The Development of the Scientific Worldview and Monotheistic Wisdom. The History of the Indo-European Expansion. The Importance of Macronutrients for Health. Your weekly wisdom, history and health.
Pagan Science
European thought has evolved significantly from attributing natural phenomena to pagan deities to the development of scientific terminology. While contemporary thinkers generally understand this shift to be a progression from the ‘God of the gaps’, to a logical empirical understanding, I am not convinced.
To maintain this point of view, it must be demonstrated that ancient polytheistic thinkers were not describing this assumed empirical reality as a pagan deity. While also demonstrating that the terminology used to describe the scientific findings are not contemporary pagan deities in and of themself. This may be incredibly difficult to contextualise, however with a deep understanding of both.
The Advent of Philosophy
In ancient Europe, natural events like storms, earthquakes and the movement of celestial bodies were explained through mythology. These phenomena were named after pagan deities, such as Zeus for thunder or Poseidon for earthquakes, symbolising human attempts to explaining natural events. These mythological frameworks provided cohesive narratives that connected natural forces to something greater.
Interestingly the advent of philosophy in ancient Greece marked the beginning of a transition from mythological explanations to more abstract reasoning. This philosophical groundwork laid the intellectual foundation for a shift toward empirical observation, thus implementing a change is semantics.
The Enlightenment & the Shift of Semantics
During the Enlightenment, scientific methodologies emerged, emphasising experimentation and evidence. Terms once rooted in mythology were replaced by those grounded observation and analysis. For instance, “Zeus’ thunderbolt”, became “lightning”. Despite these semantic shifts, the underlying motivation to understand and categorise the natural world remains consistent.
Both mythological and scientific approaches seek to impose structure on the cosmos. I believe their methodology is the same. The difference lies in semantics: mythology personalises forces through symbolic narratives, while science abstracts them into quantifiable concepts. Ultimately, these methods reveal the same quest for meaning, showcasing humanities enduring curiosity and capacity to reinterpret the universe through changing paradigms.
Abrahamic Wisdom & Revelation
While European thought evolved from mythological explanations to philosophical inquiry and scientific terminology, the Abrahamic worldview developed concurrently in Europe. This worldview provided a fundamentally different framework for understanding natural phenomena, emphasising a single, omnipotent God as the ultimate cause of all events, rather than a pantheon of deities or impersonal laws.
The Wisdom of Monotheism
The Monotheistic tradition attributes the origin and order of the universe to divine creation. In this view, natural phenomena are not autonomous forces to be deified or purely mechanical processes to be analysed but are expressions of God’s will. This perspective preserved a sense of moral and teleological meaning in the cosmos, contrasting with the secularising trajectory of European philosophical and scientific thought.
Medieval to Modernity
During the medieval period, the Abrahamic worldview dominated European intellectual life. Interestingly thinkers like Thomas Aquinas synthesised Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology. However, this synthesis would go on to shape the future of Christianity in Europe. Christianity by and large would not recover from this synthesis. On the other hand, within the Islamic world, there was also scholars who had philosophical leanings, though to this day there are branches of Muslim thinkers who see philosophy as something separate and a subject to be kept within its limits.
As Scientific thought progressed, tensions emerged between these worldviews. Galileo challenged Biblical interpretations and their scriptures would be a re-evaluation. However, Muslim scholars managed to understand the relationship between empiricism and Islam.
Divine Wisdom
While the mythological-to-scientific transition sought knowledge through evolving semantic frameworks, the Abrahamic worldview maintained a divine teleology. Together, they reflect humanity’s dual quest for understanding through both reason and revelation, often overlapping yet fundamentally distinct in their premises.
Our History & the Indo-European Expansion
The Indo-European expansion represents one of the most significant cultural and linguistic migrations in human history, profoundly shaping the development of European and much of Eurasian civilisations. Emerging around 4,000 BC in the Pontic-Caspian steppe region, the Indo-European peoples began a process of migration and cultural dissemination that spread their languages and customs across vast territories, from India and Iran in the east to Europe and as far as Britain and Ireland in the west.
Archaeological and linguistic evidence suggests that the Indo-European were a pastoral horse-riding people, utilising technologies like the chariot and metallurgy to aid their mobility and influence. As they migrated, they imposed their languages and cultures on indigenous populations. They formed an Aristocratic ruling class and integrated with the local populations to varying degrees in different places. For example, Ireland has the highest steppe DNA on earth, while India has much less. However, both cultures and languages are Indo-European. The migrations gave rise to an array of diverse languages. Sanskrit, Greek, Latin, Old Norse and Celtic languages are all derived from the Indo-European peoples.
Recent advances in genetics, particularly through ancient DNA studies, have transformed our understanding of the Indo-European expansion. These studies reveal patterns of migration and interaction. European people are made up primarily of three groups. The modern population of Europe is a blend of these three groups. The first being the Indo-Europeans, the second Neolithic farmers and the third being Mesolithic hunter-gatherers. Interestingly, this interplay reshaped the genetic and cultural landscape of Europe, creating a more complex picture of its early history.
This emerging evidence challenges earlier models of European history, which often portrayed ancient populations as isolated of static. Instead, it underscores a dynamic narrative of migrations, exchanges and cultural fusion. Moreover, the Indo-European expansion highlights the deep interconnectedness of Eurasian civilisation, showing that Europe’s linguistic and cultural foundations are the result of continuous interactions with neighbouring regions. This evolving understanding enriches our knowledge of Europe’s diverse heritage and its role in a broader global history.
The Importance of Macronutrients for Health
Macronutrients, such as proteins, carbohydrates and fats are essential for overall health and play a vital role in the building the physique you desire. Your goals may vary. However, an understanding of macronutrients will undoubtedly help you. For instance, each macronutrient serves a unique function. Therefore, a balance of each is essential. Once again this will vary depending on your goal. When the balance is correct, physical performance, body composition and general well-being will be optimised.
Protein, Carbohydrates & Fat
Protein is often highlighted for its role in muscle repair and growth. Scientists emphasise its importance in providing amino acids, the building blocks of muscle tissue. Research suggests that consuming 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day supports muscle synthesis and recovery, especially when paired with resistance training. There is a variety or protein sources to choose from. However, natural proteins such as chicken, eggs and milk are most definitely the easiest sought.
Carbohydrates serve as the body’s primary energy source, fuelling workouts and daily activities. They are stored as glycogen in muscles and the liver, providing readily available energy for intense exercise. Studies have shown that athletes who consume adequate carbohydrates improve performance and recovery. Nowadays, diets such as carnivore and keto are incredibly popular and seem to produce results. However, carbohydrates are an essential part of a balanced diet and are essential for producing the energy required for intense forms of training. Complex carbohydrates like oats, sweet potatoes and whole grains are preferred by bodybuilders to maintain steady energy levels and prevent fat gain.
Finally, the most controversial of all the macronutrients. Fats are CRUCIAL for hormone production, including TESTOSTERONE! Testosterone is extremely important for muscle growth and recovery. What is important, is the type of fat that you consume. Healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil support overall health and energy balance. While often misunderstood, fats are essential in moderate quantities for sustaining long-term fitness goals.
Bodybuilders and athletes meticulously manage macronutrient intake to achieve their goals. This is always DEPENDENT on their goals.
By understanding and optimising macronutrient intake, anyone can tailor their diet to align with their health and fitness goals, following principles supported by science and practiced by professionals.
“Macronutrients are the key to alignment”.
– Wes Watson
