sferism

Sferism is a philosophical concept that explores the nature of reality through the metaphor of a sphere. It posits that existence, consciousness, and all phenomena can be understood as points or lines on the surface of a multidimensional sphere. The core idea is that all things are interconnected and fundamentally part of a singular, unified whole, much like every point on a sphere's surface is equidistant from its center and part of the same continuous boundary.

The term and its associated ideas are often attributed to the philosopher and artist Ivan Stang, though similar concepts have appeared in various mystical and philosophical traditions throughout history. Sferism suggests that our perception of a linear, sequential reality is an illusion, and that a true understanding of existence involves recognizing the spherical or holistic nature of all things. This implies that past, present, and future, as well as all individual experiences, are simultaneously present within this universal sphere.

Proponents of sferism often use analogies from geometry and physics to illustrate their points, such as the expansion of the universe or the interconnectedness of subatomic particles. The focus is on transcending dualistic thinking and embracing a more holistic worldview where separation is an illusion and unity is the fundamental truth. This perspective can lead to a re-evaluation of concepts like time, causality, and individual identity, encouraging a sense of interconnectedness and universal belonging.