In mathematics 1 + 1 = 2 sets a fundamental mind set for understanding and engaging with the world around us. 1 + 1 = 1 would get a failed mark ‘X’ in any school exam.
From another perspective 1 + 1 = 1 distinguishes a “Singularity” as does 1 + 10 = 1 or 1 + any number = 1.
In Astrophysics the first “photograph” of a Black Hole (described as a Singularity) was taken on April 10, 2019. Photograph in inverted commas because you can’t actually see a Black Hole as not even light can escape from a black hole. So the photograph is really its shadow. In a Black Hole all the unquestionable Scientific facts such as gravity and time breakdown.
The Binary or Dualistic logic of 1 + 1 = 2 has allowed awesome discoveries and empowerment of the dominant species (Homo Sapiens) on the planet.
Jiddu Krishnamurti and David Bohm in their extraordinary dialogue, “The Ending of Time” asked the question, “Did Humanity take a ‘Wrong Turn’ a long, long time ago?” Although they did not come up with a definitive answer, they posited that in the moment our ancestors became conscious and self-aware they saw themselves as separate from the world and from each other in terms of a dualistic relationship. This triggered the need to control, dominate and self-survive as the way forward for the betterment of themselves and the Human Race.
This Binary approach led to extraordinary achievements for the Human Race and is not in any way to be criticised. However looking at the seemingly unresolvable problems facing the Human Race today and their continuous reoccurrence prompts the question “Is this Binary approach blocking the fundamental resolution of such issues as Racism, National conflict, World poverty, Global Pandemics, Exploitation of planet resources, Slavery, Educational imbalance, Religious based hatred and Climate Change?
In a context of Singularity (1 + X = 1) Racism is not viewed from a “them and us” perspective but opens the idea that from their first moment of consciousness our ancestors became “Tribal” in mind and matter. Their sense of belonging and need to survive and better themselves had them see and engage with each other and everything around them as distinct from themselves.
In this dualistic context Racism is engaged with from a “them and us”, “right and wrong” lack of education, something that is fixable. From a Singularity context the true source and nature of racism is identified first before all the failed attempts to solve it are applied.
I find it fascinating to read the account of Man’s creation in Genesis describing the first effect of Adam and Eve eating the apple from the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden being their self awareness and experience distinct from each other and their surroundings.
