Pondering the concept of creation, one might first approach it from an anthropocentric perspective before arriving at a deeper question: Do we actually create?
Or are we merely restructuring what is already given, that which appears before us? In this sense, human beings do not truly "create" but rather rearrange the qualities of the given world. In the process, we destroy aspects of the original world to “restructure” it into one crafted by our own hands, shaped by the abyss of our interpretations.
Creation, as a noun, signifies all that is universally given: the fundamental reality that was here before consciousness found form in humanity. This reality, this "Creation," became the foundation for human transformation. We started with our hands, crafting a world within the given world. In this way, human creation does not exist independently but is a rearrangement of nature itself—a process that has ultimately led to the cybernetic reality we inhabit today.
A reshaping or nurturing of what already exists.
There is much to reflect on. In the indigenous cultures of the Andes, where I come from, one asks permission from the spirits before harvesting anything from Pachamama. Consent is regarded as an essential part of life. When I consider the process of taking from those who lack a human voice, I see a practice rooted in respect and inclusivity—a process that transforms into co-creation rather than an act of force. It is a ceremony that humbles us, reminding us that we are not creators or gods, but conduits of the life force. We are endowed with the ability—the gift—to interpret the world and, through the given body, express it.
"We destroy aspects of the original world":
To create something new, humans often alter, break down, or repurpose the natural or "original" world around them. For example, cutting down trees to build houses or extracting resources to make tools. This suggests that creation is inherently tied to destruction.
"To ‘restructure’ it into one crafted by our own hands":
The destruction isn’t aimless; it serves a purpose. Humans reconstruct or reorganize the materials and elements of the natural world into new forms, shaping the environment to fit their needs, desires, or visions. This "restructuring" is a defining act of human creativity and innovation.
"Shaped by the abyss of our interpretations":
The phrase "abyss of our interpretations" implies that this restructuring is deeply influenced by human subjectivity. Our understanding of the world is filtered through personal, cultural, and collective perspectives, which are vast, varied, and sometimes unknowable. This "abyss" reflects the complex and often ambiguous nature of human meaning-making.
