Concepts of Life Energy and Vitalism Through （生命能量和活力论的概念）.pdf

Syntropy 2013 (2): 103-114 ISSN 1825-7968 Concepts of Life Energy and Vitalism Through the Ages 1 Richard A. Blasband , M.D. Introduction In what follows I have tried to present the major concepts on this subject given through history, highlighting those that really contributed functionally to the development of our understanding of Life. Of course, much more could have been written and has been by various authors and scientists. For those interested in contemporary thinking on the subject I highly recommend Rupert Sheldrake’s books. Not only are they informative, but he has a depth of understanding that is hard to find in others I have read, and his ego does not seem to be involved. It is impossible to convey the breadth and depth of the work of Wilhelm Reich and Nicolai Levashov in this brief paper, but their work has had a profound influence on my personal development. Another great thinker, who has had a major influence on my thinking is Roger Weir. I have not included Roger’s work here, but do highly recommend it for those who wish to understand how ancient wisdom can be recalibrated for our modern age. Pre-Renaissance Concepts The concept of a life energy or life force that animates life has been with us since antiquity in the Chinese concept of “chi”, and the East Indian concept of “prana”. In pre-modern times Aristotle thought such concepts were necessary in order to understand the origin of life. He asked, “Why cannot the seed at its origin be so created, that it can turn into blood and flesh without itself having to be blood and flesh?” and How do these parts come into being: