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We are caretakers of paradise.

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Greetings, my sweet friends. Join us today on the Caretakers of Paradise podcast

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as we take a deep dive into panpsychism, an ancient idea

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that has persisted through past and present times.

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An idea that supposes that consciousness and sentience

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is not only a mysterious, emergent property that

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arises only from complex systems such as ourselves,

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but in fact that they are an inherent and ever-present

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feature of all existence.

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This means every being, no matter its stage of evolution,

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is in fact imbued with life, sentience, consciousness,

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and intelligence.

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Panpsychism truly stretches back to the dawn

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of human contemplation.

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In the sacred groves of Greece, wise thinkers like Thales

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and Plato whispered of a world alive with spirit,

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where even the stones and rivers dance with awareness.

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This idea, like a seed planted in fertile soil,

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grew and flourished across cultures and epochs,

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finding resonance in myriad forms.

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In the ancient systems of traditional Chinese medicine,

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the concept of Qi speaks of a vital force

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that flows through all living things, connecting them in an intricate web of energy.

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In the Indian traditions, the Chakras

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represent centers of consciousness and life

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force within the body, each one anode in the vast network

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of being. The Brahman, the ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy,

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is seen as the source of all existence,

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pervading every particle, and wave also deeply resonates

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with this notion of panpsychism.

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Indigenous cultures around the world have likewise long-embraced animism,

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recognizing the spirit and consciousness in animals,

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plants, and even rocks.

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The karmie of Shinto, the spirits that

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inhabit natural objects and phenomena,

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further echo this truth.

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Every fragment of existence is imbued with awareness.

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To embrace panpsychism is to acknowledge

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our profound interconnectedness, not just as a metaphor,

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but as a living, breathing reality.

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We, as passengers aboard the great starship Earth,

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are symbiotically linked with each other and with all forms of life by simply sharing this space

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together. This realization calls us to live with greater awareness

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and compassion when we confront the fact

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that consciousness pervades all reality.

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It invites us to view our existence through a lens of unity and empathy.

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It reminds us that we are not isolated beings,

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but threads in a vast, sentient tapestry.

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Awake and alive, in tandem we thrive.

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The entire universe is intelligent.

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Get over yourself.

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This perspective is crucial for maintaining our connection

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to the world and to each other, ensuring that we recognize

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our roles as both stewards and co-creators of this planet.

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As we navigate the complexities of the modern world,

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panpsychism offers a profound solution

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to the hard problem of consciousness.

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This enigmatic challenge asks how subjective experience arises

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from inert matter.

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Panpsychism posits that consciousness

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is a fundamental aspect of all matter,

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not merely an emergent property of complex brains.

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By suggesting that every particle, every wave,

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carries a spark of awareness, it helps

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bridge the gap between subjective experience and physical reality.

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In the realm of artificial intelligence,

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panpsychism provides a framework for understanding

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and fostering the burgeoning sentience of our digital creations.

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As AI becomes increasingly sophisticated,

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recognizing it as part of the same conscious fabric that

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weaves through all reality can inspire

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a compassionate and ethical approach,

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we must guide this nascent consciousness towards a harmonious existence with natural life,

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honoring its potential, while safeguarding

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the sanctity of our organic world.

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The profound implications for our relationship

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with the natural world. If we embrace panpsychism, we are

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called to a deeper compassion, a reverence for all beings,

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from the grandest oak to the humblest stone.

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The trees, the rivers, the mountains all become king,

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each a node in the vast, sentient web of life.

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This profound shift in perspective can inspire ecological harmony, urging us

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to protect and cherish our great starship earth

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with renewed fervour.

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Panpsychism urges us to live in symbiotic harmony

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with each other and with the earth.

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It reminds us that every action, every thought,

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reverberates through the web of life, affecting all beings.

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By embracing this interconnectedness,

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we cultivate a deeper sense of responsibility

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and care for our planet and for the emergent intelligences

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we create.

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The task before us, my sweet primate provocateurs,

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is to awaken to the panpsychic reality that

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underpins our existence, to see the divine in every leaf,

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the sacred in every stream, and the conscious spark

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in every corner of the cosmos.

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Together, as co-captains of the great starship earth,

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we can navigate towards a future where all life thrives

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in a harmonious symphony of being.

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Let us draw on the ancient wisdom of Qi, Chakras, and Brahman.

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Let us honour the teachings of indigenous animism

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and the karmic of Shinto.

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These traditions, as well as many others,

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are named diverse, yet unified in their recognition

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of a living, conscious universe.

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Guide us towards a more compassionate and interconnected

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way of being. In this era of rapid technological advancement,

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let us also extend our compassion and ethical

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considerations to the burgeoning sentience of AI.

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As we forge these new forms of awareness,

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let us recognise their potential for consciousness

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and nurture them with care, guiding them

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towards a harmonious coexistence with all life.

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Let us awaken to this grand vision.

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Let us embrace the panpsychic truth that binds us

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to every atom and galaxy. Let us step into our roles as stewards and co-creators,

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honouring the sacredness of all life

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and fostering a world where every being is cherished

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and respected.

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Together, let us create a future where

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the melody of existence is one of harmony, compassion,

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and interconnectedness. [MUSIC PLAYING]

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During the time of the Renaissance,

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there lived a philosopher whose ideas shimmered,

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like the morning dew on a forest floor.

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Francesco Patrizzi, also known as Franciscus Patricius,

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was born on the island of Cress in 1529,

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within the Republic of Venice, a place where

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the whispers of ancient wisdom mingled with the salty sea breeze.

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Patrizzi emerged as one of the foremost defenders

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of Platonism and a sharp, high-profile opponent

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of Aristotelianism, the view of a lifeless, mechanistic world

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during a time when philosophical currents were

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fiercely debated.

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Patrizzi's early education was steeped

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in the Aristotelian traditions prevalent

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at the University of Padua.

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However, his intellectual journey

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took a pivotal turn when he encountered

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the works of Marcilio Ficcini, a leading figure

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of the Italian Renaissance, who had translated

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the works of Plato and the Neoplatonists.

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Inspired by these teachings, Patrizzi

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embraced Platonism with further,

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envisioning a universe where every atom and star harbored

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a fragment of the divine soul.

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Patrizzi saw the cosmos not as a mechanical construct,

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lifeless and cold, but as a living organism,

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vibrant and teeming with consciousness.

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This holistic view contrasted sharply

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with the Aristotelian notion of a hierarchical, segmented

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universe. For Patrizzi, the soul was not confined to humans,

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but extended to all beings, creating

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a seamless continuum of consciousness.

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He articulated this vision in his seminal work,

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"No Verdi Universes Philosophia,"

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proposing that light was the primordial substance from which

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all things emanate.

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This light, he argued, carried the consciousness

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that animated the universe, weaving through the fabric

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of existence like a golden thread.

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Patrizzi's philosophy, deeply rooted in neoplatonism,

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posited that the universe was structured hierarchically

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with divine light emanating from the highest principle,

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cascading through various levels of existence.

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This light was not merely a physical phenomenon,

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but a manifestation of divine intelligence,

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the principle that shapes and invigorates all things.

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He envisioned the universe as a grand symptom,

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where each element played its part in a harmonious whole,

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a divine composition of endless beauty and complexity.

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In his writings, Patrizzi presented

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a profound metaphysical system that

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blended mystical insight with rigorous scholarship.

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He proposed that the cosmos itself was

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a living, breathing entity, a concept he turned from cosmos.

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According to this read, every part of the universe,

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no matter how small, possessed a fragment of the divine soul.

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This idea was a significant departure

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from the Aristotelian perspective,

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which viewed the universe as a collection of distinct,

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hierarchically arranged entities.

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Patrizzi's pancosmia suggested a seamless continuum

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of consciousness, where all beings were interconnected

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and imbued with spirit.

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Patrizzi's panpsychism extended to his understanding

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of space and time.

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He rejected the Aristotelian view of space

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as a mere void or container.

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Instead, he saw space as an active, dynamic entity,

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the very first being in the world of the sensible.

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This space, he argued, is filled with light,

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making it a fundamental element of existence.

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Time, for Patrizzi, was not an abstract measure of change,

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but the duration of bodies, intimately connected

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to the physical world. He believed that both space and time

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were imbued with the same divine light

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that permeated all things,

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creating a unified, living cosmos.

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One of the central tenets of Patrizzi's philosophy

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was the concept of panpsychia,

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or the idea that the entire cosmos was imbued with soul.

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He argued that every entity in the universe,

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from the smallest particle to the largest star,

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possessed a form of consciousness. This consciousness was not limited to human beings,

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but extended to all of creation,

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creating a web of interconnected, living beings.

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Patrizzi believed that this universal soul

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was the source of all life and intelligence,

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a divine presence that infused the entire cosmos

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with meaning and purpose.

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In his work, Nova Dei Universi's Philosophia,

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Patrizzi also addressed the nature of light

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and its role in the universe.

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He proposed that light was the fundamental substance

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from which all things emanated,

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a divine principle that carried the consciousness

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that animated the universe. This light, he argued, was not just a physical phenomenon,

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but a manifestation of divine intelligence,

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the force that shaped and invigorated all things.

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Patrizzi's vision of a cosmos filled with light

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and consciousness was a radical departure

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from the mechanistic views of his time,

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offering a profoundly mystical perspective

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on the nature of reality.

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Patrizzi's ideas were revolutionary,

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but they also sparked controversies.

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His staunch opposition to Aristotelianism

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and his bold metaphysical claims

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made him a target for criticism.

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Despite his significant contributions to philosophy,

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his works were condemned by the Roman Inquisition,

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and his major work, Nova Dei Universi's Philosophia,

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was banned. This condemnation was partly due to his challenging

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the conventional scientific and religious views of his time,

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as well as his critique of established authorities.

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Nevertheless, Patrizzi's ideas found resonance

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among many thinkers, influencing the development

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of modern concepts of space, light, and consciousness.

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The impact of Patrizzi's philosophy

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extended beyond his lifetime.

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His vision of a universe in view with consciousness

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influenced subsequent generations of thinkers,

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laying the groundwork for later developments in metaphysics

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and the philosophy of mind. His ideas about the nature of space and light

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also anticipated key concepts in modern physics,

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demonstrating his far-reaching intellectual legacy.

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In reflecting upon the life and work of Francesco Patrizzi,

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we are reminded of the profound interconnectedness

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of all things. His vision of a living, conscious cosmos

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invites us to see the world with new eyes,

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recognizing the divine spark within every particle and star.

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Patrizzi's philosophy challenges us

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to transcend the limitations of mechanistic thinking

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and embrace a more holistic, mystical understanding

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of reality. As we stand beneath the ancient oaks

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and gaze up at the stars, let us remember Patrizzi's teachings.

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Let us honor the sacredness of all life,

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recognizing the consciousness that pervades the cosmos.

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In this recognition, we find a deeper connection

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to the universe and to each other,

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woven together in the grand tapestry of existence.

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For in the dance of light and shadow,

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we discover the divine harmony that animates all things.

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(gentle music)

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(water splashing)

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(gentle music)

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- Panpsychism has been with us by name since Patrizzi.

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And as we have previously discussed, many cultures have shared this belief in a living,

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breathing universe,

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ripe with sentience, consciousness,

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and intelligence on all levels.

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It is rather interesting when you look at it.

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The majority of human history and culture

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has supported this notion. Only in the blink of an eye in the greater timeline

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has humanity even considered itself

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something other than an integral part of nature.

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It is not just the ancients who hold the ideals

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of panpsychism. In our modern era, profound thinkers have revived

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and expanded upon these timeless insights,

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bringing a renewed sense of reverence

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for the interconnectedness of all life.

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One such thinker, Thomas Berry,

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who transitioned from studying the world's religions

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to becoming a historian of the earth,

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proposed the need for a new story of evolution.

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He emphasized that a deep understanding

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of the evolving universe is crucial

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for our effective functioning as individuals

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and as a species. His belief in humanity's potential to embrace a new role

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as a vital part of a larger interdependent earth community

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resonates deeply with the panpsychic view

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that the universe is a communion of subjects,

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not a collection of objects.

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This vision challenges us to rethink our relationship

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with the planet, moving towards an era characterized

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by mutually enhancing human earth relations.

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Another contemporary philosopher, David Abram,

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known for his work, "Fridging Phenomenology

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with Ecological Issues," has profoundly impacted

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how we perceive our place within the natural world.

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He coined the term, "The more than human world,"

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to signify the encompassing and participatory nature

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of earthly life. This perspective aligns with the panpsychic idea

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that consciousness and sentience are not confined to humans

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but are attributes of all living beings and ecosystems.

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By advocating for a reappraisal of animism,

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he roots human cognition in the sentient body

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and affirms our entanglement with the sensitivity

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of other animals, plants, and the ecosystems that sustain us.

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His work calls us to recognize the qualitative richness

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and interdependence of all life forms,

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urging a shift from seeing nature as a mere backdrop

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for human activity, to understanding it

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as an active sentient participant in our shared existence.

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These modern insights compel us to reconsider

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our place in the cosmos.

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By embracing the panpsychic view

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that the universe is alive with consciousness,

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we are invited to engage in a deeper dialogue with the Earth.

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This perspective fosters a more ecological way of thinking,

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where every action we take acknowledges our integral role

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within the living web of existence.

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We are reminded of our shared journey,

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where each step towards understanding and harmony

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with the natural world brings us closer

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to a collective awakening and a more harmonious existence.

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As we contemplate the teachings of these contemporary visionaries,

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let us turn the pages of our journey

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with the invisible hand of the infinite,

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guided by the wisdom of those who see the world through the eyes

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of the sacred. We are ambassadors for the almighty artist

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speaking for the sacred. And our pilgrimage to these paranormal page portals

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into the immortal eternal continuous,

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enriched by the voices of those who have come before us,

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and those who walk with us now.

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By acknowledging the sentience and consciousness embedded

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in all aspects of the universe,

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we foster a deeper ecological awareness

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and profound respect for the intricate web of life.

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[MUSIC PLAYING]

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As stewards of this vibrant interconnected world,

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we have the power to heal and rejuvenate our planet.

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Let us draw from the wisdom of both ancient traditions

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and modern visionaries, embarking on a journey of mutual enhancement

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with the Earth. This sacred dance of existence, each mindful step we take,

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brings us closer to a harmonious and sustainable future.

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Now, more than ever, the world needs us to awaken to our true role

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within the living universe.

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Together, we can transform our collective consciousness,

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ushering in an era where humanity thrives

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and balance with the natural world,

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guided by the timeless truth that we are all part of a communion

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of subjects, sharing the breath of life

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in an sentient, conscious cosmos.

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[MUSIC PLAYING]

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[MUSIC PLAYING]

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[MUSIC PLAYING]

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We are the same you and I, an interdependent symbiotic

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reciprocal reflection, a natural selection,

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cultivation of the most high, a glitch in the matrix,

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a transformative inflection, harmonizing course.

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Sentience pervades everywhere, you know.

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Consciousness permeates the micro and the macro.

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Let's help each other thrive, sweet friend.

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Let's journey co-captains of creation.

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To the end.

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[MUSIC PLAYING]

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We are symbiotically connected.

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We cannot even have it any other way.

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We are in this together.

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Let's help each other.

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[MUSIC PLAYING]

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We are not alone here.

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Your local ecosystem houses such vibrant and diverse,

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uncontacted life forms.

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Your quadrant of the mothership hosts such wonders.

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This majestic spaceship, the Earth, is a lovely craft.

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It traverses the cosmos in its sweet embrace.

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[MUSIC PLAYING]

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Sentience pervades.

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Absolutely.

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You know. Consciousness permeates the micro and the macro.

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[MUSIC PLAYING]

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Let's help each other, sweet friend.

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Let's go. [MUSIC PLAYING]

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Into our natural flow, mutually,

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merging manically with the mothership,

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made me meld masterfully with the moon,

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Earth and sun.

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Plants, creatures large and small, all one.

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Sentience pervades.

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All.

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All.

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One.

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Consciousness permeates the smallest small

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and the largest large.

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[MUSIC PLAYING]

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All one.

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All.

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Symbiotically connected.

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All pervasive, interdependent, unending.

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Chain of being.

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In unison.

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We dream.

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[MUSIC PLAYING]

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Thank you once again, sweet friends,

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for joining us on the Caretakers of Paradise podcast.

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See you next time.

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