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Play Is The New Order

Apr 07, 2014
by Caroline Miller
David Graebar, Do Atoms Play?
2 Comments

Scientists are beginning to think that play, rather than competition, is the ruling principle of the universe. Play, in this case, means an entity’s free exercise of its powers for no higher purpose than because it can. (“Do Atoms Play?” by David Graeber, The Baffler, excerpted in The Week, 4/14/14 pgs. 41) Thanks to physicist Werner Heisenberg, we know that atoms and their electrons can operate unpredictably from one moment to the next. This randomness is an example of play because no law appears to be operating. What we experience is movement for the sake of movement rather than to reach a specific target.

 In 1902, the Russian, Peter Kropotkin, expanded upon this notion of a universe at play in Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution. In contrast to Charles Darwin’s theory, he pointed out that the survival of a specie is strongest when competition is less and cooperation, an aspect of play, is greater. His view explains the existence of altruism — a trait found in the spectrum of life from insects to humans but for which Darwin could not account.

 When asked why play is the organizing force of the universe, Kropotkin and others merely shrug. The explanation can’t be broken down further, they say. Play is as basic to the order of the universe as is the desire of living things to go on living.

 But if play is the starting point of existence, then we should alter our understanding of the environment and how we conduct ourselves in it. We require a new morality, one which diminishes the role of competition and gives cooperation a higher ranking. .

 Frankly, I’m ready to embrace Kropotkin’s idea. Darwin and his theory of competition has had its way with us for far too long. We need a new paradigm. Fun and cooperation work for me.

children at play

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Courtesy of www.acefitness.org)

 

 

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2 Comments
  1. Bill Whitlatch April 7, 2014 at 11:17 am Reply
    Love it! I agree we have "competed" ourselves to death! Also, the Baffler is one of my favorites. Thank you, great article and the sun is out!
    • Caroline Miller April 7, 2014 at 12:45 pm Reply
      Glad to have your recommendation on the Baffler, Bill. I just bought a subscription to it.

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Contact Caroline at

carolinemiller11@yahoo.com

Portland, Oregon author Caroline Miller had distinguished careers as an educator, union president, elected official and artist/advocate.

Her play, Woman on the Scarlet Beast, was performed at the Post5 Theatre, Portland, OR, January/February 2015

Caroline published a serialized novelette, Marie Eau-Claire, on the website, The Colored Lens.  She also published the story Gustav Pavel,  a parable about ordinary lives, choice and alternate potential, on the website Fixional.co.

Caroline has published four novels

  • Ballet Noir
  • Trompe l’Oeil
  • Gothic Spring
  • Heart Land

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