Playful illusion

Description:

Although illusion may be thought of as a deception, a false impression of reality, the actual word comes from the Latin [in ludere] (to play). It is when the individual acts out a role, carries out a task in a playful manner, plays his or her part, that the soul is nourished. Children understand this well and in their games may be totally involved and yet totally aware of the "unreality" in concrete terms of what they are doing. Two great experiences - romantic love and the rituals of religious faith - have been referred to as illusions and yet their value in human development is undeniable. The whole universe may be looked on as an illusion, as in some Buddhist and Hindu teachings, and yet it is there for our instruction.

About the Encyclopedia

The Encyclopedia of World Problems and Human Potential is a unique, experimental research work of the Union of International Associations. It is currently published as a searchable online platform with profiles of world problems, action strategies, and human values that are interlinked in novel and innovative ways. These connections are based on a range of relationships such as broader and narrower scope, aggravation, relatedness and more. By concentrating on these links and relationships, the Encyclopedia is uniquely positioned to bring focus to the complex and expansive sphere of global issues and their interconnected nature.

The initial content for the Encyclopedia was seeded from UIA’s Yearbook of International Organizations. UIA’s decades of collected data on the enormous variety of association life provided a broad initial perspective on the myriad problems of humanity. Recognizing that international associations are generally confronting world problems and developing action strategies based on particular values, the initial content was based on the descriptions, aims, titles and profiles of international associations.

About UIA

The Union of International Associations (UIA) is a research institute and documentation centre, based in Brussels. It was established in 1907, by Henri la Fontaine (Nobel Peace Prize laureate of 1913), and Paul Otlet, a founding father of what is now called information science.

Non-profit, apolitical, independent, and non-governmental in nature, the UIA has been a pioneer in the research, monitoring and provision of information on international organizations, international associations and their global challenges since 1907.

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Playful illusion

About the Encyclopedia

About UIA