The Urantia Book
PAPER 42
ENERGY -- MIND AND MATTER
Presented by a Mighty Messenger on duty in Nebadon and by the
request of Gabriel.
42:0.1 THE foundation of the universe is
material in the sense that energy is the basis of all existence,
and pure energy is controlled by the Universal Father. Force,
energy, is the one thing which stands as an everlasting monument
demonstrating and proving the existence and presence of the
Universal Absolute. This vast stream of energy proceeding from
the Paradise Presences has never lapsed, never failed; there has
never been a break in the infinite upholding.
42:0.2 The manipulation of universe energy is
ever in accordance with the personal will and the all-wise
mandates of the Universal Father. This personal control of
manifested power and circulating energy is modified by the
co-ordinate acts and decisions of the Eternal Son, as well as by
the united purposes of the Son and the Father executed by the
Conjoint Actor. These divine beings act personally and as
individuals; they also function in the persons and powers of an
almost unlimited number of subordinates, each variously
expressive of the eternal and divine purpose in the universe of
universes. But these functional and provisional modifications or
transmutations of divine power in no way lessen the truth of the
statement that all force-energy is under the ultimate control of
a personal God resident at the center of all things.
1. PARADISE FORCES AND ENERGIES
42:1.1 The foundation of the universe is
material, but the essence of life is spirit. The Father of
spirits is also the ancestor of universes; the eternal Father of
the Original Son is also the eternity-source of the original
pattern, the Isle of Paradise.
42:1.2 Matter -- energy -- for they are but
diverse manifestations of the same cosmic reality, as a universe
phenomenon is inherent in the Universal Father. "In him all
things consist." Matter may appear to manifest inherent energy
and to exhibit self-contained powers, but the lines of gravity
involved in the energies concerned in all these physical
phenomena are derived from, and are dependent on, Paradise.
The ultimaton, the first measurable form of energy, has Paradise as
its nucleus.
42:1.3 There is innate in matter and present
in universal space a form of energy not known on Urantia. When
this discovery is finally made, then will physicists feel that
they have solved, almost at least, the mystery of matter. And so
will they have approached one step nearer the Creator; so will
they have mastered one more phase of the divine technique; but
in no sense will they have found God, neither will they have
established the existence of matter or the operation of natural
laws apart from the cosmic technique of Paradise and the
motivating purpose of the Universal Father.
42:1.4 Subsequent to even still greater
progress and further discoveries, after Urantia has advanced
immeasurably in comparison with present knowledge, though you
should gain control of the energy revolutions of the electrical
units of matter to the extent of modifying their physical
manifestations -- even after all such possible progress, forever
will scientists be powerless to create one atom of matter or to
originate one flash of energy or ever to add to matter that
which we call life.
42:1.5 The creation of energy and the bestowal
of life are the prerogatives of the Universal Father and his
associate Creator personalities. The river of energy and life is
a continuous outpouring from the Deities, the universal and
united stream of Paradise force going forth to all space. This
divine energy pervades all creation. The force organizers
initiate those changes and institute those modifications of
space-force which eventuate in energy; the power directors
transmute energy into matter; thus the material worlds are born.
The Life Carriers initiate those processes in dead matter which
we call life, material life. The Morontia Power Supervisors
likewise perform throughout the transition realms between the
material and the spiritual worlds. The higher spirit Creators
inaugurate similar processes in divine forms of energy, and
there ensue the higher spirit forms of intelligent life.
42:1.6 Energy proceeds from Paradise,
fashioned after the divine order. Energy -- pure energy --
partakes of the nature of the divine organization; it is
fashioned after the similitude of the three Gods embraced in
one, as they function at the headquarters of the universe of
universes. And all force is circuited in Paradise, comes from
the Paradise Presences and returns thereto, and is in essence a
manifestation of the uncaused Cause -- the Universal Father; and
without the Father would not anything exist that does exist.
42:1.7 Force derived from self-existent Deity
is in itself ever existent. Force-energy is imperishable,
indestructible; these manifestations of the Infinite may be
subject to unlimited transmutation, endless transformation, and
eternal metamorphosis; but in no sense or degree, not even to
the slightest imaginable extent, could they or ever shall they
suffer extinction. But energy, though springing from the
Infinite, is not infinitely manifest; there are outer limits to
the presently conceived master universe.
42:1.8 Energy is eternal but not infinite; it
ever responds to the all-embracing grasp of Infinity. Forever
force and energy go on; having gone out from Paradise, they must
return thereto, even if age upon age be required for the
completion of the ordained circuit. That which is of Paradise
Deity origin can have only a Paradise destination or a Deity
destiny.
42:1.9 And all this confirms our belief in a
circular, somewhat limited, but orderly and far-flung universe
of universes. If this were not true, then evidence of energy
depletion at some point would sooner or later appear. All laws,
organizations, administration, and the testimony of universe
explorers -- everything points to the existence of an infinite
God but, as yet, a finite universe, a circularity of endless
existence, well-nigh limitless but, nevertheless, finite in
contrast with infinity.
2. UNIVERSAL NONSPIRITUAL ENERGY SYSTEMS (PHYSICAL
ENERGIES)
42:2.1 It is indeed difficult to find suitable
words in the English language whereby to designate and wherewith
to describe the various levels of force and energy -- physical,
mindal, or spiritual. These narratives cannot altogether follow
your accepted definitions of force, energy, and power. There is
such paucity of language that we must use these terms in
multiple meanings. In this paper, for example, the word
energy is used to denote all phases and forms of phenomenal
motion, action, and potential, while force is applied to
the pregravity, and power to the postgravity, stages of
energy.
42:2.2 I will, however, endeavor to lessen
conceptual confusion by suggesting the advisability of adopting
the following classification for cosmic force, emergent energy,
and universe power -- physical energy:
42:2.3 1. Space potency. This is the
unquestioned free space presence of the Unqualified Absolute.
The extension of this concept connotes the universe force-space
potential inherent in the functional totality of the Unqualified
Absolute, while the intension of this concept implies the
totality of cosmic reality -- universes -- which emanated
eternitywise from the never-beginning, never-ending,
never-moving, never-changing Isle of Paradise.
42:2.4 The phenomena indigenous to the nether
side of Paradise probably embrace three zones of absolute force
presence and performance: the fulcral zone of the Unqualified
Absolute, the zone of the Isle of Paradise itself, and the
intervening zone of certain unidentified equalizing and
compensating agencies or functions. These triconcentric zones
are the centrum of the Paradise cycle of cosmic reality.
42:2.5 Space potency is a prereality; it is
the domain of the Unqualified Absolute and is responsive only to
the personal grasp of the Universal Father, notwithstanding that
it is seemingly modifiable by the presence of the Primary Master
Force Organizers.
42:2.6 On Uversa, space potency is spoken of
as absoluta.
42:2.7 2. Primordial force. This
represents the first basic change in space potency and may be
one of the nether Paradise functions of the Unqualified
Absolute. We know that the space presence going out from nether
Paradise is modified in some manner from that which is incoming.
But regardless of any such possible relationships, the openly
recognized transmutation of space potency into primordial force
is the primary differentiating function of the tension-presence
of the living Paradise force organizers.
42:2.8 Passive and potential force becomes
active and primordial in response to the resistance afforded by
the space presence of the Primary Eventuated Master Force
Organizers. Force is now emerging from the exclusive domain of
the Unqualified Absolute into the realms of multiple response --
response to certain primal motions initiated by the God of
Action and thereupon to certain compensating motions emanating
from the Universal Absolute. Primordial force is seemingly
reactive to transcendental causation in proportion to
absoluteness.
42:2.9 Primordial force is sometimes spoken of
as pure energy; on Uversa we refer to it as segregata.
42:2.10 3. Emergent energies. The
passive presence of the primary force organizers is sufficient
to transform space potency into primordial force, and it is upon
such an activated space field that these same force organizers
begin their initial and active operations. Primordial force is
destined to pass through two distinct phases of transmutation in
the realms of energy manifestation before appearing as universe
power. These two levels of emerging energy are:
42:2.11 a. Puissant energy. This is the
powerful-directional, mass-movemented, mighty-tensioned, and
forcible-reacting energy -- gigantic energy systems set in
motion by the activities of the primary force organizers. This
primary or puissant energy is not at first definitely responsive
to the Paradise-gravity pull though probably yielding an
aggregate-mass or space-directional response to the collective
group of absolute influences operative from the nether side of
Paradise. When energy emerges to the level of initial response
to the circular and absolute-gravity grasp of Paradise, the
primary force organizers give way to the functioning of their
secondary associates.
42:2.12 b. Gravity energy. The
now-appearing gravity-responding energy carries the potential of
universe power and becomes the active ancestor of all universe
matter. This secondary or gravity energy is the product of the
energy elaboration resulting from the pressure-presence and the
tension-trends set up by the Associate Transcendental Master
Force Organizers. In response to the work of these force
manipulators, space-energy rapidly passes from the puissant to
the gravity stage, thus becoming directly responsive to the
circular grasp of Paradise (absolute) gravity while disclosing a
certain potential for sensitivity to the linear-gravity pull
inherent in the soon appearing material mass of the electronic
and the postelectronic stages of energy and matter. Upon the
appearance of gravity response, the Associate Master Force
Organizers may retire from the energy cyclones of space provided
the Universe Power Directors are assignable to that field of
action.
42:2.13 We are quite uncertain regarding the
exact causes of the early stages of force evolution, but we
recognize the intelligent action of the Ultimate in both levels
of emergent-energy manifestation. Puissant and gravity energies,
when regarded collectively, are spoken of on Uversa as ultimata.
42:2.14 4. Universe power. Space-force
has been changed into space-energy and thence into the energy of
gravity control. Thus has physical energy been ripened to that
point where it can be directed into channels of power and made
to serve the manifold purposes of the universe Creators. This
work is carried on by the versatile directors, centers, and
controllers of physical energy in the grand universe -- the
organized and inhabited creations. These Universe Power
Directors assume the more or less complete control of twenty-one
of the thirty phases of energy constituting the present energy
system of the seven superuniverses. This domain of
power-energy-matter is the realm of the intelligent activities
of the Sevenfold, functioning under the time-space overcontrol
of the Supreme.
42:2.15 On Uversa we refer to the realm of
universe power as gravita.
42:2.16 5. Havona energy. In concept
this narrative has been moving Paradiseward as transmuting
space-force has been followed, level by level, to the working
level of the energy-power of the universes of time and space.
Continuing Paradiseward, there is next encountered a
pre-existent phase of energy which is characteristic of the
central universe. Here the evolutionary cycle seems to turn back
upon itself; energy-power now seems to begin to swing back
towards force, but force of a nature very unlike that of space
potency and primordial force. Havona energy systems are not
dual; they are triune. This is the existential energy domain of
the Conjoint Actor, functioning in behalf of the Paradise
Trinity.
42:2.17 On Uversa these energies of Havona are
known as triata.
42:2.18 6. Transcendental energy. This
energy system operates on and from the upper level of Paradise
and only in connection with the absonite peoples. On Uversa it
is denominated tranosta.
42:2.19 7. Monota. Energy is close of
kin to divinity when it is Paradise energy. We incline to the
belief that monota is the living, nonspirit energy of Paradise
-- an eternity counterpart of the living, spirit energy of the
Original Son -- hence the nonspiritual energy system of the
Universal Father.
42:2.20 We cannot differentiate the nature
of Paradise spirit and Paradise monota; they are apparently
alike. They have different names, but you can hardly be told
very much about a reality whose spiritual and whose nonspiritual
manifestations are distinguishable only by name.
42:2.21 We know that finite creatures can
attain the worship experience of the Universal Father through
the ministry of God the Sevenfold and the Thought Adjusters, but
we doubt that any subabsolute personality, even power directors,
can comprehend the energy infinity of the First Great Source and
Center. One thing is certain: If the power directors are
conversant with the technique of the metamorphosis of
space-force, they do not reveal the secret to the rest of us. It
is my opinion that they do not fully comprehend the function of
the force organizers.
42:2.22 These power directors themselves are
energy catalyzers; that is, they cause energy to segment,
organize, or assemble in unit formation by their presence. And
all this implies that there must be something inherent in energy
which causes it thus to function in the presence of these power
entities. The Nebadon Melchizedeks long since denominated the
phenomenon of the transmutation of cosmic force into universe
power as one of the seven "infinities of divinity." And that is
as far as you will advance on this point during your local
universe ascension.
42:2.23 Notwithstanding our inability fully to
comprehend the origin, nature, and transmutations of cosmic
force, we are fully conversant with all phases of
emergent-energy behavior from the times of its direct and
unmistakable response to the action of Paradise gravity -- about
the time of the beginning of the function of the superuniverse
power directors.
3. CLASSIFICATION OF MATTER
42:3.1 Matter in all universes, excepting in
the central universe, is identical. Matter in its physical
properties depends on the revolutionary rates of its component
members, the number and size of the revolving members, their
distance from the nuclear body or the space content of matter,
as well as on the presence of certain forces as yet undiscovered
on Urantia.
42:3.2 In the varied suns, planets, and space
bodies there are ten grand divisions of matter:
42:3.3 1. Ultimatonic matter -- the prime
physical units of material existence, the energy particles which
go to make up electrons.
42:3.4 2. Subelectronic matter -- the
explosive and repellent stage of the solar supergases.
42:3.5 3. Electronic matter -- the electrical
stage of material differentiation -- electrons, protons, and
various other units entering into the varied constitution of the
electronic groups.
42:3.6 4. Subatomic matter -- matter existing
extensively in the interior of the hot suns.
42:3.7 5. Shattered atoms -- found in the
cooling suns and throughout space.
42:3.8 6. Ionized matter -- individual atoms
stripped of their outer (chemically active) electrons by
electrical, thermal, or X-ray activities and by solvents.
42:3.9 7. Atomic matter -- the chemical stage
of elemental organization, the component units of molecular or
visible matter.
42:3.10 8. The molecular stage of matter --
matter as it exists on Urantia in a state of relatively stable
materialization under ordinary conditions.
42:3.11 9. Radioactive matter -- the
disorganizing tendency and activity of the heavier elements
under conditions of moderate heat and diminished gravity
pressure.
42:3.12 10. Collapsed matter -- the relatively
stationary matter found in the interior of the cold or dead
suns. This form of matter is not really stationary; there is
still some ultimatonic even electronic activity, but these units
are in very close proximity, and their rates of revolution are
greatly diminished.
42:3.13 The foregoing classification of matter
pertains to its organization rather than to the forms of its
appearance to created beings. Neither does it take into account
the pre-emergent stages of energy nor the eternal
materializations on Paradise and in the central universe.
4. ENERGY AND MATTER TRANSMUTATIONS
42:4.1 Light, heat, electricity, magnetism,
chemism, energy, and matter are -- in origin, nature, and
destiny -- one and the same thing, together with other material
realities as yet undiscovered on Urantia.
42:4.2 We do not fully comprehend the almost
endless changes to which physical energy may be subject. In one
universe it appears as light, in another as light plus heat, in
another as forms of energy unknown on Urantia; in untold
millions of years it may reappear as some form of restless,
surging electrical energy or magnetic power; and still later on
it may again appear in a subsequent universe as some form of
variable matter going through a series of metamorphoses, to be
followed by its outward physical disappearance in some great
cataclysm of the realms. And then, after countless ages and
almost endless wandering through numberless universes, again may
this same energy re-emerge and many times change its form and
potential; and so do these transformations continue through
successive ages and throughout countless realms. Thus matter
sweeps on, undergoing the transmutations of time but swinging
ever true to the circle of eternity; even if long prevented from
returning to its source, it is ever responsive thereto, and it
ever proceeds in the path ordained by the Infinite Personality
who sent it forth.
42:4.3 The power centers and their associates
are much concerned in the work of transmuting the ultimaton into
the circuits and revolutions of the electron. These unique
beings control and compound power by their skillful manipulation
of the basic units of materialized energy, the ultimatons. They
are masters of energy as it circulates in this primitive state.
In liaison with the physical controllers they are able to
effectively control and direct energy even after it has
transmuted to the electrical level, the so-called electronic
stage. But their range of action is enormously curtailed when
electronically organized energy swings into the whirls of the
atomic systems. Upon such materialization, these energies fall
under the complete grasp of the drawing power of linear gravity.
42:4.4 Gravity acts positively on the power
lanes and energy channels of the power centers and the physical
controllers, but these beings have only a negative relation to
gravity -- the exercise of their antigravity endowments.
42:4.5 Throughout all space, cold and other
influences are at work creatively organizing ultimatons into
electrons. Heat is the measurement of electronic activity, while
cold merely signifies absence of heat -- comparative energy rest
-- the status of the universal force-charge of space provided
neither emergent energy nor organized matter were present and
responding to gravity.
42:4.6 Gravity presence and action is what
prevents the appearance of the theoretical absolute zero, for
interstellar space does not have the temperature of absolute
zero. Throughout all organized space there are
gravity-responding energy currents, power circuits, and
ultimatonic activities, as well as organizing electronic
energies. Practically speaking, space is not empty. Even the
atmosphere of Urantia thins out increasingly until at about
three thousand miles it begins to shade off into the average
space matter in this section of the universe. The most nearly
empty space known in Nebadon would yield about one hundred
ultimatons -- the equivalent of one electron -- in each cubic
inch. Such scarcity of matter is regarded as practically empty
space.
42:4.7 Temperature -- heat and cold -- is
secondary only to gravity in the realms of energy and matter
evolution. Ultimatons are humbly obedient to temperature
extremes. Low temperatures favor certain forms of electronic
construction and atomic assembly, while high temperatures
facilitate all sorts of atomic breakup and material
disintegration.
42:4.8 When subjected to the heat and pressure
of certain internal solar states, all but the most primitive
associations of matter may be broken up. Heat can thus largely
overcome gravity stability. But no known solar heat or pressure
can convert ultimatons back into puissant energy.
42:4.9 The blazing suns can transform matter
into various forms of energy, but the dark worlds and all outer
space can slow down electronic and ultimatonic activity to the
point of converting these energies into the matter of the
realms. Certain electronic associations of a close nature, as
well as many of the basic associations of nuclear matter, are
formed in the exceedingly low temperatures of open space, being
later augmented by association with larger accretions of
materializing energy.
42:4.10 Throughout all of this never-ending
metamorphosis of energy and matter we must reckon with the
influence of gravity pressure and with the antigravity behavior
of the ultimatonic energies under certain conditions of
temperature, velocity, and revolution. Temperature, energy
currents, distance, and the presence of the living force
organizers and the power directors also have a bearing on all
transmutation phenomena of energy and matter.
42:4.11 The increase of mass in matter is
equal to the increase of energy divided by the square of the
velocity of light. In a dynamic sense the work which resting
matter can perform is equal to the energy expended in bringing
its parts together from Paradise minus the resistance of the
forces overcome in transit and the attraction exerted by the
parts of matter on one another.
42:4.12 The existence of pre-electronic forms
of matter is indicated by the two atomic weights of lead. The
lead of original formation weighs slightly more than that
produced through uranium disintegration by way of radium
emanations; and this difference in atomic weight represents the
actual loss of energy in the atomic breakup.
42:4.13 The relative integrity of matter is
assured by the fact that energy can be absorbed or released only
in those exact amounts which Urantia scientists have designated
quanta. This wise provision in the material realms serves to
maintain the universes as going concerns.
42:4.14 The quantity of energy taken in or
given out when electronic or other positions are shifted is
always a "quantum" or some multiple thereof, but the vibratory
or wavelike behavior of such units of energy is wholly
determined by the dimensions of the material structures
concerned. Such wavelike energy ripples are 860 times the
diameters of the ultimatons, electrons, atoms, or other units
thus performing. The never-ending confusion attending the
observation of the wave mechanics of quantum behavior is due to
the superimposition of energy waves: Two crests can combine to
make a double-height crest, while a crest and a trough may
combine, thus producing mutual cancellation.
5. WAVE-ENERGY MANIFESTATIONS
42:5.1 In the superuniverse of Orvonton there
are one hundred octaves of wave energy. Of these one hundred
groups of energy manifestations, sixty-four are wholly or
partially recognized on Urantia. The sun's rays constitute four
octaves in the superuniverse scale, the visible rays embracing a
single octave, number forty-six in this series. The ultraviolet
group comes next, while ten octaves up are the X rays, followed
by the Y rays of radium. Thirty-two octaves above the visible
light of the sun are the outer-space energy rays so frequently
commingled with their associated highly energized minute
particles of matter. Next downward from visible sunlight appear
the infrared rays, and thirty octaves below are the radio
transmission group.
42:5.2 Wavelike energy manifestations -- from
the standpoint of twentieth-century Urantia scientific
enlightenment -- may be classified into the following ten
groups:
42:5.3 1. Infraultimatonic rays -- the
borderland revolutions of ultimatons as they begin to assume
definite form. This is the first stage of emergent energy in
which wavelike phenomena can be detected and measured.
42:5.4 2. Ultimatonic rays. The
assembly of energy into the minute spheres of the ultimatons
occasions vibrations in the content of space which are
discernible and measurable. And long before physicists ever
discover the ultimaton, they will undoubtedly detect the
phenomena of these rays as they shower in upon Urantia. These
short and powerful rays represent the initial activity of the
ultimatons as they are slowed down to that point where they veer
towards the electronic organization of matter. As the ultimatons
aggregate into electrons, condensation occurs with a consequent
storage of energy.
42:5.5 3. The short space rays. These
are the shortest of all purely electronic vibrations and
represent the preatomic stage of this form of matter. These rays
require extraordinarily high or low temperatures for their
production. There are two sorts of these space rays: one
attendant upon the birth of atoms and the other indicative of
atomic disruption. They emanate in the largest quantities from
the densest plane of the superuniverse, the Milky Way, which is
also the densest plane of the outer universes.
42:5.6 4. The electronic stage. This
stage of energy is the basis of all materialization in the seven
superuniverses. When electrons pass from higher to lower energy
levels of orbital revolution, quanta are always given off.
Orbital shifting of electrons results in the ejection or the
absorption of very definite and uniform measurable particles of
light-energy, while the individual electron always gives up a
particle of light-energy when subjected to collision. Wavelike
energy manifestations also attend upon the performances of the
positive bodies and the other members of the electronic stage.
42:5.7 5. Gamma rays -- those
emanations which characterize the spontaneous dissociation of
atomic matter. The best illustration of this form of electronic
activity is in the phenomena associated with radium
disintegration.
42:5.8 6. The X-ray group. The next
step in the slowing down of the electron yields the various
forms of solar X rays together with artificially generated X
rays. The electronic charge creates an electric field; movement
gives rise to an electric current; the current produces a
magnetic field. When an electron is suddenly stopped, the
resultant electromagnetic commotion produces the X ray; the X
ray is that disturbance. The solar X rays are identical
with those which are mechanically generated for exploring the
interior of the human body except that they are a trifle longer.
42:5.9 7. The ultraviolet or chemical
rays of sunlight and the various mechanical productions.
42:5.10 8. The white light -- the whole
visible light of the suns.
42:5.11 9. Infrared rays -- the slowing
down of electronic activity still nearer the stage of
appreciable heat.
42:5.12 10. Hertzian waves -- those
energies utilized on Urantia for broadcasting.
42:5.13 Of all these ten phases of wavelike
energy activity, the human eye can react to just one octave, the
whole light of ordinary sunlight.
42:5.14 The so-called ether is merely a
collective name to designate a group of force and energy
activities occurring in space. Ultimatons, electrons, and other
mass aggregations of energy are uniform particles of matter, and
in their transit through space they really proceed in direct
lines. Light and all other forms of recognizable energy
manifestations consist of a succession of definite energy
particles which proceed in direct lines except as modified by
gravity and other intervening forces. That these processions of
energy particles appear as wave phenomena when subjected to
certain observations is due to the resistance of the
undifferentiated force blanket of all space, the hypothetical
ether, and to the intergravity tension of the associated
aggregations of matter. The spacing of the particle-intervals of
matter, together with the initial velocity of the energy beams,
establishes the undulatory appearance of many forms of
energy-matter.
42:5.15 The excitation of the content of space
produces a wavelike reaction to the passage of rapidly moving
particles of matter, just as the passage of a ship through water
initiates waves of varying amplitude and interval.
42:5.16 Primordial-force behavior does give
rise to phenomena which are in many ways analogous to your
postulated ether. Space is not empty; the spheres of all space
whirl and plunge on through a vast ocean of outspread
force-energy; neither is the space content of an atom empty.
Nevertheless there is no ether, and the very absence of this
hypothetical ether enables the inhabited planet to escape
falling into the sun and the encircling electron to resist
falling into the nucleus.
6. ULTIMATONS, ELECTRONS, AND ATOMS
42:6.1 While the space charge of universal
force is homogeneous and undifferentiated, the organization of
evolved energy into matter entails the concentration of energy
into discrete masses of definite dimensions and established
weight -- precise gravity reaction.
42:6.2 Local or linear gravity becomes fully
operative with the appearance of the atomic organization of
matter. Preatomic matter becomes slightly gravity responsive
when activated by X ray and other similar energies, but no
measurable linear-gravity pull is exerted on free, unattached,
and uncharged electronic-energy particles or on unassociated
ultimatons.
42:6.3 Ultimatons function by mutual
attraction, responding only to the circular Paradise-gravity
pull. Without linear-gravity response they are thus held in the
universal space drift. Ultimatons are capable of accelerating
revolutionary velocity to the point of partial antigravity
behavior, but they cannot, independent of force organizers or
power directors, attain the critical escape velocity of
deindividuation, return to the puissant-energy stage. In nature,
ultimatons escape the status of physical existence only when
participating in the terminal disruption of a cooled-off and
dying sun.
42:6.4 The ultimatons, unknown on Urantia,
slow down through many phases of physical activity before they
attain the revolutionary-energy prerequisites to electronic
organization. Ultimatons have three varieties of motion: mutual
resistance to cosmic force, individual revolutions of
antigravity potential, and the intraelectronic positions of the
one hundred mutually interassociated ultimatons.
42:6.5 Mutual attraction holds one hundred
ultimatons together in the constitution of the electron; and
there are never more nor less than one hundred ultimatons in a
typical electron. The loss of one or more ultimatons destroys
typical electronic identity, thus bringing into existence one of
the ten modified forms of the electron.
42:6.6 Ultimatons do not describe orbits or
whirl about in circuits within the electrons, but they do spread
or cluster in accordance with their axial revolutionary
velocities, thus determining the differential electronic
dimensions. This same ultimatonic velocity of axial revolution
also determines the negative or positive reactions of the
several types of electronic units. The entire segregation and
grouping of electronic matter, together with the electric
differentiation of negative and positive bodies of
energy-matter, result from these various functions of the
component ultimatonic interassociation.
42:6.7 Each atom is a trifle over
1/100,000,000th of an inch in diameter, while an electron weighs
a little less than 1/2,000th of the smallest atom, hydrogen. The
positive proton, characteristic of the atomic nucleus, while it
may be no larger than a negative electron, weighs from two to
three thousand times more.
42:6.8 If the mass of matter should be
magnified until that of an electron equaled one tenth of an
ounce, then were size to be proportionately magnified, the
volume of such an electron would become as large as that of the
earth. If the volume of a proton -- eighteen hundred times as
heavy as an electron -- should be magnified to the size of the
head of a pin, then, in comparison, a pin's head would attain a
diameter equal to that of the earth's orbit around the sun.
7. ATOMIC MATTER
42:7.1 The formation of all matter is on the
order of the solar system. There is at the center of every
minute universe of energy a relatively stable, comparatively
stationary, nuclear portion of material existence. This central
unit is endowed with a threefold possibility of manifestation.
Surrounding this energy center there whirl, in endless profusion
but in fluctuating circuits, the energy units which are faintly
comparable to the planets encircling the sun of some starry
group like your own solar system.
42:7.2 Within the atom the electrons revolve
about the central proton with about the same comparative room
the planets have as they revolve about the sun in the space of
the solar system. There is the same relative distance, in
comparison with actual size, between the atomic nucleus and the
inner electronic circuit as exists between the inner planet,
Mercury, and your sun.
42:7.3 The electronic axial revolutions and
their orbital velocities about the atomic nucleus are both
beyond the human imagination, not to mention the velocities of
their component ultimatons. The positive particles of radium fly
off into space at the rate of ten thousand miles a second, while
the negative particles attain a velocity approximating that of
light.
42:7.4 The local universes are of decimal
construction. There are just one hundred distinguishable atomic
materializations of space-energy in a dual universe; that is the
maximum possible organization of matter in Nebadon. These one
hundred forms of matter consist of a regular series in which
from one to one hundred electrons revolve around a central and
relatively compact nucleus. It is this orderly and dependable
association of various energies that constitutes matter.
42:7.5 Not every world will show one hundred
recognizable elements at the surface, but they are somewhere
present, have been present, or are in process of evolution.
Conditions surrounding the origin and subsequent evolution of a
planet determine how many of the one hundred atomic types will
be observable. The heavier atoms are not found on the surface of
many worlds. Even on Urantia the known heavier elements manifest
a tendency to fly to pieces, as is illustrated by radium
behavior.
42:7.6 Stability of the atom depends on the
number of electrically inactive neutrons in the central body.
Chemical behavior is wholly dependent on the activity of the
freely revolving electrons.
42:7.7 In Orvonton it has never been possible
naturally to assemble over one hundred orbital electrons in one
atomic system. When one hundred and one have been artificially
introduced into the orbital field, the result has always been
the instantaneous disruption of the central proton with the wild
dispersion of the electrons and other liberated energies.
42:7.8 While atoms may contain from one to one
hundred orbital electrons, only the outer ten electrons of the
larger atoms revolve about the central nucleus as distinct and
discrete bodies, intactly and compactly swinging around on
precise and definite orbits. The thirty electrons nearest the
center are difficult of observation or detection as separate and
organized bodies. This same comparative ratio of electronic
behavior in relation to nuclear proximity obtains in all atoms
regardless of the number of electrons embraced. The nearer the
nucleus, the less there is of electronic individuality. The
wavelike energy extension of an electron may so spread out as to
occupy the whole of the lesser atomic orbits; especially is this
true of the electrons nearest the atomic nucleus.
42:7.9 The thirty innermost orbital electrons
have individuality, but their energy systems tend to
intermingle, extending from electron to electron and well-nigh
from orbit to orbit. The next thirty electrons constitute the
second family, or energy zone, and are of advancing
individuality, bodies of matter exerting a more complete control
over their attendant energy systems. The next thirty electrons,
the third energy zone, are still more individualized and
circulate in more distinct and definite orbits. The last ten
electrons, present in only the ten heaviest elements, are
possessed of the dignity of independence and are, therefore,
able to escape more or less freely from the control of the
mother nucleus. With a minimum variation in temperature and
pressure, the members of this fourth and outermost group of
electrons will escape from the grasp of the central nucleus, as
is illustrated by the spontaneous disruption of uranium and
kindred elements.
42:7.10 The first twenty-seven atoms, those
containing from one to twenty-seven orbital electrons, are more
easy of comprehension than the rest. From twenty-eight upward we
encounter more and more of the unpredictability of the supposed
presence of the Unqualified Absolute. But some of this
electronic unpredictability is due to differential ultimatonic
axial revolutionary velocities and to the unexplained "huddling"
proclivity of ultimatons. Other influences -- physical,
electrical, magnetic, and gravitational -- also operate to
produce variable electronic behavior. Atoms therefore are
similar to persons as to predictability. Statisticians may
announce laws governing a large number of either atoms or
persons but not for a single individual atom or person.
8. ATOMIC COHESION
42:8.1 While gravity is one of several factors
concerned in holding together a tiny atomic energy system, there
is also present in and among these basic physical units a
powerful and unknown energy, the secret of their basic
constitution and ultimate behavior, a force which remains to be
discovered on Urantia. This universal influence permeates all
the space embraced within this tiny energy organization.
42:8.2 The interelectronic space of an atom is
not empty. Throughout an atom this interelectronic space is
activated by wavelike manifestations which are perfectly
synchronized with electronic velocity and ultimatonic
revolutions. This force is not wholly dominated by your
recognized laws of positive and negative attraction; its
behavior is therefore sometimes unpredictable. This unnamed
influence seems to be a space-force reaction of the Unqualified
Absolute.
42:8.3 The charged protons and the uncharged
neutrons of the nucleus of the atom are held together by the
reciprocating function of the mesotron, a particle of matter 180
times as heavy as the electron. Without this arrangement the
electric charge carried by the protons would be disruptive of
the atomic nucleus.
42:8.4 As atoms are constituted, neither
electric nor gravitational forces could hold the nucleus
together. The integrity of the nucleus is maintained by the
reciprocal cohering function of the mesotron, which is able to
hold charged and uncharged particles together because of
superior force-mass power and by the further function of causing
protons and neutrons constantly to change places. The mesotron
causes the electric charge of the nuclear particles to be
incessantly tossed back and forth between protons and neutrons.
At one infinitesimal part of a second a given nuclear particle
is a charged proton and the next an uncharged neutron. And these
alternations of energy status are so unbelievably rapid that the
electric charge is deprived of all opportunity to function as a
disruptive influence. Thus does the mesotron function as an
"energy-carrier" particle which mightily contributes to the
nuclear stability of the atom.
42:8.5 The presence and function of the
mesotron also explains another atomic riddle. When atoms perform
radioactively, they emit far more energy than would be expected.
This excess of radiation is derived from the breaking up of the
mesotron "energy carrier," which thereby becomes a mere
electron. The mesotronic disintegration is also accompanied by
the emission of certain small uncharged particles.
42:8.6 The mesotron explains certain cohesive
properties of the atomic nucleus, but it does not account for
the cohesion of proton to proton nor for the adhesion of neutron
to neutron. The paradoxical and powerful force of atomic
cohesive integrity is a form of energy as yet undiscovered on
Urantia.
42:8.7 These mesotrons are found abundantly in
the space rays which so incessantly impinge upon your planet.
9. NATURAL PHILOSOPHY
42:9.1 Religion is not alone dogmatic; natural
philosophy equally tends to dogmatize. When a renowned religious
teacher reasoned that the number seven was fundamental to nature
because there are seven openings in the human head, if he had
known more of chemistry, he might have advocated such a belief
founded on a true phenomenon of the physical world. There is in
all the physical universes of time and space, notwithstanding
the universal manifestation of the decimal constitution of
energy, the ever-present reminder of the reality of the
sevenfold electronic organization of prematter.
42:9.2 The number seven is basic to the
central universe and the spiritual system of inherent
transmissions of character, but the number ten, the decimal
system, is inherent in energy, matter, and the material
creation. Nevertheless the atomic world does display a certain
periodic characterization which recurs in groups of seven -- a
birthmark carried by this material world indicative of its
far-distant spiritual origin.
42:9.3 This sevenfold persistence of creative
constitution is exhibited in the chemical domains as a
recurrence of similar physical and chemical properties in
segregated periods of seven when the basic elements are arranged
in the order of their atomic weights. When the Urantia chemical
elements are thus arranged in a row, any given quality or
property tends to recur by sevens. This periodic change by
sevens recurs diminishingly and with variations throughout the
entire chemical table, being most markedly observable in the
earlier or lighter atomic groupings. Starting from any one
element, after noting some one property, such a quality will
change for six consecutive elements, but on reaching the eighth,
it tends to reappear, that is, the eighth chemically active
element resembles the first, the ninth the second, and so on.
Such a fact of the physical world unmistakably points to the
sevenfold constitution of ancestral energy and is indicative of
the fundamental reality of the sevenfold diversity of the
creations of time and space. Man should also note that there are
seven colors in the natural spectrum.
42:9.4 But not all the suppositions of natural
philosophy are valid; for example, the hypothetical ether, which
represents an ingenious attempt of man to unify his ignorance of
space phenomena. The philosophy of the universe cannot be
predicated on the observations of so-called science. If such a
metamorphosis could not be seen, a scientist would be inclined
to deny the possibility of developing a butterfly out of a
caterpillar.
42:9.5 Physical stability associated with
biologic elasticity is present in nature only because of the
well-nigh infinite wisdom possessed by the Master Architects of
creation. Nothing less than transcendental wisdom could ever
design units of matter which are at the same time so stable and
so efficiently flexible.
10. UNIVERSAL NONSPIRITUAL ENERGY SYSTEMS
(MATERIAL MIND SYSTEMS)
42:10.1 The endless sweep of relative cosmic
reality from the absoluteness of Paradise monota to the
absoluteness of space potency, is suggestive of certain
evolutions of relationship in the nonspiritual realities of the
First Source and Center -- those realities which are concealed
in space potency, revealed in monota, and provisionally
disclosed on intervening cosmic levels. This eternal cycle of
energy, being circuited in the Father of universes, is absolute
and, being absolute, is expansile in neither fact nor value;
nevertheless the Primal Father is even now -- as always --
self-realizing of an ever-expanding arena of time-space, and of
time-space-transcended, meanings, an arena of changing
relationships wherein energy-matter is being progressively
subjected to the overcontrol of living and divine spirit through
the experiential striving of living and personal mind.
42:10.2 The universal nonspiritual energies
are reassociated in the living systems of non-Creator minds on
various levels, certain of which may be depicted as follows:
42:10.3 1. Preadjutant-spirit minds.
This level of mind is nonexperiencing and on the inhabited
worlds is ministered by the Master Physical Controllers. This is
mechanical mind, the nonteachable intellect of the most
primitive forms of material life, but the nonteachable mind
functions on many levels beside that of primitive planetary
life.
42:10.4 2. Adjutant-spirit minds. This
is the ministry of a local universe Mother Spirit functioning
through her seven adjutant mind-spirits on the teachable (nonmechanical)
level of material mind. On this level material mind is
experiencing: as subhuman (animal) intellect in the first five
adjutants; as human (moral) intellect in the seven adjutants; as
superhuman (midwayer) intellect in the last two adjutants.
42:10.5 3. Evolving morontia minds --
the expanding consciousness of evolving personalities in the
local universe ascending careers. This is the bestowal of the
local universe Mother Spirit in liaison with the Creator Son.
This mind level connotes the organization of the morontia type
of life vehicle, a synthesis of the material and the spiritual
which is effected by the Morontia Power Supervisors of a local
universe. Morontia mind functions differentially in response to
the 570 levels of morontia life, disclosing increasing
associative capacity with the cosmic mind on the higher levels
of attainment. This is the evolutionary course of mortal
creatures, but mind of a nonmorontia order is also bestowed by a
Universe Son and a Universe Spirit upon the nonmorontia children
of the local creations.
42:10.6 The cosmic mind. This is the
sevenfold diversified mind of time and space, one phase of which
is ministered by each of the Seven Master Spirits to one of the
seven superuniverses. The cosmic mind encompasses all
finite-mind levels and co-ordinates experientially with the
evolutionary-deity levels of the Supreme Mind and
transcendentally with the existential levels of absolute mind --
the direct circuits of the Conjoint Actor.
42:10.7 On Paradise, mind is absolute; in
Havona, absonite; in Orvonton, finite. Mind always connotes the
presence-activity of living ministry plus varied energy systems,
and this is true of all levels and of all kinds of mind. But
beyond the cosmic mind it becomes increasingly difficult to
portray the relationships of mind to nonspiritual energy. Havona
mind is subabsolute but superevolutionary; being
existential-experiential, it is nearer the absonite than any
other concept revealed to you. Paradise mind is beyond human
understanding; it is existential, nonspatial, and nontemporal.
Nevertheless, all of these levels of mind are overshadowed by
the universal presence of the Conjoint Actor -- by the
mind-gravity grasp of the God of mind on Paradise.
11. UNIVERSE MECHANISMS
42:11.1 In the evaluation and recognition of
mind it should be remembered that the universe is neither
mechanical nor magical; it is a creation of mind and a mechanism
of law. But while in practical application the laws of nature
operate in what seems to be the dual realms of the physical and
the spiritual, in reality they are one. The First Source and
Center is the primal cause of all materialization and at the
same time the first and final Father of all spirits. The
Paradise Father appears personally in the extra-Havona universes
only as pure energy and pure spirit -- as the Thought Adjusters
and other similar fragmentations.
42:11.2 Mechanisms do not absolutely dominate
the total creation; the universe of universes in toto is
mind planned, mind made, and mind administered. But the divine
mechanism of the universe of universes is altogether too perfect
for the scientific methods of the finite mind of man to discern
even a trace of the dominance of the infinite mind. For this
creating, controlling, and upholding mind is neither material
mind nor creature mind; it is spirit-mind functioning on and
from creator levels of divine reality.
42:11.3 The ability to discern and discover
mind in universe mechanisms depends entirely on the ability,
scope, and capacity of the investigating mind engaged in such a
task of observation. Time-space minds, organized out of the
energies of time and space, are subject to the mechanisms of
time and space.
42:11.4 Motion and universe gravitation are
twin facets of the impersonal time-space mechanism of the
universe of universes. The levels of gravity response for
spirit, mind, and matter are quite independent of time, but only
true spirit levels of reality are independent of space
(nonspatial). The higher mind levels of the universe -- the
spirit-mind levels -- may also be nonspatial, but the levels of
material mind, such as human mind, are responsive to the
interactions of universe gravitation, losing this response only
in proportion to spirit identification. Spirit-reality levels
are recognized by their spirit content, and spirituality in time
and space is measured inversely to the linear-gravity response.
42:11.5 Linear-gravity response is a
quantitative measure of nonspirit energy. All mass -- organized
energy -- is subject to this grasp except as motion and mind act
upon it. Linear gravity is the short-range cohesive force of the
macrocosmos somewhat as the forces of intra-atomic cohesion are
the short-range forces of the microcosmos. Physical materialized
energy, organized as so-called matter, cannot traverse space
without affecting linear-gravity response. Although such gravity
response is directly proportional to mass, it is so modified by
intervening space that the final result is no more than roughly
approximated when expressed as inversely according to the square
of the distance. Space eventually conquers linear gravitation
because of the presence therein of the antigravity influences of
numerous supermaterial forces which operate to neutralize
gravity action and all responses thereto.
42:11.6 Extremely complex and highly
automatic-appearing cosmic mechanisms always tend to conceal the
presence of the originative or creative indwelling mind from any
and all intelligences very far below the universe levels of the
nature and capacity of the mechanism itself. Therefore is it
inevitable that the higher universe mechanisms must appear to be
mindless to the lower orders of creatures. The only possible
exception to such a conclusion would be the implication of
mindedness in the amazing phenomenon of an apparently
self-maintaining universe -- but that is a matter of
philosophy rather than one of actual experience.
42:11.7 Since mind co-ordinates the universe,
fixity of mechanisms is nonexistent. The phenomenon of
progressive evolution associated with cosmic self-maintenance is
universal. The evolutionary capacity of the universe is
inexhaustible in the infinity of spontaneity. Progress towards
harmonious unity, a growing experiential synthesis superimposed
on an ever-increasing complexity of relationships, could be
effected only by a purposive and dominant mind.
42:11.8 The higher the universe mind
associated with any universe phenomenon, the more difficult it
is for the lower types of mind to discover it. And since the
mind of the universe mechanism is creative spirit-mind (even the
mindedness of the Infinite), it can never be discovered or
discerned by the lower-level minds of the universe, much less by
the lowest mind of all, the human. The evolving animal mind,
while naturally God-seeking, is not alone and of itself
inherently God-knowing.
12. PATTERN AND FORM -- MIND DOMINANCE
42:12.1 The evolution of mechanisms implies
and indicates the concealed presence and dominance of creative
mind. The ability of the mortal intellect to conceive, design,
and create automatic mechanisms demonstrates the superior,
creative, and purposive qualities of man's mind as the dominant
influence on the planet. Mind always reaches out towards:
1. Creation of material mechanisms.
2. Discovery of hidden mysteries.
3. Exploration of remote situations.
4. Formulation of mental systems.
5. Attainment of wisdom goals.
6. Achievement of spirit levels.
7. The accomplishment of divine
destinies -- supreme, ultimate, and absolute.
42:12.2 Mind is always creative. The mind
endowment of an individual animal, mortal, morontian, spirit
ascender, or finality attainer is always competent to produce a
suitable and serviceable body for the living creature identity.
But the presence phenomenon of a personality or the pattern of
an identity, as such, is not a manifestation of energy, either
physical, mindal, or spiritual. The personality form is the
pattern aspect of a living being; it connotes the
arrangement of energies, and this, plus life and motion, is
the mechanism of creature existence.
42:12.3 Even spirit beings have form, and
these spirit forms (patterns) are real. Even the highest type of
spirit personalities have forms -- personality presences in
every sense analogous to Urantia mortal bodies. Nearly all
beings encountered in the seven superuniverses are possessed of
forms. But there are a few exceptions to this general rule:
Thought Adjusters appear to be without form until after fusion
with the surviving souls of their mortal associates. Solitary
Messengers, Inspired Trinity Spirits, Personal Aids of the
Infinite Spirit, Gravity Messengers, Transcendental Recorders,
and certain others are also without discoverable form. But these
are typical of the exceptional few; the great majority have bona
fide personality forms, forms which are individually
characteristic, and which are recognizable and personally
distinguishable.
42:12.4 The liaison of the cosmic mind and the
ministry of the adjutant mind-spirits evolve a suitable physical
tabernacle for the evolving human being. Likewise does the
morontia mind individualize the morontia form for all mortal
survivors. As the mortal body is personal and characteristic for
every human being, so will the morontia form be highly
individual and adequately characteristic of the creative mind
which dominates it. No two morontia forms are any more alike
than any two human bodies. The Morontia Power Supervisors
sponsor, and the attending seraphim provide, the
undifferentiated morontia material wherewith the morontia life
can begin to work. And after the morontia life it will be found
that spirit forms are equally diverse, personal, and
characteristic of their respective spirit-mind indwellers.
42:12.5 On a material world you think of a
body as having a spirit, but we regard the spirit as having a
body. The material eyes are truly the windows of the spirit-born
soul. The spirit is the architect, the mind is the builder, the
body is the material building.
42:12.6 Physical, spiritual, and mindal
energies, as such and in their pure states, do not fully
interact as actuals of the phenomenal universes. On Paradise the
three energies are co-ordinate, in Havona co-ordinated, while in
the universe levels of finite activities there must be
encountered all ranges of material, mindal, and spiritual
dominance. In nonpersonal situations of time and space, physical
energy seems to predominate, but it also appears that the more
nearly spirit-mind function approaches divinity of purpose and
supremacy of action, the more nearly does the spirit phase
become dominant; that on the ultimate level spirit-mind may
become all but completely dominant. On the absolute level spirit
certainly is dominant. And from there on out through the realms
of time and space, wherever a divine spirit reality is present,
whenever a real spirit-mind is functioning, there always tends
to be produced a material or physical counterpart of that spirit
reality.
42:12.7 The spirit is the creative reality;
the physical counterpart is the time-space reflection of the
spirit reality, the physical repercussion of the creative action
of spirit-mind.
42:12.8 Mind universally dominates matter,
even as it is in turn responsive to the ultimate overcontrol of
spirit. And with mortal man, only that mind which freely submits
itself to the spirit direction can hope to survive the mortal
time-space existence as an immortal child of the eternal spirit
world of the Supreme, the Ultimate, and the Absolute: the
Infinite.
42:12.9
Presented by a Mighty Messenger on duty in Nebadon and by the
request of Gabriel.
