Ethan Indigo Smith has researched all manner of philosophy movements and shares these various philosophies with us to show the similarities and common threads as well as pointing out fresh ways of re-thinking the.
In this very fine, well-written, informative and useful book he takes us through his discoveries and his techniques in a manner that is easily assimilated. As with each of Ethan’s books he not only shares his walk with the spiritual aspect of philosophy - he also teaches on a broader scope than most. Read him and feel enlightened.
Ethan opens his book on the philosophy of duality with the following – ‘The Matrix of Four, The Philosophy of the Duality of Polarity is metaphilosophy. Philosophy is a way of thinking applicable to a limited number of subjects or objects. Metaphilosophy is a thinking model applicable to numerous and diverse subjects and objects. When I first began writing this I originally thought I invented the concept, but soon realized my expression of it was just a small part of a much bigger and ancient idea. The Matrix of Four, The Philosophy of The Duality of Polarity inevitably develops individual awareness and consciousness. It can also instigate and enhance one’s intuition and understanding thereof. The formula is applicable to, and assists understanding of politics, science, theology, mathematics, reason, debate, meditation and innumerable structures and systems. The idea has also proven to be, perhaps most importantly, inspirational. I utilized the metaphilosophy for years, as you no doubt have too. I referenced it repeatedly, I presented nuanced thoughts composed by way of it, and wit with it, but I was, for all extents and purposes, unaware of its
specifics until I began to write and research another idea. The Matrix of Four is a philosopher’s tool used constantly in rhetoric and logic, yet it most often goes unmentioned and unseen. Metaphilosophy is like that, present yet silent, permeating so many subjects and objects as to be practically unnoticed. The Matrix of Four is ever present and yet elusive, and in some circles aspects of it have even been variously hidden and suppressed. I initially conceptualized a set of four concerning our thinking and being in the political spectrum. In The Complete Patriot’s Guide to Oligarchical Collectivism I posit there are four political archetypes; Idiots, Zealots, Elitists and Patriots. I proposed this set in order to understand individuals and bypass traditional prejudiced labels. The deciding factor in this matrix is individual reaction to information. Idiots don’t question relevance, finding comfort in their ignorance. Zealots question limitedly, in accordance to their preconceptions. Elitists question in order to advance their power and do not share information. Patriots question and share information openly.
Sharing the various roots of different philosophies, Ethan closes with succinct facts - ‘The four cardinal virtues of Christianity are prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude.
The four cardinal virtues of Hinduism are non-violence, truth, purity and self-control. The following sets of four are all celebrated in Buddhism: The Four Mental Principles are wisdom, truthfulness, abandonment of evil and selfishness, and appeasement. The Four Bases of Success are appreciation, effort, attention and investigation. The Four Divine States of Mind are loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy over others' achievement and equanimity. The Four Virtues Conducive to Social Welfare are generosity, kind speech, benevolence and adaptability. The Fourfold Right Effort is made up of the effort to restrain from evil the effort to abandon evil, the effort to develop good and the effort to maintain good.
As with all of Ethan’s books, the reader comes away from the experience standing taller, breathing more deeply, and discovering how ready we are to be truly alive. Grady Harp, September 18
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If the number 4 holds a special place in your mind, get this book!
Not for the tetra-phobic, this book explores the meaning and symbolic manifestations pertaining to four. I have always thought of 4 as the perfect number and perhaps a key to some deep understanding of nature, the elements and symmetry/beauty. Indigo explains and interprets the many layers to this and ultimately you are left with the duality of polarity. Once that is part of your understanding, the unseen and seen worlds vibe together like a yin yang. One always swirling around the other. Cool book. The baby liked it too.
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If the number 4 holds a special place in your mind, get this book!
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2021
Not for the tetra-phobic, this book explores the meaning and symbolic manifestations pertaining to four. I have always thought of 4 as the perfect number and perhaps a key to some deep understanding of nature, the elements and symmetry/beauty. Indigo explains and interprets the many layers to this and ultimately you are left with the duality of polarity. Once that is part of your understanding, the unseen and seen worlds vibe together like a yin yang. One always swirling around the other. Cool book. The baby liked it too.Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2021
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