Trivialities

There is often a need for curiosity, debate, knowledge… all focused on a common goal: finding answers.  We decided that we were born with questions, and throughout our lives we would seek the answers.  But those questions could be very misleading.  And, as some have suggested, the answers we seek will not satisfy us if we lead with the wrong questions.

More importantly, how much do these questions and answers matter?  At each end of the spectrum, there is a very extreme method of perception.  Some believe that our purpose on Earth is entirely too complex for any of us to understand, and so it is in vain that we seek such answers.  There is no fate or destiny or grand design that anyone can comprehend.  Therefore, it is a waste of debate, of knowledge, of curiosity… to even consider such things.  However, some disagree.  There is a reason behind even the smallest and most subtle actions, events, tendencies, and thoughts.  Every living mechanism on this planet has a considerable purpose, and nothing dictated by fate or destiny should be challenged.

These ideas make it difficult to compose a reasonable argument against either extreme.  They also create unbearable challenges when it comes to dealing with people from either end of the spectrum.  Extremists are often stubborn, which is counterproductive because they also tend to dislike being stereotyped.

Failure, in fact, is built into all of us, and perhaps that is a critical aspect of the truth.  Nothing can be overlooked when the possibilities are endless.

 

© Alexis Jenny, 2010-2011.

 

Regret

“All I know is we both share regrets…

We haven’t done this yet…

There’s nothing here we cannot change.”

-Tantric

 

Some of my friends claim that they have no regrets. I can understand that philosophy.  Regret is like worry: it changes nothing.  But I doubt that it is really a waste of energy.

There’s a concept that people tend to default to when asked philosophical questions.  The popular answer to many controversial issues is simply “It’s what makes us different from…”  Insert “animals” or “enemies” or whatever you like to complete the sentence.  In my opinion, regret is part of what makes us different.  It’s part of being human.  If that means that it’s a human flaw, then so be it.  Regardless, I don’t believe that it’s something we need to eradicate.

It’s easy to ignore our regrets. But if we truly don’t have any, then we aren’t learning anything.  Ignorance might create bliss at times, but is it a fair price to pay for it?  Without genuine introspection, we can never manifest this “greater good” and “bigger picture” that we’re always referencing.  Without recognizing and understanding our own regrets, how can we improve ourselves?

I have regrets.  I haven’t figured them all out yet, but some of them have taught me how to live better.  And that’s something that I don’t regret at all.

 

© Alexis Jenny, 2010-2011.