Approx. reading time: 2 minutes
My journey with THINKERER began as a quest to find a philosophical framework for fostering human and civic sustainability in our rapidly changing world. I was drawn to the Enlightenment ideals of reason, individualism, and progress through science and technology, seeing them as essential tools for addressing the complex challenges facing humanity. At the same time, I resonated with the Transcendentalist emphasis on intuitive wisdom, self-reliance, and the inherent divinity of nature and the human spirit.
As I delved deeper into these two traditions, I began to see how they could be integrated into a holistic worldview that balanced the rational and the spiritual, the individual and the collective, the human and the ecological. The Enlightenment provided a foundation of critical thinking and empirical inquiry, while Transcendentalism added a layer of spiritual depth and reverence for the interconnectedness of all things.
Over time, I came to understand how the logical extension of both Enlightenment humanism and Transcendentalist nature mysticism was a form of humanistic pantheism - a worldview that sees the divine as immanent in all of reality, from the cosmos as a whole to the human soul. This realization was a pivotal moment in my journey, as it provided a unifying framework for the various strands of thought I had been exploring.
Humanistic pantheism, as I came to articulate it, recognizes the inherent worth and potential of every human being while also situating humanity within the larger web of life and the universe itself. It calls us to embrace both our rational and intuitive capacities, to cultivate a sense of wonder and reverence for the mystery of existence, and to work towards creating a world of justice, sustainability, and flourishing for all.
From this understanding, I developed the THINKERER Principles as a distillation of the key ideas and values that had guided my own journey. These principles integrate the Enlightenment emphasis on reason, science, and human dignity with the Transcendentalist focus on spiritual self-reliance, the unity of being, and reverence for nature. They also incorporate the humanistic pantheist vision of the divine in all things and the call to individual and collective transformation.
The ten principles are: Reason and Science, Spiritual Self-Reliance, Unity of Being, Reverence for Nature, Human Dignity, Creative Originality, Continuous Growth, Intellectual Humility, Societal Reform, and Holistic Thinking - represent my attempt to articulate a comprehensive philosophy for the 21st century and beyond. They are an invitation to all those who seek a path of wisdom, compassion, and sustainability in these challenging yet promising times.
From there, finally I created the THINKERER Worldview, an ontology to help us explore philosophies for a sustainable world.
My journey with THINKERER has been one of discovery, integration, and creation. It has led me to pioneer a new philosophical framework that I believe can help guide humanity towards a more enlightened and harmonious future. Yet I know that this journey is ongoing, both for myself and for all those who resonate with the THINKERER message. Together, we can continue to explore, refine, and apply these principles in service of the greater good. The adventure of conscious evolution beckons, and the THINKERER path is a compass for navigating the uncharted territories ahead.