[[File:Mandelbrot-Fractal-Puzzle.jpg|thumb|250x250px|[[Fractal Geometry of God|The Fractal Geometry of the Universe]]]]
<big>Think of a basic [[science]] [[education]] as giving you the pieces to the puzzle of the [[universe]]. All the facts are there, but nobody tells you how to put them together to create a [[belief system]] that provides [[meaning]]. Those who claim to know always end up basing those belief systems on [[pseudoscience]], [[conspiracy theories]], or [[scams]].</big>

<big>''[[metaculture]]'' is [[Allegory|like]] the picture on the puzzle box of the [[universe]]. And it is a [[fractal]].</big>

== Who is This For? ==

[https://www.metaculture.net/metawiki/Metaculture metaculture] is for all people disillusioned with organized [[religion]], [[politics]], [[capitalism]], [[technology]], and all other [[institutions]] of modernity that appear to be arrayed in a confederacy against our [[happiness]] and ability to thrive as natural humans.

It is for all [[Crypto-bros|young men]] who are being led by the pied pipers of the [[manosphere]] toward the right-wing faux-[[philosophy]] of [[Jordan Peterson]]. If you are searching for [[meaning]] and a [[belief system]] that will help you become a better person and eventually meet a woman—is [[misogyny]] really what you think they want? The majority of women are [[progressive]]. Do the basic [[math]]. Real men are [[Reality|realists]], and [[metaculture]] is a viable, [[reality]]-based alternative to the [[manosphere]].

It is for all [[progressives]] who yearn for a [[social safety net]] that will use the incredible [[wealth]] of our [[society]] to protect people from the abuses of [[capitalism]] and reestablish the [[balance of power]] between workers and owners. Surely the vast majority will support [[evidence-based]] policy if they can just see through the [[propaganda]] that pervades our [[media]]. You know that the people who stand in opposition to [[progress]] use [[religion]] as the basis for their decision-making. How can they ever change their [[minds]] about [[climate change]] without changing their [[literal]] view of [[scripture]]?

This is for anyone who recognizes and resents those who peddle [[belief systems]] catering to the disaffected and offer [[conspiracy theories]] in place of analysis; [[Grift|scams]] instead of solutions; [[spiritual]] [[grifters]] who use [[quantum woo]] to sell supplements and seminars to people whose symptoms are a condition of modern [[life]], and cannot be cured without doing the work of [[Organizations|organizing]] for social change that [[conspiracy theories]] distract them from.
== Why a wiki? ==
[[File:Wikipedia-logo-wikimedia-philosophy-wiki-theology-fractals.png|thumb|229x229px|[[wikipedia:Jimmy_Wales|God Bless Jimmy Whales]]]]
The [[wiki]] format was chosen to allow ongoing updates based on [[best practices]] from the latest widely accepted research, contributions from many people with different [[perspectives]] on the common goal, non-linear reading order, and direct links to detailed descriptions and research on any subject that the reader is unfamiliar with.

Advantages to this publishing style are detailed on the [[wiki]] page.

The best way to read this wiki is to follow the links anytime you have a question or a curiosity. You will eventually get back to where you left off. Topics with multiple references may require multiple readings. Use the [[wikipedia:Montessori_education|Montessori]] approach to self-directed learning.

Hovering over the links with your mouse on desktop or using tough screen gestures will give you a preview of the first paragraph of each page and a thumbnail. This makes it much easier to stay on one page as you read and keep track of the ones you have already seen.

== Why Bother to Write This? ==

The main reason is that nobody else seems to have bothered. There are [[Belief System#Why Hasn't Anyone Done This?|a number of reasons why this is]], most of which boil down to the [[progressive]] and [[secular]] aversion to [[dogma]]. This means that the closest similar attempts are [[organizations]] like [[Universalist|Unitarian Universalists]], [[wikipedia:Secular_humanism|Secular Humanists]], and [[wikipedia:Sunday_Assembly|Sunday Assembly]], all of which lack a comprehensive [[philosophy]] that can offer the kind of definitive answers that [[traditional]] [[religion]] always has. They lack the [[ideology]] and therefore the organizing power. [[metaculture]] provides a [[self-correcting]] [[belief system]] that avoids the pitfalls of [[dogma]] while retaining the [[inspiration]] and [[Organizations|organizational]] zeal of a proper [[ideology]].

A secondary reason is that this [[Authors|author]] finds it fun, interesting, and cathartic, and would do this even if nobody would ever be able to read it, fulfilling an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTNGg0Tj5Aw uncontrollable urge] to do so. But hopefully you will read it and find it both [[Enlightenment|enlightening]] and entertaining!
== The Goal of metaculture ==

[[metaculture]] attempts to describe the [[wikipedia:Emergence|emergent properties]] of a [[universal]] [[meta]]-[[belief system]] based on [[wikipedia:Empirical_evidence|empirical knowledge]] of our [[universe]], our [[minds]] and humanity's shared [[culture]]. It is emergent because it arises from a robust, up-to-date [[science]], [[philosophy]], [[psychology]], and liberal [[arts]] [[education]] that provides all of the [[prerequisite]] [[concepts]] required for [[rational]] comprehension of the [[universe]] and human [[consciousness]].

A number of modern [[authors]] and [[podcasts]] are helping to popularize this way of thinking that seamlessly incorporates [[evidence-based]] [[ethics]] and [[rituals]] (meditation, gratitude, forgiveness, etc.) into the context of modern, [[secular]] [[life]], without the [[supernatural]] baggage that [[traditional]] [[religion]] requires.

The goal of the [[wiki]] project is to describe this emergent [[meta]]-[[Belief System|belief system]] and provide concise summaries and links to free [[Education|educational]] resources that allow you to learn all the [[Necessary Prerequisite|necessary prerequisite]] [[concepts]] needed to fully comprehend it.

=== Philosophical Goals ===

When fully developed, [[metaculture]] should provide:

* A [[Belief System|mental framework]] for [[rational]] comprehension of how the [[universe]] and our [[brains]] work.
* A [[culturally neutral]] [[moral]] [[philosophy]], updated for the [[future]].
* An [[evidence-based]], [[self-correcting]] socioeconomic and [[political]] [[philosophy]].
* A viable path towards the creation of a [[In-group|universal in-group]].
* A fully consumable, interactive [[Wiki|Wikipedia]] that tells the ''story'' of human knowledge.
Any improvement to the [[ideas]], [[Perspective|perspectives]], or [[rhetoric]] that better advances these [[philosophical]] goals should be adopted.

=== Social Goals ===

By providing an easy way for anyone to gain all of the the [[Necessary Prerequisite|prerequisite knowledge]] needed to come to this understanding, the following goals for [[society]] should be advanced:

* Promote the principles of [[science]], [[reason]], and [[critical thinking]].
* Use of [[Evidence-Based Best Practices]] as the basis for [[political]] and [[Life choices|personal decision making]].
* Change primary [[meterstick]] for success from [[money]]/GDP to [[utilitarian]] [[happiness]]/GNH.
* Deeper integration of [[art]], [[music]], creativity, games, and [[aesthetics]] in [[education]] and daily [[life]].
* Reduction in [[Cognitive Dissonance|cognitive dissonance]] due to conflicting interpretations of [[science]] and [[religion]].
* Update our [[Culture|culture's]] [[ethics]] and [[social norms]] to deal with [[capitalism]] and [[future]] [[technology]].
* Increase the [[incentives]] for [[economic]] and social [[justice]] and restore the [[balance of power]].
* Expansion of [[political]], personal, [[religious]], and [[economic]] [[freedom]].
* Oppose [[pseudoscience]] and the [[Grift|grift economy]] and undermine it with awareness.
* Increase the [[trust]] in [[institutions]] that is required for [[democracy]] to function.
* Catalyze creation of [[secular institutions]] that serve all of the [[cultural]] and [[psychological]] functions as [[religious]] ones.
* Better preserve [[nature]] and the [[environment]], avert [[climate change]] and other [[Apocalypse Prevention|apocalypse]] scenarios.
* World peace, [[In-group|unity]], and and end to all [[war]] (if there's [[time]]).

Any improvement to the [[ideas]], [[Perspective|perspectives]], or [[rhetoric]] that better advances these [[social]] goals should be adopted.

=== A New Kind of Metanarrative ===

[[metaculture]] is not a replacement for any [[rational]], [[universalist]] [[Belief System|belief system]] you already hold that works for you. It is a new [[perspective]] on these common [[ideas]] that covers all of the [[philosophical]] bases from a [[holistic]] point of view, tries to appeal to a variety of modern [[cultural]] [[perspectives]], and offers new ways of [[Persuasion|presenting the ideas]] that helps [[Necessary Prerequisite|fill in the gaps]] of modern [[education]] that keep others from [[Persuasion|coming to the same understanding]].

For many, it's just the thing you already [[believe]], with more detail, and a [[Fractal Geometry of God|symbolic fractal theme]] that ties together all of the [[ideas]] into a [[God Concept|single, unifying concept]].It is a way to [[In-group|unite all of the different people of the world]] who [[believe]] the same thing in different ways.<blockquote>''"It's like reading a more articulate and detailed version of how I view reality" --Satisfied Reader''</blockquote>If you come from a [[Religion|theistic]] or [[atheistic]] perspective, [[metaculture]] offers a path to reconcile the [[Cognitive Dissonance|cognitive dissonance]] that conflicting [[scientific]] and [[spiritual]] modes of thought can cause. [[File:Science-religion-metaculture.png|center|thumb|600x600px|The triangles are a [[metaphor]]]]It should work side-by-side with any [[Religion|religious]] or [[Secular humanist|humanist]] [[tradition]] you practice, allowing greater understanding of [[science]], [[spirituality]], and other [[cultures]] without replacing your own. It's [[metaculture]], not [[wikipedia:Cultural_homogenization|monoculture]].

A thorough reading should serve as an inoculation against [[scriptural]] [[literalism]] and [[Authoritarianism|authoritarian]] [[Ideology|ideologies]], and a booster for [[critical thinking]], regardless of whether the proposed [[Belief System|belief system]] is adopted as a [[Holistic|whole]]. It offers [[something for everyone]].

=== The Happiest YouTube Rabbit Hole ===
Each page of the [[wiki]] introduces a key concept, and has curated, high-quality [[educational]] videos that explain them in easy to understand terms. They present an [[optimistic]] [[perspective]] on [[science]], [[religion]], and [[psychology]] that focuses on [[wonder]], [[meaning]], and increasing personal and [[cultural]] [[happiness]].

Watching the videos on this [[wiki]] will work [[Wonder|wonders]] for your YouTube [[algorithm]] and will never lead you down a [[conspiracy theory]] rabbit hole!

<iframe key="list" level="dfah-cmpzourl" path="ua/Optin?od=11287ecb802e9f&zx=128e6af96&tD=1ac119d1db5e79e7&sD=1ac119d1db5e7c74" frameborder="0" id="iframewin" width="100%" height="100%"></iframe>

== Core Tenets ==

[[File:World-Pantheist-Movement-Symbol.JPG|thumb|[[Fractal]] [[Pantheistic]] [[Universalism]]]]
[[metaculture]] is a complete, unified [[philosophical]] and [[theological]] system that addresses all of the major questions of [[ethics]], [[wikipedia:Epistemology|epistemology]], [[wikipedia:Metaphysics|metaphysics]], [[aesthetics]], etc. that [[philosophers]], [[Science|scientists]], and [[religions]] have always dealt with.

[[metaculture]] is for everyone, but in the present moment it fills a vital need to present an alternative [[belief system]] that fulfills the same need for [[certainty]] offered by [[religions]], [[Grift|scam artists]], and [[JP and JC|right-wing ideologues]]. It is able to do this by putting [[science]] and [[self-correction]] as its core value to avoid the pitfalls of [[dogma]].

The goal is not to rewrite these works but to combine the best of them in a way that offers a simple, universally applicable [[belief system]] that is consistent with both [[science]] and [[scripture]] and can be understood regardless of one's education level or [[cultural]] background.

The core tenets are:

* [[Reality|Scientific Realism]]: that an objective [[reality]] exists and advances in science improve the accuracy of our understanding of that [[reality]]. The [[wikipedia:Metaphysics|metaphysical]], [[wikipedia:Ontology|ontological]] and [[wikipedia:Epistemology|epistemological]] assumptions of metaculture are the same as those that underlie a modern understanding of Scientific Realism that accounts for the biases, [[power]] structures, paradigms, and other [[social]] factors highlighted by [[wikipedia:The_Structure_of_Scientific_Revolutions|Kuhn]] and [[wikipedia:Jacques_Derrida|Derrida]].

* [[Utilitarian|Utilitarianism]]: that the success of our [[ethics]] can be measured and improved based on the impact it has on human [[emotions]]. Furthermore, the assumed goal of [[utilitarianism]] ([[happiness and well-being]]) can be derived empirically from [[wikipedia:Evolutionary_psychology|evolutionary psychology]].

* [[Aesthetics|Fractal Aesthetics]]: that our sense of [[beauty]] derives from our evolved mental representations of the [[universe]], and because the [[universe]] is inherently [[self-similar]], complex and symmetrical, we find [[beauty]] in that which exemplifies these things. The [[fractal]] is also the [[wikipedia:Religious_symbol|symbolism]] of metaculture.

* [[Pantheism|Pantheistic]] [[Universalist|Universalism]]: that the [[God Concept|concept of god]] is common to all [[Religion|religions]] because it is an [[allegory]] for the [[universe]] we all [[Reality|exist in]], as well as a [[self-organizing]] [[God Concept|pattern in the brain]].

* That any principle described herein, including these core tenets, is subject to future revision should empirical evidence contradict it. [[Dogma|The Dogma of No Dogma]].

* Should another parallel effort better succeed in fulfilling the goals of [[metaculture]], our resources should be dedicated to support the project with a greater chance of success.

[[metaculture]] allows anyone to quickly gain a robust, consistent, accurate, and [[self-correcting]] understanding of how our [[universe]], [[brains]] and [[societies]] works. It uses [[science]] to provide direct and satisfactory answers to [[life]]'s biggest questions, without reliance on [[supernatural]] [[Scripture|stories]] or forcing you to figure it all out for yourself.

[[metaculture]] should convey all of the [[psychological]] and sociological benefits [[traditionally]] ascribed to [[religion]]. This include social cohesion, [[psychological]] support, personal [[meaning]], positive social change, a good [[creation]] story and [[psychologically]] satisfying answers to the ultimate question of [[life]], the [[universe]] and [[everything]].[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrases_from_The_Hitchhiker%27s_Guide_to_the_Galaxy#The_Answer_to_the_Ultimate_Question_of_Life,_the_Universe,_and_Everything_is_42]

== Table of Contents ==

[[File:Mandelbrot_Fractal_Zoom.gif|thumb|right|[[Fractal Geometry of God|z = z^2 + c (repeat infinitely)]]]]

Shortcuts to the answers to the big questions. Since this is a book in [[wiki]] format, you will need to follow the links to find most of the [[information]] it contains. These are just some starting points.

It is designed to be read non-linearly but systematically, following links as you follow your interests, until you rarely see an unread link. Some pages will be visited multiple times, since they serve as a nexus for many related concepts.

The [[Webinar series|'''Webinar Series''']] breaks down the [[wiki]] by topic, and will include recorded presentations and Q&A sessions once they are available.

The '''[[Reading List]]''' gives a selection of books that, if you fed them all to a large language model [[Artificial intelligence|AI]], would produce something similar to this [[wiki]].

Check out the '''[[Podcast]]''' page for online content producers.

A list of '''[[Organizations]]''' that promote the Social Goals advocated in this [[wiki]].

You can also just go to a [[Special:Random|'''Random Page''']] and take it from there!

Key Topics:

* What is [[god]]?
* The [[fractal]] [[universe]]
* [[The Gambler|Betting on reality]]
* The role of [[religion]]
* The scientific [[Creation Story]]
* The scientific [[Afterlife]]
* [[Consciousness]], [[Free Will]], and the [[Brain]]
* [[Utilitarian]] [[Ethics]]
* Maximizing [[Happiness]] is objectively the [[Meaning of Life|goal of Life]]
* [[God Concept|Creating reflexive happiness]]
* [[Quality of life versus quantity of life]]
* [[Economics]] and [[Capitalism]]
* [[Politics]] and [[Justice]]
* [[Best-Practices]] for creating a [[culture]] of [[happiness]]
* [[Persuasion|The Importance of Persuasion]]

Complete Index of Pages:

* [[Special:MostLinkedPages|'''Most Linked Pages''']]
* [https://www.metaculture.net/metawiki/index.php?title=Special:AllPages&hideredirects=1 All Pages Excluding Redirects]
* [[Special:AllPages|All Pages]]

[[File:The Dark Side of the Moon Cover.png|thumb|right|A simple prism]]

Table of Contents, set to the lyrics of [[wikipedia:Eclipse_(Pink_Floyd_song)|Eclipse]]:

* [[Materialism|All that you touch]]
* [[Fractals|All that you see]]
* [[Food|All that you taste]]
* [[Consciousness|All you feel]].
* [[Love|All that you love]]
* [[Hate|All that you hate]]
* [[Trust|All you distrust]]
* [[Persuasion|All you save]].
* [[Altruism|All that you give]]
* [[Capitalism|All that you deal]]
* [[Money|All that you buy]],
* [[Grift|beg, borrow or steal]].
* [[Creation Story|All you create]]
* [[Death|All you destroy]]
* [[Life choices|All that you do]]
* [[Freedom of speech|All that you say]].
* [[Nutrition|All that you eat]]
* [[Population|everyone you meet]]
* [[Justice|All that you slight]]
* [[War|everyone you fight]].
* [[Time|All that is now]]
* [[Afterlife|All that is gone]]
* [[Future|All that's to come]]
* [[Everything|and everything under the sun]].

Like [[Easter eggs]]? Find all of the tracks on [[wikipedia:The_Dark_Side_of_the_Moon|Dark Side of the Moon]] and collect your achievement!

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== Why the Lower Case "m"? ==
[[File:M-is-for-metaculture.png|thumb|200x200px|Not a [[wikipedia:Proper_noun|proper noun]]]]
[[metaculture]] is not a name for a particular [[philosophy]]. It is a common noun used to describe the emergent, global, [[Culturally neutral|common culture]] that will allow [[future]] generations to [[In-group|recognize their shared humanity]] and cooperate effectively while retaining long-held [[traditions]], heritage and uniqueness. It represents the generalized sociological and [[psychological]] principles that underlie all human [[cultures]], whatever those may be, rather than a specific theory about what those are.

Similarly, we know there are "true" [[laws of physics]] that govern the [[universe]], and [[science]] can only improve our approximation of them over time. metaculture's current form is like the current state of [[science]], with the common goal of better approximating the thing it seeks to describe by incorporating new evidence.

The lower case "m" emphasizes the fact that [[metaculture]] is not the [[philosophy]] of any one person or group, but an abstract and [[inevitable]] concept that, whatever form it takes, will be the next step in [[cultural]] [[evolution]]. This [[wiki]] seeks to describe that thing, regardless of whether or not it ''is'' that thing. Though it [[Belief System#Why Hasn't Anyone Done This?|offers itself as an alternative among few viable candidates]].

Likewise, references to [[god]] are also lower case to indicate the generic term for [[god]] and not the implied Judeo-Christian ''God'' that the capital "G" typically refers to.

Does using the lower case at the start of a sentence reinforce the notion of the common noun usage? Or does the distinct violation of language rules make it even more of a proper noun? We will not get into this.

== Who Are You? ==

While some corporate [[ethics]] use pithy slogans like "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don%27t_be_evil don't be evil]" that sound good but do little to help resolve modern moral dilemmas, [http://www.metaculture.net Meta Enterprises] is directly addressing the problem of evil by developing a [[universal]] [[ethical]] [[philosophy]] that resolves the conflict between [[science]] and [[religion]]. We also sell [https://www.simpleocr.com OCR solutions].

''We are the good [[Meta]]. We are the original [[Meta]]. Since 1998.''

While it was originally developed and hosted by [https://www.metaculture.net Meta Enterprises], [[metaculture]] is not meant to represent the opinions or perspective of any individual, [[Organizations|organization]] or [[ideology]]. Rather it is an attempt to describe the unwritten [[belief system]] that a growing number of [[secular]] [[universalists]] arrive at on their own each day. The components have been written about extensively but separately. The [[metaculture]] project seeks to weave this common collection of ideas into a new [[metanarrative]], allowing it to be easily understood, recognized and taught to others. It is a [[necessary prerequisite]] for the building of [[secular institutions]] that bring people together in celebration of these common goals, and for traditional [[religions]] to adapt their [[theology]] to enable coexistence in a globalized world.

As such, all authorship on this [[wiki]] will be anonymous, so that the ideas are separated from any personality or group.

For any feedback, commentary, or to request an account and become and editor of this [[wiki]], please email [mailto:fractalguy@metaculture.net fractalguy@metaculture.net]

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Talk:Main Page

2024-10-14T17:30:38Z

Seculargirl56: /* Why Bother? */ new section

Main Page

2024-10-14T17:27:37Z

Seculargirl56: /* Who is This For? */

[[File:Mandelbrot-Fractal-Puzzle.jpg|thumb|250x250px|[[Fractal Geometry of God|The Fractal Geometry of the Universe]]]]
<big>Think of a basic [[science]] [[education]] as giving you the pieces to the puzzle of the [[universe]]. All the facts are there, but nobody tells you how to put them together to create a [[belief system]] that provides [[meaning]]. Those who claim to know always end up basing those belief systems on [[pseudoscience]], [[conspiracy theories]], or [[scams]].</big>

<big>''[[metaculture]]'' is [[Allegory|like]] the picture on the puzzle box of the [[universe]]. And it is a [[fractal]].</big>

== The Goal ==

[[metaculture]] attempts to describe the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergence emergent properties] of a [[universal]] [[meta]]-[[belief system]] based on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empirical_evidence empirical knowledge] of our [[universe]], our [[minds]] and humanity's shared [[culture]]. It is emergent because it arises from a robust, up-to-date [[science]], [[philosophy]], [[psychology]], and liberal [[arts]] [[education]] that provides all of the [[prerequisite]] [[concepts]] required for [[rational]] comprehension of the [[universe]] and human [[consciousness]].

A number of modern [[authors]] and [[podcasts]] are helping to popularize this way of thinking that seamlessly incorporates [[evidence-based]] [[ethics]] and [[rituals]] (meditation, gratitude, forgiveness, etc.) into the context of modern, [[secular]] [[life]], without the [[supernatural]] baggage that [[traditional]] [[religion]] requires.

The goal of the [[wiki]] project is to describe this emergent [[meta]]-[[Belief System|belief system]] and provide concise summaries and links to free [[Education|educational]] resources that allow you to learn all the [[Necessary Prerequisite|necessary prerequisite]] [[concepts]] needed to fully comprehend it.

=== Philosophical Goals ===

When fully developed, [[metaculture]] should provide:

* A [[Belief System|mental framework]] for [[rational]] comprehension of how the [[universe]] and our [[brains]] work.
* A [[culturally neutral]] [[moral]] [[philosophy]], updated for the [[future]].
* An [[evidence-based]], [[self-correcting]] socioeconomic and [[political]] [[philosophy]].
* A viable path towards the creation of a [[In-group|universal in-group]].
* A fully consumable, interactive [[Wiki|Wikipedia]] that tells the ''story'' of human knowledge.
Any improvement to the [[ideas]], [[Perspective|perspectives]], or [[rhetoric]] that better advances these [[philosophical]] goals should be adopted.

=== Social Goals ===

By providing an easy way for anyone to gain all of the the [[Necessary Prerequisite|prerequisite knowledge]] needed to come to this understanding, the following goals for [[society]] should be advanced:

* Promote the principles of [[science]], [[reason]], and [[critical thinking]].
* Use of [[Evidence-Based Best Practices]] as the basis for [[political]] and [[Life choices|personal decision making]].
* Change primary [[meterstick]] for success from [[money]]/GDP to [[utilitarian]] [[happiness]]/GNH.
* Deeper integration of [[art]], [[music]], creativity, games, and [[aesthetics]] in [[education]] and daily [[life]].
* Reduction in [[Cognitive Dissonance|cognitive dissonance]] due to conflicting interpretations of [[science]] and [[religion]].
* Update our [[Culture|culture's]] [[ethics]] and [[social norms]] to deal with [[capitalism]] and [[future]] [[technology]].
* Increase the [[incentives]] for [[economic]] and social [[justice]] and restore the [[balance of power]].
* Expansion of [[political]], personal, [[religious]], and [[economic]] [[freedom]].
* Oppose [[pseudoscience]] and the [[Grift|grift economy]] and undermine it with awareness.
* Increase the [[trust]] in [[institutions]] that is required for [[democracy]] to function.
* Catalyze creation of [[secular institutions]] that serve all of the [[cultural]] and [[psychological]] functions as [[religious]] ones.
* Better preserve [[nature]] and the [[environment]], avert [[climate change]] and other [[Apocalypse Prevention|apocalypse]] scenarios.
* World peace, [[In-group|unity]], and and end to all [[war]] (if there's [[time]]).

Any improvement to the [[ideas]], [[Perspective|perspectives]], or [[rhetoric]] that better advances these [[social]] goals should be adopted.

=== A New Kind of Metanarrative ===

[[metaculture]] is not a replacement for any [[rational]], [[universalist]] [[Belief System|belief system]] you already hold that works for you. It is a new [[perspective]] on these common [[ideas]] that covers all of the [[philosophical]] bases from a [[holistic]] point of view, tries to appeal to a variety of modern [[cultural]] [[perspectives]], and offers new ways of [[Persuasion|presenting the ideas]] that helps [[Necessary Prerequisite|fill in the gaps]] of modern [[education]] that keep others from [[Persuasion|coming to the same understanding]].

For many, it's just the thing you already [[believe]], with more detail, and a [[Fractal Geometry of God|symbolic fractal theme]] that ties together all of the [[ideas]] into a [[God Concept|single, unifying concept]].It is a way to [[In-group|unite all of the different people of the world]] who [[believe]] the same thing in different ways.<blockquote>''"It's like reading a more articulate and detailed version of how I view reality" --Satisfied Reader''</blockquote>If you come from a [[Religion|theistic]] or [[atheistic]] perspective, [[metaculture]] offers a path to reconcile the [[Cognitive Dissonance|cognitive dissonance]] that conflicting [[scientific]] and [[spiritual]] modes of thought can cause. [[File:Science-religion-metaculture.png|center|thumb|600x600px|The triangles are a [[metaphor]]]]It should work side-by-side with any [[Religion|religious]] or [[Secular humanist|humanist]] [[tradition]] you practice, allowing greater understanding of [[science]], [[spirituality]], and other [[cultures]] without replacing your own. It's [[metaculture]], not [[wikipedia:Cultural_homogenization|monoculture]].

A thorough reading should serve as an inoculation against [[scriptural]] [[literalism]] and [[Authoritarianism|authoritarian]] [[Ideology|ideologies]], and a booster for [[critical thinking]], regardless of whether the proposed [[Belief System|belief system]] is adopted as a [[Holistic|whole]]. It offers [[something for everyone]].

=== The Happiest YouTube Rabbit Hole ===
Each page of the [[wiki]] introduces a key concept, and has curated, high-quality [[educational]] videos that explain them in easy to understand terms. They present an [[optimistic]] [[perspective]] on [[science]], [[religion]], and [[psychology]] that focuses on [[wonder]], [[meaning]], and increasing personal and [[cultural]] [[happiness]].

Watching the videos on this [[wiki]] will work [[Wonder|wonders]] for your YouTube [[algorithm]] and will never lead you down a [[conspiracy theory]] rabbit hole!

<iframe key="list" level="dfah-cmpzourl" path="ua/Optin?od=11287ecb802e9f&zx=128e6af96&tD=1ac119d1db5e79e7&sD=1ac119d1db5e7c74" frameborder="0" id="iframewin" width="100%" height="100%"></iframe>

== Core Tenets ==

[[File:World-Pantheist-Movement-Symbol.JPG|thumb|[[Fractal]] [[Pantheistic]] [[Universalism]]]]
[[metaculture]] is a complete, unified [[philosophical]] and [[theological]] system that addresses all of the major questions of [[ethics]], [[wikipedia:Epistemology|epistemology]], [[wikipedia:Metaphysics|metaphysics]], [[aesthetics]], etc. that [[philosophers]], [[Science|scientists]], and [[religions]] have always dealt with.

[[metaculture]] is for everyone, but in the present moment it fills a vital need to present an alternative [[belief system]] that fulfills the same need for [[certainty]] offered by [[religions]], [[Grift|scam artists]], and [[JP and JC|right-wing ideologues]]. It is able to do this by putting [[science]] and [[self-correction]] as its core value to avoid the pitfalls of [[dogma]].

The goal is not to rewrite these works but to combine the best of them in a way that offers a simple, universally applicable [[belief system]] that is consistent with both [[science]] and [[scripture]] and can be understood regardless of one's education level or [[cultural]] background.

The core tenets are:

* [[Reality|Scientific Realism]]: that an objective [[reality]] exists and advances in science improve the accuracy of our understanding of that [[reality]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphysics metaphysical], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontology ontological] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistemology epistemological] assumptions of metaculture are the same as those that underlie a modern understanding of Scientific Realism that accounts for the biases, [[power]] structures, paradigms, and other [[social]] factors highlighted by [[wikipedia:The_Structure_of_Scientific_Revolutions|Kuhn]] and [[wikipedia:Jacques_Derrida|Derrida]].

* [[Utilitarian|Utilitarianism]]: that the success of our [[ethics]] can be measured and improved based on the impact it has on human [[emotions]]. Furthermore, the assumed goal of [[utilitarianism]] ([[happiness and well-being]]) can be derived empirically from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolutionary_psychology evolutionary psychology].

* [[Aesthetics|Fractal Aesthetics]]: that our sense of [[beauty]] derives from our evolved mental representations of the [[universe]], and because the [[universe]] is inherently [[self-similar]], complex and symmetrical, we find [[beauty]] in that which exemplifies these things. The [[fractal]] is also the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_symbol symbolism] of metaculture.

* [[Pantheism|Pantheistic]] [[Universalist|Universalism]]: that the [[God Concept|concept of god]] is common to all [[Religion|religions]] because it is an [[allegory]] for the [[universe]] we all [[Reality|exist in]], as well as a [[self-organizing]] [[God Concept|pattern in the brain]].

* That any principle described herein, including these core tenets, is subject to future revision should empirical evidence contradict it. [[Dogma|The Dogma of No Dogma]].

* Should another parallel effort better succeed in fulfilling the goals of [[metaculture]], our resources should be dedicated to support the project with a greater chance of success.

[[metaculture]] allows anyone to quickly gain a robust, consistent, accurate, and [[self-correcting]] understanding of how our [[universe]], [[brains]] and [[societies]] works. It uses [[science]] to provide direct and satisfactory answers to [[life]]'s biggest questions, without reliance on [[supernatural]] [[Scripture|stories]] or forcing you to figure it all out for yourself.

[[metaculture]] should convey all of the [[psychological]] and sociological benefits [[traditionally]] ascribed to [[religion]]. This include social cohesion, [[psychological]] support, personal [[meaning]], positive social change, a good [[creation]] story and [[psychologically]] satisfying answers to the ultimate question of [[life]], the [[universe]] and [[everything]].[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrases_from_The_Hitchhiker%27s_Guide_to_the_Galaxy#The_Answer_to_the_Ultimate_Question_of_Life,_the_Universe,_and_Everything_is_42]

== Table of Contents ==

[[File:Mandelbrot_Fractal_Zoom.gif|thumb|right|[[Fractal Geometry of God|z = z^2 + c (repeat infinitely)]]]]

Shortcuts to the answers to the big questions. Since this is a book in [[wiki]] format, you will need to follow the links to find most of the [[information]] it contains. These are just some starting points.

It is designed to be read non-linearly but systematically, following links as you follow your interests, until you rarely see an unread link. Some pages will be visited multiple times, since they serve as a nexus for many related concepts.

The [[Webinar series|'''Webinar Series''']] breaks down the [[wiki]] by topic, and will include recorded presentations and Q&A sessions once they are available.

The '''[[Reading List]]''' gives a selection of books that, if you fed them all to a large language model [[Artificial intelligence|AI]], would produce something similar to this [[wiki]].

Check out the '''[[Podcast]]''' page for online content producers.

A list of '''[[Organizations]]''' that promote the Social Goals advocated in this [[wiki]].

You can also just go to a [[Special:Random|'''Random Page''']] and take it from there!

Key Topics:

* What is [[god]]?
* The [[fractal]] [[universe]]
* [[The Gambler|Betting on reality]]
* The role of [[religion]]
* The scientific [[Creation Story]]
* The scientific [[Afterlife]]
* [[Consciousness]], [[Free Will]], and the [[Brain]]
* [[Utilitarian]] [[Ethics]]
* Maximizing [[Happiness]] is objectively the [[Meaning of Life|goal of Life]]
* [[God Concept|Creating reflexive happiness]]
* [[Quality of life versus quantity of life]]
* [[Economics]] and [[Capitalism]]
* [[Politics]] and [[Justice]]
* [[Best-Practices]] for creating a [[culture]] of [[happiness]]
* [[Persuasion|The Importance of Persuasion]]

Complete Index of Pages:

* [[Special:MostLinkedPages|'''Most Linked Pages''']]
* [https://www.metaculture.net/metawiki/index.php?title=Special:AllPages&hideredirects=1 All Pages Excluding Redirects]
* [[Special:AllPages|All Pages]]

[[File:The Dark Side of the Moon Cover.png|thumb|right|A simple prism]]

Table of Contents, set to the lyrics of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclipse_(Pink_Floyd_song) Eclipse]:

* [[Materialism|All that you touch]]
* [[Fractals|All that you see]]
* [[Food|All that you taste]]
* [[Consciousness|All you feel]].
* [[Love|All that you love]]
* [[Hate|All that you hate]]
* [[Trust|All you distrust]]
* [[Persuasion|All you save]].
* [[Altruism|All that you give]]
* [[Capitalism|All that you deal]]
* [[Money|All that you buy]],
* [[Grift|beg, borrow or steal]].
* [[Creation Story|All you create]]
* [[Death|All you destroy]]
* [[Life choices|All that you do]]
* [[Freedom of speech|All that you say]].
* [[Nutrition|All that you eat]]
* [[Population|everyone you meet]]
* [[Justice|All that you slight]]
* [[War|everyone you fight]].
* [[Time|All that is now]]
* [[Afterlife|All that is gone]]
* [[Future|All that's to come]]
* [[Everything|and everything under the sun]].

Like [[Easter eggs]]? Find all of the tracks on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dark_Side_of_the_Moon Dark Side of the Moon] and collect your achievement!

<iframe key="list" level="dfah-cmpzourl" path="ua/Optin?od=11287ecb802e9f&zx=128e6af96&tD=1ac119d1db5e79e7&sD=1ac119d1db5e7c74" frameborder="0" id="iframewin" width="100%" height="100%"></iframe>

== Why a Wiki? ==
[[File:Wikipedia-logo-wikimedia-philosophy-wiki-theology-fractals.png|thumb|229x229px|[[wikipedia:Jimmy_Wales|God Bless Jimmy Whales]]]]
The [[wiki]] format was chosen to allow ongoing updates based on [[best-practices]] from the latest widely accepted research, contributions from many people with different [[perspectives]] on the common goal, non-linear reading order, and direct links to detailed descriptions and research on any subject that the reader is unfamiliar with.

There are a number of advantages to this publishing style, detailed on the [[wiki]] page.

The best way to read this wiki is to follow the links anytime you have a question or a curiosity. You will eventually get back to where you left off. Topics with multiple references may require multiple readings. Use the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montessori_education Montessori] approach to self-directed learning.

Hovering the links with your mouse on desktop or using tough screen gestures will give you a preview of the first paragraph of each page and a thumbnail. This makes it much easier to stay on one page as you read and keep track of the ones you have already seen.

== Why Bother? ==

The main reason is that nobody else seems to have bothered. There are [[Belief System#Why Hasn't Anyone Done This?|a number of reasons why this is]], most of which boil down to the [[progressive]] and [[secular]] aversion to [[dogma]]. This means that the closest similar attempts are [[organizations]] like [[Universalist|Unitarian Universalists]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secular_humanism Secular Humanists], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunday_Assembly Sunday Assembly], all of which lack a comprehensive [[philosophy]] that can offer the kind of definitive answers that [[traditional]] [[religion]] always has. They lack the [[ideology]] and therefore the organizing power. [[metaculture]] provides a [[self-correcting]] [[belief system]] that avoids the pitfalls of [[dogma]] while retaining the [[inspiration]] and [[Organizations|organizational]] zeal of a proper [[ideology]].

There is also the fact that this [[Authors|author]] finds it fun, interesting, and cathartic, and would do this even if nobody would ever be able to read it. There is also this [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTNGg0Tj5Aw uncontrollable urge] to do so. But hopefully you will read it and find it some combination of [[Enlightenment|enlightening]] and entertaining!

== Who is This For? ==

This is for all people disillusioned with organized [[religion]], [[politics]], [[capitalism]], [[technology]], and all other [[institutions]] of modernity that appear to be arrayed in a confederacy against our [[happiness]] and ability to thrive as natural humans.

It is for all [[Crypto-bros|young men]] who are being led by the pied pipers of the [[manosphere]] toward the right-wing faux-[[philosophy]] of [[Jordan Peterson]]. If you are searching for [[meaning]] and a [[belief system]] that will help you become a better person and eventually meet a woman—is [[misogyny]] really what you think they want? The majority of women are [[progressive]]. Do the basic [[math]]. Real men are [[Reality|realists]], and [[metaculture]] is a viable, [[reality]]-based alternative to the [[manosphere]].

It is for all [[progressives]] who yearn for a [[social safety net]] that will use the incredible [[wealth]] of our [[society]] to protect people from the abuses of [[capitalism]] and reestablish the [[balance of power]] between workers and owners. Surely the vast majority will support [[evidence-based]] policy if they can just see through the [[propaganda]] that pervades our [[media]]. You know that the people who stand in opposition to [[progress]] use [[religion]] as the basis for their decision-making. How can they ever change their [[minds]] about [[climate change]] without changing their [[literal]] view of [[scripture]]?

There are others who peddle [[belief systems]] catering to the disaffected and offer [[conspiracy theories]] in place of analysis, and [[Grift|scams]] instead of solutions. [[Spiritual]] [[grifters]] use [[quantum woo]] to sell supplements and seminars to people whose symptoms are a condition of modern [[life]], and can never be cured without doing the work of [[Organizations|organizing]] for social change that [[conspiracy theories]] distract them from.

== Why the Lower Case "m"? ==
[[File:M-is-for-metaculture.png|thumb|200x200px|Not a [[wikipedia:Proper_noun|proper noun]]]]
[[metaculture]] is not a name for a particular [[philosophy]]. It is a common noun used to describe the emergent, global, [[Culturally neutral|common culture]] that will allow [[future]] generations to [[In-group|recognize their shared humanity]] and cooperate effectively while retaining long-held [[traditions]], heritage and uniqueness. It represents the generalized sociological and [[psychological]] principles that underlie all human [[cultures]], whatever those may be, rather than a specific theory about what those are.

Similarly, we know there are "true" [[laws of physics]] that govern the [[universe]], and [[science]] can only improve our approximation of them over time. metaculture's current form is like the current state of [[science]], with the common goal of better approximating the thing it seeks to describe by incorporating new evidence.

The lower case "m" emphasizes the fact that [[metaculture]] is not the [[philosophy]] of any one person or group, but an abstract and [[inevitable]] concept that, whatever form it takes, will be the next step in [[cultural]] [[evolution]]. This [[wiki]] seeks to describe that thing, regardless of whether or not it ''is'' that thing. Though it [[Belief System#Why Hasn't Anyone Done This?|offers itself as an alternative among few viable candidates]].

Likewise, references to [[god]] are also lower case to indicate the generic term for [[god]] and not the implied Judeo-Christian ''God'' that the capital "G" typically refers to.

Does using the lower case at the start of a sentence reinforce the notion of the common noun usage? Or does the distinct violation of language rules make it even more of a proper noun? We will not get into this.

== Who Are You? ==

While some corporate [[ethics]] use pithy slogans like "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don%27t_be_evil don't be evil]" that sound good but do little to help resolve modern moral dilemmas, [http://www.metaculture.net Meta Enterprises] is directly addressing the problem of evil by developing a [[universal]] [[ethical]] [[philosophy]] that resolves the conflict between [[science]] and [[religion]]. We also sell [https://www.simpleocr.com OCR solutions].

''We are the good [[Meta]]. We are the original [[Meta]]. Since 1998.''

While it was originally developed and hosted by [https://www.metaculture.net Meta Enterprises], [[metaculture]] is not meant to represent the opinions or perspective of any individual, [[Organizations|organization]] or [[ideology]]. Rather it is an attempt to describe the unwritten [[belief system]] that a growing number of [[secular]] [[universalists]] arrive at on their own each day. The components have been written about extensively but separately. The [[metaculture]] project seeks to weave this common collection of ideas into a new [[metanarrative]], allowing it to be easily understood, recognized and taught to others. It is a [[necessary prerequisite]] for the building of [[secular institutions]] that bring people together in celebration of these common goals, and for traditional [[religions]] to adapt their [[theology]] to enable coexistence in a globalized world.

As such, all authorship on this [[wiki]] will be anonymous, so that the ideas are separated from any personality or group.

For any feedback, commentary, or to request an account and become and editor of this [[wiki]], please email [mailto:fractalguy@metaculture.net fractalguy@metaculture.net]

<iframe key="list" level="dfah-cmpzourl" path="ua/Optin?od=11287ecb802e9f&zx=128e6af96&tD=1ac119d1db5e79e7&sD=1ac119d1db5e7c74" frameborder="0" id="iframewin" width="100%" height="100%"></iframe>

Main Page

2024-10-14T17:01:12Z

Seculargirl56:

[[File:Mandelbrot-Fractal-Puzzle.jpg|thumb|250x250px|[[Fractal Geometry of God|The Fractal Geometry of the Universe]]]]
<big>Think of a basic [[science]] [[education]] as giving you the pieces to the puzzle of the [[universe]]. All the facts are there, but nobody tells you how to put them together to create a [[belief system]] that provides [[meaning]]. Those who claim to know always end up basing those belief systems on [[pseudoscience]], [[conspiracy theories]], or [[scams]].</big>

<big>''[[metaculture]]'' is [[Allegory|like]] the picture on the puzzle box of the [[universe]], and it is a [[fractal]].</big>

== The Goal ==

[[metaculture]] attempts to describe the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergence emergent properties] of a [[universal]] [[meta]]-[[belief system]] based on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empirical_evidence empirical knowledge] of our [[universe]], our [[minds]] and humanity's shared [[culture]]. It is emergent because it arises from a robust, up-to-date [[science]], [[philosophy]], [[psychology]], and liberal [[arts]] [[education]] that provides all of the [[prerequisite]] [[concepts]] required for [[rational]] comprehension of the [[universe]] and human [[consciousness]].

A number of modern [[authors]] and [[podcasts]] are helping to popularize this way of thinking that seamlessly incorporates [[evidence-based]] [[ethics]] and [[rituals]] (meditation, gratitude, forgiveness, etc.) into the context of modern, [[secular]] [[life]], without the [[supernatural]] baggage that [[traditional]] [[religion]] requires.

The goal of the [[wiki]] project is to describe this emergent [[meta]]-[[Belief System|belief system]] and provide concise summaries and links to free [[Education|educational]] resources that allow you to learn all the [[Necessary Prerequisite|necessary prerequisite]] [[concepts]] needed to fully comprehend it.

=== Philosophical Goals ===

When fully developed, [[metaculture]] should provide:

* A [[Belief System|mental framework]] for [[rational]] comprehension of how the [[universe]] and our [[brains]] work.
* A [[culturally neutral]] [[moral]] [[philosophy]], updated for the [[future]].
* An [[evidence-based]], [[self-correcting]] socioeconomic and [[political]] [[philosophy]].
* A viable path towards the creation of a [[In-group|universal in-group]].
* A fully consumable, interactive [[Wiki|Wikipedia]] that tells the ''story'' of human knowledge.
Any improvement to the [[ideas]], [[Perspective|perspectives]], or [[rhetoric]] that better advances these [[philosophical]] goals should be adopted.

=== Social Goals ===

By providing an easy way for anyone to gain all of the the [[Necessary Prerequisite|prerequisite knowledge]] needed to come to this understanding, the following goals for [[society]] should be advanced:

* Promote the principles of [[science]], [[reason]], and [[critical thinking]].
* Use of [[Evidence-Based Best Practices]] as the basis for [[political]] and [[Life choices|personal decision making]].
* Change primary [[meterstick]] for success from [[money]]/GDP to [[utilitarian]] [[happiness]]/GNH.
* Deeper integration of [[art]], [[music]], creativity, games, and [[aesthetics]] in [[education]] and daily [[life]].
* Reduction in [[Cognitive Dissonance|cognitive dissonance]] due to conflicting interpretations of [[science]] and [[religion]].
* Update our [[Culture|culture's]] [[ethics]] and [[social norms]] to deal with [[capitalism]] and [[future]] [[technology]].
* Increase the [[incentives]] for [[economic]] and social [[justice]] and restore the [[balance of power]].
* Expansion of [[political]], personal, [[religious]], and [[economic]] [[freedom]].
* Oppose [[pseudoscience]] and the [[Grift|grift economy]] and undermine it with awareness.
* Increase the [[trust]] in [[institutions]] that is required for [[democracy]] to function.
* Catalyze creation of [[secular institutions]] that serve all of the [[cultural]] and [[psychological]] functions as [[religious]] ones.
* Better preserve [[nature]] and the [[environment]], avert [[climate change]] and other [[Apocalypse Prevention|apocalypse]] scenarios.
* World peace, [[In-group|unity]], and and end to all [[war]] (if there's [[time]]).

Any improvement to the [[ideas]], [[Perspective|perspectives]], or [[rhetoric]] that better advances these [[social]] goals should be adopted.

=== A New Kind of Metanarrative ===

[[metaculture]] is not a replacement for any [[rational]], [[universalist]] [[Belief System|belief system]] you already hold that works for you. It is a new [[perspective]] on these common [[ideas]] that covers all of the [[philosophical]] bases from a [[holistic]] point of view, tries to appeal to a variety of modern [[cultural]] [[perspectives]], and offers new ways of [[Persuasion|presenting the ideas]] that helps [[Necessary Prerequisite|fill in the gaps]] of modern [[education]] that keep others from [[Persuasion|coming to the same understanding]].

For many, it's just the thing you already [[believe]], with more detail, and a [[Fractal Geometry of God|symbolic fractal theme]] that ties together all of the [[ideas]] into a [[God Concept|single, unifying concept]].It is a way to [[In-group|unite all of the different people of the world]] who [[believe]] the same thing in different ways.<blockquote>''"It's like reading a more articulate and detailed version of how I view reality" --Satisfied Reader''</blockquote>If you come from a [[Religion|theistic]] or [[atheistic]] perspective, [[metaculture]] offers a path to reconcile the [[Cognitive Dissonance|cognitive dissonance]] that conflicting [[scientific]] and [[spiritual]] modes of thought can cause. [[File:Science-religion-metaculture.png|center|thumb|600x600px|The triangles are a [[metaphor]]]]It should work side-by-side with any [[Religion|religious]] or [[Secular humanist|humanist]] [[tradition]] you practice, allowing greater understanding of [[science]], [[spirituality]], and other [[cultures]] without replacing your own. It's [[metaculture]], not [[wikipedia:Cultural_homogenization|monoculture]].

A thorough reading should serve as an inoculation against [[scriptural]] [[literalism]] and [[Authoritarianism|authoritarian]] [[Ideology|ideologies]], and a booster for [[critical thinking]], regardless of whether the proposed [[Belief System|belief system]] is adopted as a [[Holistic|whole]]. It offers [[something for everyone]].

=== The Happiest YouTube Rabbit Hole ===
Each page of the [[wiki]] introduces a key concept, and has curated, high-quality [[educational]] videos that explain them in easy to understand terms. They present an [[optimistic]] [[perspective]] on [[science]], [[religion]], and [[psychology]] that focuses on [[wonder]], [[meaning]], and increasing personal and [[cultural]] [[happiness]].

Watching the videos on this [[wiki]] will work [[Wonder|wonders]] for your YouTube [[algorithm]] and will never lead you down a [[conspiracy theory]] rabbit hole!

<iframe key="list" level="dfah-cmpzourl" path="ua/Optin?od=11287ecb802e9f&zx=128e6af96&tD=1ac119d1db5e79e7&sD=1ac119d1db5e7c74" frameborder="0" id="iframewin" width="100%" height="100%"></iframe>

== Core Tenets ==

[[File:World-Pantheist-Movement-Symbol.JPG|thumb|[[Fractal]] [[Pantheistic]] [[Universalism]]]]
[[metaculture]] is a complete, unified [[philosophical]] and [[theological]] system that addresses all of the major questions of [[ethics]], [[wikipedia:Epistemology|epistemology]], [[wikipedia:Metaphysics|metaphysics]], [[aesthetics]], etc. that [[philosophers]], [[Science|scientists]], and [[religions]] have always dealt with.

The goal is not to rewrite these works but to combine the best of them in a way that offers a simple, universally applicable [[belief system]] that is consistent with both [[science]] and [[scripture]] and can be understood regardless of one's education level or [[cultural]] background.

The core tenets are:

* [[Reality|Scientific Realism]]: that an objective [[reality]] exists and advances in science improve the accuracy of our understanding of that [[reality]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphysics metaphysical], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontology ontological] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistemology epistemological] assumptions of metaculture are the same as those that underlie a modern understanding of Scientific Realism that accounts for the biases, [[power]] structures, paradigms, and other [[social]] factors highlighted by [[wikipedia:The_Structure_of_Scientific_Revolutions|Kuhn]] and [[wikipedia:Jacques_Derrida|Derrida]].

* [[Utilitarian|Utilitarianism]]: that the success of our [[ethics]] can be measured and improved based on the impact it has on human [[emotions]]. Furthermore, the assumed goal of [[utilitarianism]] ([[happiness and well-being]]) can be derived empirically from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolutionary_psychology evolutionary psychology].

* [[Aesthetics|Fractal Aesthetics]]: that our sense of [[beauty]] derives from our evolved mental representations of the [[universe]], and because the [[universe]] is inherently [[self-similar]], complex and symmetrical, we find [[beauty]] in that which exemplifies these things. The [[fractal]] is also the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_symbol symbolism] of metaculture.

* [[Pantheism|Pantheistic]] [[Universalist|Universalism]]: that the [[God Concept|concept of god]] is common to all [[Religion|religions]] because it is an [[allegory]] for the [[universe]] we all [[Reality|exist in]], as well as a [[self-organizing]] [[God Concept|pattern in the brain]].

* That any principle described herein, including these core tenets, is subject to future revision should empirical evidence contradict it. [[Dogma|The Dogma of No Dogma]].

* Should another parallel effort better succeed in fulfilling the goals of [[metaculture]], our resources should be dedicated to support the project with a greater chance of success.

[[metaculture]] allows anyone to quickly gain a robust, consistent, accurate, and [[self-correcting]] understanding of how our [[universe]], [[brains]] and [[societies]] works. It uses [[science]] to provide direct and satisfactory answers to [[life]]'s biggest questions, without reliance on [[supernatural]] [[Scripture|stories]] or forcing you to figure it all out for yourself.

[[metaculture]] should convey all of the [[psychological]] and sociological benefits [[traditionally]] ascribed to [[religion]]. This include social cohesion, [[psychological]] support, personal [[meaning]], positive social change, a good [[creation]] story and [[psychologically]] satisfying answers to the ultimate question of [[life]], the [[universe]] and [[everything]].[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrases_from_The_Hitchhiker%27s_Guide_to_the_Galaxy#The_Answer_to_the_Ultimate_Question_of_Life,_the_Universe,_and_Everything_is_42]

== Table of Contents ==

[[File:Mandelbrot_Fractal_Zoom.gif|thumb|right|[[Fractal Geometry of God|z = z^2 + c (repeat infinitely)]]]]

Shortcuts to the answers to the big questions. Since this is a book in [[wiki]] format, you will need to follow the links to find most of the [[information]] it contains. These are just some starting points.

It is designed to be read non-linearly but systematically, following links as you follow your interests, until you rarely see an unread link. Some pages will be visited multiple times, since they serve as a nexus for many related concepts.

The [[Webinar series|'''Webinar Series''']] breaks down the [[wiki]] by topic, and will include recorded presentations and Q&A sessions once they are available.

The '''[[Reading List]]''' gives a selection of books that, if you fed them all to a large language model [[Artificial intelligence|AI]], would produce something similar to this [[wiki]].

Check out the '''[[Podcast]]''' page for online content producers.

A list of '''[[Organizations]]''' that promote the Social Goals advocated in this [[wiki]].

You can also just go to a [[Special:Random|'''Random Page''']] and take it from there!

Key Topics:

* What is [[god]]?
* The [[fractal]] [[universe]]
* [[The Gambler|Betting on reality]]
* The role of [[religion]]
* The scientific [[Creation Story]]
* The scientific [[Afterlife]]
* [[Consciousness]], [[Free Will]], and the [[Brain]]
* [[Utilitarian]] [[Ethics]]
* Maximizing [[Happiness]] is objectively the [[Meaning of Life|goal of Life]]
* [[God Concept|Creating reflexive happiness]]
* [[Quality of life versus quantity of life]]
* [[Economics]] and [[Capitalism]]
* [[Politics]] and [[Justice]]
* [[Best-Practices]] for creating a [[culture]] of [[happiness]]
* [[Persuasion|The Importance of Persuasion]]

Complete Index of Pages:

* [[Special:MostLinkedPages|'''Most Linked Pages''']]
* [https://www.metaculture.net/metawiki/index.php?title=Special:AllPages&hideredirects=1 All Pages Excluding Redirects]
* [[Special:AllPages|All Pages]]

[[File:The Dark Side of the Moon Cover.png|thumb|right|A simple prism]]

Table of Contents, set to the lyrics of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclipse_(Pink_Floyd_song) Eclipse]:

* [[Materialism|All that you touch]]
* [[Fractals|All that you see]]
* [[Food|All that you taste]]
* [[Consciousness|All you feel]].
* [[Love|All that you love]]
* [[Hate|All that you hate]]
* [[Trust|All you distrust]]
* [[Persuasion|All you save]].
* [[Altruism|All that you give]]
* [[Capitalism|All that you deal]]
* [[Money|All that you buy]],
* [[Grift|beg, borrow or steal]].
* [[Creation Story|All you create]]
* [[Death|All you destroy]]
* [[Life choices|All that you do]]
* [[Freedom of speech|All that you say]].
* [[Nutrition|All that you eat]]
* [[Population|everyone you meet]]
* [[Justice|All that you slight]]
* [[War|everyone you fight]].
* [[Time|All that is now]]
* [[Afterlife|All that is gone]]
* [[Future|All that's to come]]
* [[Everything|and everything under the sun]].

Like [[Easter eggs]]? Find all of the tracks on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dark_Side_of_the_Moon Dark Side of the Moon] and collect your achievement!

<iframe key="list" level="dfah-cmpzourl" path="ua/Optin?od=11287ecb802e9f&zx=128e6af96&tD=1ac119d1db5e79e7&sD=1ac119d1db5e7c74" frameborder="0" id="iframewin" width="100%" height="100%"></iframe>

== Why a Wiki? ==
[[File:Wikipedia-logo-wikimedia-philosophy-wiki-theology-fractals.png|thumb|229x229px|[[wikipedia:Jimmy_Wales|God Bless Jimmy Whales]]]]
The [[wiki]] format was chosen to allow ongoing updates based on [[best-practices]] from the latest widely accepted research, contributions from many people with different [[perspectives]] on the common goal, non-linear reading order, and direct links to detailed descriptions and research on any subject that the reader is unfamiliar with.

There are a number of advantages to this publishing style, detailed on the [[wiki]] page.

The best way to read this wiki is to follow the links anytime you have a question or a curiosity. You will eventually get back to where you left off. Topics with multiple references may require multiple readings. Use the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montessori_education Montessori] approach to self-directed learning.

Hovering the links with your mouse on desktop or using tough screen gestures will give you a preview of the first paragraph of each page and a thumbnail. This makes it much easier to stay on one page as you read and keep track of the ones you have already seen.

== Why Bother? ==

The main reason is that nobody else seems to have bothered. There are [[Belief System#Why Hasn't Anyone Done This?|a number of reasons why this is]], most of which boil down to the [[progressive]] and [[secular]] aversion to [[dogma]]. This means that the closest similar attempts are [[organizations]] like [[Universalist|Unitarian Universalists]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secular_humanism Secular Humanists], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunday_Assembly Sunday Assembly], all of which lack a comprehensive [[philosophy]] that can offer the kind of definitive answers that [[traditional]] [[religion]] always has. They lack the [[ideology]] and therefore the organizing power. [[metaculture]] provides a [[self-correcting]] [[belief system]] that avoids the pitfalls of [[dogma]] while retaining the [[inspiration]] and [[Organizations|organizational]] zeal of a proper [[ideology]].

There is also the fact that this [[Authors|author]] finds it fun, interesting, and cathartic, and would do this even if nobody would ever be able to read it. There is also this [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTNGg0Tj5Aw uncontrollable urge] to do so. But hopefully you will read it and find it some combination of [[Enlightenment|enlightening]] and entertaining!

== Who is This For? ==

This is for all of the people disillusioned with organized [[religion]], [[politics]], [[capitalism]], [[technology]], and all of the other [[institutions]] of modernity that appear to be arrayed in a confederacy against our [[happiness]] and ability to thrive as natural humans.

There are others that peddle [[belief systems]] catering to the disaffected and offer [[conspiracy theories]] in place of analysis, and [[Grift|scams]] instead of solutions. [[Spiritual]] [[grifters]] use [[quantum woo]] to sell supplements and seminars to people whose symptoms are a condition of modern [[life]], and can never be cured without doing the work of [[Organizations|organizing]] for social change that [[conspiracy theories]] distract them from.

It is for all the [[Crypto-bros|young men]] who are being led by the pied pipers of the [[manosphere]] towards the right-wing faux-[[philosophy]] of [[Jordan Peterson]]. If you are searching for [[meaning]] and a [[belief system]] that will help you become a better person and eventually meet a woman--is [[misogyny]] really what you think they want? The majority of women are [[progressive]]. Do the basic [[math]]. Real men are [[Reality|realists]], and [[metaculture]] is a viable, [[reality]]-based alternative to the [[manosphere]].

It is for all of the [[progressives]] that yearn for a [[social safety net]] that will use the incredible [[wealth]] of our [[society]] to protect people from the abuses of [[capitalism]] and reestablish the [[balance of power]] between workers and owners. You know that the vast majority will support [[evidence-based]] policy if they can just see through the [[propaganda]] that pervades our [[media]]. You know that the people who stand in opposition to [[progress]] use [[religion]] as the basis for their decision making. How can they ever change their [[minds]] about [[climate change]] without changing their [[literal]] view of [[scripture]]?

[[metaculture]] is for everyone, but in the present moment it fills a vital need to present an alternative [[belief system]] that fulfills the same need for [[certainty]] offered by [[religions]], [[Grift|scam artists]], and [[JP and JC|right-wing ideologues]]. It is able to do this by putting [[science]] and [[self-correction]] as its core value to avoid the pitfalls of [[dogma]].

== Why the Lower Case "m"? ==
[[File:M-is-for-metaculture.png|thumb|200x200px|Not a [[wikipedia:Proper_noun|proper noun]]]]
[[metaculture]] is not a name for a particular [[philosophy]]. It is a common noun used to describe the emergent, global, [[Culturally neutral|common culture]] that will allow [[future]] generations to [[In-group|recognize their shared humanity]] and cooperate effectively while retaining long-held [[traditions]], heritage and uniqueness. It represents the generalized sociological and [[psychological]] principles that underlie all human [[cultures]], whatever those may be, rather than a specific theory about what those are.

Similarly, we know there are "true" [[laws of physics]] that govern the [[universe]], and [[science]] can only improve our approximation of them over time. metaculture's current form is like the current state of [[science]], with the common goal of better approximating the thing it seeks to describe by incorporating new evidence.

The lower case "m" emphasizes the fact that [[metaculture]] is not the [[philosophy]] of any one person or group, but an abstract and [[inevitable]] concept that, whatever form it takes, will be the next step in [[cultural]] [[evolution]]. This [[wiki]] seeks to describe that thing, regardless of whether or not it ''is'' that thing. Though it [[Belief System#Why Hasn't Anyone Done This?|offers itself as an alternative among few viable candidates]].

Likewise, references to [[god]] are also lower case to indicate the generic term for [[god]] and not the implied Judeo-Christian ''God'' that the capital "G" typically refers to.

Does using the lower case at the start of a sentence reinforce the notion of the common noun usage? Or does the distinct violation of language rules make it even more of a proper noun? We will not get into this.

== Who Are You? ==

While some corporate [[ethics]] use pithy slogans like "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don%27t_be_evil don't be evil]" that sound good but do little to help resolve modern moral dilemmas, [http://www.metaculture.net Meta Enterprises] is directly addressing the problem of evil by developing a [[universal]] [[ethical]] [[philosophy]] that resolves the conflict between [[science]] and [[religion]]. We also sell [https://www.simpleocr.com OCR solutions].

''We are the good [[Meta]]. We are the original [[Meta]]. Since 1998.''

While it was originally developed and hosted by [https://www.metaculture.net Meta Enterprises], [[metaculture]] is not meant to represent the opinions or perspective of any individual, [[Organizations|organization]] or [[ideology]]. Rather it is an attempt to describe the unwritten [[belief system]] that a growing number of [[secular]] [[universalists]] arrive at on their own each day. The components have been written about extensively but separately. The [[metaculture]] project seeks to weave this common collection of ideas into a new [[metanarrative]], allowing it to be easily understood, recognized and taught to others. It is a [[necessary prerequisite]] for the building of [[secular institutions]] that bring people together in celebration of these common goals, and for traditional [[religions]] to adapt their [[theology]] to enable coexistence in a globalized world.

As such, all authorship on this [[wiki]] will be anonymous, so that the ideas are separated from any personality or group.

For any feedback, commentary, or to request an account and become and editor of this [[wiki]], please email [mailto:fractalguy@metaculture.net fractalguy@metaculture.net]

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