A System of Measure(s) - Phase 2+
This project has taken on many forms. It’s gained and outgrown many names and labels already, which undoubtably means it’s likely to do so again. For the time being, however, this is where it’s at.
A System of Measure refers to a larger grouping of smaller projects of Measure, such as the following;
The Measure of a Substance (and its use)
The Measure of Politics
The Measure of Education
The Measure of an Economy
The Measure of One’s Well Being
More exist in early developmental stages, but these 5 are those that have become somewhat fleshed out over the year and a half that I’ve played around with this concept.
To make a very long story obscenely short, this System of Measure aims to identify core elements within particular categories (like politics, substances, the economy and so forth) and allow for a systematic categorization from the patterns that emerge. From this point, the patterns can be played with to create “systems of measure”, ways of objectively & subjectively observing, categorizing and assigning particular values to methods of operation.
This is somewhat difficult to explain without its own nuanced segment, but take the following as an example.
Imaging is a system of measure was designed for politics where a grade value could be provided to politicians and political groups based off of certain criteria.
What % of their campaign funds come from corporate donations, super PACs vs individual donations from the public?
How many of their campaign promises have they followed through on versus ignored or even failed to achieve?
From a range of perspectives, for example environmentalism, what actions have they taken for or against this cause? The stances they hold and the actions taken in consequence would allow for a measurable breakdown of their alignment with certain values.
The more perspectives listed the less likely there is to be an unfair bias, although within this system I also have a proposal to counter this threat.
& much more (seriously).
We can do this with substances too. Let’s take the Measure of Substances.
Categorize substances according to their use, risk, potential and effects.
Stimulants (ex Caffeine)
Depressants (ex Alcohol)
Psychedelics (ex Psilocybin)
Prescription Medication (ex Opiates)
Etc etc etc
What does the science say about their potential harms, or even potentials?
For example, two studies make by large reputable organizations found independently from each other that when ALL factors were taken into account (personal harm, societal impact etc), Alcohol was the more dangerous substance. This surprises a lot of people, particularly when you consider that second to Caffeine it may very well be the most common and easily accessible substance. It’s also the more popular drug of choice for our youth. That’s.. somewhat troubling.
And what about both traditional and non traditional psychedelics?
Take Psilocybin (magic mushrooms), turns out that it may literally be the most effective and safe method to recover from addiction (under the right medical context with trained professionals of course). It’s also borderline a miracle drug when it comes to combatting depression at all levels of severity (again, under the guidance of trained professionals in a highly regulated process). But, it’s also true that it’s very powerful which means it can have severe consequences to some. That’s especially true if it’s misused or taken without an understanding of its effects. It’s all in its Measure. How is it used, why is it taken, what does it do and more. All these factors make up the “Measure” of a substance.
It’s important to not misunderstand me, though. I’m not saying we should ban Alcohol, nor am I saying that everyone should be court ordered psychedelic therapy. My point is that there are so many factors to consider not only with each substance, but the particularities of its contextual use that the Measure of a Substance is highly subjective. It’s not all good, it’s not all bad. It’s all in its Measure!
I could go on and on, but that’s for another day. Until then, these ideas will be explored through my journals, recordings and more. Another project of mine is to create The Archive Wiki, a literal wiki allowing simplified comprehension of all these concepts, how they’re interconnected and so, so much more.
As indicated in the title, this will be a Phase 2 project (So’s the Wiki btw).
If you’re unfamiliar with what that means, may I suggest you take a look at my explanation of all the phases and what each means in the menu tab up above.
For those lacking the time, interest or motivation, here’s the TL;DR.
Phase 2 is focused on bringing about my projects and ambitions to reality.
During phase 2, I will be more at ease taking on further responsibilities like developing a cohesive and interconnected system of measure spanning dozens of highly complex categories. That’s currently beyond me given that as of writing this I still find myself in Phase 1.
Phase 1 is about discovery, testing and the growth of my potential. I spend my weeks working a full time job, and between the time it takes to sleep and recover I’m also testing and developing methods to improve my ability to operate on this level. In that sense, Phase 1 is literally building me up so that I will be capable of entering Phase 2 and see my projects through.
This project will also be quite the time commitment given the extensive research, writing and testing required.
So all that being said, thanks for the read and I’m looking forward to presenting this in the years to come!
