Saturday, April 30, 2011

Life is uncertain

Consider all of the states of all inanimate matter in the universe ***at this moment in time***. Consider that most of this matter is in motion, and that, at some point, there are convergences that do bad things to animate entities living on Earth. These states change every moment, so that, over time, we can not predict small events over long timelines, but have some hope of predicting large ones over smaller timelines.

Consider all of the states of all energy in the universe ***at this moment in time***. Consider that most of this energy is barely apparent to us until it is upon us. These states change every moment, so that, over time, we can be gently warmed by the sun or moved by the tides, or instantaneously incinerated by the flash of a yet unseen supernova.

Consider all of the states of all of the animate beings on this Earth ***at this moment in time***. Humans, and other life forms have intentions that get realized as action. These states change, every moment, every day. On average, we might expect that in regions where there are enough resources and no religious, political or personal conflicts, that today will be peaceful, and tomorrow may be, as well. The same cannot be said of regions where there is a lack of resources, or there is political, religious or personal conflict. Where we are, when we are there, in convergence with what we and others do at the moments we are there, dictate to some extent whether we experience the sublime, ennui, tension or unimaginable terror.

Consider the convergence of the actions and conditions broadly outlined above. It's hard to predict what today may bring, let alone tomorrow or a year from now. You personally may prosper, or barely maintain the status quo, or may succumb to unimaginable horror and misery. You don't know what, how or why. But it is not "god's plan". It is complex and uncertain - and our best strategy is to be alert, but not fearful; have vision and take action, do not be oblivious and inert; be of good will to yourself, your loved ones, neighbors, community and fellow beings, not negligent or of ill will. Repeat this again tomorrow, next week, next year, forever.

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