There once was a Strange Man in a Strange World

[FrankOne]

There once was a man that was strange to this world. As a child, he thought others were like himself, naturally fair, unselfish, just, and honest. As an adult, he came to understand that he was out of place on earth, he just wanted to be free of those that were driven to provoke him. He just wanted peace, yet others continually wanted to disturb, conflict, and compete. He had no desire to have control of anyone nor take advantage . He saw no need to be important, to amass wealth, nor do anything that others struggled for. He then isolated himself from the world and wondered how he had been born so different. He was a strange man in a strange world.

As he grew older, he became introspective in order to understand his unusual nature. One evening, to his surprise, he was spoken to as he prayed for guidance. He was asked “What do you desire?”. The man answered, “I want all power so that I can simply live in peace without having the world impinging on me with their ambition and selfish desires. I can then live free, completely apart from the world with no thought of others trying to disturb me with their animal nature”

The divine voice responded ,

“You must find peace first, then, you’ll have all power. You must be able to live in peace while being exposed to mayhem. Until then, you are only fighting yourself. There are no external enemies and until you understand this, all the power in the universe won’t bring you peace. Your enemy is the self that you’ve created which reacts negatively to adversity.

Your negative reactions are responsible for all of your suffering, not 50% of it, ALL of it. You are merely hurting yourself due to your skewed perceptions of your ‘self’ and your world. You must become a master of your ‘self’.

To do this, you must come to an understanding of the nature of your ‘self’ and the nature of this world because without understanding both of these, you will never be free.

This process of understanding can either proceed quickly or slowly depending on your own resistance to change. It can take months or even beyond your current mortal life. Change that self by letting it go and then you’ll have the peace which you seek and your desire for power will become meaningless to you.

This is the peace of Christ and he wishes for you to follow him.”

[Momma J]

Amen....

It is not easy shrugging off the evils that shackle us.

[Niemand]

There are no external enemies

There are plenty of them. Jesus himself says so.

[FrankOne]

There are no external enemies

There are plenty of them. Jesus himself says so.

Yet he fought none of those that considered Christ their enemy and instead submitted to their hanging him on a cross and even in that, he completely forgave them without a single condemning word.

In contrast, how do we react to those that contend with us?

When struck, turn the other cheek? When asked for our coat, give them our cloak also? Give up the worldly goods and follow him? The idea of poverty is one of the greatest enemies to the "self".

Fear is the god of the self, protecting it at all costs from all threats.

The act of trusting Christ is the greatest threat to the self and speaks in the mind that it is to be avoided by all means necessary.

[FrankOne]

continued:

The man was astonished at the counsel given and it greatly disturbed him . His first reaction was to reject it as evil and reason his way out of it in order to avoid confronting himself. He became aware of the war within him as his thoughts raced back and forth and this inspired him to pray again, hoping for another miraculous moment with the Divine.

He prayed:

"How can this be true? I realize that there is an adversary in my mind right now, contending with me, but I have been taught since birth to proceed forward in good deeds and obedience in order to merit salvation. I have never been taught that the goal is to simply "Let Go" of my 'self'. This sounds like new age guidance! How can I trust this? "

Again... the Holy Spirit answered:

"You have chosen to create a self and a world where you could be separate from the Father and in doing this, you created a barrier to him. You have chosen a world of pain and suffering and now you must find the way to let go of your creation.

Do you believe that a perfect creator would or could create a Son that was imperfect? No, that is impossible.

What your Father has created can not even be tarnished by your perceived sins. What is perfect IS perfect and unchangeable. Can you sense, in some part of you, the unfailing love of your Father? Do you not now feel within you , the truthfulness of this? Do not be afraid of this. He awaits your return. You KNOW this.
Remember. "

[FrankOne]

continued.

The man felt mixtures of emotions as he tried to deal with what he had been told. He had been asked if he felt the truthfulness of it and he did to a small extent, but he felt even more, a desire to refute it and dismiss it! Trying to gather his composure, he prayed for calmness …and he felt a warmth and stillness come over him and he gave thanks for this gift.

He analyzed his emotions which moved him to refute and dismiss everything until he realized the root motivator within him….. fear! It was fear! This realization disturbed him more than anything else. Whatever was causing that fear now had waged battle against him.

He had discovered his own fear and had , throughout his life followed the counsel of fear. He vowed within himself to become aware of his inner fearful guidance and question it as often as he could. Having made this great discovery he could feel the truth of the counsel as he pondered the words which had been given him. He could see that he would need constant help to guide him through his fear. He committed the counsel to paper because everything in his mind told him to disregard it.

He felt gratitude well up as he realized that he was being truly guided by God. A peace came over him and he knew he had just started his journey.

[FrankOne]

continued- conclusion

During the next few days the man was off balanced, wondering if what had occurred was of God or the Devil himself. In the years past, he had grown accustomed to being isolated from the rest of the world and had enjoyed relative peace in his seclusion. If he didn't have the encumbrance of paying property taxes every year, his life would be free of the outside hostility.

He pondered everything for a time and as months past, his interest in self discovery waned. He eventually questioned it all and found it easier to just forget it and live in the moderate peace that he already had. He went back to church, read scriptures and prayed for safety and security. The war in his mind that was caused by his experiences faded to nothing, All was well again.

[Thinker]

There are no external enemies

There are plenty of them. Jesus himself says so.

Yeah he was killed for it but he spoke out against enemies of GOoD…

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.

Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!…” - Matthew 23

It’s true that the greatest potential enemy is ourselves because we can hold ourselves back & hurt ourselves more than anyone else - over a lifetime. However there are also enemies - evil - outside of us. To believe otherwise is setting ourselves up to be deceived and hurt. Of course, even the worst enemies have good too - so we need to learn to judge righteously as much as we can.

[Thinker]

continued- conclusion

During the next few days the man was off balanced, wondering if what had occurred was of God or the Devil himself. In the years past, he had grown accustomed to being isolated from the rest of the world and had enjoyed relative peace in his seclusion. If he didn't have the encumbrance of paying property taxes every year, his life would be free of the outside hostility.

He pondered everything for a time and as months past, his interest in self discovery waned. He eventually questioned it all and found it easier to just forget it and live in the moderate peace that he already had. He went back to church, read scriptures and prayed for safety and security. The war in his mind that was caused by his experiences faded to nothing, All was well again.

So he gave up?

[FrankOne]

continued- conclusion

During the next few days the man was off balanced, wondering if what had occurred was of God or the Devil himself. In the years past, he had grown accustomed to being isolated from the rest of the world and had enjoyed relative peace in his seclusion. If he didn't have the encumbrance of paying property taxes every year, his life would be free of the outside hostility.

He pondered everything for a time and as months past, his interest in self discovery waned. He eventually questioned it all and found it easier to just forget it and live in the moderate peace that he already had. He went back to church, read scriptures and prayed for safety and security. The war in his mind that was caused by his experiences faded to nothing, All was well again.

So he gave up?

I decided to conclude it in the say that most would choose it to be. The last 3 sentences are satire. He failed.

As I keep getting reminded, people generally want the easy way. Growth is painful and few there are that will proceed in the face of pain.

If I had proceeded with the story as I had first intended, it wouldn't be believed because it goes far beyond understood religion. People don't like the truth when it doesn't follow their own prescription.

[Thinker]

So he gave up?

I decided to conclude it in the say that most would choose it to be. The last 3 sentences are satire. He failed.

As I keep getting reminded, people generally want the easy way. Growth is painful and few there are that will proceed in the face of pain.

If I had proceeded with the story as I had first intended, it wouldn't be believed because it goes far beyond understood religion. People don't like the truth when it doesn't follow their own prescription.

Oh. I agree that pain - including needed growing pains - are often avoided in favor of illusions even if the illusions are dysfunctional.

I’m curious about the ending you originally intended. Though I know you & I don’t agree on everything, I think there are some things we see similarly, including seeing beyond religious dogmas. So, try me.

[FrankOne]

So he gave up?

I decided to conclude it in the say that most would choose it to be. The last 3 sentences are satire. He failed.

As I keep getting reminded, people generally want the easy way. Growth is painful and few there are that will proceed in the face of pain.

If I had proceeded with the story as I had first intended, it wouldn't be believed because it goes far beyond understood religion. People don't like the truth when it doesn't follow their own prescription.

Oh. I agree that pain - including needed growing pains - are often avoided in favor of illusions even if the illusions are dysfunctional.

I’m curious about the ending you originally intended. Though I know you & I don’t agree on everything, I think there are some things we see similarly, including seeing beyond religious dogmas. So, try me.

well..... I was a bit hesitant to continue but I realize that finishing this would be a good course.

I'll post another chapter soon.

[FrankOne]

(continuation with original story instead of the short and bleak ending )

For some inexplicable reason, a section of what had been given to him kept repeating in his mind for days.

“This process of understanding can either proceed quickly or slowly depending on your own resistance to change. It can take months or even beyond your current mortal life. Change that self by letting it go” “
“This is the peace of Christ and he wishes for you to follow him.”

He pondered the words for weeks and his inner thoughts combated him. He was vexed with doubt and fear. “If this is the way, why do I feel so much fear?” “Why do I not feel comfort and a quiet spirit?”

He decided to return to more prayer and after a few days….again,.. he was answered:

“Have you not read the scripture, …For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” ? Who do you think is inside your mind creating fear and obstacles ? “

He waited for more guidance, but that was all he received that evening. He wondered…”why does God not tell me everything that I need to know? Who is in my head?”

He had no idea how to proceed. This was all so new to him, why wouldn’t God just reveal what he needed to know so he could do Gods will? He would follow anything that God would have instructed, why not tell him what to do?

The next day, he got an unexpected call from an old friend that he hadn’t heard from for several years. They decided to meet in town and have a cup of coffee. At the café, his friend John told him of a change he had been going through and had stopped going to church because it “wasn’t taking him anywhere”. He said that during prayer, he was inspired to call James (the man described in this story) . He talked of meditation and trying to understand the real meaning of Christianity. James was hesitant to share his experiences but did say enough to let John understand that he was going through a similar change. John recommended a few books and they each went their separate ways.

James wondered as he drove home , “is meditation for me?” as he felt a calming comfort well up within him.

He decided to buy a few books on meditation and read through them over the next month. His prayers gave him comfort during this period, but he had not been able to get any more instruction. He had been trying to meditate and had found some success in stilling his mind and getting past the fears, ….he was beginning to see the value of this. It was becoming evident that his fears were arising due to his desire to change. It was as if his own past self was fighting his current self.

After months of focused effort, He prayed sincerely for more instruction and sat still in meditation. After an hour of this, the Holy Spirit came into his mind … “You have wondered why you haven’t been told what you wanted. You are now learning the answer to this which is experience. I cannot simply tell you things, you must experience them. You have been raised to think that “knowledge” will save you, but it is the experience of knowledge that holds the value. When you discover knowledge, on your own, you experience it. When you experience it , you know it. There will come a time when you will be able to receive understandings from the mind of God which will also impart the experience , but you are not ready for that yet. Until then, continue in your path.”

He fought with his impatience to proceed more quickly but the thought came…. What am I fighting? Is the source of my fears the same as my impatience?

[Thinker]

… “You have wondered why you haven’t been told what you wanted. You are now learning the answer to this which is experience. I cannot simply tell you things, you must experience them…

Excellent addition to the story! Can’t think of a better next step!

It reminds me of 2 things. Personality “thinking” types tend to focus too much on facts and too little on what they personally think & feel subjectively. Also, in a book, “Putting on the mind of Christ,” the 1st 5 stages are how we think. But stages 6-11 beyond that are spiritual and experiential. Similar to other theories like Fowler’s faith stage 6.

Personally I see meditation as something that happens best when not too forced but also given time and space to be still, or to think & sense. Even just taking time to think, seems so rare. Only 1 person in all of my life has ever told me, “I need to go think.” Kinda funny how apparently rare such an important activity is!

What type or situation of meditation has helped you most?

[FrankOne]

… “You have wondered why you haven’t been told what you wanted. You are now learning the answer to this which is experience. I cannot simply tell you things, you must experience them…

Excellent addition to the story! Can’t think of a better next step!

It reminds me of 2 things. Personality “thinking” types tend to focus too much on facts and too little on what they personally think & feel subjectively. Also, in a book, “Putting on the mind of Christ,” the 1st 5 stages are how we think. But stages 6-11 beyond that are spiritual and experiential. Similar to other theories like Fowler’s faith stage 6.

Personally I see meditation as something that happens best when not too forced but also given time and space to be still, or to think & sense. Even just taking time to think, seems so rare. Only 1 person in all of my life has ever told me, “I need to go think.” Kinda funny how apparently rare such an important activity is!

What type or situation of meditation has helped you most?

It's said that early mornings are best for meditation but I find it equally beneficial to meditate before bed if done early enough to not keep falling asleep. In the beginning, solitude is necessary but after one discovers stillness and how to stay there, the outside influences aren't a big factor. <This can take weeks or years depending on the individual.

Sitting next to a bed on the floor works well. Cross legged is fine. No need to crank your feet up on your legs. I wondered why all pictures of Buddha meditating has him holding his thumb to his middle finger , so I did the same. Much later, I understood why. Experiencing the why is part of this.

Those in orthodox religion can't wrap their minds around the fact that self mastery is much more than keeping the commandments. Self mastery is about mastering your own mind, identifying the adversary within the mind and differentiating that from the influence and guidance of Christ. To not understand the enemy within is to be tossed to and fro in a storm that never ends....until your body is dead.

Peace only comes from knowing yourself, there is no other way. None. To know yourself is to know why you think , how you think and what is motivating you within. To understand why you are tempted. To understand the war within. To not work at understanding this is to float through life without a sail.

sorry, I digressed.

My method of meditation isn't what you will find in a book because I just "fell into it". It was as if i already knew how to proceed. The method that I use is one that simply cuts to the quick. It may seem like it's slow due to it's seeming vague nature, but is not.

I wrote down a few pages on the method of meditation for a friend some time ago. There is a background of understanding also in the writing.

If you or anyone else is interested in a copy, I will send it by request through a PM. Just PM me to request it rather than do so on this thread.

[Original_Intent]

I have been desiring to create some YouTube videos - not that I expect or even hope for a big following, but as I get older, and appreciate the accumulation of whatever knowledge I have, I just keep getting the feeling of a need to pass it on.

But then also as is alluded to above, really all you can do in most cases is leave breadcrumbs. Just doing a knowledge dump is actually so very harmful. Looking back on my younger self who often felt frustration that a teacher would not simply "spill the beans" but instead would leave me for days, weeks or months struggling with a concept. Only after the fact does one say "Ah! Now I see why!"

One could write an exhaustive history of the world, and put in every effort to be unbiased and just give facts, and might even be successful in doing so. But the facts that one would choose to include are also a bias. Perhaps for this reason when God shares a vision of the history of the world, the prophet involved would say something to the effect of "I was about to write more, but the spirit constrained me..." Sometimes it is not only the information, but the way the information is received that is crucial, and also what is experienced, including what one does or does not do with information. Cast not pearls before swine is not about calling people swine, but simply presenting truths to those that will not understand the value, it is not only a waste, but they may also turn and rend you in the process.

I see that there are more than one type of mystery school. One type wants to hold back information so that they can have a benefit of more knowledge and authority over others. But there is also a school that openly provides as much knowledge as it safely can - for the safety of the recipients and the safety of the teachers.

[FrankOne]

Sometimes it is not only the information, but the way the information is received that is crucial, and also what is experienced, including what one does or does not do with information. Cast not pearls before swine is not about calling people swine, but simply presenting truths to those that will not understand the value, it is not only a waste, but they may also turn and rend you in the process.

I see that there are more than one type of mystery school. One type wants to hold back information so that they can have a benefit of more knowledge and authority over others. But there is also a school that openly provides as much knowledge as it safely can - for the safety of the recipients and the safety of the teachers.

yah. It really is about trying to discern what is beneficial and what is detrimental.

and then there is learning vs teaching. As long as we are here, the students and the teacher are the teachers and the student, always.

What is sacred is not secret and is not meant to be but wisdom must dictate what is conveyed. There are two fish that swim in our sea and feeding the wrong fish can create a hindrance to progression. Curious questions come from the negative fish.

[Thinker]

... In the beginning, solitude is necessary but after one discovers stillness and how to stay there, the outside influences aren't a big factor. <This can take weeks or years depending on the individual.

... I wondered why all pictures of Buddha meditating has him holding his thumb to his middle finger , so I did the same. Much later, I understood why. Experiencing the why is part of this.

Those in orthodox religion can't wrap their minds around the fact that self mastery is much more than keeping the commandments. Self mastery is about mastering your own mind, identifying the adversary within the mind and differentiating that from the influence and guidance of Christ. To not understand the enemy within is to be tossed to and fro in a storm that never ends....until your body is dead.

Peace only comes from knowing yourself, there is no other way. None. To know yourself is to know why you think , how you think and what is motivating you within. To understand why you are tempted. To understand the war within. To not work at understanding this is to float through life without a sail.

sorry, I digressed. ..

Digress away! Digressions are often the best part!

I’m working on and slowly getting a little better on not needing to have ideal surroundings to still be able to tap into a inner peace and stillness. But I’ll appreciate anything you’ve learned that’s helped (sent pm).

Now I’m curious. Why do pictures depict Buddha meditating, holding his thumb to his middle finger?

IMO, Part of the reason many religious people can’t wrap their minds around the fact that self mastery is more than keeping the commandments, is because religious leaders (past & present) misled them to take it all literally & superficially. Another reason is it’s hard work, uncomfortable- painful & humbling to explore the depths of our psyches - all the good and evil. So true and I like how you wrote, “To not understand the enemy within is to be tossed to and fro in a storm that never ends.” People are suffering and yet lost as to even have a clue as to know why which precludes discovering solutions to heal.

Again, you are so right about the need for self awareness. As Jung (& Christ & Buddha) explained, there’s really no dividing line between psych-ology (study of one’s soul) and spirituality.

[FrankOne]

... In the beginning, solitude is necessary but after one discovers stillness and how to stay there, the outside influences aren't a big factor. <This can take weeks or years depending on the individual.

... I wondered why all pictures of Buddha meditating has him holding his thumb to his middle finger , so I did the same. Much later, I understood why. Experiencing the why is part of this.

Those in orthodox religion can't wrap their minds around the fact that self mastery is much more than keeping the commandments. Self mastery is about mastering your own mind, identifying the adversary within the mind and differentiating that from the influence and guidance of Christ. To not understand the enemy within is to be tossed to and fro in a storm that never ends....until your body is dead.

Peace only comes from knowing yourself, there is no other way. None. To know yourself is to know why you think , how you think and what is motivating you within. To understand why you are tempted. To understand the war within. To not work at understanding this is to float through life without a sail.

sorry, I digressed. ..

Digress away! Digressions are often the best part!

I’m working on and slowly getting a little better on not needing to have ideal surroundings to still be able to tap into a inner peace and stillness. But I’ll appreciate anything you’ve learned that’s helped (sent pm).

Now I’m curious. Why do pictures depict Buddha meditating, holding his thumb to his middle finger?

IMO, Part of the reason many religious people can’t wrap their minds around the fact that self mastery is more than keeping the commandments, is because religious leaders (past & present) misled them to take it all literally & superficially. Another reason is it’s hard work, uncomfortable- painful & humbling to explore the depths of our psyches - all the good and evil. So true and I like how you wrote, “To not understand the enemy within is to be tossed to and fro in a storm that never ends.” People are suffering and yet lost as to even have a clue as to know why which precludes discovering solutions to heal.

Again, you are so right about the need for self awareness. As Jung (& Christ & Buddha) explained, there’s really no dividing line between psych-ology (study of one’s soul) and spirituality.

The truth of things is not typically accepted as they are because of tradition and habitual conclusions.

but, i will answer the question directly. The reason why Buddha is always depicted as holding his thumb to his middle finger is because of a tone that is created by doing so. Each finger creates a different tone. This is nothing to do with "new age". All of what i am saying is how to understand the self and the other self in the mind that conflicts. If you are truly "one" as Christ is, you would not have that other voice in your head at all. The adversary serves a purpose until you have finished that curriculum and choose differently. Be as Christ. Be one, not two.

How is it that people cannot question why there are two voices or conflicting thoughts in their heads? If you are 'you', then how is it that you can conflict against yourself?

[Thinker]

The truth of things is not typically accepted as they are because of tradition and habitual conclusions.

but, i will answer the question directly. The reason why Buddha is always depicted as holding his thumb to his middle finger is because of a tone that is created by doing so. Each finger creates a different tone. This is nothing to do with "new age". All of what i am saying is how to understand the self and the other self in the mind that conflicts. If you are truly "one" as Christ is, you would not have that other voice in your head at all. The adversary serves a purpose until you have finished that curriculum and choose differently. Be as Christ. Be one, not two.

How is it that people cannot question why there are two voices or conflicting thoughts in their heads? If you are 'you', then how is it that you can conflict against yourself?

Thanks for your reply and answering my question. Though I don’t fully understand, I believe some spiritual principles are based on vibrations, tones or music.

• "If only the whole world could feel the power of harmony."- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

• “There is geometry in the humming of the strings. There is music in the spacing of the spheres…
  The highest goal of music is to connect one’s soul to their Divine Nature.” -Pythagoras

I am still learning but currently see truth that “there must needs be opposition in all things.” Maybe it’s like walking - when one leg is working, the other is not… and that is how we propel ourselves forward. Within us - at least in this life - is a constant struggle. And this struggle is the priceless means by which we learn and progress. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t believe we will ever be able to sit back and not deal with inner and outer opposition during this life. Hopefully we open ourselves to peace and spiritual guidance to help us through, but to our dying days we will be imperfect by design to keep us humble and teachable.

From another perspective, like in the movie “Inside Out,” we have various parts within us. Eg., Jung suggests we have several:
1. Self
2. persona
3. the shadow
4. anima/animus…
Another theory suggests Self, Exile, Manager, Firefighter.

The point is that there is inner-conflict. Do we dare wrestle with our ideas of God etc., as Jacob did? What if we choose not to?

[FrankOne]

The truth of things is not typically accepted as they are because of tradition and habitual conclusions.

but, i will answer the question directly. The reason why Buddha is always depicted as holding his thumb to his middle finger is because of a tone that is created by doing so. Each finger creates a different tone. This is nothing to do with "new age". All of what i am saying is how to understand the self and the other self in the mind that conflicts. If you are truly "one" as Christ is, you would not have that other voice in your head at all. The adversary serves a purpose until you have finished that curriculum and choose differently. Be as Christ. Be one, not two.

How is it that people cannot question why there are two voices or conflicting thoughts in their heads? If you are 'you', then how is it that you can conflict against yourself?

\



The point is that there is inner-conflict. Do we dare wrestle with our ideas of God etc., as Jacob did? What if we choose not to?

Being one instead of two is the end result of understanding yourself and being one with God as Christ is. The 'when' is up to the individual. Self Mastery is achieved when there is only one and this is possible in this life.

The OT and the NT are two different gospels for a very definite reason.

Consider how different Christian churches would be today if they only used the NT . Consider how different Christian Churches would be today if they only read the quotes of Christ in the NT. Now consider how the quotes of Christ in the NT differ from everything else. What if his words were the only doctrine to follow? Just his words, not the description of what apostles said they saw or said they understood from him.

The churches would bear no resemblance to what they are today.

[Thinker]

Being one instead of two is the end result of understanding yourself and being one with God as Christ is. The 'when' is up to the individual. Self Mastery is achieved when there is only one and this is possible in this life.

The OT and the NT are two different gospels for a very definite reason.

Consider how different Christian churches would be today if they only used the NT . Consider how different Christian Churches would be today if they only read the quotes of Christ in the NT. Now consider how the quotes of Christ in the NT differ from everything else. What if his words were the only doctrine to follow? Just his words, not the description of what apostles said they saw or said they understood from him.

The churches would bear no resemblance to what they are today.

Constantine & Eusebius messed with Christ’s words - the ultimate Antichrist which is followed by the majority of the world…