Chapter-1: Foundational Beliefs for Learning
Success in learning and studying is not random or a fortuitous happenstance of life. It is the explicit conscious choice to reach beyond your comfort limits, to be intentionally productive, and to accept and to adapt to the objective truth of reality.
In other words, all learning begins with a person’s connection with their consciousness. That is to say, a person in any type of learning endeavor is guided by their free-will to act in a deliberate conscious manner with reality.
For this reason, all foundations of your learning and studying must be grounded in the proper ideas of personal development and growth. Meaning that, your mind must have the proper perspective, the proper belief system, and the proper expectations in order for your consciousness to produce your desired learning outcomes.
The overall claim being stated here is that your entire studying (and learning) is dependent on your foundational belief system. As a result, this chapter presents a belief system that increases your ability to produce success in studying and learning. Granted, results will vary from person to person; but, in general, personal improvements will come to the dedicated practitioners of this belief system.
To be clear, I have provided reasoning throughout each chapter to support my claims and successful experiences in studying and learning. However, I have also used an axiomatic approach to explain various aspects of my belief system on studying and learning. Still, my ideas remain consistent with real world observations.
Should the reader desire more detailed reasoning to convince themselves of the philosophical claims being stated here, then I recommend my book on metaphysics, Web of Consciousness: An Interconnected Life. Of course, my beliefs, much like anyone else’s, are based on personal life experiences, education, professional experience, personal thinking patterns and individual—and observed—successes in learning.
One more recommendation is needed before continuing, which is patience. Patience is required on your part, motivated reader. Some of the initial ideas that I present in this chapter may seem out of place, at first. Even so, as I make progress with each following chapter, you will begin to see the pieces fit into place. But this perspective will take some time to develop and grow within you.
Now, without further delay, there are ten foundational beliefs that will help you to establish a proper belief system for studying and learning.
Ten Foundational Beliefs Needed for Studying and Learning
1. Consciousness:
The first foundational belief is based on consciousness, which exists within you and everything in the universe. Above all else, this is where your belief system must begin. Emphasis is needed here, having the correct belief of consciousness is one of the most critical beliefs that any student or learner must have, in order to adapt, grow and evolve.
However, my intention is not to prove the unprovable claims of consciousness. Instead, my goal is to use my axiomatic philosophy of consciousness to explain how studying and learning works. Hence, here are my approximate observations of consciousness.
Consciousness (or, more precisely, Total Consciousness) is the multi-collected level of awareness and connectedness with reality; such that, consciousness exists in three main types or orders.
E-Consciousness (exploratory-consciousness) is the primary exploratory part of total-consciousness, which is responsible for the awareness and connectedness to reality, with respect to waking day to day interactions.
Ava-Consciousness (acquired-evolutionary-adapted-consciousness) is the primary part of total-consciousness, which is responsible for the awareness and connectedness to reality, with respect to: DNA, body development and functioning, memory archival and retrieval of life trials, and all other systems of the human body or living being.
I-Consciousness (or, interconnected-consciousness) is the primary part of total-consciousness, which is responsible for the awareness and connectedness to reality, with respect to: communication, connected balance and concurrent adaptation between all other relevant, near relevant and far relevant consciousnesses within other living beings.
The main take away from this belief is that every living being has an interconnected consciousness with reality. Case in point, You, the motivated reader, have consciousness that is comprised of at least three separate types that work together. Why at least three parts? My approximate answer to this question is studied within my books on metaphysics. Should the reader be interested in a more detailed exploration of my theory on consciousness, then my recommendation is my book, Consciousness: On the Origin of Life.
2. Evolution
The second foundational belief pertains to the nature of evolution. And, most importantly, this second belief focuses on the connection that exists between consciousness and evolution.
Evolution is the exploration, adaptation, growth and memory of intentional trial and error decisions in reality, made by some form of consciousness, which is recorded within life, for life, for all time.
As a natural continuation, the approximate definition provided on evolution implies that there is a goal motivating all evolutionary processes. Furthermore, it appears as though evolution has the goal of expanding life forward in time, for all time, throughout reality.
Now, why evolution has this goal is beyond my understanding. But, as it pertains to all human life, we are all part of this goal of evolution—which means, to varying degrees, all humans have the ability to adapt, to grow and to learn throughout all life.
3. Free-Will
The third foundational belief pertains to the proper application of free-will. Without a doubt, all successful people—regardless of if they can articulate the reason for their success—use their consciousness, evolution and free-will in a deliberate and consistent manner to be successful. Hence, a correct understanding of free-will is crucial for learning and studying.
Free-will is the ability of life to consciously choose to use information about the past, in order to make an intentional trial decision in the present, for the purpose of accomplishing the goal of evolution.
4. Emotions
The fourth foundational belief pertains to the nature of emotions. One of the biggest misunderstood aspects of life is the true purpose of emotions. Feel free to research this topic if you like reader. There are plenty of books, articles and influencers that will tell you about their feelings or emotions. And, in all fairness, there are some perspectives on emotions, from a psychological perspective that are useful: especially with regards to anger management or with understanding the difference between happiness and pleasure.
But, overall, there is not a strong unifying viewpoint with respect to emotions in life. Anyhow, here is my take on the whole emotion utility to life.
Emotions are one form of free-will communication between the three types of consciousness, which are the result of specific chemical releases within the body.
Basically, since total consciousness is comprised of three separate—yet, interconnected—types (or parts or orders) they need a way to communicate without being completely united as one. And emotions serve this purpose. Also, in general, this communication moves in both directions. Meaning, your e-consciousness receives communications (emotions) from your ava-consciousness and i-consciousness; and, your ava-consciousness and i-consciousness can receive communications (emotions) from your e-consciousness.
5. Senses
The fifth foundational belief pertains to the nature of senses. The comments for this belief are identical to that for emotions. As such, I will go directly to my approximation for this belief.
Senses are another form of free-will communication used between the three main types of consciousness, which are communicated and received as: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch.
At this point, given my observations of emotions, senses and consciousness; I claim that the reason for having the experience of any phenomena has to do with communication between the three types of consciousness—which, carry out within all individual life forms.
6. Percent Distribution of Consciousness
The sixth foundational belief pertains to the distribution of consciousness among the three types of consciousnesses. The current assumption in science, and other areas of society, is that consciousness is 100% concentrated in waking consciousness. Explaining this assumption from my perspective, most individuals assume that 100% of consciousness is contained within e-consciousness. However, this assumption is not correct.
As a better approximation, I contend that the distribution of consciousness follows, on average: 10-15% within e-consciousness; 70-80% within ava-consciousness; and, about 2-5% within i-consciousness. Also, whatever the actual percentage of consciousness distribution, I believe that percentages of distributions are not fixed. That is, during certain aspects of life span development there is a need for fluctuations to occur.
For instance, most individuals do not remember the day that they were born or conceived. From an evolutionary perspective it would be of little utility to have 10% of a person’s consciousness within their e-consciousness at minute one of birth or of conception. As such, I believe that approximately less than one percent of our consciousness is distributed within our e-consciousness at birth and at conception. A more useful distribution at birth or conception would be: 0.000000000001-1% within e-consciousness; 97% within ava-consciousness; and 2-2.99% within i-consciousness.
7. Happiness vs. Pleasure
The seventh foundational belief pertains to the nature of happiness versus pleasure. Most individuals have difficulties distinguishing these two ideas. And, to a greater extent, most individuals believe these two concepts to be equivalent. They are not.
Far from being the same idea or practice, happiness and pleasure are two very distinct paths in life. At present, even science can admit that these two feelings or emotions are not connected with the same chemical releases in the body. And, from a non-science perspective there is plenty to be said about these two regularly confused ideas and practices.
To the point, here are my definitions for happiness and pleasure:
Happiness is mainly the conscious positive experience between the three types of consciousness that satisfies four main conditions within life: connection, contribution, mutual shielding and repose. In other words, happiness is based on: the positive responsibility of long-term experiences; consciousness fulfillment needs; a willingness to give and to receive; experienced with others; not artificially induced (such as through drugs); and is associated with the positive goal of evolution.
Pleasure is mainly the physical ostensibly positive experience between the three types of consciousness, and rejects the four main conditions of happiness: connection, contribution, mutual shielding and repose. In other words, pleasure is based on the practice of hedonism, which is focused on: short term experiences; physical or bodily fulfillment needs; mainly concerned with taking from others; maximizing individual gain in experiences, especially within a group; gravitates towards artificial experiences (such as drugs); and, it is associated with rejecting the positive goal of evolution.
The main idea being presented in this belief is that happiness and pleasure are not identical. Moreover, the pursuit of one does not mean the pursuit of the other. There is a most important caution to grab from this belief. Quality and quantity of life results will vary depending on which is pursued more—happiness versus pleasure.
8. Motivation and Fun
The eighth foundational belief pertains to the interconnectedness of motivation and fun. These are another pair of ideas and practices that are often confused as being the same concept. They are not. However, they are intimately connected.
Motivation is the product of three factors in a person’s life: value, expectation and willpower. And, in symbolic form: let M = motivation; v = value; e = expectation; and w = willpower, then one approximate definition of motivation in a person is:
M = (v)(e)(w) Equation-1
Fun is the product of value, expectation and joy in a person’s life, such that, willpower is not stressed or not required in large—or continuous—amounts for a given event or events in life. Using symbols to model fun: let F = fun, v = value, e = expectation, J = joy, h = happiness, p = pleasure and w = willpower, then one approximation for fun is:
F = [(v)(e)(J)] / [w] Equation-2
F = [(v)(e)( h – p)] / [w] Equation-2.1
Where, J = h – p
In general, motivation is the free-will expression of consciousness in reality, which is the product of three main factors. In contrast, fun is the interconnectedness of consciousness that serves to connect all aspects of consciousnesses, while allowing for willpower to recover. And it is typically associated with an emotion of joy.
9. The general purpose of life
The ninth foundational belief pertains to the assumptions connected with the general purpose of life. In particular, the biggest mistake that most individuals make in life is that pleasure—or power—is the ultimate goal of life. It is not. And more of a surprise, happiness is also not the general purpose of life. However, unlike pleasure, there is great value in understanding the true function of happiness and fun in life.
At the moment, I will state that one aspect of the general purpose of life is to minimize pleasure and to focus on happiness practices with respect to a person’s willpower development in life.
The main point in this belief is that from an evolutionary perspective, pleasure is not the general goal of life. And, to a certain extent, neither is happiness. Instead, the general purpose of life is willpower development, which is aided in recovery by fun—in particular through happiness.
10. Faith and its Purpose
The tenth foundational belief pertains to faith and to the purpose of faith. A significant portion of people have a gagging reaction when the word faith is uttered. The word conjures feelings of anger, resentment and the empty promises or illusions of a higher power. I completely understand this reaction; but I also understand that it’s a limiting choice. And what we want is more range, more movement and more gratitude in life in order to advance and live forward.
The truth of the matter is that dismissing faith because there is no proof is completely counterproductive to life, consciousness and evolution. Don’t misunderstand me; I agree that in certain situations, asking for proof (physical evidence) is more than reasonable. It’s being responsible, accountable and protective of life. However, there is a limit to human understanding that cannot be ignored. And, to request proof for all aspects of life is stifling.
So, instead, I propose that asking for proof is required whenever one person intends to take away another person’s ability to act in accordance with their personal free-will. Meaning, true proof (of past and only past actions) is required when forced restrictive actions are deemed necessary. For instance, when placing someone in prison, in a mental institution or in some type of limited capacity to interact in the world, with life, in general.
In contrast, when action without proof favors an individual and/or society positively, then an individual must consider their limitations and be humbled in their place within the universe. No human being can ever, has ever or will ever be able to know all, and or be all in the universe. Moreover, asking for proof in all situations ignores this humbling aspect of being human, of being mortal.
At any rate, here is my (very rough) approximate definition of faith and its purpose:
Faith is additional potential energy-motivation that is made available through skill and trust, regardless of proof. This additional energy-motivation is for an individual to use, for an event or series of events in reality.
The purpose of faith is to provide a meaningful framework and additional potential energy-motivation to continue with movement and choice in the universe. Faith is an understanding and acceptance of a person’s limitations within the universe; and acting in faith demonstrates trust (without scientific proof) in the supportive nature of consciousness throughout the universe. As a result, faith provides additional energy-motivation to an individual person, for use in an event or events, in reality.
It is difficult to accept for most individuals, but faith is always used in everyday life. Some attribute it to a higher power, while others attribute it to their very own will and or to their own right in existence. My caution to you reader, with respect to faith and its purpose, is to be humble in your actions.
Choice of Held Beliefs
Regardless of your actual acceptance of the ten beliefs described in this chapter, you will need to choose. The fact of the matter is that you have already chosen. For each of the ten beliefs discussed, you already have an individual perspective, or you have automatically accepted a perspective from others. But you do have some type of answer with respect to each of the ten beliefs listed in this chapter. The critical task now is to address each belief and to adjust or replace them accordingly.
My recommendations on a proper belief system for studying and learning are listed in this chapter. And, as you progress with the rest of this book, motivated reader, you will see a better picture of the importance for each belief that has been addressed.
What’s the difference? Results are the difference. When you inspect the lives of any successful person, living or dead, you will find that all have a strong positive alignment to the beliefs described in this chapter. And they are all approximately, with varying degrees, aligned in the same direction. Then it stands to reason, should it be any different for you? Are you the exception? The answer is no. We all must have a proper belief system if any gains are to be made in any area of our life. More to the point, all proper belief systems will address, directly or indirectly, the ten beliefs described in this chapter.
Of course, the actual articulation of each belief may look different; but, they will serve the same purpose: to allow for movement by choice.
However, you decide to set up your personal belief system, reader, it must allow for consistent and long-term movement by choice. In other words, if your belief system stifles your development and growth, then it is not properly aligned. If your belief system produces physical restriction, harm or elimination of other people, then it is also not properly aligned. Your success in anything does not come at a cost to another’s free-will of success in life.
The choice is yours, reader.
Do you have a proper belief system that addresses each of the beliefs that have been identified in this chapter? Most important, are your beliefs limiting or counterproductive? If so, perhaps some adjustments are long overdue. Of course, the decision to believe, with action, is ultimately your choice to make. It has always been your choice.
There is another integral belief that is of equal importance as understanding consciousness, which is faith. All highly successful individuals move with the belief that they will be, and that they must be successful. They act even when the probability of their success is less than one percent or even zero. All highly successful people believe they can achieve, even despite all the errors or setbacks they may and will encounter.
Studying and learning are no different. To begin to understand anything requires making actions without having any guaranteed proof that you will succeed: faith. And the stronger your skill in applying this ability of faith, the better your results will be in studying or in any other endeavor you may choose to pursue in life.
The choice is yours to believe with your actions, reader.
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Thank you
I appreciate your time in reading this blog post. If you are interested in reading the first part of Chapter Two: The Laws of Learning, from my self-development book: How Does Studying Work?,you can find it on my content tab, under Education: Learning and Studying.
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Thanks again for your time.
Total Consciousness 
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