The Original Definition of “Work” in Wisdom:
In True Philosophy, “work” has a broader purpose than its meaning in physics.
“Work” in the kingdom of wisdom means changing Reality to Truth, but in physics, the concept of work refers merely to the transfer of energy that occurs when a force is applied to an object and causes it to move in the direction of the force.
Thus, when we talk about “work” in true philosophy, we intend to change Reality to Truth and focus on that quality of “work” without underestimating the importance of its physical aspect.
Mathematical Translation of “Work” in Wisdom:
1. Work in Physics
In physics, “work” is done when a force is applied to an object and the object is displaced in the direction of that force. In the simplest case, physical work is defined as follows:
$W_P = F \times d$
However, this formula is only correct in the specific case where the force is constant and the displacement occurs in the same direction as the force. A more precise definition of physical work is as follows:
$W_P = \int \vec{F} \cdot d\vec{x}$
Here, $\vec{F}$ is the force, and $d\vec{x}$ is an infinitesimal displacement along the path of motion.
If the direction of the force and the direction of the displacement are not the same, the angle between them must also be taken into account:
$W_P = |\vec{F}| \times |\vec{d}| \times \cos(\theta)$
Therefore, in physics, the amount of work does not depend solely on the magnitude of the force and the amount of displacement, but also on their directions.
If the force is in the direction of motion, the work is positive.
If the force is perpendicular to the motion, the work is zero.
If the force is opposite to the direction of motion, the work is negative.
This point is crucial for understanding work in wisdom, because in human life too, the mere expenditure of energy, budget, time, speech-making, lawmaking, or institutional activity does not mean that work in wisdom has been done. The direction of the action is decisive.
2. The Limitation of the Physical Meaning of Work
The physical definition of work is sufficient for studying the motion of objects, but it is not sufficient for understanding life, society, politics, law, justice, and peace.
A machine can perform physical work. A bomb also releases a massive amount of energy when it explodes and causes physical change. However, none of these is, in and of itself, “work in wisdom”.
In True Philosophy, the main question is not whether energy has been expended. The main question is:
Have this energy and this action transformed Reality into Truth?
Therefore, a distinction must be made between “physical work” and “work in wisdom”.
Physical work concerns the transfer of energy and the creation of physical change.
Work in wisdom is an action that transforms Reality into Truth and causes the maintenance and expansion of Truth.
3. Reality and Truth in True Philosophy
In True Philosophy, Reality and Truth are two fundamental concepts.
Reality refers both to the material world outside the living organism and to any factor that reduces Truth within the living organism.
Truth is a state in which Reality has joined with Right and causes the continuation of the Order and Balance specific to a living organism.
Life itself is the primary example of the transformation of Reality into Truth. Inanimate matter is only Reality. However, when Right, as intelligent energy, becomes present in it, it acquires a distinctive quality, becomes intelligent, and maintains the Order and Balance that we call Life.
Therefore, work in wisdom can be understood as follows:
Work in wisdom is an action that transforms Reality into Truth.
However, to express this definition more precisely, we must translate it into the language of mathematics.
4. The Space of States
Let $S$ be the space of all possible states of a living system.
This living system can be an individual human, a society, humanity, or the relationship between humanity and nature.
We denote each state in this space by $s$:
$s \in S$
To measure the extent to which Reality has been transformed into Truth in each state, we define the following function:
$\tau: S \to [0,1]$
Here, $\tau(s)$ indicates the extent to which Reality has been transformed into Truth in state $s$.
In those parts of the path where the change in the state of the living system is continuous and differentiable, the gradient of the function $\tau$ can be used to show the direction in which Truth increases.[1]
If:
$\tau(s) = 0$
it means that the state is at the limit of Absolute Reality, that is, the absence of Right, or the absence of the specific Order and Balance. This means death.
If:
$\tau(s) = 1$
it means that Reality in state $s$ has been completely transformed into Truth.
In such a state, Right is fully present, and the Order and Balance specific to the living organism are completely maintained. In the human body, this means health, and in the body of humanity, it means peace.
If:
$0 < \tau(s) < 1$
it means that state $s$ is neither at the limit of Absolute Reality nor at the limit of Complete Truth.
In such a state, Reality has been transformed into Truth to some extent, but the factors reducing Truth are still present within the living system.
If these reducing factors increase, the value of $\tau(s)$ decreases, and the system moves closer to Absolute Reality, that is, death; as in a dangerous illness or severe bodily injury.
If the presence of Right increases and the Order and Balance specific to the living organism are better maintained, the value of $\tau(s)$ increases, and the system moves closer to Complete Truth.
No living system remains in a constant state. Its state can change due to internal or external factors.
This change can move in two directions:
- A decrease in $\tau(s)$, meaning an increase in Reality as a factor that reduces Truth.
- An increase in $\tau(s)$, meaning a greater transformation of Reality into Truth through the presence and effect of Right.
To show this change, we must introduce the concept of “action”.
We denote each action by $a$.
An action can affect the system from within the living system or from outside it, transforming the initial state into a new state.
Each action can be examined in two respects:
- In terms of the energy, tools, force, time, knowledge, or institutional power employed in the action.
- In terms of the presence or absence of Right in that action.
For this reason, we denote the action as follows:
$a = (E, q)$
Here:
$E$ represents the component of energy, tools, force, time, knowledge, or institutional power used in the action.
$q$ represents the component of Right in the action.
If $q > 0$, the action operates in the direction of maintaining the Order and Balance specific to the living system.
If $q = 0$, the action is neutral with respect to Right.
If $q < 0$, the action reduces Truth and moves the system closer to Absolute Reality.
To show the effect of an action on the state of the living system, we define a function:
$\Phi: S \times A \to S$
Here:
$S$ is the space of possible states of the living system.
$A$ is the space of possible actions.
If the initial state of the system is $s_0$ and action $a$ affects it, the new state of the system is shown as follows:
$\Phi(s_0, a) = s_1$
Here:
$s_0$ is the initial state.
$a$ is the action that affects the system.
$s_1$ is the new state of the system after the action has affected it.
This function only shows that the action has changed the state of the system. However, it does not yet show whether this change has been towards Truth or towards Absolute Reality. To understand the direction and value of this change, we must compare the value of $\tau$ before and after the action.
We denote work in wisdom by $W_T$.
Work in wisdom is equal to the difference between the value of $\tau$ after the action and its value before the action:
$W_T = \tau(s_1) – \tau(s_0)$
Or, with regard to the transformation function:
$W_T = \tau(\Phi(s_0, a)) – \tau(s_0)$
Here:
If $W_T > 0$, the action has increased Truth. This means that, after the action, Reality has been transformed further into Truth. This is the case from the formation of the human embryo, then birth, up to youth, when Truth is increasing.
If $W_T = 0$, the action has been ineffective with respect to Truth. This means that the state of the system has not changed in terms of the transformation of Reality into Truth. This is the case during the period of human middle age.
If $W_T < 0$, the action has been reducing Truth. This means that, after the action, the system has moved closer to Absolute Reality, that is, death. This is the case from the end of middle age and throughout the whole period of old age in humans.
Now we can clarify the main difference between physical work and work in wisdom.
We denoted physical work by $W_P$:
$W_P = \int \vec{F} \cdot d\vec{x}$
But work in wisdom was defined as follows:
$W_T = \tau(\Phi(s_0, a)) – \tau(s_0)$
Physical work is necessary for work in wisdom, because it introduces materials and energy into the living system. Without physical work, many forms of the transformation of Reality into Truth would not be possible at all.
For example, as long as water is outside the human body, it is Reality. When a human being pours water into a glass and drinks it, physical work is performed. This physical work brings the water into the living system. The chemical formula of water does not change, but when the body absorbs it and the water participates in maintaining the Order and Balance specific to the body, Reality has been transformed into Truth.
Therefore, physical work is a necessary condition for work in wisdom, but by itself it does not convey the meaning of work in wisdom.
A large amount of physical work, energy, budget, time, or institutional power may be expended, but if that action does not increase $\tau$, work in wisdom has not been done.
For this reason, the following relation is incorrect, or at least misleading:
$W_T = f(W_P)$
This is because this relation implies that an increase in physical work necessarily leads to an increase in work in wisdom, whereas this is not the case.
Physical work can be part of component $E$ in the action:
$a = (E, q)$
However, the criterion for work in wisdom is not the value of $W_P$. The criterion for work in wisdom is whether the value of $\tau$ has increased after the action.
In physical work, the direction of the force and the direction of displacement are important. If the force is in the direction of displacement, the work is positive. If the force is perpendicular to the displacement, the work is zero. If the force is opposite to the direction of displacement, the work is negative.
In work in wisdom, the direction of the action is also important. Here, however, the direction is measured by the relation of the action to Truth.
If the action is in the direction of the transformation of Reality into Truth, the value of $\tau$ increases, and $W_T$ becomes positive.
If the action is ineffective with respect to Truth, the value of $\tau$ does not change, and $W_T$ becomes zero.
If the action reduces Truth, the value of $\tau$ decreases, and $W_T$ becomes negative.
Therefore, just as in physics the mere application of force is not sufficient to perform work, in wisdom the mere expenditure of energy, time, tools, or institutional power is not sufficient to perform work in wisdom. The direction of the action must be aligned with Truth.
In physics, the direction of work is determined by the relation between force and displacement. But in the living organism, the direction of work in wisdom is determined by Right and its four fundamental commands.
In the living organism, intelligence, and in the human being its elevated form, that is, wisdom, must follow these four commands:
- Maintaining intelligence and having a deep fear of losing it.
- Manipulating Reality to provide the materials and energy necessary for maintaining and increasing intelligence.
- Expanding intelligence.
- Uniting with others and regulating one’s relationship with them on the basis of mutual respect and cooperation, in order to better maintain intelligence against disorder and the effect of entropy.
Therefore, “direction” in the living world is neither unknown nor arbitrary. “Direction” is movement towards Absolute Truth, and this movement is possible only by following these four commands at the same time.
These four commands are not only like the four wheels of a car that make movement possible. They also create the direction and the path of movement at the same time. In the living world, the path towards Truth does not exist in advance like a ready-made road. Rather, by following these four commands, the living system creates its own path as it moves and determines its direction towards Truth.
In the language of mathematics, it can be said that the four commands of Right generate a living direction in each state $s$. We denote this direction by $D_R(s)$.
If $\tau(s)$ indicates the extent to which Reality has been transformed into Truth in state $s$, then its gradient is written as follows:
$\nabla\tau(s)$
The gradient of $\tau$ shows the direction in which the value of $\tau$ increases the most.
However, in True Philosophy, this direction does not come from mathematics itself. Mathematics only shows it. The origin of this direction is those same four fundamental commands of Right.
Therefore, $\nabla\tau(s)$ can be understood as the mathematical translation of the living direction generated by the four commands of Right in state $s$. This direction is created in the course of movement. It is compatible with maintaining intelligence, providing materials and energy, expanding intelligence, and maintaining Order and Balance through unity and cooperation, and it guides the system towards an increase in Truth.
An action is placed in the direction of $\nabla\tau(s)$ only when it is in harmony with these four commands.
If the action follows this direction, the value of $\tau$ increases.
If the action is ineffective with respect to this direction, the value of $\tau$ does not change.
If the action is contrary to this direction, the value of $\tau$ decreases.
For small changes, an effect vector arises from the action $a$ in the space of states. We denote this vector by $\vec{a}$. The vector $\vec{a}$ is not the action $a = (E, q)$ itself, but the image of the effect of that action in the space of states; that is, the direction and intensity of the effect that the action, with its two components $E$ and $q$, has on the state of the living system. The relation between this effect vector and the change in the value of Truth is written as follows:
$dW_T = d\tau = \langle\vec{a}, \nabla\tau(s)\rangle$
Or, in simpler terms:
$dW_T = |\vec{a}| |\nabla\tau(s)| \cos(\theta)$
The main formula, $W_T = \tau(s_1) – \tau(s_0)$, is obtained by summing all the small changes, $dW_T$, along the path of change from $s_0$ to $s_1$. Therefore, the main formula and the directional formula are two expressions of the same relation: the main formula shows the final result of the change, while the directional formula shows how, and in what direction, this change occurs at each small step.
Here:
$a$ is the action that affects the living system.
$\vec{a}$ is the effect vector of action $a$ in the space of states.
$\nabla\tau(s)$ is the direction in which Truth increases in state $s$.
$\theta$ is the angle between the effect vector of the action, that is, $\vec{a}$, and the direction in which Truth increases.
If $\theta = 0^\circ$, the action is in the direction of increasing Truth, and $dW_T$ becomes positive.
If $\theta = 90^\circ$, the action is ineffective with respect to Truth, and $dW_T = 0$.
If $\theta = 180^\circ$, the action is contrary to the direction of Truth, and $dW_T$ becomes negative.
Therefore, in work in wisdom, the amount of energy or the intensity of the action is not decisive by itself. What is decisive is the angle that the action forms with the direction determined by the four commands of Right.
From this relation, we conclude that an action may outwardly appear very large, costly, and full of energy, but have no value in terms of work in wisdom, or may even acquire a negative value.
If the action is not in harmony with the four commands of Right, the magnitude of $E$ or the intensity of the action cannot turn it into work in wisdom.
A clear example of this is the United Nations. In 1945, the United Nations Charter gave this institution the mission of establishing peace in the world. However, instead of first clarifying the meaning of peace and then advancing work in wisdom towards its realisation, this institution began the only form of work it knew: constructing buildings, establishing material institutions, drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights without a glossary, adopting various conventions, and holding various meetings, seminars, and programmes.
But none of these activities led to peace.
The reason for the failure to establish peace is not physical work, such as constructing buildings. The United Nations ignored the main meaning of work, that is, work in wisdom. If work does not follow the direction determined by the four fundamental commands of Right and does not lead to the transformation of Reality into Truth, the value of $W_T$ will not be positive.
In such a case, institutional activity, or work in the physical sense, can have three results:
If it is in harmony with the direction of Truth, $W_T > 0$.
If it is ineffective with respect to Truth, $W_T = 0$.
If it reduces Truth, $W_T < 0$.
Therefore, the criterion for work in wisdom is not the amount of activity; it is the degree to which the direction is followed, and consequently, the capability for the transformation of Reality into Truth.
Thus, the mathematical translation of work in wisdom shows that work is not merely the expenditure of energy, the performance of activities, the construction of institutions, the passing of laws, or the production of texts.
Work in the physical sense can bring Reality into the living system or provide the necessary conditions for change. However, work in wisdom occurs only when that activity follows the direction determined by the four fundamental commands of Right and has the capability for the transformation of Reality into Truth.
Therefore, the main formula for work in wisdom remains as follows:
$W_T = \tau(\Phi(s_0, a)) – \tau(s_0)$
And its directional model is as follows:
$dW_T = \langle\vec{a}, \nabla\tau(s)\rangle$
These two relations show that the criterion for work in wisdom is not the amount of activity or the amount of energy expended, but rather its result in increasing or decreasing $\tau$.
If $\tau$ increases, Reality has been transformed further into Truth.
If $\tau$ remains constant, the activity performed has been ineffective in terms of work in wisdom.
If $\tau$ decreases, the activity performed has reduced Truth and has moved the system closer to Absolute Reality, that is, death.
Therefore, every individual, institution, government, or global organisation that claims to work for life, justice, law, peace, or human rights must be assessed by this question:
Has their work transformed Reality into Truth?
[1] This text operates at the level of a mathematical translation of the concept of work in wisdom — that is, a conceptual model — and not at the level of a fully formalised mathematical theory of the space of life. Like the notion of a potential in physics, the objects it employs are taken as given for the purpose of the model; the text does not set out to construct them from first principles. For this reason it does not burden the main argument with technical apparatus such as manifolds, metrics, tangent spaces, effect mappings, or a fully operational numerical definition of τ. These matters are deliberately left to a separate technical note, and their absence here is a methodological choice, not an omission.
Within this framework, q is not the angle θ itself. It is the component of Right in an action, and it governs the orientation of the effect vector of that action relative to ∇τ(s). The more q is in harmony with the four fundamental commands of Right, the smaller the angle between the effect vector of the action and the direction of increasing Truth; the further q moves from Right, the larger that angle becomes, approaching 180° in a wholly destructive action.