The principle of Universality

Universality

By Jimmy Henderson

 

‘All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree. All these aspirations are directed toward ennobling man’s life, lifting it from the sphere of mere physical existence and leading the individual towards freedom’.

Albert Einstein

‘Universality’ normally refers to an idea or situation that can be applied universally to all persons and nations. In this case, the principle of ‘universality’ would also apply to one's concept of God, which would, by definition, be equally available to all and all-encompassing. 

This principle also links up with psychological research which suggests many possible (subjective) versions of truth and reality. Metaphorically, what each group or person therefore sees or understands of the world, could be explained as different pieces and shades of cloth cut from one universal fabric.

The further implications of the principle of universality can be explained using the analogy or metaphor of a cardboard puzzle. If a very large, complicated puzzle is presented to a group of small children, due to their immaturity, inexperience and limited ability to reason, it is unlikely that it would ever be completed (Multi-Dimensional Thinking, 2007). However, if one separates the puzzle into much smaller pieces and gives each child a section to complete on his or her own, be it a corner, a border or a certain patch of colour, it is quite possible that each child will be successful with his or her section, and later, if they agree to work together and combine their different sections, the entire puzzle will take form.

The implications of this metaphor are that each school of scientific, psychological, philosophical or religious thought existing in the world today could be said to have a piece of the great puzzle containing some answers to the mysteries of life, mankind and the universe. However, at present, each group believes their small section to be the entire puzzle and are unable to see that what they have completed is only a small part of a far larger, more comprehensive, many-faceted and multi-layered picture of the collective nature of Being and existence.

Even within each completed section there are still parts missing, pieces of the puzzle that could enable the various groupings to see their inter-dependence and relationship to each other. It is these missing pieces that give rise to the confusion, contradictions and paradoxes that one experiences in everyday life, and it is only in coming together in cooperation and being willing to share knowledge and information with each other, that mankind will ever discover a more integrated, holistic and multi-dimensional view of the universe and reality.

 Jimmy Henderson is a well-known metaphysician and regular radio talk show guest. He is the author of many articles as well as two metaphysical self-help books entitled ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ and ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ which are available at Exclusive Books, Amazon.com and Kalahari.com. He is also a facilitator with Metavarsity and based in Durban, South Africa.

Website - www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com