Cosmology – from Greek kosmos meaning “universe”; and logia menaing “study” – is how we make sense of our place in the universe. It includes our myths and stories as well as our scientific understandings.
As I consider my own cosmology, I keep stumbling across living systems. I realize that my understanding these days is that the universe is an alive, enchanted and evolving system. Like all living systems, it is moving toward increased complexity and in the continual process of learning.
Ultimately, one’s cosmology is a choice which becomes a belief. Having evolved through at least two other significant cosmologies in this lifetime (fundamental Christianity and modern science), I now embrace an understanding of the universe as a living system. Since I have the choice of cosmologies, I am choosing (for now, at least) one that proves both meaning and utility. For me, it provides a sense of belonging to something infinite and alive while also making my actions significant as part of the process of a universe becoming conscious. It is like being part of a huge learning journey in which the universe is discovering itself.
Following are some of the resources that have guided me on this journey.
Articles & Documents
Audio Recordings
- The Wayfinders: Why Ancient Wisdom Matters in the Modern World ~ Wade Davis (Long Now talk)
- A New Story for a New Economy ~ David Korten
Blogs
Books
- Cosmos and Psyche: Intimations of a New World View by Richard Tarnas
- Leadership and the New Science: Learning about Organization from an Orderly Universe by Margaret Wheatley
- The Ascent of Humanity ~ Charles Eisenstein
- The Passion of the Western Mind: Understanding the Ideas that Have Shaped Our World View by Richard Tarnas
- The View From the Center of the Universe: Discovering Our Extraordinary Place in the Cosmos by Joel R. Primack and Ellen Abrams
Organizations
People
Podcasts
Video Recordings
- The Pattern of Living Systems ~ Michelle Holliday (TEDX)
- Sally Goerner at Data Ecologies 2009 – presentation about complex and intricate systems, money, economy and optimism for positive change. Includes a different presentation on the Two Loops Model.
- World Wide Web of Belief and Ritual ~ Wade Davis (TED talk)
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