CHAPTER 1 – Lessons from Duality
Mortals have settled in their. minds to speak of two forms, one of which they should have. left out, and that is where. they go astray from the truth.
Parmenides (535 BC) – Fragment of lost poem
1.1 – Reminder: The importance of etymology
23. Etymology is the study of the origins of words. The word “Etymology” stems from ancient Greek, etymon, which can be translated as “true meaning” and logos, “word,” but also “reason, logic.” It is a foundational discipline and a treasure trove of knowledge for writers and artists, whose role is to guard and build Culture. Etymology grounds poets and artists in the original meanings and essence of words, which remain unchanged, despite their diverse uses over time. Linguistics studies the evolution of words.
24. To understand the importance of etymology, think of your own sense of self. Unless afflicted by a psychiatric condition, you wake up each day with an innate awareness, a clear understanding of who you are, regardless of the diverse experiences that may come your way. Here’s an example. Every morning, I wake up as Murielle Mobengo, and that doesn’t change no matter how my day went—whether it was filled with joy or challenges. I may dream of being Van Gogh or Baudelaire, but those artistic aspirations don’t alter my fundamental identity as Murielle Mobengo.
25. Similarly, words have a core essence that stays constant, giving them the stability to be dynamic and versatile. Philosophers recognize this, often sticking to the original terms when discussing various philosophical concepts. For example, when exploring Nietzsche’s ideas, they’ll start with the German term “Übermensch” before translating it into English. Phenomenologists, a class of philosophers who observe events from the perspective of the self, will first mention “aletheia,” an ancient Greek term for revealed truth, before providing an explanation. Likewise, in Eastern philosophical traditions, concepts are introduced in their original language before being explained in modern terms.
26. This article will follow this approach, introducing concepts in their original form before diving into their significance in English and tracing their evolution over time (and other modern languages when necessary). By understanding the original meanings across different languages, such as Sanskrit, ancient Hebrew, or Arabic, we aim to deepen your understanding efficiently.
27. We’ll summarize these entries in a glossary for your convenience, though you won’t always need to refer to it as the article provides explanations within the text. A link to the glossary and bibliography will be included at the end of each chapter when necessary. The glossary is for comfort and aid in memorization, offering occasional clarifications. Understanding, however, is essential, and will ensure efficient memorization and practical use of the concepts and method exposed in this article.
Having established the importance of etymology for dispensers of knowledge (poets, artists, and philosophers), let’s focus on the etymology of non-duality. This ends subchapter 1.1 on the importance of studying etymology for dispensers of Knowledge.