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We evolute toward ever lesser brain comprehension lags - ergo, toward ever diminishing error; ergo, ever diminishing misunderstandings; ergo, ever diminishing fear, and its brain-lagging painful errors of objectivity; wherefore we approach eternal instantaneity of absolute and total comprehension. The eternal instantaneity of no lag at all. However, we have now learned from our generalizations of the great complexity of the interactions of principles as we are disembarrassed of our local, exclusively physical chemistry of information-sensing devices - that what is approached is eternal and instant awareness of absolute reality of all that ever existed. All the great metaphysical integrity of all the individuals, which is potential and inherent in the complex interactions of generalized principles, will always and only coexist eternally.

Buckminster Fuller#57

KnowledgeConsciousnessFearMetaphysicsUnderstanding

About this quote

What does it mean?
Fuller argues that as human understanding improves, fear and error decrease. He suggests we are approaching a state of instant total comprehension where all existence coexists eternally.
In plain terms
Better understanding reduces fear and error, leading toward instant total comprehension.
What can you take from it?
Pursue deeper understanding to reduce fear and improve clarity.

Where it applies

  • personal growth
  • scientific inquiry
  • philosophical debate

Putting it to work

  • Reducing knowledge gaps
  • teaching systems thinking
  • pursuing clarity

Questions to consider

  • Is total comprehension achievable?
  • How does understanding reduce fear?

Another view

The claim of eventual instant total comprehension is a speculative metaphysical leap.

More from Buckminster Fuller

  1. The highest of generalizations is the synergetic integration of truth and love.

    Permalink to quote #56
  2. 'Those whom God hath joined together let no one put asunder.' To Anne Hewlett Fuller on this, our 63rd Wedding Anniversary and my 85 Birthday---July 12, 1980

    Permalink to quote #58
  3. Truth is cosmically total: synergetic. Verities are generalized principles stated in semimetaphorical terms. Verities are differentiable. But love is omniembra…

    Permalink to quote #55

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