From Stars to Consciousness: The Universe Story with Brian Swimme
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Listen to this episode: Duration: 45 min.
Quick Overview
Brian Swimme elucidates the philosophical and scientific underpinnings of humanity’s relationship with the universe. He delves into the concepts of the “universe story” as a framework for understanding our existence, our interconnections as “cosmological beings,” and the evolution of humanity’s shared knowledge. Through understanding our cosmological origins and the evolutionary saga, Swimme believes we can cultivate a new consciousness, recognizing ourselves as “cosmological beings” intrinsically linked to the cosmos. This expanded awareness, integrating science and spirituality, can lead to a more harmonious and responsible relationship with Earth and its inhabitants. Swimme sees the Earth Charter as an archetypal example of this evolving planetary wisdom, reflecting humanity’s growing understanding of its interconnectedness and responsibility for the planet.
Questions and Topics Addressed in this Episode
- Reflecting on the collaboration with Thomas Berry and how that contributed with the emergence of the New Cosmology school of thought.
- Key ideas that can be found on the book “The Universe Story,” e.g. the recognition that we are cosmological beings, deeply connected to the universe, and that our very atoms were formed in stars.
- Reflections on the “The Journey of the Universe.” Understanding our cosmological origins can lead to a new consciousness and a more responsible relationship with Earth and its inhabitants.
- Comments on “Humanity is the mind and heart of the universe, and it has the power and responsibility to shape the future.”
- Highlights from the new book “Cosmogenesis,” such as “we are cosmological beings.”
- What is the new evolutionary cosmology?
- The universe is filled with beauty and wonder and is a source of awe and inspiration. Reflections from “The Universe is a Green Dragon”
- Using the Earth Charter to help expand human consciousness with regards to our place in the universe.
Brian Swimme
From Stars to Consciousness: The Universe Story
Who is Brian Swimme?
Brian Swimme is a professor emeritus at the California Institute of Integral Studies and a scholar of evolutionary cosmology. Swimme’s work, including books like “The Universe is a Green Dragon” (1984), “The Universe Story” (1992), “The Journey of the Universe” (2011), and “Cosmogenesis” (2022), emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things, traces humanity’s origins back to the stars, and highlights our role as “the mind and heart of the universe.” His work integrates science and spirituality by presenting the universe, life, and humanity as an interconnected system and challenges us to rethink our relationship with the Earth and each other. Find more details on the course he is offering at: https://dtnetwork.org/product/cosmogenesis/