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Kosmologi - 1960 05
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Title: Kosmologi Issue Date: May 1960 Publisher: S.U.F.O.I. (Scandinavian UFO-investigation) Country: Denmark Language: Danish
Magazine Overview
Title: Kosmologi
Issue Date: May 1960
Publisher: S.U.F.O.I. (Scandinavian UFO-investigation)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
This issue of *Kosmologi* presents a collection of articles exploring philosophical and existential themes, with a strong undercurrent of ufology and a critical examination of the scientific establishment's worldview. The magazine positions itself as a platform for alternative perspectives, particularly those that challenge conventional scientific dogma.
Contents Overview
The issue is structured with a table of contents listing several articles:
- Videnskab og kosmologi? (Science and Cosmology?)
- Livet – Her og nu (Life – Here and Now)
- Sansning (Sensation/Perception)
- Læserforum (Reader Forum)
It is published by S.U.F.O.I. (Scandinavian UFO-investigation) and distributed by Forlaget S.U.F.O.I. in collaboration with Tysk Bogimport A/S. Subscription details and contact information for the editor, Gerda Rørbæk Nielsen, are provided.
Editorial: Kære læsere! (Dear Readers!)
Gerda Rørbæk Nielsen opens the issue with a letter to the readers, highlighting the immediate response to a call for contributions to a reader forum. She notes that three submissions were received from the same young man, Per Borgaard, and that the first is included in this issue. Nielsen reflects on the nature of youth, describing them as bearers of strong emotions who have not yet learned to mask their intentions. She argues for the importance of listening to young people, even when their criticisms are sharp, suggesting that if adults feel targeted, it may indicate a failure in their role as leaders and educators in the “atomic, space, and refugee age.” She poses rhetorical questions about whether adults are providing “stones for bread” and failing in their responsibilities. The editorial concludes by stating that Per Borgaard represents the youth and that all suitable submissions will be published in order.
Videnskab og Kosmologi? (Science and Cosmology?)
This article critically examines the relationship between science and cosmology, particularly concerning the phenomenon of UFOs and the concept of extraterrestrial beings. The author notes that many people are surprised that the investigation of such phenomena is left to laypeople rather than scientists, and that science is reluctant to acknowledge visitors from space as a fact. The article posits that science, through mathematical reasoning, has concluded that the chance of human-like life on other planets is extremely small, rendering it an impossibility in their view. While scientists may concede the possibility of unknown life forms in the atmosphere, they dismiss the idea of human-like beings. The article contrasts this scientific stance with the growing number of people who claim to have seen beings in or around spacecraft, and those who claim contact. It suggests that millions of people believe human-like life in the universe is not impossible, especially if one considers a first cause for life's manifestations. The author identifies a sharp division in the modern world between a humanistic and a natural scientific worldview. The humanistic view incorporates the idea of space-folk as a natural conclusion of universal life, while the natural scientific view struggles to reconcile this with its understanding of the prerequisites for life. This schism is seen as a major force shaping world history. The article also touches upon the historical shift in authority from the Bible to science, noting the common phrase, “It is scientifically proven…” It suggests that while most people still defer to science, its views are constantly being corrected.
The article further divides scientific thought into two groups: those who are authoritarian and those who are more open. Natural science, having achieved a dominant position, is portrayed as a god-like authority controlling life and destiny, reluctant to admit errors for fear of weakening its position. It demands blind obedience and is credited with inventions like the atomic bomb and television. In contrast, humanistic science is presented as more willing to admit fallibility and acknowledge its search for truth. A quote from English Professor E. L. Woodward is cited, who describes being confused by our reliance on intellect and the scientific method, acknowledging that while it is the best tool, its results are ultimately insufficient and inexplicable. Woodward uses the analogy of cats and dogs in a library to describe humanity's limited understanding of the universe. Humanistic science is depicted as a “stepchild” overshadowed by the dominant natural sciences, with limited prospects for recognition due to financial considerations favoring technical expansion.
Livet – Her og nu (Life – Here and Now)
This article shifts focus to the nature of life and existence, emphasizing the present moment. It states that life permeates the universe in countless forms and manifestations, and that conscious and unconscious life together testify to harmony and unity. A fundamental truth discovered through ufology is that “all life is one,” leading to a broader perspective on humanity's place in the cosmos as part of the larger web of life. The article suggests that humans can learn to live in harmony with nature and other life forms. It asserts that human will has power not only over one's own life but also over other life forms, bringing with it a great responsibility and the potential for increased peace and harmony. The author urges readers to examine how they have managed their lives and to consider if they could do better, warning that past endeavors may have led to a path of destruction. The article criticizes intercontinental rockets with nuclear warheads as terrifying products of human ingenuity, but notes that they are not the primary threat to those in concentration camps or facing racial discrimination. It argues against succumbing to fear of the future, as fear generates negative energy. The only way forward is to confront reality with a calm mind and work to eliminate threats and atrocities. The core message is that life is not in the past or future, but in the present moment (“NU”). The article stresses that each moment must be utilized because it represents the “NU” in which we sense and experience. We cannot control the past or future, only the present, which carries the future within it. The article critiques a common perception of life as inherently dirty, with only the soul being considered pure, contrasting this with the idea that the physical body is a tool for experiencing life and progress.
Sansning (Sensation/Perception)
This section delves into the workings of human senses and perception. It explains that our experiences are processed through sensory organs and stored in memory, with many experiences being relegated to the subconscious. Psychological methods, including hypnosis, are used to access these subconscious memories. The article highlights that human experiences, both remembered and forgotten, significantly influence our present actions. Our sensory apparatus is essential for experiencing the world, but it perceives reality in a subjective, not objective, manner. Each individual's perception is unique, and even when sharing a common understanding (e.g., that a tree is a tree), subjective interpretations can lead to differing opinions on its beauty or ugliness. The author argues that if people were not deceived by their senses, they would reach a consensus. Higher animals, perceiving in only two dimensions, are even more susceptible to sensory deception. An example of a horse reacting fearfully to a piece of paper blowing in the wind illustrates how sensory input can create illusions of animate threats. The article suggests that our senses are limited and often unreliable, leading to confusion and a perception of reality as an illusion or a “soap bubble.” However, the very act of sensing implies the existence of a real, albeit potentially different, world. The article criticizes empiricism alone for leading to confusion and chaos. It proposes that human development extends beyond the three dimensions we perceive, referencing Einstein's theory that objects moving at light speed disappear from our senses and enter another dimension. This suggests that developing our sensory capabilities to perceive higher dimensions is a possibility. The article also points out that humans currently utilize only a fraction of their brain capacity, implying potential for significant advancement. It references Georg Adamski’s view that our senses work against each other, distorting our perception of reality, and that we are too often directed by our senses rather than directing them.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
This issue of *Kosmologi* consistently champions a humanistic perspective that often stands in opposition to the perceived rigidity and materialism of natural science. It advocates for a broader understanding of life, consciousness, and the universe, suggesting that conventional scientific explanations are insufficient. The magazine encourages readers to question established authorities, embrace subjective experience, and live fully in the present moment. There is a clear emphasis on the potential for human development beyond current limitations, particularly in the realm of perception and consciousness. The inclusion of ufology as a lens through which to view these themes suggests an editorial stance that is open to phenomena not yet accepted by mainstream science, viewing them as potential indicators of a larger, more complex reality. The articles collectively promote a worldview that values intuition, holistic understanding, and a sense of interconnectedness with the cosmos.
Title: KOSMOLOGI
Cover Headline: Ræserforum
Document Type: Magazine Issue
This issue of KOSMOLOGI features a piece titled 'Ræserforum' (Racer/Rebel Forum), which delves into the complex and often contradictory nature of contemporary youth. The article, written by Per Borgaard, explores the societal debate surrounding young people, who are simultaneously praised for their capabilities and condemned for their perceived recklessness and disillusionment.
Youth: A Dual Perspective
The central theme of the 'Ræserforum' is the dichotomy observed in today's youth. On one hand, they are seen as more skilled, eager to learn, and conscientious in their work than ever before. On the other hand, they are also characterized as more violent, deeply disillusioned, and openly rebellious. The article highlights the paradox of young individuals who might excel in their daytime responsibilities, only to engage in wild, uninhibited activities like leather-clad riots or orgies in the evening. This duality leads to a societal tendency to categorize youth into a 'nice' majority that behaves properly and a 'wild' minority of antisocial individuals who tarnish the reputation of the larger group.
However, the author argues that this division is an oversimplification and fundamentally incorrect. While the majority of young people may not engage in extreme behaviors, they still experience the same underlying feelings that drive the minority to act out. The article questions the adult response to this phenomenon, noting that parents and society often react with head-shaking and condemnation rather than seeking to understand the root causes.
Adult Hypocrisy and Loss of Faith
A significant portion of the article focuses on the role of adults in shaping youth behavior and attitudes. Borgaard contends that adults do not truly understand the behavior of young people, and, more critically, that adults have themselves created the conditions for this behavior. The core argument is that children are born with a keen sense of falsehood and initially perceive adults as wise, almost divine figures. When these perceived infallible figures reveal themselves to be flawed, hypocritical, or to act in ways contrary to the values they preach, the child's image of them shatters.
This disillusionment is not immediate but gradual. It leads to a loss of faith in adult authority and a deep-seated skepticism towards everything adults say. The article suggests that this loss of faith is a primary driver of the emptiness and meaninglessness that many young people experience.
The Struggle with Emptiness and Meaninglessness
The article further explores the concept of 'emptiness' and 'meaninglessness' among young people, particularly those labeled as 'hard' or 'rebellious.' These individuals resist conforming to societal norms, viewing much of the adult world as corrupt or 'rotten.' They adopt a defensive stance, which often results in negative reinforcement from society, further solidifying their belief that the world is against them. Despite their outward toughness, these young people are portrayed as unhappy and lacking something to believe in.
Borgaard argues that the adult world, having taught them not to believe in anything, is ill-equipped to help them find faith or meaning. The hypocrisy of those who preach about a loving and just God while engaging in unethical behavior themselves erodes any potential for genuine belief.
A Path Forward: Honesty and Empathy
The author proposes a way to address this crisis of disillusionment. He suggests that the only effective method is to demonstrate to young people that the world is not as rotten as they perceive it to be. This involves providing them with something positive to believe in, so that they, in turn, can be better role models for their own children in the future. Borgaard advocates for an experimental approach: if one encounters a 'misguided' young person, they should try to connect with them on an equal footing, with honesty and without deceit.
This approach, he emphasizes, is not just for the 'hard' youth but for all young people, who are rebelling against the ambiguity and dishonesty they perceive around them. They crave genuine connection and honest dialogue. The challenge lies in the fact that most young people do not seek out adults for this kind of interaction, knowing that the majority will either fail to understand, be condescending, or attempt to cover up issues with pleasant lies.
Conclusion
The article concludes by reiterating the profound sense of being lost and adrift that young people can experience when they lack a stable foundation or purpose. The author, Per Borgaard, leaves the reader with a poignant image of youth 'floating in the middle of emptiness.'
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue are youth alienation, the impact of adult hypocrisy on children's development, the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world, and the generational gap in understanding and communication. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical introspection, urging adults to take responsibility for the disillusionment and rebellion observed in youth, and advocating for a more empathetic, honest, and direct approach to engaging with the younger generation. The magazine seems to position itself as a platform for discussing complex social issues with a critical and analytical lens.