From: gt8554a@prism.gatech.EDU (JANAKIRAMAN,SHANKER)
Newsgroups: sci.philosophy.meta
Subject: Role of the Mind in Human Evolution
Date: 25 Jul 92 01:47:36 GMT
Organization: Georgia Institute of Technology


		ROLE OF THE MIND IN HUMAN EVOLUTION


It is a convincing fact that human being has evolved from certain
other life form over the millennia. So the logical question at this
juncture is , are we capable of evolving further? or is it the end
of road of evolution? This question has been asked by many people.
In my opinion, the questions such as Who am I?, What am I doing
here? or What is the purpose of life? address the same issue.
And philosophers and scientists have not provided us the answer to
these questions. But there seems to be an answer, which has not
been properly explored by the skeptics, who are a majority in this
age of advanced science and technology.
     
     I have always marvelled at the infinite capability of the
mind. There are illustrious examples in the history of man-kind,
which amply demonstrate the fact that nothing can stop a determined
mind.  I wonder about the unique individuality of expression of
each one of us. This variety also seems to weave us through a
common factor which is EVOLUTION.  

     It is evolutionary to find out that path which will sustain
life and  promote multiplicity as it is in Nature. It is
established that the life forms which do not evolve become extinct. 
It appears that human beings are progressively losing their ability
to cope with life.  We complain all the time about stress and the
psychological disorders are on the rise.  We use our intelligence
to lead a life which is unnatural and selfish.  But is it
evolutionary?  Perhaps not. Only the future will tell. But it will
be too late for the present generation of human beings.  

If we want to participate in the evolutionary process we should use
our faculties as other life forms use. The distinguishing faculty
for a human being is the mind. I strongly believe that mind can
help us evolve.  Evolve to what? Evolve to subtler existence of
purity, wisdom and transcendence which is beyond mind itself... An
interesting analogy comes to mind. That of a multistage rocket,
after each stage burns off, the engine which helped attain that
orbit itself is discarded) So it seems that once the subtler level
of existence is achieved the mind itself is to be discarded.  

There is a saying that 'As you think so you become'.  Basically
everything comes down to the fact that a regulated and disciplined
mind has the capabilities beyond anybody's imagination.  If
evolution is important, it is imperative that we humans start
thinking about the nature of evolution. If animals evolved to become 
humans, humans may have evolved to become perhaps SUPER HUMANS. 
It is not in terms of the size but it should be in CONTENT and that
is purity, wisdom and a transcendent existence.  This possibility 
exists when one pursues the path of Self Realization and
actualization of that Evolutionary potential.


-- 
JANAKIRAMAN,SHANKER
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta Georgia, 30332
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