MEST (Scientology)
MEST is an acronym used in Scientology and coined by author L. Ron Hubbard. Hubbard used the first letters of the words matter, energy, space and time, the component parts of the physical universe.[1] Writings and lectures by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard frequently use the term MEST in place of the phrase "the physical universe".
Dianetics also utilized the concept of MEST.[2]
Comment
Hubbard described the purpose of the "Theta Universe" as "the conquest, change, and ordering of MEST" (our physical universe).[3]
Blacks and MEST
Hubbard felt that black people had a tendency to personify the MEST universe by giving objects personalities:"Actually, have you ever noticed how a negro, in particular, down south, where they're pretty close to the soil, personifies MEST? The gate post and the wagon and the whip and anything around there. A hat -- they talk to 'em, you know. "Wassa madda wit you, hat?". They imbue them, with personality." [4]
See also
- PMEST (Personality, Matter, Energy, Space, Time) in Ranganathan's colon classification introduced in 1933.
References
- ^ "MEST", Bridge Publications Inc.
- ^
Marshall, Gordon (1990). In Praise of Sociology. Routledge. p. 180. ISBN 9780044456872. Retrieved 2012-10-18.
Nor is it possible to document fully the numerous developments in the theory and practice of Dianetics during its early years. These include Hubbard's distinction between 'MEST' and 'theta' (the former is an acronym for the physical universe of Matter-Energy-Space-Time, while the latter stands for the universe of thought); the development of the 'Tone Scale', indicating the amount of 'free theta' available to the analytical mind, and according to which pre-clear individuals and groups can be classified; Hubbard's proliferation of 'logics, corollaries, axioms, and definitions' [...]; and his growing commitment to past lives and deaths.
- ^ Hubbard, Science of Survival, 1st edition, pg. 99
- ^ Hubbard, Therapy Section of Technique 80: Part I, Route to Infinity, 21 May 1952
External links