Reference: The Book of Subject Clearing
When you have looked up all the required definitions in clearing up a key word (see Word Meanings), but the confusion still remains, then there is an anomaly present in the definitions being looked up. Such an anomaly may take the form of
- Discontinuity (missing data)
- Inconsistency (contradictory data)
- Disharmony (arbitrary data)
An anomaly is always a departure from the oneness of understanding. Resolution of anomalies restores the sense of wholeness about the subject.
ONENESS
Oneness is understood as CONSISTENCY among parts. This consistency appears as CONTINUITY at very small scales, and as HARMONY at very large scales. Oneness does not imply sameness. Oneness means that all that is known is continuous, consistent and harmonious. Oneness lies in the continuity of dimensions, consistency of realities, and harmony of relations. Oneness underlies the very concept of the Universe, and the Scientific Method. Oneness is not a monotone canvas; but a beautiful painting full of colors and forms that are continuous, consistent and harmonious.
ANOMALY
An ANOMALY is something that doesn’t make sense. Actually, an anomaly is a violation of ONENESS, in the form of discontinuity (missing data), inconsistency (contradictory data), or disharmony (arbitrary data). An anomaly is basically a misalignment among concepts. As you look closely at an anomaly, it resolves into concepts. The concepts arrange themselves into a consistent order. This allows missing, contradictory and arbitrary data to be straightened out. The anomaly then blows.
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Missing Data
In our childhoods, we could not look into certain areas through lack of opportunity. We then filled those gaps in understanding by assumptions. Later in life, when we do have the opportunity to look, we are held back by our assumptions. The discontinuity is still there but it is hidden underneath the assumption.
It takes the subject clearing approach to discover those assumptions, and be able to examine the actual missing data. Sometime it takes a new invention, such as, a telescope or a microscope. to access the missing data.
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Contradictory Data
The inconsistencies are sometimes the easiest to spot. For instance, in a history class, your textbook might state in one chapter that a war ended in 1945, but in another chapter, it claims the same war ended in 1946. Both statements cannot be true, so this is an inconsistency within the subject material.
In the workplace, an employee who is punctual and reliable, suddenly starts arriving late or missing work unpredictably, is acting inconsistently.
An inconsistency is something that does not make sense. Underlying an inconsistency, there is missing data.
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Arbitrary Data
An arbitrary choice is something based on whim or personal preference, without reason or pattern. Assumptions are that way.
For instance, deciding to hold a meeting at 3 PM just because the weather app shows a blue icon, without considering participants’ availability or other relevant factors, is arbitrary. The choice lacks a logical or necessary basis and is made randomly or without meaningful justification.
Many religious beliefs are simply arbitrary.
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Resolving Anomalies
The anomalies that you come across are either in the materials you study, or in your own thinking. They are present when something does not make sense.
Usually, the definitions provide the missing data, but if definitions are not handling the confusion, then there are anomalies in the definitions you have. There is additional data that is missing. Look for inconsistencies. Look for assumptions that do not follow any logic.
You look more closely at what does not make sense. Examine the definitions available from different sources. Find out what is taken for granted. As you look more closely, more details become available. You separate what make sense from what does not make sense; then follow the trail of what does not make sense, until you find the missing piece.
Always keep the overall context of the key word in mind. You may take a step back to get the context in focus, but you never let go of the trail of what does not make sense. Keep following that trail. Sooner or later the actual anomaly will come into focus, and then it would resolve. You will find out exactly what was missing; or what what was inconsistent; or what was assumed arbitrarily. Suddenly, the key word become clear in its concept.
This procedure becomes faster when you start with key words representing broader concepts first. You not only resolve anomalies in the material, but you also resolve anomalies in your own thinking. This develops a clarity of mind, that allows you to think fast on your feet.
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