Similarly, thought is a system. That system not only includes thought and feelings, but it includes the state of the body; it includes the whole of society - as thought is passing back and forth between people in a process by which thought evolved from ancient times.
A corporation is organized as a system - it has this department, that department, that department... they don't have any meaning separately; they only can function together. And also the body is a system. Society is a system in some sense. And so on.
Interpretation
What this quote means
David Bohm emphasizes the interconnectedness of systems, highlighting that individual components derive their significance from their relationships within the whole.
In this quote, David Bohm draws a parallel between the structure of a corporation, the human body, and society, arguing that each is composed of interdependent parts that lack meaning in isolation. He asserts that understanding the functionality and purpose of these systems requires recognizing their interconnectedness, which is crucial for both individual and collective functioning. The quote invites reflection on how various elements, whether in organizations or in life, must work in harmony to create a meaningful and effective whole.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about team dynamics, this quote could illustrate how collaboration leads to success.
More from David Bohm
All quotes →What is the source of all this trouble? I'm saying that the source is basically in thought. Many people would think that such a statement is crazy, because thought is the one thing we have with which to solve our problems. That's part of our tradition.
We havent really paid much attention to thought as a process. we have engaged in thoughts, but we have only paid attention to the content, not to the process.
My suggestion is that at each state the proper order of operation of the mind requires an overall grasp of what is generally known, not only in formal logical, mathematical terms, but also intuitively, in images, feelings, poetic usage of language, etc.
The ability to perceive or think differently is more important than the knowledge gained.
Space is not empty. It is full, a plenum as opposed to a vacuum, and is the ground for the existence of everything, including ourselves. The universe is not separate from this cosmic sea of energy.
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But she knew that no matter what beauty lay behind, it must remain there. No one could go forward with a load of aching memories.
Silence came before creation, and the heavens were spread without a word
In this country American means white. Everybody else has to hyphenate.
I'm alive. When I'm eating that's all I think about. If I'm on the march, I just concentrate on marching. If I have to fight,it will be just as good a day as any to die. If you can concentrate always on the present, you'll be a happy man. Life is the moment we are living now.
I am the fool in this story, and no rebel shall hurl me from my throne.
You've a right to believe that we're governed by Nature and the hidden Force within her. You can think that the gods, including my Melitele, are merely a personification of this power invented for simpletons so they can understand it better, accept its existence. According to you, that power is blind. But for me, Geralt, faith allows you to expect what my goddess personifies from nature: order, law, goodness. And hope.