#The Unity of Science

[philosophybitmaps]

[linuxgamenews]

Experience the Magic of Caves of Qud Full Release

Caves of Qud 1.0 for the science fantasy roguelike game launches on Linux, Steam Deck, Mac, and Windows PC. Thanks to the brilliant minds at Freehold Games for making it happen. Which you can find in full on Steam, GOG, and itch with 96% Overwhelmingly Positive reviews. Big news, friends – Caves of Qud 1.0 has officially launched. After 15 years of development, Freehold and Kitfox have brought their masterpiece to the finish line, coinciding with the PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted showcase. So, if you’ve been waiting for a reason to dive into this mind-bending science fantasy roguelike, it's out now on Steam Deck (verified) and Linux.

What’s New in Caves of Qud 1.0?

This isn’t just any update – it’s the ultimate update. So, here’s what’s packed into version 1.0:

A brand-new tutorial to help newcomers learn the ropes.

The final quest in the main story, completing the epic journey.

Fresh music tracks, immersive sound effects, and shiny new items.

A whopping 40 new achievements to conquer.

Tons of bug fixes and small improvements that make the gameplay smoother than ever.

Caves of Qud 1.0 - Official Trailer

Introducing the Dromad Deluxe Edition

The launch also brings the Dromad Deluxe Edition, a treat for true fans. It includes:

The full Caves of Qud experience.

A newly enhanced soundtrack to get lost in.

The Harvest Dawn DLC pack, featuring in-game companions to keep you company. This includes previously Patreon-exclusive pets and one adorable new addition that’s making its debut!

Why it's Worth Your Time

For those who don’t know, Caves of Qud 1.0 continues is a mix of science fiction, fantasy, and roguelike brilliance. Imagine a title where you can teleport, swap bodies with robots, hypnotize goats, while digging into 10,000 years of history. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or crafting your dream character with over 70 mutations and dozens of cybernetic implants, there’s always something to surprise you. Prefer a hardcore challenge? Dive into Classic mode with permadeath. Want to relax and soak in the story? Roleplay and Wander modes are also here for you. So it’s no wonder this title has been a staple on PC Gamer’s Top 100 list for years!

Get Ready to Explore

Caves of Qud 1.0 is out now for 25.49 USD / £21.24 / 24,64€ with te 15% launch discount on Steam, GOG, and itch. If you need one more reason to jump in, it’s the perfect time to jump into this world of endless possibilities. So, gear up, grab your companions, and prepare to lose yourself in the legendary Caves of Qud 1.0. The wait is over – so it’s time to carve your story into the bones of this extraordinary world on Linux, Steam Deck, Mac, and Windows PC.

[thirdity]

Science does not concern itself with those properties of existence to which ridiculousness belongs. Science explains the world, but only Art can reconcile us to it. What do we really know about the origin of the Universe? A blank so wide can be filled with myths and legends.

Stanisław Lem, Mortal Engines

[realjaysumlin]

SCIENTIST COULDN'T HIDE HIS DISAPPOINTMENT AFTER DISCOVERING ANCIENT PH...

There are so many things that irritated the heck out of me about this video. First of all nothing surprises me about people who believes in scientific racism which pins Black Indigenous People as inferior with low IQ's and if anyone believes in this rubbish is the ones with the low IQ.

Even this Black African who is presenting the video uses the word minority, what the heck did that come from? How do you get a minority out of humans in the first place unless you too believe in race science?

What is wrong with some of the Black People on earth today? Do they not do any type of research on their own? Do they even study anatomy and nature? This is very easy to realize that there's no separation of humanity no way possible can we even try to do this and be correct.

If you believe in this you are broadcasting to the world that you are a complete idiot and have no idea of how our natural world function. You missed the elementary biology class on mitosis and meiosis and how sexual selection works along with reproductive life. Yes, you will have to be the dumbest mother fucker on the planet to believe in that shit of being a different species of humans.

Only people who are this dumb are shit people who calls themselves white and those shit people who believes in creationism, no one else on earth can be this stupid.

[quotelr]

In the deeps are the violence and terror of which psychology has warned us. But if you ride these monsters deeper down, if you drop with them farther over the world's rim, you find what our sciences cannot locate or name, the substrate, the ocean or matrix or ether which buoys the rest, which gives goodness its power for good, and evil its power for evil, the unified field: our complex and inexplicable caring for each other, and for our life together here. This is given. It is not learned.

Annie Dillard, Teaching a Stone to Talk: Expeditions and Encounters

[ssjkamui-digitalphoenixug]

My newest cyberpunk visual novel game with an 80s anime aesthetic released on itch.io.

Download link:

Some screencaps:

The graphics are Done by me. Most scenes and characters are either based on renderings or Photos and I used a bit AI to improve the Look.

For example, this was the original Character Model for the Character Madoka Michael:

I used AI to turn that into this:

[milkyfederation]

Hanan is getting her yearly revision, it is very important to take care of your artificial parts. She might seize the opportunity to buy a new modification, too.

I wanted to explain all of Hanan's mods and some tech from my universe. Like:

Synthetic skin: artificial skin, replaces damaged skin, more durable and editable.

Energy veins: power the cyborg's mechanisms and can even strenghten the user.

Hanan grew up in a martian colony, exposed to individualist transhumanism propaganda, which made her wish she could become a cool cyborg from a very young age.

Being orphaned as a 14 year old, she started working to pay off her late family's debt. At 19 she tragically suffered a work accident.

Her employer saved her by turning her into a cyborg, adding to her debt. She woke up with mods she did not agree on, turned into a corporate tool.

She managed to escape, and that's when she met Nowa, who paid for her first batch of actually desired mods.

Hanan's mods:

As a teen: Hanan is a trans woman who started transitioning in her teen years. She also modified her canines to be pointier, which was the style at the time, and is the first mod she paid for.

The accident: While working, an explosion damaged her left side, but not so much as to replace all her leftside skin.

The surgery: She woke up with synthetic skin and energy veins covering all her left side, and in other parts of her body to make her a stronger worker.

The accident, and surgery, left her with some brain damage, exagerated by the fact she wasn't that smart to begin with.

Her left eye was replaced by a high quality artificial eye, which gives her some abilities, like zooming in, or heat vision.

They didn't bother with aesthetics, they left her hair and left boob out.

The fist mods: After hearing all her wishes regarding her body when they were laying low, Nowa paid for all the new desired mods.

Starting with artificial hair (Hanan wears wigs) and getting her left breast back.

Additionally, she got metal plates in some strategic places, like her shoulders, fingers, toes (no more stubbing her toes!), etc.

The gadgets were her favourite part, though. Her left hand has a lighter, a laser pointer and a memory drive in some of her fingers.

But her favourite feature is the harpoon gun, she loves it, to the dismay of everyone else.

Future mods: She has a job now as one of the Space Freelancers. With the money she earns, she wants to modify herself to a point she can look in the mirror and only see Her decisions on Her body.

Hanan may be my favourite Space Freelancer, and the one I have more fleshed out.

Reminder that she's 19, I hope this is seen as a tasteful drawing. She's pretty young I try not to sexualize her.

[a-typical]

“The earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena. Think of the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors so that in glory and in triumph they could become the momentary masters of a fraction of a dot. Think of the endless cruelties visited by the inhabitants of one corner of the dot on scarcely distinguishable inhabitants of some other corner of the dot. How frequent their misunderstandings, how eager they are to kill one another, how fervent their hatreds. Our posturings, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the universe, are challenged by this point of pale light. Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark. In our obscurity -- in all this vastness -- there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves. It is up to us. It's been said that astronomy is a humbling, and I might add, a character-building experience. To my mind, there is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly and compassionately with one another and to preserve and cherish that pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known.” ― Carl Sagan

[queka-store]

The Mosquito's Sting: A Tale of Boundaries Challenged

Once upon a time, in an enchanted kingdom, there was a mosquito that carried West Nile fever. This mosquito bit a wealthy man and a poor one, a Jew and an Arab, a white person and a black person, women and men, heterosexual cisgender and LGBTQ+ individuals. The story tells how people created protective barriers and divisions between themselves, but nature, in the form of the mosquito, pierced through these barriers and showed how easily something from each of them could seep into the other, revealing how arbitrary and temporary all these defenses and boundaries truly were.

The king of the kingdom ordered the mosquito to be locked in a golden cage and asked the wisest person in the kingdom, a little girl who understood the language of all animals, to talk to the mosquito. The girl listened to the mosquito's story and told the king the moral lesson that the mosquito had taught. Instead of punishing the mosquito, they made it an important minister in the kingdom. The royal physician healed the mosquito, and the kingdom's scientists transformed it into a beautiful prince.

The prince married the girl when she became old enough. She was the only one who saw the wisdom in the simple mosquito that had only come to sting. To everyone's surprise, as they did not know enough about science, it turned out that the mosquito was actually female. So, the wise girl ended up marrying a mosquito princess who loved to wear princes' clothes. The two of them lived happily ever after, a bit distanced from all other humans who were unwilling to give up the barriers and divisions that separated them.

When the people discovered that the mosquito was female and had married a woman, they wanted to punish her. However, the girl, who was once a wise child, ran away with the mosquito princess to the mountains. There, they lived happily, far from people's eyes and the fears that drove society. They listened to animals, studied life principles with them, trying to deeply understand their languages. Over the years, they published scientific papers that were meant to bring human society closer to their compassionate worldview, which looked broadly at life as one intertwined woven fabric.

[eyeoftheheart]

The Synthesis of the Future: Bridging Western Science and Eastern Wisdom

Throughout history, humanity has sought to understand the mysteries of existence, probing both the external cosmos and the inner dimensions of the soul. Two towering streams of human inquiry have emerged—the rational, empirical science of the West and the contemplative, spiritual vision of the East. Each, in its own way, seeks to unveil the nature of reality. Today, as the world grows more interconnected, the synthesis of these two approaches represents not only a profound intellectual achievement but also a necessity for the evolution of human consciousness.

The Legacy of the West: The Spirit of Inquiry

Western civilization has long been characterized by a relentless pursuit of knowledge through observation, experimentation, and reason. From the natural philosophy of ancient Greece to the scientific revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries, the West has fostered a tradition of empirical investigation. Figures such as Sir Isaac Newton, who revealed the laws of motion and gravitation, and Albert Einstein, whose theory of relativity reshaped our understanding of space and time, embody this scientific spirit.

Yet, even within the heart of the scientific tradition, there have been voices calling for a deeper, more holistic understanding. The Danish physicist Niels Bohr, for example, remarked that "the opposite of a profound truth may well be another profound truth," echoing the Eastern principle of complementarity. Similarly, the quantum physicist Erwin Schrödinger was deeply influenced by the Upanishads and asserted that "the plurality that we perceive is only an appearance; it is not real."

The Wisdom of the East: The Inner Journey

In contrast to the West’s outward exploration, the spiritual traditions of the East have long turned their gaze inward. The sages of India, China, and Tibet pursued direct experience of the ultimate reality through meditation and contemplation. The Upanishads speak of Brahman as the unchanging, eternal essence underlying all phenomena, while the Buddha's teachings on the nature of mind point to the impermanence of the material world and the potential for liberation from suffering.

Great mystics such as Sri Ramana Maharshi, who taught the path of self-inquiry, and Paramahansa Yogananda, who brought the teachings of Kriya Yoga to the West, exemplify this profound inner knowledge. Likewise, the Chinese philosopher Laozi, in the Tao Te Ching, emphasized harmony with the Tao—the ineffable source of all things.

The Call for Synthesis: Visionaries Across Traditions

Many enlightened thinkers have recognized the need to unite the rational and the mystical. The philosopher and poet Rabindranath Tagore, in his dialogues with Einstein, sought a harmony between the scientific worldview and the intuitive wisdom of the East. Similarly, Carl Jung, the Swiss psychologist, explored Eastern concepts like the mandala and integrated them into his theories of the collective unconscious.

The Jesuit priest and paleontologist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin envisioned a future where scientific knowledge and spiritual insight converge, describing an "Omega Point" where consciousness would reach its ultimate evolutionary fulfillment. More recently, the Dalai Lama has called for a dialogue between Buddhist philosophy and modern science, particularly in the realms of consciousness and neuroscience.

Toward a New Consciousness

The synthesis of Western science and Eastern wisdom is not a mere intellectual exercise; it is a path toward a more integrated understanding of reality and our place within it. Science provides us with powerful tools to explore and manipulate the physical world, but it often falls silent on questions of meaning, purpose, and the nature of consciousness. Eastern wisdom, on the other hand, offers profound insights into the inner life and the spiritual dimension of existence but has historically lacked the empirical rigor of the scientific method.

The future calls for a new paradigm that transcends these limitations—a vision where the objective and subjective, the material and the spiritual, are recognized as two aspects of a unified reality. In the words of the Indian mystic Sri Aurobindo, "The meeting of the East and the West will be the prelude to the birth of a new world." This vision invites us to explore both the outer reaches of the cosmos and the innermost depths of the soul, recognizing that these journeys are, in truth, one and the same.

As we stand on the threshold of this new synthesis, the wisdom of the ages reminds us that true knowledge is not fragmented but whole. By weaving together the insights of Western science and the enlightened vision of the East, we open the door to a future where humanity can awaken to the fullness of its potential—a future where the light of reason and the light of spirit shine as one.

[lezmooshie]

Tinkering with my personal website again

Above screenie is zoomed out to capture everything. Anyone wanna guess which blinkies I made? Also, the Twitter blinkie just takes you to my BSky lol (on purpose).

Several of the images were put together by me! I can teach pretty much anything in tech, this is just the stuff that I thought of.

I made the floppy-disk icons myself, with some help from wifey on getting the text to render as part of the SVGs!

[tmarshconnors]

🎉🇮🇱 Happy 76th Independence Day, Israel! 🇮🇱🎉

Today, we celebrate the remarkable journey of a nation that has defied odds, overcome challenges, and flourished in the face of adversity. On this day, 76 years ago, Israel declared its independence, marking a pivotal moment in history and the realization of a long-held dream for the Jewish people.

From the vibrant streets of Tel Aviv to the ancient walls of Jerusalem, Israel embodies resilience, innovation, and the spirit of determination. Its rich cultural tapestry, diverse population, and unwavering commitment to democracy make it a beacon of hope and inspiration for people around the world.

As we commemorate this milestone, let us reflect on Israel's achievements in science, technology, art, and so much more. Let us honor the sacrifices made by generations past and present to secure and safeguard Israel's freedom and prosperity.

May the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Israel and nations across the globe continue to strengthen, fostering peace, understanding, and prosperity for all.

[toonlets]

Boots in the Cosmos!

[emperornorton47]

[frank-olivier]

Navigating the Nexus of Transformation: Humanity's Quest for Agency in a Global, Technological, and Cosmic Landscape

As we venture into the uncharted expanse of the 21st century, humanity is at the confluence of three transformative forces: a global revolution synchronizing nearly 190 nations, the dawn of the "Transhumanist Stage" with its revolutionary technologies, and the profound implications of potential extraterrestrial life. This nexus challenges the very essence of our existence, posing fundamental questions about unity, autonomy, and what it means to be human.

The global push for unity, while promising cooperation and peace, veils risks of societal homogenization and totalitarian inclinations. The tension between global synchronization and individual autonomy has reached a critical juncture, necessitating vigilant oversight to ensure that unity enhances, rather than erodes, personal freedoms.

Simultaneously, the Transhumanist Stage, marked by brain-computer interfaces, cognitive enhancements, and immersive metaverse experiences, redefines human boundaries. While promising unprecedented innovation and efficiency, these technologies threaten to dilute individuality and emotional depth. Urgent ethical deliberations are required to safeguard humanity's essence amidst this rapid advancement.

The possibility of extraterrestrial life introduces a cosmic dimension to our transformation, prompting existential inquiries into mutual awareness, influence, and humanity's universal purpose. This line of questioning underscores the enduring philosophical conundrums of our species: the pursuit of meaning and our place within the cosmos.

A common imperative emerges from this complex landscape: the preservation and empowerment of human agency. To navigate the transformative forces shaping our world effectively, a multifaceted approach is crucial. This entails four key strategies: firstly, ensuring global unity while preserving autonomy by vigilant participation in global policy-making to safeguard individual freedoms. Secondly, adopting ethical tech governance through inclusive, forward-thinking discussions that prioritize enhancing human agency, emotional depth, and collective well-being. Thirdly, cultivating critical and communal intelligence by fostering a global culture that values critical thinking, empathetic engagement, and the sharing of diverse perspectives. Lastly, embracing existential inquiry to reflect on humanity’s identity, leveraging profound existential questions as a catalyst for resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty.

By embracing these strategic imperatives, humanity can harmonize the transformative potential of global unity, technological advancement, and cosmic awareness with the indelible essence of our humanity, forging a future that is at once progressive, resilient, and profoundly human.

Richard Dolan: Globalist Revolution, UFOs, and Transhumanism (The Richard Dolan Show, January 2022)

Sunday, November 10, 2024

[theversevoyager]

In the land of Neptunia, humans coexisted with mystical beings. One day, a wall rose from the depths, separating love and life. But love prevailed, as hearts transcended barriers. The wall fell, and unity was found in a universe of endless wonder.