When I chose the blogs original name, modus vivendi (now changed to "Alchemy, Science, Innovation...") it was because initially for other reasons than I would today. But I consider it a very well chosen title. Modus vivendi is Latin and means: way of living (modus: mode/way, vivendi: of living).
Politically the term is used as temporary arrangement that allows life to go on. Modus vivendi can be use about territorial disputes (eg. Israel), lay down of arms (eg. North Ireland), ethnic minority problems (eg. Gypsies) and so on. So, in no way a final solution, but an unstable agreement that allow everyone to have a life while waiting for something better.
Another way of looking at the term is as a philosophy (way of life). Life never settles or concludes. It is dynamic and can be governed by principles. I have practiced such a path for years now through the understanding of Budô. Bu means the path relating to conflicts such as war or survival, and dô: way of life.
Now, choosing a path normally means you seek some level of enlightenment. It does not mean you will reach it - it is the journey (improvement) that is the purpose. For the first kind of conflicts mentioned that is often solved with a modus vivendi, enlightenment is probably one of the few ways out of a crisis. It is slow, painful, and difficult, but rewards of the process can be rewarding.
The conflict I see, between alchemical thought and modern science is the focus of my thoughts and this blog. I do not know how I knew that modus vivendi would nail the problem to the wall for me. Both of these philosophies have a common root, but diverged, much like we see ideologies part people in other conflicts. Alchemy exist today as a minority, but it is growing stronger, louder, and more aggressive in the absence of answers from the dominant path (modern science) in providing the what really matters to most of us: our a way of life... or perhaps just living.
I am almost ready with my research in how the two philosophies are intertwined and why it is all accumulating these years. I am not going to give you another 2012 doomsday prophecy, but attempt to give a sober overview that make good sense in my world.
Politically the term is used as temporary arrangement that allows life to go on. Modus vivendi can be use about territorial disputes (eg. Israel), lay down of arms (eg. North Ireland), ethnic minority problems (eg. Gypsies) and so on. So, in no way a final solution, but an unstable agreement that allow everyone to have a life while waiting for something better.
Another way of looking at the term is as a philosophy (way of life). Life never settles or concludes. It is dynamic and can be governed by principles. I have practiced such a path for years now through the understanding of Budô. Bu means the path relating to conflicts such as war or survival, and dô: way of life.
Now, choosing a path normally means you seek some level of enlightenment. It does not mean you will reach it - it is the journey (improvement) that is the purpose. For the first kind of conflicts mentioned that is often solved with a modus vivendi, enlightenment is probably one of the few ways out of a crisis. It is slow, painful, and difficult, but rewards of the process can be rewarding.
The conflict I see, between alchemical thought and modern science is the focus of my thoughts and this blog. I do not know how I knew that modus vivendi would nail the problem to the wall for me. Both of these philosophies have a common root, but diverged, much like we see ideologies part people in other conflicts. Alchemy exist today as a minority, but it is growing stronger, louder, and more aggressive in the absence of answers from the dominant path (modern science) in providing the what really matters to most of us: our a way of life... or perhaps just living.
I am almost ready with my research in how the two philosophies are intertwined and why it is all accumulating these years. I am not going to give you another 2012 doomsday prophecy, but attempt to give a sober overview that make good sense in my world.
Further reading:
