The Etymology of Manifestation+ Celebrating Dubai
We too often fall into the trap of asking
“Is this belief true?”
instead of asking
“Is this belief useful?”.
Manifestation: the act or process of making something visible, evident, or clear.
A belief in manifestation, or at-least a familiarity with it, has become extremely widespread. It has also become slightly controversial or worthy of ridicule in some cases.
Despite my positive views on the practice, it’s important to highlight the two undesirable conditions for its rise. Firstly, is the growing popularity of the spiritual-not-religious sentiment in which amorphous “build-your-own” spirituality replaces structured traditional beliefs. Secondly, is our unprecedented culture of comparison (because the internet). Under this regime we tend to be far less satisfied with our own lives/statuses and feel compelled to manifest our way to a higher place.
So is manifestation true? Is manifestation useful? I find no better way of understanding these questions then by exploring the etymology (ετυμολογία) of the word.
The word "manifestation" has its origins in the Latin “manifestare” meaning to make visible or reveal. Further, it is comprised of two roots:
"Mani-" meaning "hand"
"-Fest" meaning:
"do" or "make"
"celebration"
"to attack" (as in "infest")
So three literal interpretations are -
Doing of the hands.
Celebration of the hands.
Attack by the hands.
These definitions are beautiful, powerful, and cohesive. The visuals implied- our hands attacking our goals, or celebrating our hand’s capabilities are quite inspiring. However, they all emphasize (and literally celebrate) the physical component- the hands.
This serves the purposes of the boring and imagination-less critics of manifestation- who ridicule the non-concrete aspects. The common critique is cold, “Things don’t just happen by themselves, you need to take action”. There’s a tragedy in this world view. This line of thinking is far too focused on the mechanism at work rather than the demonstrable utility and spiritual experience. Just because we understand the process by which a baby is conceived does not make conception or life any less spiritually relevant. So to speak- don’t throw out the baby with the bath water.
Yes, is by our hands which the unseen- our ideas, vision, and goals, become revealed as actual. The immensity of the spiritual relevance of this process cannot be understated. The sacredness of creating something out of nothing is emphasized by the Creation myths of virtually every culture. How fitting is it that God in Genesis created the man and woman by hand? Creation- the successful transition of an idea into reality is as close to to the supernatural and to God as can be achieved.
While the supernatural aspect here cannot be proven or disproven. Manifestation’s metaphysical strength is undeniable. Proper manifestation- vision, belief, and focus- will doubtlessly increase the likelihood that one’s vision will be realized. A gorgeous process which weaves the conceptual and material together.
The metaphor- the power of the mind in painting on the canvas of reality. Is demonstrably true and useful. If a metaphor is useful, then it must be real.
Praise to Dubai
Dubai stands as a testament to manifestion.
Within a few decades, the Emiratis transformed a modest desert fishing village into one of the premier cities in the world. Yet many of us dismiss this staggering accomplishment, simplifying it just as a byproduct of oil money. This belief is dangerous to human progress and must be discredited entirely.
The UAE's wealth isn't unparalleled—numerous nations boast greater riches. By per capita GDP, the UAE ranks 20th. And contrary to popular belief, they aren't the most oil-endowed either. Saudi Arabia produces nearly four times more oil, and Norway's output rivals the UAE. Notably, Norway's sovereign wealth fund is substantially larger, almost double per capita compared to the UAE's.
Yet, today, Saudi Arabia finds itself racing to match the economic strides made by Dubai. Norway is unambitious and irrelevant.
The United States government spent about $6.3 trillion in 2022. It is said that it cost about $100 billion total to build Dubai over the course of 20 years. Which investment goes further in driving positive cultral and economic outcomes? What would it look like if the United States invested in the development of its cities?
What led to the existence of Dubai was not simply the material but the immaterial. It is the metaphysical. The creativity to have a vision and the valor to manifest it into reality.
In closing- the Parable of the Talents from the Gospel of Matthew feels relevant.
Jesus tells of a man who entrusted his wealth to three servants before going on a journey.
To one he gave five coins, to the second two coins, and to the last, one coin.
Upon his return, the first two had doubled their money through investments. The third out of caution, buried his coin and had no gains to show. The man praised the first two for their initiative and resourcefulness.
The third was ridiculed for wasting the opportunity.
No matter our blessings. No matter how much oil is in our backyards. Our lives and legacies are defined by how we utilize the resources and opportunities presented to us.
We are constrained only by our vision.