so who are we

After writing the first article in this series (so who am I), the second (so who are you) was a natural successor. Those two and another (a balanced life) prompts a third in the series. It seems now that I should extend these thoughts and ask ...

So, who are we?

Implict in the question is that something is or could be shared between us. As per the previous articles, using thought as our cornerstone and matching our thoughts with actions (and vice versa) we are striving to share an understanding. We are striving to share an understanding of our universe, our experience and our self. If we do not do this then there is no 'we'.

So, who are we?

We share something. What is it we share? We share our understanding of the universe. Can there be this kind of 'we' if we are not open to hearing others people's understanding of the universe? No, there can only be a 'we' if all parties of the 'we' get to share their understanding (note, sharing does not imply agreement). This 'we' is often instantiated through our discussions of religion, science or natural philosophy and our practice of those.

So, who are we?

We share an understanding of our experience, we may even share some of the same experiences. This 'we' is often instantiated through our discussions of psychology, myth, or personal and social histories. It may be instantiated through group activity like playing soccer, stealing car stereos or playing the fluglehorn.

So, who are we?

We share an understanding of our self. This 'we' is often instantiated through our close relationships with friends and family, through our gossip, through our biographies and our betrayals.

It can be seen that there is more than one 'we'.

So, who are we?

We share understanding of our universe, experience and our self in multiple connected but possibly distinct instances. Each of these instances is a society in itself. Perhaps it is worth asking what we contribute to each. What do you contribute to a shared understanding of the universe? What do you contribute to a shared understanding of your experience? What do you contribute to a shared understanding of your self? Can there be any society without sharing and contribution?

So, who are we? ..... We share our understanding. ..... We contribute to our societies.

For more information ...
so who am I
so who are you
a balanced life
society