Explicit vs Implicit Understanding

Understanding vs Knowledge: Understanding is not equivalent to knowledge. One can possess knowledge (true or false) but not understand it. Within the realm of understanding, distinct types are defined - explicit and implicit understanding.
Explicit Understanding: Explicit understanding is fully disclosed, clear, tangible knowledge, expressed without ambiguity; it's concrete, fully developed, and expressed.
Implicit Understanding: Implicit understanding denotes comprehension of something inherent and essential, although not directly expressed or revealed. It is unspoken and intangible but is involved and suggested.
Societal Bias Towards Explicit Knowledge: Society and science favor explicit knowledge due to the ease of communication and consensus building it offers. However, this bias overlooks and devalues the implicit aspects of reality that are more challenging to express fully, contributing to a skewed understanding that emphasizes the explicit.
Implicit Understanding and Reality: Many aspects of reality, in both science and daily life, can't be explicitly explained but still hold truth and importance. These aspects require implicit understanding, an underappreciated skill generally not taught in schools or society.
Recognition of Implicit Understanding: Acknowledging and appreciating implicit comprehension is crucial, despite societal tendencies to disregard it. Recognizing the possibility of unexpressed but significant truths presents a fundamental challenge for collective understanding and consensus.
Explicit vs Implicit in Mathematics: The concept of natural numbers demonstrates the distinction between implicit and explicit understanding. One can explicitly list natural numbers but will never complete the task due to their infinite nature. Understanding that natural numbers are infinite is an example of implicit understanding.
Intuitions and Implicit Understanding: Intuitions often represent implicit comprehension. Recognizing and trusting in this form of understanding is crucial for personal development and truth-seeking. This emphasis on intuition provides clarity to insights not typically taught in traditional educational or social settings.
Explicit Listing vs Implicit Understanding: While one can explicitly list numbers endlessly, the comprehension that the set of all numbers is infinite demonstrates implicit understanding. However, this implicit understanding forms an essential part of one's knowledge base.
Clarifying the Concept of Infinity: During the process of a child learning to count, they eventually reach an understanding that number sequences can go on infinitely, much like a bag of endless marbles. This epiphony of comprehending infinity is considered a form of mystical phenomenon. Despite our finite minds, we are capable of understanding the infinite concept of numbers without live demonstrations or explicit proof.
The Curious Phenomenon of Pi: Pi is a transcendental number that humans know to countless decimal points. This infinite number cannot be represented as a finite series of arithmetic or algebraic operations. Remarkably, Ferdinand von Lindemann was able to prove the transcendental nature of Pi using finite symbols; demonstrating the paradox that the finite can reach the infinite.
Multiplicity of Objects' Properties: Gura posits that elaborate explicating lists cannot fully describe an object as the number of properties is infinite. Objects can be viewed from infinite angles, can be zoomed forever inwards or outwards, and the list of their properties can continue endlessly. Even reaching levels where atoms are divided into subatomic particles, then further down to the quantum level, the entanglement of the particles aligns them with the rest of the universe. Gura suggests that direct consciousness of the infinite nature of reality can be achieved with practice, such as through deep meditation or psychedelic experiences.
Challenging the Belief in Reality's Bottom: The belief in a rock-bottom reality, potentially represented by the Planck length in quantum mechanics, is described as a fantasy. Reality is bottomless and infinite, going on forever in both micro and macro dimensions. This understanding of infinity is not to be thought of as a belief, but an experience that can be proven through practices like deep meditation or psychedelic experiences. However, these superhuman levels of consciousness can be difficult to achieve.
Reality and the Implicit-Explicit Dichotomy: Gura emphasizes that the majority of reality is implicit and not all aspects of it can be explicated. The expectation of explication for all phenomena is a fundamental misinterpretation of reality. Understanding of this notion is crucial to appreciate the sensed reality beyond the obvious. What is explicitly presented or explicated forms only the tip of the iceberg, while the vast implicit aspects remain unseen.
Science's Explication Predicament: According to Leo, science performs a continuous process of explicating the implicit aspects of reality, without recognizing that this process is unending. There is a mistaken belief within science that all parts of reality can and will be eventually explicated, but Leo suggests that this notion goes against an implicit understanding which assures us that science will never reach the point of having explained all aspects of reality.
The Implicit Elements of Humor: Leo uses jokes as an example of the necessary implicit elements in everyday life. A joke loses its humor once you have to explicitly explain the punchline; the funniness comes from a viewer/listener's ability to implicitly understand the twist or punchline. An unnecessarily explicit interpretation ruins the implicit essence that brings the humor.
Flirtation and The Art of the Implicit: In flirtation, one has to communicate subtly and implicitly. An overly explicit or direct approach can be unappealing, showing a lack of understanding in the communicative subtleties needed in flirtation. Leo uses an illustrative example of a man's unsuccessful and over-explicit attempts to understand flirtatious communication from a woman.
Subcommunication in Attracting Women: The key to attracting women relies heavily on successfully conveying honest signals of masculine energy through subtle non-verbal cues or "subcommunications," rather than specific words or lines. One's demeanor, confidence, ease, fearlessness, and the way he holds eye contact all contribute to these signals and the ultimate success in attracting women. This implicitly understood act can't be alternatively achieved through explicit words or rehearsed phrases.
Importance of authenticity in attraction: Genuine and authentic expression is crucial for attracting women. Men who exude confidence, authenticity, and masculine energy are more attractive to women and this quality is difficult to fake. To become genuinely attractive, men must change themselves, so they naturally exude the signals women find attractive. Women have developed intuition over thousands of years to differentiate real men from fakers.
Understanding implicit communication in relationships: Men often struggle to understand women due to the differences in their communication styles. Whereas men prefer explicit, straight-forward communication, women prefer more intuitive, implicit communication. This disparity can cause misunderstandings and frustrations in relationships. Men who learn to tune into this implicit style of communication generally find more success with women.
Subtle communication in media: In movies, good writers subtly show the audience the storyline, emotions, and messages through actions, facial expressions, and subtle cues rather than explicitly stating them. This is an illustration of how implicitness can often provide a much richer understanding compared to explicitness.
Understanding the limitations of logic and rationality through Gödel's incompleteness theorem: Gödel's incompleteness theorem concludes that all logical systems are inherently limited-there are truths within the systems that can't be proven or demonstrated by the system itself. Each new layer of logic reveals more truth, but also unveils further logical limitations. This continuous cycle reveals an inherent incompleteness within logic and rationality, and demonstrates that truth transcends logic.
Paradox of honesty: Asking someone directly if they are honest doesn't necessarily provide an accurate answer. One's honesty isn't easily determined by a direct question as its possible for someone to lie about being honest. This demonstrates the implicit nature of honesty and shows the importance of understanding and interpreting implicit communication.
Silencing the monkey mind' through meditation: Silencing the mind, or stopping the thought process, which is often described as the "monkey mind", is a key part of meditation. However, the attempt to stop thinking with the thinking mind is inherently self-defeating. Instead, meditation requires the practitioner to implicitly grasp a new, non-thinking approach. Stopping the thinking process is an implicit realization that cannot be achieved through explicit techniques or thought.
Understanding and honesty: Leo emphasizes that honesty lies outside the scope of first-order conversation, remaining an implicit, metaconcept that cannot be explicitly proven. He discusses this in the context of business, where one party may attempt to deceive the other despite affirming their honesty.
Subcommunication in relationships: Leo continues to discuss the importance of subcommunication, particularly regarding interactions between men and women. According to him, women interpret an incoming partner's honesty through their implicit communication, as explicit verbal persuasion can be deceptive.
The implicit nature of spiritual texts: Leo underscores that all religious and spiritual texts convey transcendental and implicit messages that cannot be put into words. Any attempt to analyze them explicitly would miss their true essence.
Understanding requires intuitive 'grokking': According to Leo, understanding relies on an individual's capacity to 'grok' or intuitively grasp a concept. Even in mathematics, comprehending a concept such as one plus one equals two necessitates an intuitive leap in consciousness.
The implicit notion of God: Leo believes that an understanding of God can only be achieved implicitly. He compares it to the cognitive leap children make when they understand the concept of infinite numbers. Just as some children may struggle with this concept, some people may find it difficult to comprehend the idea of God.
The process of understanding: Leo argues that understanding is either achieved or not; there can be no partial understanding. One can attempt to explain or "explicate" a concept, but true understanding requires a direct, personal insight, or a "grokking" of the idea.
Cognitive inability and God-realization: According to Leo, people who are unable to cognitively understand their own reflection in a mirror can be compared to those who fail to comprehend the concept that they are God. It is a profound realization that is only achieved through a leap of intuitive insight.
Understanding in a group setting: Leo provides an example of teaching a group of children the concept of infinite numbers. Grokking varies among them, and notable is his assertion that some people might never understand certain concepts. Just as there would be children who never grasp infinity despite countless explanations, there would be people who persistently refuse the notion that they are God despite endless teachings.
Realization of One's Divinity: Leo Gura suggests that the realization that everything is God can take considerable time and practice through methods like self-inquiry and psychedelics. This profound understanding can take a few days, years, or even lifetimes to fully manifest.
Understanding Language and Symbols: Speaking from his workshop experiences with Peter Ralston, Gura discusses the relativity and insignificance of symbols and language, and how humans project meaning onto them. In particular, he gives an example of how humans understand the act of pointing as a signifier. Recognizing that an action like pointing carries meaning beyond its physical form is a significant leap in consciousness.
Reality as Transcendental: Reality is transcendental, pointing to the fact that it holds more than can ever be explained. Every individual's interpretation of reality is a personal explication. Any phenomenon or object is a part of this endless reality that can't be fully detailed or comprehended, painting reality as a constant process of endless unfolding, not a closed, finite system.
The Infinite Nature of Reality: Gura presents the idea that the universe's totality is an "absolute infinity", holding an infinite number of smaller "numerical infinities." Despite the endless nature of reality, it doesn't mean it's unknowable. Similar to how one can understand that numbers are infinite without knowing each number, one can grasp reality's infinite nature.
Truth, Knowing, and Being: Ultimate Truth cannot be explicated because knowing and being are intertwined - explication is secondary to existence. Words, symbols, and explanations are finite tools for comprehending the infinite truth. The expectation for all truths to be explicatable is a restraint to understanding. Deep exploration of reality must accommodate an amalgamation of the explicit scientific approach and implicit understanding seen in mysticism.
Understanding Implicit Aspects of Reality: There are aspects of reality, such as absolute consciousness, truth, love, and intuition, that cannot be explicitly explained and can only be known through personal experience. Recognizing the inability of words and logical explanations to capture all truths is crucial.
Explication as Limitation: Viewers are encouraged to acknowledge the ever-present implicit nature of reality and overcome the expectation of explicit explanations. Words, thoughts, and symbols are finite and always second-order compared to truth, which is first-order and infinite. The listeners are cautioned not to restrict themselves by avoiding paradox and the infinite, inviting a mistrust of the implicit. The future of deep reality exploration may lie in blending the explicit work of science and the implicit penetration of mysticism.
Importance of Implicit and Explicit Balance: Both implicit and explicit understanding have value, but problems arise when one is denied in favor of the other, creating a dysfunctional system. The key lies in achieving the correct balance between the two.
Things Difficult to Explicitly Convey: Various aspects of reality such as love, intuition, gut feelings, mystical experiences, insight, emotions, intentions, life experiences, etc., are hard to explicably prove or describe. However, they exist and play a substantial role in our lives, demanding an implicit understanding and appreciation.
Emphasis on Silence and Intuition: One must learn to be silent to reach the depths of wisdom, which lie in the realm of implicit understanding. Trusting and following intuition is crucial, as it guides towards truth, love, and consciousness. Silence helps listen to intuition more effectively.
Challenges of Trusting Intuition: Honoring and trusting intuition can be challenging because intuition often points to changes and transformations that might threaten the ego. Overcoming distractions from technology and skepticism towards intuition is important to navigate through these challenges.
Realizing a Vision: Individuals should focus on cultivating their personal vision and not feel compelled to justify or explain it to others. A vision is personal and intuitive, and its validation lies within oneself, rather than in external justification or proof.
Critical Approach towards Vision: Taking an overly critical or scientific approach towards personal eventualities can hinder individual progress. Instead, individuals should trust and cultivate their visions, as visions are more intuitively realized than scientifically explicated.
Misunderstandings of Intuition: Individuals and cultures often dismiss intuition as subjective, imaginary, or a new-age concept. Leo criticizes this perception and encourages individuals to trust their inner voice without feeling the need to always offer scientific proof or explicit explanations.
Accepting the Implicit Nature of Communication: Communication always contains inherent gaps and cannot cover every aspect of reality or truth. Not requiring proof for everything and embracing an implicit understanding of realities can make communication more effective and enriching.
Struggles with Communication: Many individuals struggle to gather the implicit aspects of communication, instead focusing heavily on literal and explicit aspects, thus missing out on important cues and messages. Recognizing this limitation and adaptability towards a more balanced communication approach can be beneficial.
Self-contemplation and Understanding: Leo stresses on paying attention to one's own understanding process to grasp implicit knowledge better. He suggests that instead of constantly seeking external answers, finding meaning within oneself through silence and contemplation is a more effective approach.
Recognizing the Implicit in Reality: Individuals should recognize that reality is, to a considerable extent, implicit. Emphasizing the explicit aspects of reality while overlooking its implicit dimensions could lead to a distorted or incomplete understanding.
Importance of Self-Discovery: Leo warns against the trap of believing to have understood things merely by agreeing with the words he says. True understanding and wisdom come from self-discovery and direct consciousness, which require serious introspection and inner work.
Literal vs. Essence Understanding: While attempting to understand teachings, it is more important to grasp their intended essence over a literal interpretation. Misinterpretations can occur when too much emphasis is placed on the literal words rather than on the intrinsic meaning.
Promotion of Intuition and Implicit Communication: Leo prompts individuals to enhance intuition, trust their own visions, and not feel compelled to explain or justify them to others. This approach encourages self-assurance and a deeper understanding of implicit communication.
Conclusion Major Takeaways: Emphasizing the importance of silence and intuition; recognizing the limitations of science and explicitness; trusting personal visions without the need to justify them to others; accepting the implicit nature of reality; and understanding that seeking infinite explicit explanations can be fruitless, are the central takeaways of this section of the video transcript.
Practical Applications of Implicit Understanding: In daily life, understanding situations can be intuitive and abstract. This requires skills in abstract thinking and reading between the lines. It can be applicable in various contexts such as relationships, health, business, and interpreting spiritual teachings. Recognize that there will always be gaps in communication and that things can always be lost in translation.
Misunderstanding Considered as a Form of Understanding: Misunderstandings can be observed and contemplated to gain a deeper understanding of the concept of understanding itself. By examining the process of misunderstanding, it can lead to a roundabout way of understanding "understanding."
Introducing Vision Logic and Post Rationality: A form of thinking which is not strictly logical, but includes the ability to grasp the transcendent and implicit aspects of reality. It's a combination of logical thinking and intuition which allows for a broader understanding of reality.
Hazards of Reading Between the Lines: While understanding the essence of what is being communicated is crucial, there's a danger of projecting personal biases, fears, and ego into the teachings when reading between the lines. Avoid making unnecessary or unwarranted inferences to prevent misinterpretation of teachings.
Complementary Episode on Abstraction: A future episode is planned that explores the concept of abstraction in depth, which is crucial to understanding implicit aspects of reality. This will further consolidate the foundation for understanding vision logic or post-rationality.
One's Projection of Meaning: Not everything spoken or presented holds a hidden meaning or lesson. The mind often projects its interpretations based on personal experiences or biases. While it's important to grasp the essence of teachings, it's equally important to avoid distorting the teachings with individual interpretations or projections.
Balance in Reading Spiritual Teachings: Applying spiritual teachings requires understanding the essence of what was intended by the teacher, not necessarily verbatim recitation. Overly literal or biased readings can lead to misunderstanding and misuse of the teachings. Striking the right balance between literal and subjective interpretation is an art form that avoids extremes and traps.