Unveiling Hidden Wisdom
In our quest for truth, Flannery O’Connor's words resonate deeply: “The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it.” This pursuit of truth, as Galileo Galilei suggests, is not just about understanding but about discovering it. Truth, an objective and discoverable entity, stands in stark contrast to falsehoods, which, as George Braque pointed out, need to be invented. In this journey, Buddha's wisdom guides us: “Those who have failed to work toward the truth have missed the point in living.”
Why do we exist? A significant part of our existence hinges on discovering truth, both about the world around us and within us. This path isn’t easy; it may even be painful, especially if it’s a first-time endeavor. But it’s necessary.
The trivium, often seen as an occult science, plays a critical role in this pursuit. The term "occult," derived from Latin, implies something hidden or concealed, not because it is secretive, but because it is often overlooked or feared. The trivium operates in two realms: the Lesser Arcana of the human psyche and the Greater Arcana of the laws of nature. It transcends belief, demanding knowledge acquired through love (Agape).
The trivium is a three-step process: Grammar/Knowledge/Input, Logic/Understanding/Processing, and Rhetoric/Wisdom/Output. It's a systematic approach to validate knowledge and discern truth from falsehood. Each step is crucial and must be followed sequentially.
Step 1: Grammar/Knowledge/Input involves acquiring and entertaining new knowledge. It’s about leading oneself from darkness to light, staying open to new ideas while preparing to filter them. Ignorance, or the willful rejection of knowledge, is the enemy here. Knowledge acquisition is not just through traditional senses but also through experiences like grounding.
Step 2: Logic/Understanding/Processing is where we filter, process, and organize this knowledge. It’s a holistic approach, combining knowledge, logic, reason, experience, emotion, and intuition. The antithesis of this step is laziness or apathy, a failure to properly vet information.
Tools for vetting information include the process of apophasis (defining what to do by stating what not to do), eliminating emotional thinking and confirmation bias, and understanding causality.
Step 3: Rhetoric/Wisdom/Output involves aligning our actions with our understanding of truth. Actions not aligned with truth lead to negative consequences. This step is about continuous adjustment and improvement.
The trivium is a potent tool, often removed from mainstream education due to its empowering nature. It encourages us to reclaim our curiosity, question everything, and believe in our ability to discover truth.
Incorporating the trivium into daily life involves becoming a lifelong learner, questioning everything, and looking within for answers. It’s about having an open mind with a strong filter, continuously seeking to improve our understanding of reality.
In conclusion, the trivium is not just a learning tool; it's a way of life. It empowers us to distinguish truth from falsehood, to evolve continually, and to impact our collective reality positively. As Socrates aptly said, “Wonder is the beginning of Wisdom.”
