Amazing! Far out! Wow! Jump back Jesus! Words to express a sense of profundity. Are you living a profound life? Been meeting the daily recommended allowance for profundity? Want to feel more profound or have more profound feelings? Yes? What are the necessary requirements for profundity? What makes an experience, person, book, work of art, thought, experience, etc. profound? This is a very different question than one which asks what profound is, it's a certain type of experience. What are the structures of the type of experiences we call profound? Obviously (or maybe not) profundity is a matter of personal perception.

1. Something is profound because it is simple.

This is the basic science model, the notion that vast numbers of seemingly unrelated events or circumstances can be connected and understood in a simple, concise way, i.e. that all tangible matter is comprised of atoms, E=mc2 or The Theory of Evolution. This model is the basic kernel of" insight", the bringing of order to chaos. When we discover a pattern (connection) which turns chaos into perceived order (personal or otherwise) we experience profundity. Something is therefore profound because it allows one to understand in a new and/or novel way." It's sooo simple!"--the profundity of understanding. Objective thought. (XEX)

2. Something is profound because it is complex.

This second model is based on the notion that something is profound precisely because it is un-understandable or difficult. That which passeth understanding is, by necessity, profound. The immensity of possible connections is overwhelming and this sensation of being overcome is perceived as profound, i.e. current French philosophers, quantum physics, the federal budget, or 2000 page novels. This second model proceeds with the notion that the difficult is profound and the simple is simple minded and its basic kernel is that mystery is evidence of profundity. Therefore chaos is valued and promoted even though its effects are disturbing. Chronic neurotics are trapped by the implicit double bind of this model. Something is profound precisely because it eludes understanding, obviously if it could be understood it wouldn't be profound." It's not that simple!"--the profundity of the mysterious. (XIX)

3. Something is profound because it is connected to something bigger, more stable or long lasting.

This third model is, of course, the basis for all retributive religious thought and feeling. Its primary driver is the perceived connection to something larger (more profound) than one's self, i.e. God, the planet, Mankind, the Yankees, Harvard--anything perceived to be more important, meaningful or elite. This model is the feeling of profundity gained through membership. Its basic kernel is belonging, being connected to an order larger than oneself. It's interesting to note that in this model " order"," larger" and, in fact," profound" are apriori notions. Profundity by association with profundity. Something is therefore profound because it is other and larger than me." I'm a part of it, I belong!"--profundity by association. Ego-centric thought. (XIX)

4. Something is profound because it is ordinary.

The fourth and final model is much less appreciated than the previous three. It existed in Taoist China and can be found in certain contented contemporary people scattered here and about. Often these folks are treated like idiots by their acquaintances as they find apple pie, a sunset or good friends profound. They rarely complain and view the world as a unique place, amazing and ever surprising. For them the ordinary is extraordinary. The world is quite enough for them and they rarely indulge in fantasies. For these people anything and everything can be immensely moving. Something is therefore profound simply because it exists." Just this!"--profundity because there isn't anything else. (XEX)

Suppose you're walking in a meadow when you hear distant rumbling and see a flash of greenish light. Suddenly a meteorite falls from the sky bouncing to a halt right at your feet. Just imagine! And after you have, find which of the following most closely exemplifies your first response.

1. You could feel profound because you'd just experienced a vivid demonstration of universal gravitation, friction, aerodynamics, spectography and planet building.
2. You could feel profound because the whole occurrence defies understanding.
3. You could feel profound because you were somehow picked to witness and be the recipient of this wondrous event.
4. You could feel profound because you live in a universe where such things are possible.

Or to say it in a simpler fashion: connections which simplify, connections which stupefy, connections which include or just the connections themselves. It wouldn't be to much of a stretch to claim that we all seek profundity in our lives and it helps to know under what type of rock to search. There is a particular physiological state connected with experiencing profundity which is, well, profound. Profound is a process instead of an object, it is often once and quick, and it's directly connected with meaning, if not meaning itself. What makes something profound is a connection (meaning) of great personal value. Meanings are by their very nature profound. But what's so profound about any specific meaning? Any meaning we find important or significant we find profound. So perhaps what we're searching for is significance.