PARADIGM

(06,21,2021) Paradigm is like the lens through which we view the world. No doubt you have heard the expression, “through rose-coloured glasses” or some version of such. For those of you who have not, or simply fail to see the connection, I will attempt to clarify. A person who we call an optimist, or who is always looking at the bright side of things, is one who we often refer to as viewing the world through rose-coloured glasses or lenses, wherein everything seems to appear ‘rosy’. Such is the paradigm of an optimistic person. The Random House Webster’s Dictionary simply describes a paradigm as an example which is used as a model. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary expands on that to include a pattern for something that may be copied. It also offers the definition of a paradigm as a theory or a group of ideas about how something should be done, made or thought about. It follows, then, that a paradigm shift is a change that occurs when your way of doing or viewing something has been drastically altered or replaced by a new and different way. A common physical practice, used by many to illustrate the concept of a paradigm, is an artist’s rendition, a simple black and white sketch, of an animal which many see as a long-eared rabbit while others perceive the creature to be a narrow-billed duck. Another sketch shows the portrait of a woman. But, while some see the image of a modern thirties’ era young vamp in fashionable dress, others only see an old woman in a kerchief. Two different paradigms for either sketch. Hermann Rorschach’s ink blot images also provide a prime example of how one’s paradigm can differ from another. The concept of a paradigm shift was introduced by Thomas Kuhn, a physicist and philosopher, in his book, ‘The structure of scientific revolutions’, which he wrote in 1962. Now, in honor of his legacy, the ‘Thomas Kuhn Paradigm Shift Award’ is awarded to speakers who present original views that are at odds with conventional ones. Although Kuhn’s focus was mostly on mainstream science, the term may be used to apply to any notion, theory, idea, opinion, viewpoint or obstacle. If the Thomas Kuhn Paradigm Shift Award had existed one century ago, it would most definitely have been awarded to Albert Einstein. Approximately one hundred years ago, Albert Einstein offered a new paradigm on how mankind should view the universe and its laws. Although it opposed Newton’s theory of gravity, as accepted by the British scientific community for hundreds of years, the English scientist, Eddington, proved that Einstein’s theory was correct. A whole new paradigm or view of our universe was born. Just as the earth had been proven to be round, and not flat, both Einstein and Eddington had established that gravity was not a constant. As Einstein later went on to demonstrate, in his theory of relativity, gravity was subject to other laws of the planets while they, in turn, were subject to time and space. But, time is relative and space is full of curves. Talk about being thrown a curve ball! Every scientist who delved in Astro-physics had to cast off their old way of thinking and begin anew to understand how the universe works. New formulas with new calculations were introduced which provided a deeper concept of God’s creation and the laws by which it is governed. The principles, resulting from the paradigm shift which Einstein proposed, had ushered in a new era in science. During the last century of this millennium alone, the twentieth century, mankind has been transported from the horse and buggy era, which prevailed for several millennia, to the space age. By the start of the twenty-first century, mankind was orbiting the earth in an international space station, working on establishing a permanent moon base, and, now, planning their first manned space flight to Mars, where they have already accomplished many successful reconnaissance missions. In this manner, the Einstein paradigm shift abruptly jumpstarted the ‘Age of Enlightenment’. Mankind is casting off its earthly ties and raising its eyes to the heavens. Experiencing a paradigm shift should not be traumatic. In fact, one is usually rewarded with the opposite sense. At times, it could be like having an epiphany, such as the realization which occurred with the case of Einstein and Eddington. One’s mind becomes open to new possibilities. Now, imagine a world with clean air, no pollution, and an inexhaustible amount of free, clean energy. This was Tesla’s paradigm, also conceived approximately one hundred years ago. More importantly, Tesla had the mind and the means to produce such an environment, and he accomplished that incredible feat. Tesla had already built the apparatus and towers, the function of which was to draw pure energy from the ground as well as from the air. His wish was to present this gift to the world. But, the power-hungry moguls of the world, especially those who sponsored him, would hear nothing of it. Tesla’s towers were destroyed and, ultimately, so was he and his dream. Not long afterwards, the greedy oil conglomerates forced their dirty polluting sludge on the world, making us dependent on it for the last century. Every opportunity, since then, for an environmentally clean source of energy, has been shut down or forced out by the oil magnates. Again, imagine the kind of world we would be living in today, if Tesla’s dream, or paradigm, had been realized. Those responsible for such a gross assault on the earth, and its inhabitants, the ravenous power brokers of the world, have been controlling things for too long! Greed has forced life on this planet to near extinction. It is time for another paradigm shift! Fortunately, we have the opportunity for such a shift. Now, there is a new administration in the United States of America. One that removes people from the garbage heap of lies and subterfuge that has bombarded them for the previous four years, and lifts them to a new height of wisdom and hope. This could have a significant impact on our world. The Biden administration has rejoined the fight against climate change and is dedicated to cleaning up the environment. Maybe, in time, in can also repair some of the damage created by the previous administration. The future of the rest of the world depends on it. Biden offers a more pragmatic approach when dealing with the serious issues of today. Indeed! Anyone who is concerned for the future of this planet, and that of our children, must also embrace pragmatism!