Bohm and the Rheomode
David Bohm
David Bohm

David Bohm had deep respect for Bohr, even while not always agreeing with him. In particular Bohm would not accept Bohr's barrier to the possibilities of continued discourse about an Ontology for quantum theory. Bohm did note, however, that our (Indo-European) languages tend to be highly noun-oriented and well suited to discussions of concepts and categories. By contrast, quantum theory demands a more process-oriented approach, a verb-based language perhaps that emphasizes flow, movement and constant transformation. (Bohm's Holomovement - the movement of the whole.)

To this end Bohm developed the notion of a particular language form, the Rheomode, adapted to the discussion of quantum theory and, indeed, to consciousness. It is not clear if Bohm ever considered the Rheomode to have any practical consequences - ie that people would end up speaking it. However, he does appear to have encouraged staff and students at Brockwood Park School, England to experiment with the language. Towards the end of his life Bohm met with Blackfoot and Ojibwaj speakers and discovered that their own family of languages, as well as their process-world view, have much in common with the Rehomode.

Mind response to form not substance