The Law Of Space Philosophy By Will Dugan
An idea that will cultivate civility, combat crime, and promote world peace
-- if you will only preach what you practice. And, it's easier done than said.
Hello. I would like to invite you to take a trip with me to the land of "A Theory".
Imagination Vs Theory
The land of theory is not like the land of imagination. To travel in imagination, you must sometimes engage
in "suspension of belief" in order to fully enjoy your imaginative travel. However, in order to derive the
most benefit from a sojourn into theory, you should question every new idea you encounter and put those ideas
to the test.
"To the test, you say. What test?", you ask. (And I applaud your asking! It shows that you are of the right
stuff - you are up for the mental excursion.) There are many tests that a new idea might be subjected to,
and you are encouraged to use any test that you see as appropriate to the idea in question.
Have you heard of the tests of the Pondering P's? Is it Plausible / Possible / Probable? Does it have
Possible Profitable Potential, or - perhaps the most important - what might happen if I Personally Put it
into Practice?
The First Premise of the Philosophy of The Law of Space
- Two Realms of Rights
Each and every individual has a right to his or her own personal space. This personal space can be broken
down into two different realms.
The First Realm
The first is the actual physical area that our bodies occupy, and depending on circumstances and different
cultures and beliefs, extends a bit beyond the limits of the physical body. There are no exact boundaries
of this physical personal space, as different cultures express the concept in different ways, and different
circumstances will sometimes shift the boundaries as required. For example, most people would require more
personal physical space within the confines of their home than in a crowded public gathering.
As a sub-premise, I put forth the notion that this personal space that we are all entitled to should extend
to embrace our loved ones and encompass our personal property.
Let's recognize this juncture as the first stop on our tour of this Theory - the intersection of the first
premise and the first realm of rights. You are encouraged to question any ideas put forth or any thoughts
that these ideas evoke. Stretch your mental muscles by comparing these ideas and thoughts with your own
personal experiences in life. If you like, try the tests of the Pondering P's - plausible / possible
/ probable / possible profitable potential / the providence of personal practice.
The Second Realm
The second realm of personal space is a bit harder to explain than it is to understand (how could that be?).
There is a metaphysical space that our thoughts and emotions require in order to exist. This realm cannot
be seen or grasped in a physical sense, it cannot be measured in square feet or meters, but it exists
none-the-less.
You may have heard someone speak of going to his or her "quiet place", to be alone or to think things
through. You, or someone you know and love, daydreams from time to time -- in that daydream, thoughts
occupy a place.
It is this place where our thoughts and emotions have a very real existence that is the second realm of the
right to personal space. Each and every individual has a right to their own metaphysical space where they
can safely harbor their thoughts and emotions.
At this point in our expedition, I need your help. Please slip into your investigative mode again, and
enquire of your experiences - is there really such a thing as a place, a space where our thoughts, our
emotions, our hopes, our dreams dwell? Is it at least possible? And perhaps a question of greater
importance - do you have a right to be safe in that place?
The Second Premise of the Philosophy of The Law of Space
- Where we can enjoy the fruits of our harvest
Each and every individual should respect each other's right to their own personal space - both physical and
metaphysical.
This simple statement has far-reaching implications. It means, among other things:
- That you cannot take what does not belong to you. It belongs to someone else, and is a part of their
personal space.
- That you cannot visit ANY type of physical violence on any person.
- That you cannot even threaten anyone with physical violence.
- That you have no right to threaten anyone's sense of peace and well-being, or to intrude into their
thoughts or emotions without express permission.
- That you have no right to force your point of view on someone else.
Well, we have almost completed our adventure and it's time once again to stretch those mental muscles by
analyzing any thoughts or ideas worthy of the effort. There is one particular test of the Pondering P's
that is very appropriate for this premise. AND it could help drive home the point of the sub-title of this
itinerary. (You remember that sub-title don't you - "An idea that will cultivate civility, combat crime,
and promote world peace -- if you will only preach what you practice. And, it's easier done than said.")
The Pondering P test that I refer to here is: the providence of personal practice, or as some would phrase
it - What might happen if I personally put it into practice?
The bullet points listed above are more-or-less general statements. Can you think of 3 specific
applications of this Theory Of The Law Of Space that could apply to your own life?
I truly hope that you and I have reached a consensus regarding this theory. I believe that the more people
abided by this law, the better the world would be. What about you?
There is still the loose ends of that sub-title. Would this law help to cultivate civility? Would it help
to combat crime? Would it promote world peace? And here is something for you to think about - if you
truly practice it, your actions will preach it. Is it easier done than said?
Copyright © 2009 By Will Dugan