Phantasmagoria
Contemporary Reasoning in an Increasingly Unreal World
Literally speaking, phantasmagoria is a shifting series of deceptive appearances or illusions, usually either created by a dream or by imagination. Picture dissolving, transforming figures, increasing and diminishing in size, magical and grotesque at the same time. Something that you could see in a dream or perhaps as a product of your imagination.
Now what if life shifts to such an extreme that the essence begins to seem phantasmagoric? If the essence is a grotesque seeming illusion, or a fool's paradise, then what is reality? Where are we within this reality? Or are we living in an age of mass-paramnesia?
Observing the facts and premises we form judgments or conclusions. That process is called reasoning, and it is that kind of reasoning that this section of Deep Spirits is dedicated to. Contemporary reasoning by various deep spirits. The topic, in one word, is Phantasmagoria.
To every Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jew, to every Atheist, Agnostic, Naturalist, Pantheist and to all the people of the World, you have the privilege to be on a very special journey, never before attempted by humankind.
What is it that makes us humans? Is it the ability to walk on two feet, to use our hands in ways animals cannot, or that we can build massive structures, fly without wings or breathe underwater without gills? Nah, not at all. Sure, these things make us unique...
Turn signals, blinkers, whatever you may call them, do you use them every time you're turning, no matter what? If so, why? And, that is my main question. Why? The reason to use a turn signal, implicit in its name, is to signal to others your intentions.
Let's be realistic... who would dare to be magical nowadays? In a world in which everything is measured and calculated, ruled by facts and figures, where a dose of skepticism is a necessary trait for the overall mental well-being.
I saw a picture recently, more of a poster or sticker, really, that said, Hopeless Romantic seeks Filthy Whore. It reminded me of what a woman once told me, "I guess I like bad boys." She didn't like me, wasn't attracted to me in that way, and this was her reasoning.
