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Rafael's avatar

Pardon the ignorance, but has the Big-Bang theory, leading to the second to last image used in the article, been proved?

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Arabian Magus's avatar

Good question, from what I know, and I am not an expert; there are multiple theories that are also linked to the Big Bang, the oscillating model and the application of string theory allows for the speculation on a pre-big bang universe, I would have share pictures of model since it is easier for us to visualize. And there are many other theories as well, if I’m not mistaken there is one on multiple big bangs, and many more.

That being said, Spengler’s idea here is not to prove these scientific theories, but rather to say that such theories belong to Western Faustian culture and not any other. Such as the idea that the West was predestined to conquer space and/or go to the moon. Invent and make use of airplanes in their mechanical form, distinct from Abbas Ibn Farnas in the Arab world who only demonstrated flight but lacked the mechanically-inclined dynamic ethos necessary to make an actual plane. The Faustian nature of rockets and how when you look at a gothic cathedral pre NASA you see that this culture was in essence predestined to do just that. But it is not something that makes them innately superior as a culture, it is just their inherent gifts and perks. Every culture has a spirit and destiny linked to it, every culture produces its own fruits to share with the world. A relativistic approach to culture is what Spengler is trying to assume here.

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