Black Mirror Episode 2 “Fifteen Million Merits” – Is This Our Reality?

Introduction to Black Mirror

Are you a fan of the Netflix show “Black Mirror”?

Black Mirror has become one of the most popular and well-regarded science fiction shows of recent years, thanks in part to its thought-provoking exploration of the implications of our relationship with technology. The series presents a dark and sometimes unsettling vision of the future, where the rapid pace of technological progress has outstripped our ability to control it. From virtual reality and augmented reality to artificial intelligence and biotechnology, each episode of Black Mirror tackles a different aspect of our technologically driven world, leaving audiences with much to think about long after the credits have rolled.

The second episode of the series, “Fifteen Million Merits,” is a particularly haunting example of the show’s ability to captivate and challenge its audience. Set in a world where people must pedal bicycles to earn the “merits” they need to survive, and where virtual reality offers a tempting escape from their monotonous lives, this episode explores the themes of entertainment, escapism, and the price we pay for both. Through its portrayal of a world where corporations have near-total control over the population, it forces us to confront the dangers of a world where our desire for entertainment is exploited for profit and our longing for escapism is used to keep us distracted from the injustices around us.

Out of all the episodes of Black Mirror, episode two is the one that is super close to how our reality works! Watch this episode of Beyond Homo Sapien where Paul & Scott dive deep on this topic…

Despite its dark and unsettling vision of the future, Black Mirror is a show that inspires us to think deeply about the implications of our technological advancements, and “Fifteen Million Merits” is a prime example of this. By holding a mirror up to our own world and showing us a possible future where our obsession with technology has run amok, this episode serves as a cautionary tale for our own world, and a warning about the dangers of our relentless pursuit of progress.

Themes explored in “Fifteen Million Merits”

As Paul and Scott delve into the episode, they examine the ways in which the world of Black Mirror reflects our own society, discussing the implications of a world where corporations have near-total control over the population. They explore the dangers of a society where our desire for entertainment is exploited for profit, and where our longing for escapism is used to keep us distracted from the injustices around us. Through their in-depth analysis, they shed light on the disturbing reality that this world of Black Mirror is not so far from our own, and they encourage listeners to think critically about the ways in which our own society might be heading in a similar direction.

This episode of Black Mirror dives into how new technology like augmented reality might shape our present and future. As we grow more integrated with technology due to the expansion of the economy into the online space, we must be wary of marrying too closely with the machines.

In today’s online media-based world, we see many social media influencers becoming almost identical to tabloid reporters. Instead of chasing real stories and providing value to the world, they do nothing but talk about each other and create an endless loop of shock to create attention to get eyeballs for advertisers. Although there are many exceptions to this in the online space, they are few and far between. It is far easier to get attention for something like a “prank based” YouTube channel vs. one discussing philosophy (for example).

As the episode comes to a close, Paul and Scott reflect on the lasting impact of “Fifteen Million Merits” and its place within the larger Black Mirror series. They discuss the ways in which this episode and others like it challenge us to think critically about the ways in which technology is shaping our world and our lives, and they encourage listeners to engage with the ideas and themes presented in Black Mirror, to question the status quo, and to consider the future that we want to create for ourselves.

Parallels between Black Mirror and the Real World

As experts in the field of technology and its impact on society, Scott and Paul are the perfect duo to dive into the complex themes of Black Mirror episode 2, “Fifteen Million Merits.” They will analyze the ways in which the world depicted in this episode reflects our own society, pointing out the eerily similar parallels between the two. Through their discussion, they will shed light on the disturbing reality that the world of Black Mirror is becoming increasingly relevant to our own, and they will encourage listeners to think critically about the ways in which our society might be heading in a similar direction.

In this episode, Scott and Paul will delve into the themes of entertainment, escapism, and the price we pay for both. They will examine the dangers of a world where our desire for entertainment is exploited for profit, and where our longing for escapism is used to keep us distracted from the injustices around us. Through their in-depth analysis of “Fifteen Million Merits,” they will help listeners to appreciate the relevance of Black Mirror episode 2 to our own world and to understand the powerful message about the dangers of our obsession with technology.

Ultimately, Scott and Paul’s discussion of Black Mirror episode 2 will provide listeners with a thought-provoking and insightful look into the world of Black Mirror and its powerful impact on our society. Whether you are a fan of science fiction, technology, or just thought-provoking television, this episode is not to be missed. So join Scott and Paul as they delve into the dark and sometimes unsettling world of Black Mirror episode 2, and get ready to have your mind blown!

Philosophical Implications of “Fifteen Million Merits”

Black Mirror episode 2, “Fifteen Million Merits,” is a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between entertainment, escapism, and the consequences of advanced technology. Through its portrayal of a world where people must pedal bicycles to earn the “merits” they need to survive, and where virtual reality offers a tempting escape from their monotonous lives, the episode raises important questions about the cost of our obsession with entertainment and the power of corporations to manipulate our desires.

One of the key themes of “Fifteen Million Merits” is the exploitation of the working class and the manipulation of public opinion by corporations. This episode serves as a warning about the dangers of a world where the rich and powerful use their control over the media to shape our desires and distract us from the injustices around us. This is a timely reminder that in our own world, the power dynamics at play between corporations, the media, and the general public are becoming increasingly imbalanced, and that we must be vigilant in our defense of our rights and freedoms.

The philosophical implications of the episode are just as important as the political and economic ones. “Fifteen Million Merits” forces us to question the impact of our obsession with entertainment and our constant need for escapism. It asks us to consider whether we are willing to pay the price of our addiction to technology, and whether we are willing to give up our control over our own lives in exchange for the comfort and distraction it provides. This is a reminder that in our own world, we must be mindful of the impact that our love affair with technology is having on our lives, and that we must be vigilant in our efforts to maintain a healthy balance between our dependence on technology and our need for real-world connection and experience.

Ultimately, Black Mirror episode 2, “Fifteen Million Merits,” is a powerful commentary on the world in which we live. Through its portrayal of a world where entertainment and escapism are used to distract us from the injustices around us, and where corporations have near-total control over the population, it serves as a warning about the dangers of our obsession with technology and our willingness to give up our control over our lives. So let us all take heed of the lessons of this episode, and strive to create a world where our love affair with technology does not come at the cost of our freedom and our happiness.

Conclusion

This episode of Beyond Homo Sapien is not just for fans of Black Mirror, but for anyone interested in the relationship between humanity and technology, and the consequences of advanced artificial intelligence. Whether you are a seasoned viewer or just discovering the show, Paul and Scott provide a thought-provoking and insightful discussion that will leave you questioning what it means to be human in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

So if you are a fan of science fiction, technology, and thought-provoking discussions, then this episode of Beyond Homo Sapien is for you. Tune in now for an in-depth discussion of Black Mirror episode 2, “Fifteen Million Merits,” and how it reflects and warns us of the dangers of our relationship with technology.

Hermetic Philosophy and Alchemy

What Do Hermetic Philosophy & Alchemy Have In Common?

Hermetic philosophy and alchemy are two ancient traditions that have a deep and intertwined history. Hermetic philosophy emerged in ancient Egypt and was based on the idea that the universe is governed by universal laws and principles that can be understood and harnessed through spiritual development. Alchemy, on the other hand, was a tradition that emerged in ancient Egypt and was closely linked to Hermetic philosophy. It was seen as a way to achieve spiritual transformation through the use of various techniques, such as the use of special substances and the manipulation of energy.

In this article, we will explore the fascinating connection between Hermetic philosophy and alchemy, discussing the history of alchemy and how it aligns with the teachings of Hermetic philosophy. We will also delve into the symbolism of alchemy and how it relates to the journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.

This topic is explored at length on this episode of the Beyond Homo Sapien about the link between Hermeticism and Alchemy. Listen to it here…

Keep reading to learn more about Alchemy and how the church created the need for this esoteric philosophy back in the Middle Ages…

The History of Alchemy

Alchemy is a cryptic esoteric tradition that has its origins in the middle ages but its inspiration much earlier. It draws on the same esoteric concepts as Hermetic philosophy or Freemasonry. It was seen as a way to achieve spiritual transformation through the use of various techniques, such as the use of a special “athanor” forge of purification and the manipulation of energy. Alchemists were believed to be able to transform base metals into gold, symbolizing the transformation of the individual from a state of ignorance to a state of enlightenment.

All the esoteric philosophies have these teachings in common. Whether we are talking about Gnosticism, Hermetic philosophy, Freemasonry, Alchemy, the Kabbalah, or Rosicrucianism, we are discussing the ancient practices of reality creation and the teaching that man can be “one with god”. This viewpoint that mankind was divine was deemed heretical by the Church during the time of the Inquisition. As a result, the church began to demonize the esoteric philosophies and created the need for an “underground” philosophy. Thus, a “living language for the disciple of Hermes” was created and alchemy was born.

This living language was used to encrypt the esoteric teachings and keep them safe from the Christian persecutors who would have had the ancient fire snuffed out.

The goal of alchemy was to achieve a state of spiritual perfection known as the “philosopher’s stone.” This was believed to be a substance that had the power to grant eternal life and enlightenment to those who possessed it. Alchemists were believed to be able to tap into the universal life force and use it to bring about spiritual transformation.

Hermetic Philosophy and Alchemy

Hermetic philosophy and alchemy are closely connected, with Hermetic philosophy providing the philosophical foundation for alchemy. According to Hermetic philosophy, the universe is governed by universal laws and principles that can be understood and harnessed through spiritual development. These principles include the Principle of Mentalism, the Principle of Correspondence, and the Principle of Vibration. You can read more about the Kybalion and the Hermetic Principles here.

Alchemy was seen as a way to put these philosophical principles into practice and achieve spiritual enlightenment. It was believed that through the use of alchemical techniques, individuals could tap into the universal life force and bring about spiritual transformation.

Hermetic philosophy served as the inspiration for alchemy but alchemy served to keep Hermeticism safe from the persecution of the church. Due to religious persecution and the threat of death, Hermetic philosophers and other students of magic had to abandon their normal vernacular and create the language of alchemy. They became “alchemists” instead of magicians.

The Symbolism of Alchemy

Alchemy is full of rich symbolism that relates to the journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. The process of turning base metals into gold, for example, is seen as a metaphor for the transformation of the individual from a state of ignorance to a state of enlightenment. The concept of the “philosopher’s stone” also holds deep symbolism, with the stone representing the ultimate goal of spiritual perfection.

In the Doctrine and Ritual of High Magic, Eliphas Levi writes about the Philosopher’s Stone and the symbolism of alchemy:
“What then, in truth, is this stone? It is the foundation of absolute philosophy, it is supreme and immovable reason. Before contemplating the metallurgical work, one must forever be fixed upon the absolute principles of wisdom, one most possess the reason which is the touchstone of truth. Never will a biased man be the king of nature and the master of transmutations.
“The philosopher’s stone is thus necessary before all else; but how does one find it?
“Hermes teaches us how with his Emerald Tablet. One must separate the subtle from the fixed, with great care and attention. Thus we must free our certitudes from our beliefs and render distinct the respective domains of science and faith.”

The philosophers stone is absolute reason. In his work “The Paradoxes of the Highest Science”, Eliphas Levi writes a simple truth: “Reason is god”. This truth ties in with his writings on the philosopher’s stone and helps us to understand this:

When the alchemist’s write of “the philosopher’s stone that can do all things and grant immortality”, they are referring to the astral light and the connection to the divine within all humans. This “divine spark” is accessible to all. You can activate it through meditation and magical ceremony.

The Role of the Divine in Alchemy

Hermetic philosophy and alchemy both place a strong emphasis on the role of the divine in the universe. In Hermetic philosophy, the divine is seen as the ultimate source of all knowledge and understanding, and it is through spiritual development that individuals can connect with the divine and achieve enlightenment. In alchemy, the divine is seen as the source of the universal life force, and it is through the manipulation of this life force that individuals can bring about spiritual transformation.

Once again, we see the parallels between the two.

Hermetic philosophy and alchemy are two ancient traditions that have a deep and intertwined history. Hermetic philosophy provides the philosophical foundation for alchemy, while alchemy provides a way to put these philosophical principles into practice. Through the use of alchemical techniques, individuals can tap into the universal life force and bring about spiritual transformation and self-enlightenment.

In alchemy, we see this idea of the “athanor”. This is the purifying fire and workstation that we approach every day to transmute lead into gold. Through this purifying fire, the alchemist finds the secrets of the universe and creates gold.

This athanor is meant to be a vocation that we serve which materializes our spirit into the world. Through this great work, we learn how to serve and evolve our spirit. In this way, alchemy serves as a sort of practical application for the spiritual truths protected by Hermetic philosophy. Let us all follow the example of the alchemist and do our best to turn lead into gold in our daily lives.

Want to dive into some of the alchemical source texts? Click here to check out the Hermetic and Alchemical Writings of Paracelsus.

Tornado Relief Concert Happening January 22nd, 2022

Tornado Relief Concert Launching In January

Our team at Trinity Media is starting 2022 off with a bang: January 22nd we are launching the Stream2Rebuild benefit concert series. These concerts will happen every month and raise money for non-profits on the front lines of rebuilding communities destroyed by natural disaster. Want to support the movement? Click this link to check out the Stream2Rebuild blueprint.

Listen to this episode of the Beyond Homo Sapien Podcast for more information on how to support the mission to rebuild our world.

The Stream2Rebuild benefit concert series launches January 22nd, 2022, with the first event in Houston, Missouri. The initiative will launch concerts every month to raise money for communities affected by disasters over the last few years. At each event, artists will perform at an intimate concert event for a small crowd. At the concert, content will be created and streamed to donors around the world.

The first concert will play to an intimate crowd of twelve high-ticket donors & sponsors of the charity who will be invited. At the concert, music and entertainment content will be created and streamed to anyone who donates at least $19 to the movement. This content will be professionally produced and distributed to donors around the world via the power of the internet. The premium content created at the benefit event will be available always and continue to generate donations each month.

Each concert supports a non-profit on the front lines of rebuilding communities affected by natural disaster.

The goal is to donate at least $12,000,000 in 2022 to non-profits on the front lines of disaster relief. This money will be raised through the live concert events, sponsorship from organizations, and donations from supporters like you. Together, we can create a system that generates proceeds every month for the communities who need it the most.

0 Manly P. Hall – The Ways Of The Lonely Ones

Manly Hall Early Writings

Have you read Manly P. Hall’s second book? The Ways Of The Lonely Ones is an absolute favorite of mine and I wanted to write this post sharing my key takeaways. The short book is separated into allegorical stories that share insights into the lives of ascended masters around the world. Through the fictional stories shared in the book, the reader is able to contemplate the meaning of spiritual awakening and our purpose here on Earth.

The book shares different stories that have a moral. In a sense, each one is a parable meant to teach a different lesson to the reader. The book includes a story of an “Old Man of the Mountain” who lives in the middle of the forest, surrounded by animal companions. It also includes the tale of an elder alchemist who realizes the secret of the “philosophers stone” after a lifetime of study; only to find that this realization inspires him to return back to the world he had left behind in search of these alchemical secrets. Inside of this book, Manly Hall encourages the reader to think on the nature of human existence and spiritual enlightenment.

Written at the age of 21, this book is a testament to the intuitive wisdom possessed by the young Manly Hall. By reading his work, you will realize that spiritual insight is not the exclusive domain of those with extensive experience and study. The most simple truths stand the test of time.

Manly P. Hall’s book The Ways Of The Lonely Ones is under $10 on Amazon – check it out here:

On this episode of the Beyond Homo Sapien Podcast, I read my favorite of these allegorical stories:

It is called “The One Who Turned Back”.

Listen to this episode of the show to experience one of these powerful stories at work:

If you enjoyed this story, the rest of the book will inspire you and enlighten your spiritual journey.

0 Psilocybin Cubensis & MDMA Therapy Cure PTSD & Depression

Why Psilocybin Cubensis & MDMA Therapy Saves Lives

Psilocybin Cubensis and MDMA therapy has been shown in clinical trials to cure PTSD and depression. Thanks to the work done by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), psilocybin therapy and MDMA therapy have been approved for clinical trials to discover the healing benefits involved in using these medicines.

After a ground-breaking study at Johns Hopkins University, the world was alerted to the reality that psilocybin cubensis has a powerful ability to heal depression.

MDMA therapy has been shown to relieve and heal symptoms of PTSD. Additionally, plant medicines like Ayahuasca have been shown by MAPS to heal drug addiction, amongst other benefits. Psychedelics are becoming mainstream in our world because their power to overcome trauma is second-to-none.

On this episode of the Beyond Homo Sapien podcast, I spoke with doctoral student Muhsin Corbbrey about the power of psilocybin cubensis and MDMA therapy. At the university of Arizona, Muhsin is comparing the benefits of psilocybin therapy and MDMA therapy against the dangers of mainstream SSRIs and other toxic medicines prescribed by medical professionals.

Listen to this episode to learn how psilocybin therapy and MDMA assisted psychotherapy are healing our world:

The power of psychedelic planets is surfacing. Since the days of our ancestors, the healing ability of these medicines has been known. Here at the end of 2021, the world is waking up and beginning to think for themselves instead of listening to the spoon-fed narrative pushed by the mainstream media. As a result, humanity is healing.

Psilocybin Therapy For Depression

Psilocybin cubensis therapy has been shown by Johns Hopkins to have a dramatic effect on depression. The psilocybin molecule is similar in appearance to the serotonin molecule responsible for happiness and joy inside of our brains. Research has shown that depression results from an imbalance in serotonin and a loss of the bodies ability to create this molecule. Psilocybin therapy allows the body to jumpstart its production of serotonin and once again begin to create this important molecule responsible for human happiness.

Using psilocybin cubensis causes a person to face their fears and heal their trauma. Have you had an experience with psilocybin cubensis? Known as “magic mushrooms” for a reason, the magical fungus activates receptors in the brain that can cause hallucinations or profound out-of-body experiences. Inside of these heightened states of consciousness, a person confronts the spiritual forces that govern our world and help humans to move through the planes of correspondence.

When you have an experience with psilocybin cubensis, you unlock your spiritual ability to commune with different planes of existence. You confront the demons within yourself. You evolve your consciousness and expand what is possible for your body to achieve.

MDMA therapy

As a result of this profound experience, the body changes. Trauma is stored genetically and carried down throughout centuries of human progress and growth. If you have had a traumatic experience, this is stored in your DNA and causes issues throughout the rest of your life.

When you undergo psilocybin therapy, you allow your body to release this trauma and create new patterns. By having an intense psychedelic experience, you re-wire your brain and allow sections once separated to become whole again. When your brain is functioning at a heightened state of awareness, it is able to have epiphanies that last a lifetime. Scientific research is finding that these heightened states of consciousness result in lasting change that re-program the brain in ways that psychedelic explorers have reported since these substances began to be used.

MDMA Therapy

MDMA therapy for PTSD has become popular as a result of the work done by MAPS. By engaging in clinical trials for decades using pure MDMA, the MAPS organization has pioneered a way-forward for humanity that will result in the eradication of PTSD. The work done in clinical trials has demonstrated that MDMA assisted psychotherapy creates lasting change in patients who have suffered from PTSD for a lifetime.

Using MDMA for therapy has been around for decades but its use is becoming mainstream. Through clinical trials performed by MAPS, the substance has been found to re-wire the part of the brain which holds onto trauma. By engaging in MDMA therapy, a person is able to release these traumatic events and process them once and for all.

When a traumatic event happens, our mind shuts down to stop us from experiencing the trauma. Our body goes into a sort of “auto-pilot” as a result of the traumatic incident. While our brains and bodies are in this traumatized state, we are unable to process the event. As a result, the traumatic event gets stuck inside of our brain and remains in that place like a clogged drain. Until the event is processed by our brain, our body continues to act as-if the event is still ongoing. By understanding trauma, we can see why war veterans still “duck in cover” when a loud noise goes off or why a traumatized person might lash-out against innocent people. The brain still believes the traumatic event is happening in that moment!

When a person undergoes MDMA therapy for PTSD, they are able to process these events.

It requires the individual to confront their demons and remember the traumatic event that happened. While in the state induced through MDMA therapy, the individual experiences the event in their mind and remembers what happened so that the brain can process and heal. By having this experience inside of a safe space, the body is able to release the trauma. Early reports suggest that MDMA assisted psychotherapy destroys PTSD and allows victims to heal.

Psilocybin Cubensis & MDMA Therapy For ALL!

Using psilocybin cubensis in a therapy setting can heal depression while MDMA assisted psychotherapy heals previous trauma stored in the body. Together, these therapies can assist our species in evolving to become the best versions of ourselves. Have you had an experience with psilocybin cubensis or MDMA therapy? Write below in the comments and let us know about your healing adventure.

In my life, psilocybin cubensis therapy has been effective. Over a period of years, I was able to re-wire my brain, heal trauma, and experience a spiritual awakening that changed how I view the nature of reality. During this time, I took control of my physical reality and began to step out of the victim story I had been feeding myself. This substance changed my life forever and saved me from mental health problems I was otherwise experiencing. By helping me to confront the darkness within myself, I was able to integrate my shadow and transmute it into the light.

MDMA therapy and psilocybin therapy should be available for all humanity. Although these substances have been demonized inside of our civilization the last few decades, they have been included in our history since it began. In the mysteries at Eleusis, initiates drank a psychedelic beverage that transported them into another dimension where they would undergo their initiation. In Native American cultures, youths would have a vision quest using the peyote plant medicine to initiate them into adulthood. In the Amazon rainforest, ayahuasca ceremony has been used for thousands of years to help tribes heal and seek spiritual guidance. In Scandinavia, the amanita muscaria mushroom has been used for ceremony and healing purposes. All over the world, these plants have had a powerful place in society.

It is time that psychedelics reclaim their proper place in the eyes of the western world. They are a powerful medicine that heals PTSD and depression, amongst a host of other ailments. Furthermore, these plants unlock a spiritual awakening inside of a person that cannot be stopped once it begins. This initiation is the birthright of humanity and cannot be denied.

The spiritual awakening is happening across the world. How is this impacting your world? Write in the comments and share your experience.

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