infinite, we are led to observe that the whole field of the finite

is inherently limited, in that it has no independent existence. It

has the appearance of independent existence, but that appearance

is merely the result of an abstraction of our thought. We

can see this dependent nature of the finite from the fact that

every finite thing is transient.

Our ordinary view holds that the field of the finite is all that

there is. But if the finite has no independent existence, it cannot

be all that there is. We are in this way led to propose that

the true ground of all being is the infinite, the unlimited; and

that the infinite includes and contains the finite. In this view,

the finite, with its transient nature, can only be understood as

held suspended, as it were, beyond time and space, within the

infinite.

The field of the finite is all that we can see, hear, touch,

remember, and describe. This field is basically that which is

manifest, or tangible. The essential quality of the infinite, by

contrast, is its subtlety, its intangibility. This quality is conveyed

in the word spirit, whose root meaning is “wind, or breath”.

This suggests an invisible but pervasive energy, to which the

manifest world of the finite responds. This energy, or spirit,

infuses all living beings, and without it any organism must fall

apart into its constituent elements. That which is truly alive in

the living being is this energy of spirit, and this is never born

and never dies.

© 1987 by David Bohm

reproduced with permission from Saral Bohm

A selection of essays by the distinguished physicist and thinker, taking as their focus the role and nature of creativity in its broadest sense. Truly inspiring stuff as usual, this strongly reinforces Bohm's worldview as that most closely corresponding with my own.

Creativity, as both a component of one's state of mind, and as an underlying function of human activity, is shown to be essential to the maintenance of a positive vector, both for the individual and for society in general. Indeed, it is effectively woven into the very fabric of life. Also examined is the connection, at root, between scientific and artistic activity. By careful examination of the derivation of key words, Bohm shows how what have become essentially separate disciplines were in fact rooted in the same soil, with creativity being the essential nutrient.

Only by changing ourselves can we hope to change society, and only by becoming creative can we hope to change ourselves. Thus, creativity is seen to be at the centre of positive change - good news indeed for those who are naturally creative - but, we knew all along, didn't we ;-)

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Suspension of thoughts, impulses, judgments lies at the heart of Dialogue…Suspension involves attention, listening and looking and is essential to exploration.  Speaking is necessary of course…but the actual process of exploration takes place during listening—not only to others but to oneself.

             —David Bohm