Wisdom Builder

Three Tidbit Stories

Topic:

Physics

How our universe physically works.

MODE:

Speed: 1.00

Physics.

3 random tidbit stories in about 3 minutes.

Idea 1.

A Physics Story.

Redwood Lineage Emerges.

~95 Million Years Ago (+/- 5 million)

Tall, fire-resistant, long-lived conifer specialization.

These trees descend from a line that was already ancient when dinosaurs dominated the land. During the age of dinosaurs, the lineage that would become modern coast redwoods separated from other conifers.

Redwoods belong to Cupressaceae (defined by scale-like leaves and fused woody cones). Within that family, they evolved exceptional height through efficient vascular transport, thick tannin-rich bark resistant to fire and insects, and the ability to sprout clonally. Coastal redwoods, in particular, also take advantage of fog-assisted water uptake.

Pictured: Sequoia sempervirens. This coastal redwood species emerged about 25 million years ago during the Miocene era. This picture was taken in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve near Guerneville, California.

I wrote that Physics Story,

and posted it to TST 8 months ago.

Idea 2.

A Physics FAQ.

Were neanderthals artistic?.

And why do we care?

The answer is yes, Neanderthals were artistic, and we care because this indicates a level of intelligence comparable to us. That matters because it indicates our direct ancestors back to at least 440,000 years ago likely had about the same intelligence as we do! And that implies much.

Here’s some background…

Up to about 2018, the answer was a clear “No! They did not posses symbolic thought.” And, up to about 2010, they would add, “And they never bred with humans. They couldn’t.”

However, despite human bias bleeding into the scientific community, the evidence is clear. It took time, but the tide turned in 2010 when DNA analysis proved Neanderthals interbred with humans. And that was triggering.

The idea that some of us interbred with Neanderthals triggered are biases the other way. Now, Neanderthals had to be pretty smart.

Also, recent archaeological discoveries have dramatically shifted our understanding of Neanderthal capabilities and culture, revealing a side of these ancient humans that showcases their ability for abstract thought and creativity.

The most compelling evidence to me comes from cave art found in Spain, dated to at least 64,000 years ago—well before our arrival to that area.

Moreover, ornaments such as eagle talons fashioned into jewelry have been found at Neanderthal sites, suggesting a creative and complex self-identity. These findings challenge the outdated stereotype of Neanderthals as brutish and unintelligent.

I wrote that Physics FAQ,

and posted it to TST 3 years ago.

Idea 3.

A Physics Term.

Eternal Recurrence.

Eternal recurrence is a traditional term inside Nietzsche’s philosophy. In its classic form, it asks you to imagine your life, exactly as you are living it, repeating, over and over. The point is not to throw you into existential crisis, per se. The deeper challenge is personal: could you say yes to your life if you had to live it again?

In 30 Philosophers, the Nietzsche Authentic Recipe is presented as a way to strip away deception and build a more authentic existence. It fits inside that recipe as a test. It asks whether the life you are living, the choice you are making, or the pattern you are repeating is something you could honestly affirm, over and over, forever. The book uses the example of going to church, forever. If that excites you, keep going to church; but if it doesn’t, perhaps it’s time to examine who you want to become.

In TST, the eternal recurrence tool is a common floor for testing authenticity within TST Ethics, and a hook into Nietzschean thought. It belongs inside personal morality, specifically within the authentic-self branch. It is the authenticity test. It helps you examine your choices, habits, relationships, work, and life direction. If you would be horrified to repeat a pattern forever, it may be pointing to a false life, a borrowed script, or a self you are performing instead of becoming.

The eternal recurrence gives people a powerful tool they can use without becoming Nietzschean. Would I choose this again? Is this action part of a life I can honestly affirm? It opens the door to his larger concern with life affirmation, self-overcoming, and the courage to create a life that is truly your own.

I wrote that Physics Term,

and posted it to TST 3 months ago.

By Philosopher Michael Alan Prestwood