MONOLITH

EPOCH I (LEVEL IV)

The fourth loop of Epoch I is the “Saintly Existence” (absolutist).

In the saintly, self-denial existence, MONOLITH loopers develop ways of life-based on suffering the pangs of present reality to either serve collective interests or prove worthy of a favorable afterlife. This saintly, self-denial form of existence can be seen as compensation for MONARCH‘s previous struggle with, “…unbridled lusts and a threatening universe (Graves, 1970).” Here, MONOLITH perceives that “…certain rules are prescribed for each class of men and that these rules describe the proper way each class is to behave (Graves, 1970).” The rules are a price humans pay for the good of all, or everlasting life. For the peace they seek, the price is self-denial and asceticism to the point of no ultimate pleasure in the here-and-now.

However, after security is achieved through these prescribed, absolutist rules, the time comes when individuals begin to question the price. When this question arises, the saintly self-denial way begins to decay, sliding toward obsolescence.  Furthermore, humans struggle through another period of transition to another level… now slipping, now falling in the quest for this goal. When individuals cast aside the inhuman aspect of the saintly existence, they are again charged with excess energy because the security problems are solved, and this sets them on a course to build a space for pleasure here and now… enter the MATERIALIST existence.

The MONOLITH is a community oriented level with strong discipline and motivation. Also a strong sense of right vs. wrong, good vs. bad and the need for order in society. In cultural terms, judicial systems develop at this level. Fundamentalist religious beliefs are seen here too. Core values include justice, security and morality. Also a desire to control impulsivity and “evil” deeds. The MONOLITH can be seen in movements such as the “right to life,” the “moral majority,” Wahhabism, Marxist–Leninist atheism, or Jainism, etc..

MONOLITH POINT OF VIEW:
It’s not difficult to imagine how MONOLITH loopers see individuals on the various other levels. For instance, the TRIBE might be recognized as “Noble Savages” in need of saving; MONARCH could be seen as self-centered and irreverent; Other MONOLITH loopers could be right, provided they share the same “truths;” MATERIALIST might be seen as arrogant, self-serving, nouveau rich and greedy; GREEN as “wishy-washy” or irrelevant; WIZARD and the FEDERATION might be considered a little too, “out there with the fairies and unicorns.”

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Gravesian Epoch I reached its peak in the closing decades of the 20th century. As we progress into the second decade of the 21st, the first two loops of Epoch II have begun to take shape… they are briefly described below in the WIZARD and FEDERATION loops:

EPOCH I

EPOCH II

MagnaKARMA =>