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Jonathan Putnam — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 23:48:38 -0700

I first registered the name wavetheory.org in March 2001. I chose the name because I realized that all existence is an interconnected field of energy experienced through differentials in wavelengths. The electromagnetic spectrum transmits all visual information as well as the infrared band we recognize as warmth. Sound we all know as waves that are transmitted through matter. Even matter itself is simply an intricate web of high-frequency, bundled oscillations. I probably understood all of this in an abstract sense from prior studies but I think it was Alan Watt's essay "Self and Other" that really made me think deeply about the situation.

In this short piece of prose, Watts clearly demonstrates how we are all interconnected. The most stiking metaphor was his description of the ecology of the body. In a city, he says, it's hard to say where the boundaries are. Of course there are the city limits that mark the territory. But supporting functions, like the trucks that bring food and remove garbage transcend these lines. Without them, the city would not be able to function properly.

The body operates in a similar fashion. In addition to the billions of cells that make up our body, there are innumerable alien life forms upon whom we are dependent for survival. Each part is not only dependent upon each other, but on the constant flow of energy and material we do not normally consider a part of our body. We consume that which is "other" and integrate it with our "self." The entire universe exists likewise--as a fractal ecology of energy.

I thought that this is essential knowledge that does not receive the attention it deserves. Such important information is relegated to the fringe. Why do they not tell you this in school at an early age? I decided I wanted to learn everything I could about the subject of energy and its relation with information. And then I would teach as many people as possible with the hope that it would improve life on Earth.

I believe I read Alvin Toffler's book "The Third Wave" around the same time. The central premise of this book is that human evolution is the product of patterns and that the greatest shifts in human life came are the result of profound advances. The first wave, he claims, began around 10,000 years ago when humans began cultivating their food. The second wave was the Industrial Revolution and the rise of machinery.

The third wave is the Information Age, which is based on the power of mind. While resources for mechanical production are generally assumed to be finite, we now find ourselves with an infinite supply of the most valuable resource ever known--knowledge. The internet has greatly accelerated the transition to a decentralized, post-industrial society. Despite the advances made in many aspects of global conciousness , a cursory glance at the headlines reveals the roots of yesterday's world remain firmly entrenched. We're collectively faced with the real possibility that the old powers would rather destroy the planet than accept liberating change.

The synthesis of these ideas had a profound effect on me. I read as much as possible. I listened to every type of music I could. I kept putting off building my website. I kept filing things away to share on the web but never made any major steps to actually do it. Besides, there were so many great resources available on the web. What more could I offer?

My recent push to finally move wavetheory.org online is borne out of necessity. First of all, I don't have a job right now and as a result, I am in a state of financial disaster. Secondly, I realized that I did have some original material to offer. I have always delayed uploading anything because I wanted the site to be perfect. Every element of design must be finalized and must render perfectly on all browsers. Every song should be mixed properly. Reality has forced me to release I what I have and refine as I go. I have accepted that since I am imperfect, it is inevitable that wavetheory.org must be as well.

It's a huge relief frought with concern. On the one hand, I finally have an outlet to release all that I've absorbed and created throughout my life. Yet by launching I have commited to selling myself to the world. What if they don't buy it? I think back to past failures and half-starts but there's no turning back now. I can only hope that my sincerity of purpose and the kindness of others will carry me gracefully forward. We'll see what happens . . .

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