduce it. I do not need divine faith for that end. I need, and choose to have, faith in people. I may have discarded humanity in my hermitage, but with my work on Philosocom, I still care deeply for the human race. Otherwise, I'd abstain even more. I've no desire nor reason to give up.

Bridging the Gap Between Separation and Unity

The Theory of Unity acknowledges an apparent "paradox". On the surface, we appear as separate entities, isolated by physical bodies and distinct minds. We often lack connection with even those closest to us, let alone people in far-flung corners of the world. This is a very common phenomenon since the industrial revolution, known as alienation.

However, interconnectedness does negate the existence of physical and mental distinction. An organ in a body does not lose its individual importance when it becomes a part of a larger system. Furthermore, an effective synergy of components can increase the output of a component's distinct features. As such, your heart is responsible for keeping every one of your organs in shape.

Apply the same to a human construct, like an organization. An effective synergy between the different teams could lead to an increased rate of efficiency overall, highlighting the importance of being good to others for the sake of the organization's overall purpose. Decreasing stress in teammates/co-workers/employees, for instance, can boost their reliability and accountability.

Levels of Oneness

The Theory of Unity proposes different levels of interconnectedness.

• Physical:  On the most basic level, we share the same physical world. Our bodies are made of the same elements, products of the same cosmic processes.

• Emotional:  Emotions can be contagious, and empathy allows us to feel another's pain or joy. Even without empathy, our display of emotion, or lack thereof, can affect us in return, both in the short-term and long-term, like in the form of violence.

• Mr. John Duran's Bonus:

I no longer see reality quite the same way. There is no true solidity in the universe, just varying levels and degrees of liquidity, acting as a vast ocean would, and living creatures are the native mariners within its seemingly infinite waters. After this realization, things can never seem quite the same again.

Words Of Departure

The Theory of Unity encourages openness to other people, and rationalizing it can further our own interests, without the risks that often follow negative/oppressive/malicious methods.

We may not fully understand the nature of oneness, but acknowledging the possibility opens us to a more profound understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe. Perhaps further exploration, through introspection, meditation, or scientific research, could shed more light on this concept, allowing greater education and application of the very understanding that could transform our lives for the greater good.

The Feedback of the One Known As "St. Javelin's Pretext Seeking Missile"

Probably the most important question a person can grapple with is, "what do I owe others?".

The reason this is our most important question as humans, or in fact even as sapient beings, is because only sapients can a being ask themselves the question. Dogs can love us, purely. They can sacrifice themselves to save us without prior training out of this love. But they cannot ask themselves this question; they act on instinct.

This question, properly analyzed, will lead us inevitably to the same conclusion. I submit -- perhaps grandiosely, but I'll stand on it for as long as I can defend it -- that we owe everything to everyone else. None of what we have can we say properly belongs to us alone.

We will come to these conclusions, upon proper contemplation, regardless of other such issues as antisocial personality disorder, or the trait of narcissism. We will come to these conclusions because self-respect compels us to respect others.

Only our emotional impulses blind us to these realities. Only our insecurities drive us to stand above others. Even empathy, that often maligned trait among the neurodivergence, is utterly irrelevant to the equation. Empathy can only tell you when to be considerate, not whether or not. Only self respect can tell us to always be considerate. We become agents of good by choosing to be, and by no other means.

Why? Many reasons. Among the first of them is that because by serving others, I serve myself; and by failing to serve others, I abandon myself, just as I abandon them.

Far from compelling us into conformity, universal love requires respect for the universal claim to autonomy, and the absence of any legitimate authority to restrict another's autonomy. Perhaps as we colonize the (uninhabited) planets among the stars, we will split into new species over time, better suited to our new environments. These differences are also part of our connection. And our cooperation will always make us stronger than our competition.

We should stand firm in our position that you should express [spirituality] in any way that promotes your health and the health of your community. Exclude people from your circles of empathy though, at all of our peril.

I am very grateful for Mr. Tomasio's work