Lessons They Don't Teach You in School: Adam, Alchemy, and the Algorithms of Life
Exploring the Hidden History of Psychedelics, Consciousness, and the Suppressed Knowledge Behind Ancient Mysteries
Introduction
What do the Bible’s symbolic stories reveal about human consciousness, morality, and our place in the universe? Many thinkers have grappled with this question, from theologians to psychologists to those exploring the intersection of science and spirituality. Using insights from Jordan Peterson’s Jungian approach, ancient interpretations, and modern theories like the Stoned Ape Theory and the Cognitive-Theoretic Model of the Universe, we can uncover layers of meaning behind these ancient texts, especially stories like Adam and Eve, the Garden of Eden, and Moses’ encounter with the burning bush, and uncover the core of being and existence itself.
The Symbolism of Adam and Eve
The story of Adam and Eve, in its simplest form, represents the birth of self-awareness. I personally believe the story of Adam, Eve, and the Garden of Eden represents, symbolically, the cognitive revolution—or more specifically, a cognitive revolution that provided humans with the awareness of life and death. A frame to see this through is the Stoned Ape Theory.
The Stoned Ape Theory coined by the titan Ethnobotanist Terrence McKenna, suggests that early humans may have gained consciousness through the consumption of psilocybin mushrooms. This transformative shift in cognition aligns with the sudden emergence of civilization, agriculture, law, astronomy, and other hallmarks of human progress in history. The theory posits that early humans ingested psilocybin mushrooms—or another potent psychedelic compound—which, according to modern scientific research, can produce a two-standard-deviation increase in trait openness, a key genetic personality trait linked to abstract thinking, creativity, and openness to new ideas. That's huge. This openness may have allowed early humans to experience profound insights, values, and psychedelic visions, which were subsequently woven into the fabric of culture and ritual.
"When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves."
—Genesis 3:6
The fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil could be seen as a psychedelic substance, like a mushroom, that triggers self-awareness. Eating the fruit leads to their banishment from the Garden of Eden, which could symbolize the transition from a state of non-consciousness (or unselfconscious innocence like animals) to a state of self-awareness and the recognition of mortality. In this interpretation, the awareness of death becomes the "fruit" of knowledge—an awakening to vulnerability and human frailty. Realizing they are naked, Adam and Eve are no longer protected by the blissful ignorance of the Garden but are now aware of their mortality and shortcomings, and hence cover themselves in shame for what they are deficient in - not heavenly (perhaps the first recognition of not being whole as a Human being, is witnessing the most universal of dichotomies, sex?).
Symbolism of Psychedelics in Religious Stories
Biblical symbolism also hints at a psychedelic subtext. For example, Moses encounters God in the burning bush, something burning red-hot but not consumed. Fire, in its ever-changing yet eternal form, embodies a profound recognition of beauty and divinity—a force that is both constant and in constant transformation, resonating deeply within us. Why DO they light candles when they prey? The bush itself has been identified as acacia, a plant known to contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a potent psychedelic made in various parts of the human body and the active ingredient in ayahuasca. Such vivid imagery, combined with the awe surrounding early religious rituals, suggests that humanity’s spiritual experiences may be deeply connected to altered states of consciousness facilitated by psychedelics.
In The Immortality Key, Brian Muraresku explores the theory that many Judaeo-Christian religious practices stem from ancient psychedelic ceremonies. He leans heavily on the influence of the Eleusinian Mysteries and their use of entheogens—possibly hallucinogenic substances like ergot-derived compounds (precursors to LSD) found in barley. He speculates that similar entheogens could have been integrated into Christian rituals, including through incense or wine.
There is evidence suggesting that early communion rites were psychedelic in nature. Medieval historical accounts describe peasants being compelled to take communion once a year, often approaching the experience with fear and dread, perhaps due to its intense, transformative, and magical nature. I'm sure something the Church used with great power.
Even a basic analysis of the Ten Commandments, which Moses brings down from Mt. Sinai, reveals they are very psychedelic and, I dare say, hippie, in nature. All about peace, high trust, connection, and integration with each other and the environment.
Heaven and Hell as States of Being
The Bible’s symbolic stories often represent dualities: chaos and order, light and darkness, heaven and hell. Hell is not just a fiery pit but a state of being—disconnected from divine alignment and consumed by self-deception. As Peterson notes, rejecting truth leads to suffering, and suffering unaligned with truth becomes hell.
The famous 14th-century poem The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri vividly portrays Hell as a series of descending circles, each reflecting a specific sin and its corresponding punishment. At its deepest level lies Dante’s chilling vision of Satan, so far removed from God’s light that Hell is freezing rather than burning (I guess super cold is a burning sensation too). Trapped in a frozen sea, Satan endlessly flaps his wings, creating an icy wind that perpetuates the freezing. This stark and haunting depiction captures the profound desolation of ultimate separation from the divine. Below is an illustration by Gustave Doré that brings this scene to life.
Symbolically, Hell represents the consequence of rejecting truth and replacing the natural order of the universe with prideful, egotistical assumptions. It is the result of believing that one’s own solutions or ideas are more just, moral, or divine than the truth/reality itself. In Dante’s vision, Hell is not just a physical place but a state of being—one where refusal to acknowledge the truth leads to self-destruction and ultimate separation from the divine. The more you try to help yourself, the worse your situation gets - stuck.
Symbolism of a Fall to Multiplicity
Jonathon Pageau’s perspective aligns beautifully with the idea that the "straight and narrow path" is the singularity—the only route that avoids dissolution into chaos and multiplicity. The Bible’s emphasis on this path isn’t just moral advice; it’s a metaphysical insight. Deviating from this path might offer short-term rewards, but these are like a ball in the air—a parabolic rise that inevitably collapses. In the long term, these paths fail because they dilute coherence, fragmenting both individuals and societies as they become consumed by competing desires, distractions, and divisions.
Falling into multiplicity can be likened to losing a clear sense of identity. As we spread ourselves too thin, chasing every opportunity or desire, we become too diluted to define ourselves with any real substance. We lose the coherence necessary to ground our being, making us vulnerable to chaos.
This idea is vividly illustrated in the story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). Humanity sought to ascend to heaven by building a tower, but their ambition resulted in divine intervention: their languages were scattered. This scattering wasn’t just a punishment—it symbolized the replacement of a shared, unifying identity with countless fragmented ones. Without a coherent center, their words became subject to individual interpretation, shaped by personal experiences rather than a shared understanding. For a society in the throes of being miscentered, concepts as fundamental as "what is a woman?" become impossible to define, as each individual projects their own interpretation onto the term. The result is confusion, division, and an inability to build anything lasting—just as the tower was abandoned and eventually toppled in the story.
The Role of Values and Divine Alignment
The danger of disordered values is another key theme woven into these stories. Lucifer’s fall from grace represents pride, the desire to replace God and elevate oneself above divine order. This disconnection leads to chaos and suffering, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve. The Ten Commandments, the straight and narrow path, and the concept of the Holy Trinity all symbolize the importance of alignment with truth, values, and divine principles.
The awareness gained from the "fruit" can either lead to destructive pride or the humility required to navigate life’s challenges. Psychedelics, then, may symbolize not just the awakening to self-awareness but also the potential for realignment with higher truths and values through transformative experiences. Psychedelic experiences through substances are known to only occur when something called Ego death occurs, where the socially protective layer of the human psyche is disabled, and the person has full connection to both the outer world through their senses, and the self.
The self, then, is the intersection of our deepest inner nature and the divine essence that calls us toward wholeness. It is the realization that we are not isolated beings, but part of a greater universal order, one that aligns us with higher truths. It is the embodiment of our highest potential, calling us to manifest the virtues we are meant to express in this world. This recognition is not merely intellectual but spiritual, requiring the courage to step outside the ego’s protective boundaries and into a more expansive, divine reality.
As we embrace the self, we confront our deepest fears, flaws, and imperfections, but we also tap into the profound strength and clarity that lie within us. The self reflects both the divine blueprint of who we are meant to be and the path of self-actualization—an ongoing process of growth, alignment, and transformation. It requires surrender to something greater than ourselves, be it God, the universe, or the collective consciousness, which calls us to evolve into our truest form.
In the very act of perception itself is the insistence of a God. By choosing to look and perceive something, you also choose to not look and perceive other things. This implies a value hierarchy - somethings are more valuable to be looking at that others, this then also implies that there is a peak to this hierarchy, and the top of that hierarchy would be the most/best of whatever you are measuring right? So what connects a particle in the Andromeda galaxy 5,000 years ago, goat milk, quantum theory, Tina Fey, and the annoying guy always mowing his lawn at like the worst time? If you take the two most opposite things you can think of, what connects them? More of this further down.
The Snake as Your Guide
In many cultures, the snake is a powerful symbol of chaos, danger, and evil. It often represents the unconscious forces that lurk beneath the surface of our awareness—things that threaten the stability of our inner world. In the Bible, the serpent is associated with temptation and corruption, and it is through confronting this symbol of chaos that we are able to transcend our fears and limitations.
Facing your fears is not about eliminating them or avoiding them. It’s about seeing reality as it truly is. The things we fear often hold power over us because we refuse to look at them, to acknowledge their existence. We fear showing parts of ourselves that we think the world won’t accept or understand—whether it’s our vulnerability, our flaws, or the darkness we believe lies within us. But in order to move past these fears, we must look at them directly.
This idea is reflected in the biblical story of Moses and his staff. In one moment, Moses is instructed by God to place a serpent atop his staff—a symbol of divine authority and power. The staff, representing Moses’ strength and connection to God, now bears the very symbol of chaos and fear. By lifting the serpent, Moses is not simply confronting the fear of the Israelites but also making it visible and part of the divine order. The very thing that represents destruction is elevated to the top, making it not something to run from, but something to face, something priceless. This act symbolizes the importance of confronting our greatest fears—of making them visible rather than letting them control us in the shadows. We find God in confronting our fears.
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free"
John 8:31-32
In essence, what we look for changes what we see. Look around your environment for 5 seconds and count the number of red things you can see. How many?
Now how many blue items did you see? You didn't because you weren't looking. Here's another great example of selective attention and perception:
By choosing to face what we fear, we begin to reshape our perception of reality. What once seemed terrifying or destructive can, through courage and understanding, become something integrated into our lives in a way that empowers us. The act of confronting the snake—the chaos—on the staff is a reminder that by accepting and understanding our fears, we transform them into something meaningful and valuable. If you don't believe in God, this is it, and when you die its over, basically your options are suicide, hedonism, or totalitarianism. We aren't here to hide from pain, its the compass that points to divine. When you turn off fear, or redirect its energy towards something other than God, you have cut yourself off from everything you cannot not possibly explain with your current worldview, that's when the flood comes - the wave of chaos that destroys and renews.
“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”
Frank Herbert, Dune
The Caduceus, the modern symbol of medicine, depicts two snakes wrapped around a staff, representing the reconciliation of opposing forces, like life and death, sickness and health.
It's often confused with the Rod of Asclepius, which symbolizes healing by bringing chaos or sickness back into alignment with order. While both relate to healing, the Caduceus emphasizes balance between opposites, while the Rod of Asclepius focuses on restoring order from disorder. Very similar themes however.
There is evidence to suggest this, the only statistically relevant method of fighting alcoholism, is a transcendent religious experience. The first three steps in the renowned Alcoholics Anonymous program are: 1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol - that our lives had become unmanageable. 2. Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. And, 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Similarly, a not insignificant number of people who ingest psychedelics to the point of Ego death and psychedelic revelation report losing the compulsion to smoke, illustrating the profound shift in perspective that such experiences can bring. These changes essentially result from a shift in the centre of belief, the first three steps in the AA program are like Moses and his staff planted into rock to signal new foundation, centre, and beginning - a realignment because we have been worshipping the wrong centre.
Modern Science & Theory
The Cognitive-Theoretic Model of the Universe
As we explore these biblical narratives through the lens of consciousness, self-awareness, and the symbolic power of psychedelics, the Cognitive-Theoretic Model of the Universe (CTMU) provides a fascinating framework that aligns with many of these themes. Christopher Langan’s model presents the universe itself as a self-aware entity, where consciousness is not only a property of individuals but an intrinsic aspect of the cosmos. This aligns with the idea of divine revelation found in the Bible—where human self-awareness and spiritual enlightenment can be seen as moments where individuals tap into a larger, universal consciousness unhindered.
In the context of the Garden of Eden, the CTMU offers a way to interpret the “fruit of the Tree of Knowledge” not just as a symbol of self-awareness but as an awakening to the underlying logic of the universe itself. Just as the Stoned Ape Theory suggests psychedelics may have catalysed human consciousness, the CTMU's concept of a universal self-processing language reflects a similar idea of the mind aligning with a higher intelligence. In this sense, the cognitive revolution that the story of Adam and Eve might symbolize could be seen as humanity’s first steps toward understanding the deep structure of reality—an understanding that the universe itself is a self-simulating system, and we, too, are a part of that larger, intelligent system.
Just as early humans may have gained consciousness through psychedelic substances, the CTMU suggests that such experiences—whether mystical, psychedelic, or spiritual—may serve as windows into this broader cosmic awareness. This helps us bridge the gap between the more ancient and mythological interpretations of biblical stories and a modern understanding of consciousness as something intimately connected with the fabric of the universe. In this way, the CTMU and biblical symbolism converge, inviting us to reconsider how our self-awareness—and perhaps our spiritual experiences—may tie into the very nature of existence itself.
Moreover, the CTMU emphasizes coherence and order as fundamental aspects of existence, reflecting the biblical themes of divine alignment and the transformative power of living in accordance with higher truths. Coherence in the CTMU suggests that the universe operates as a self-sustaining logic—a universal language that aligns individual consciousness with the broader structure of reality. This mirrors the biblical notion of reconciliation, as seen in Moses’ ascent of Mount Sinai, where chaos and order are bridged through divine law. The Ten Commandments, carved into stone, symbolize immutable principles that anchor human behaviour to a cosmic logic, much like the CTMU describes the alignment of free will with universal truths.
We are a dog tied to a slowly moving car, you can walk alongside, or be dragged - that's free will.
In light of this principle, the CTMU and religious teachings converge on an idea that transcends traditional boundaries: our purpose is to model the universe in ourselves. We are not isolated entities, but self-aware expressions of the universe, engaging in the transformation of energy. Death, as we understand it, is not an end but a transfer—a transformation of energy. The material body may decompose, but the essence of who we are, our spirit, continues in the culture and impact we've left behind. The body transitions, but the creative energy and the influence we have exerted on the world persist, shaping future generations.
Take, for example, an artist’s portfolio of work after their death. In many ways, their work gains even more value. The artist’s physical presence fades, but their ideas, creations, and contributions continue to reverberate through culture. The energy of their work doesn't dissipate—it lives on, influencing, inspiring, and evolving. This is the essence of what the CTMU suggests: energy, including consciousness and creativity, does not vanish but rather transforms, continuing to play a role in the greater cosmic symphony.
At its core, the CTMU posits that everything in existence can be united under the concept of God, who serves as the ultimate identity of the universe. By denying your purpose or role within this framework, you effectively sever your connection to your highest identity - in half. In this sense, living in alignment with divine truths or universal logic is not merely about faith but about fulfilling your inherent role as a part of a self-aware system. By embracing this perspective, we align ourselves with a higher order of existence, transforming suffering into a profound source of meaning. It is through this lens that even the greatest trials—humiliation, enslavement, abuse, disgrace, and even crucifixion—become acts of transcendent purpose, affirming our commitment to the divine logic that underpins all creation. Isn’t Jesus one of if not the first middle class person to be recorded in history?
It’s worth noting the Romans designed Crucifixion as the most disgusting, humiliating, and painful method of execution. So far as, Roman citizens were banned from being crucified.
Recent Discoveries
Quantum Physics - The Science of the Very Small
Looking to these questions from raw physics, a recent study in quantum gravity, has offered a fascinating new perspective on the role of consciousness in shaping reality. This study suggests that the fabric of spacetime itself may exhibit a kind of "dimensional reduction" when influenced by the presence of conscious observers—an idea that echoes themes in the Cognitive-Theoretic Model of the Universe (CTMU), where consciousness is deeply intertwined with the structure of the cosmos.
In essence, this discovery proposes that the universe, in its quantum gravity formulation, is not a passive backdrop to conscious experience but is dynamically influenced by observers. This aligns with the CTMU's vision of a self-aware universe, where consciousness is not merely a byproduct of complex biological processes but an integral part of the cosmic system. It suggests that, like the observer effect in quantum mechanics, reality itself is shaped by the consciousness that perceives it, further blurring the lines between mind and matter.
In a separate study, quantum researchers recently produced an image of entangled photons that astonishingly mirrors the Yin-Yang symbol. This visual representation of quantum mechanics not only bridges ancient philosophy and modern science but also echoes the CTMU's vision of a self-aware universe, where all opposites are reconciled within a greater whole. The striking resemblance between the entangled photons and the Yin-Yang symbol deepens the connection between quantum mechanics and ancient philosophical concepts, offering a fresh perspective on the relationship between matter, consciousness, and the cosmos.
These studies together suggest that the universe is a dynamic and conscious system, where consciousness does not simply observe reality but plays an active role in shaping it. They highlight the interconnectedness of all things, both in the quantum world and in the broader cosmic framework, echoing age-old philosophies while pushing the boundaries of modern scientific thought.
Carl Jung, Archetype, & Universal Consciousness
Carl Jung's work on archetypes and symbols is deeply intertwined with the idea that human consciousness is shaped by universal patterns and images that emerge across cultures and time. Jung believed that these archetypes reside in what he called the collective unconscious, a shared layer of the human mind that transcends individual experience. These archetypes—such as the Hero, the Shadow, the Wise Old Man, and the Great Mother—manifest in myths, religions, dreams, and art, acting as symbolic representations of fundamental human experiences and truths.
Jung argued that these symbols are not random or culturally specific but are instead rooted in the very structure of human consciousness. When we look deeply enough—whether into the psyche, the natural world, or the structure of the universe—we begin to see recurring patterns at the core of everything. These patterns form a kind of ceiling of symbols, a horizon where meaning becomes universal yet ineffable. These symbols, not necessarily archetypal but deeply interconnected with the nature of reality itself, suggest that there are dimensions of existence that can only be approached through symbolic understanding.
Jung’s exploration of these universal symbols aligns with quantum physics’ investigation into the ways consciousness can shape and influence reality. As we begin to explore the scientific understanding of consciousness’s role in the universe, Jung’s insights into archetypes and symbols offer a valuable framework for understanding how these universal patterns may shape both our perception and the very structure of reality.
This convergence of science, symbolism, and consciousness invites us to consider another ancient system of thought that sought to bridge the gap between the material and the transcendent: alchemy. Far from being merely an archaic pursuit of turning lead into gold, alchemy offers a symbolic language for understanding transformation—both of the self and of the cosmos. By exploring alchemy, we can uncover deeper truths about how humanity has long sought to harmonize the physical and the metaphysical, reflecting the very patterns and processes that Jung and modern physics suggest are foundational to existence itself.
Alchemy - From Base to Divine
Alchemy, often dismissed as an ancient precursor to modern chemistry, is much more than the pursuit of material transmutation, such as turning lead into gold. At its heart, alchemy is a symbolic journey—a metaphor for spiritual and psychological transformation. Rooted in the Hermetic tradition, alchemy reflects humanity’s desire to reconcile the material and spiritual worlds, echoing the biblical and Jungian themes of divine alignment and universal truths.
Ancient alchemists believed that by engaging with the physical world through experiments—distilling substances, observing transformations, and seeking perfection—they were simultaneously enacting a spiritual process within themselves. The furnace and alembic, tools of their craft, became symbols of their internal refinement. In this sense, alchemical practice served as both a literal exploration of material reality and a symbolic model of the inner journey toward enlightenment.
This unity aligns the individual with the "identity of God" or the universal consciousness, allowing a person to live as a reflection of divine will and cosmic order. In this state, life becomes a manifestation of higher truths, bridging the gap between the transcendent (heaven) and the tangible (earth). Where Heaven and Earth meet.
Alchemy, therefore, is not merely the ancestor of modern science but a holistic discipline where the material and spiritual intersect. It invites us to consider the interplay between the physical and metaphysical, where every transformation in the lab reflects a deeper transformation of the self.
The Military-Industrial Complex & The Left
Project Stargate was a secret U.S Army unit established in 1978. Little was known about this program until classified documents were released years later (1995). Much of the substance within the declassified materials had been heavily redacted, leaving much in the air, until Edwin C. May, a lead scientist on the project, publically criticised the omissions in said declassified documents, especially what was labelled remote viewing. (The ability to peceive information and imagery of remote geographical locations).
The redacted documents and insider accounts suggest that the program uncovered more about the nature of consciousness and its connection to a "spirit realm" than the government was willing to reveal.
Edwin C. May, a lead scientist on the project, publicly criticized the omissions in the declassified material. He argued that key evidence supporting the legitimacy of psychic phenomena—especially remote viewing—was deliberately excluded. May’s claims sparked curiosity about what the government had found and why it was hidden. Some declassified documents hinted at successes, such as the accurate description of distant locations or concealed military installations, but the full extent of these findings remains unknown.
Adding to the intrigue, certain project participants, like Ingo Swann, described encounters during their experiments that seemed to transcend physical reality. Swann’s remote-viewing sessions allegedly involved interactions with what he called "non-physical entities," suggesting that consciousness might extend into realms beyond the material world. These accounts were omitted from official releases, reinforcing the idea that the program ventured into territories that were not only mysterious but potentially paradigm-shifting. He claimed to see the rings of Jupiter up close in one of these sessions in 1973, six years later, NASA would confirm the existence of Jupiter's rings through direct observations by the Voyager 1 spacecraft.
The Soviets, too, ran parallel programs, with similarly startling conclusions. Soviet psychotronics research identified a "bioenergetic field" connecting living beings, a concept strikingly similar to ancient ideas of chi, prana, or the Christian Holy Spirit. Both governments seemed to be exploring a deeper, interconnected reality—a hidden layer of existence that resonated with ancient spiritual teachings.
Why were these findings suppressed?
The suppression of Project Stargate’s discoveries wasn’t merely about national security—it was about power. The potential of this knowledge threatened to upend the carefully constructed hierarchies that govern society. By concealing evidence of psychic phenomena and a deeper, interconnected reality, those in control ensured that only a select few could wield the immense power such understanding might bring. This wasn’t just about averting panic; it was about locking the public into a narrow view of reality, one that upheld their dominance. Consciousness, it seems, was too potent and liberating a force to be entrusted to the masses.
Had the political classes of the time been more aligned with religious or spiritual worldviews, rather than entrenched in secular materialism, this information might have been seen as a revelation—a confirmation of divine order or cosmic truth. Instead, under a mindset of "no heaven, no soul—take all you can before you go," these findings were buried, guarding the keys to humanity’s greater potential for those already at the top.
Why ARE most psychedelics Schedule 1 narcotics?
Despite being nearly impossible to overdose on and highly non-addictive, these substances offer more than just a temporary shift in perspective. They possess the power to dismantle long-held beliefs, offering a glimpse into a reality that could render old systems and paradigms obsolete. It’s not just about altered states—it’s about liberating consciousness and freeing humanity from the restrictive control of conventional thought. And that, perhaps, is why such revelations are kept under lock and key. (It’s worth noting that drugs aren’t everything, they come with many downsides too)
The Algorithms of Life
Game Theory
Game theory, the scientific study of strategic decision-making within systems, provides powerful insights into how humans should operate in complex, interconnected worlds. At its core, game theory identifies patterns and principles that ensure cooperation and success in both competitive and cooperative environments. Concepts like Tit for Tat, zero-sum versus non-zero-sum games, the prisoner’s dilemma, and the Nash equilibrium align remarkably well with ancient religious wisdom.
Tit-for-Tat
Cooperation and Reciprocity
One of the most successful and universally applicable strategies in both game theory and human interactions is called Tit-for-Tat. This strategy is simple yet profound: I will cooperate with you as long as you cooperate with me. However, if you betray me, I will respond in kind, but only once, before returning to cooperation. Essentially mirror your opponent. This approach promotes a cycle of trust and reciprocity that is essential for long-term cooperation. It’s a strategy that embodies the idea of both mercy and accountability, offering a way to break cycles of hostility while still encouraging mutual respect and collaboration. In many ways Tit-for-Tat resembles many Bibilical teaching such as:
“Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” - Matthew 10:16
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” - Matthew 7:12
Zero-Sum Games
Abundance vs. Scarcity
The distinction between zero-sum and non-zero-sum games in game theory mirrors the Bible’s teachings on unity and mutual benefit. In a zero-sum game, where one party’s gain comes at another’s loss, the outcome is marked by division and scarcity—success for one results in failure for another. This reflects the destructive nature of selfishness, which religious teachings often warn against. In contrast, non-zero-sum games, where cooperation creates value for all parties, align with the biblical principle of “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” This principle promotes collective flourishing and emphasizes the power of mutual benefit over competition, showing that working together often leads to outcomes that benefit everyone.
A classic example of game theory, the prisoner’s dilemma, illustrates the tension between self-interest and mutual trust. In this scenario, if both players act out of selfishness, they end up worse off than if they had cooperated. The dilemma captures the duality of strategy and morality found in both game theory and religious wisdom: while strategic awareness is key, moral integrity and trust are essential for long-term success. Religions often emphasize the importance of trust and cooperation, warning against betrayal for short-term gain. Just as the prisoner’s dilemma shows that cooperation leads to better outcomes, religious teachings encourage unity and collective action over selfishness and division.
Nash Equalibrium
Interconnected Choices
The Nash equilibrium emphasizes the importance of considering others’ actions when making decisions. It reveals that selfish strategies often lead to suboptimal outcomes for all involved unless individuals recognize the interconnectedness of their choices. This concept highlights the need for mutual understanding and cooperation, where each player’s success depends not just on their own actions but on how they align with others' choices. This principle aligns with the moral frameworks found in many religious teachings, which stress fairness, balance, and the consequences of collective action, underscoring the interconnectedness of all human decisions.
Ultimately, both game theory and religious wisdom guide us toward strategies that promote long-term sustainability and mutual benefit. They warn against the seductive but ultimately destructive paths of selfishness, betrayal, and division. Instead, they lead us toward the "straight and narrow path," where strategic wisdom and moral integrity converge. As Jonathan Pageau suggests, this path represents a singularity—an antidote to chaos and multiplicity, where focused, long-term thinking prevails, allowing us to navigate complex systems with clarity and purpose.
Conclusion
These symbolic stories—whether interpreted through Peterson’s Jungian lens, the psychedelic theories of Muraresku, or ancient spiritual traditions—offer profound insights into human consciousness, morality, and spiritual alignment. The Bible, as a work of profound almost recursive symbolic depth, continues to reveal its layers of meaning to those willing to wrestle with its truths. Could humanity’s ancient myths and rituals, interpreted through both spiritual and psychedelic lenses, hold the key to navigating our existential challenges today?
“For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains of ignorance, he is about to conquer the highest peak; as he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries.”
Robert Jastrow, God and the Astronomers