Saturday, May 30, 2009

The Evolution of Symbols

Allegedly the birth of human consciousness corresponds roughly to our ability to use symbols and metaphors. The oldest art in the world, which, let's blow our trumpet a little, was found in a cave in South Africa, signifies our move from unconscious or subconscious animals to thinking beings. Abstract thought was documented and reified in abstract symbolism. This evolved into cave paintings of animals, alphabets and religious symbols. 
A strange thought struck me today as I picked up a chocolate with so many symbols, adjectives and brand differentiators on it the chocolate seemed almost peripheral to the offering - perhaps the shift in human consciousness that so many predict is upon us (Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth, for example) is being mirrored in the evolution of symbols yet again. Where once letters and alphabets arose to document sounds and words, now symbols that represent entire systems of thought combine to form a language of a higher level. A crucifix carries with it the whole history of Christianity. A swastika invokes an ideology and an emotional reaction. Fairtrade logos and carbon footprint logos and halaal-approved logos each invoke a complex history and philosophy. Where letters once combined to form simple words, now the combinations of brands, logos and symbols form complex patterns and combinations of ideologies, histories and value. To cut through the information overload of our age, we are beginning to communicate in a symbolic language of a higher order. It may mean the birth of collective consciousness and the beginning of the prophesised golden age - and it also means we won't need to worry so much about our spelling.

4 comments:

  1. Al! Not bad. not bad at all. I would convey my appreciation by means of an intricate series of symbols but, alas, I'm not yet well versed enough in thge language of the golden-age to speak to you in such an eloquent diatribe. Perhaps living in grhamstown has stunted my growth in this regard. The donkey grazing in my garden bears testament, I call him theodore. Its a Donkey-esque kind of name. Now hurry up with the next blog....i've got you bookmarked and everything. Your loyal, devoted fan. Luke

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  2. Haha, Luke, developing a personal relationship with your donkey is indeed a sign of the evolution of consciousness - it's all about returning to nature :) Or tell yourself that anyway. In the meantime, make plans to get out of Grahamstown!

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  3. Cool blog, have you thought about painting symbols. Diane and I both do it. I've been drawing them since I was small, give it a try. Then try and find the symbol online and it's meaning, pretty interesting stuff...

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  4. I like that idea... Kinda like reading tea leaves in the age of the tea bag :)

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