If this life be not a real fight, in which something is eternally gained for the universe by success, it is no better than a game of private theatricals from which one may withdraw at will. | |
— William James | |
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2013 | Unravelling |
2012 | I Resolve |
2011 | Practice, Practice, Practice |
2009 | Phoenix Trip (July ’09) |
A Real Fight
August 3, 2014 by kmabarrett
Posted in My Journal, Philosophy, Quotes | Tagged My Journal, On the Meaning of Life, Philosophy, Quotes, William James | 2 Comments
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All depends on what one believes…at least while we are here. And does it truly matter? I don’t think we have an impact on the Universe in any way at all. The Universe just IS. I don’t think positive or negative events exist in the Universe. There is no success or failure…those are human words and meanings…things we made up to measure things. We are no more than the tiniest speck of dust in FOREVER. Our egos may like to think we are a big deal but we aren’t. People do withdraw at will, all the time.
Hi Gigi,
Thanks for the comment. This is a philosophical post and everyone’s opinion is equally valid (if honestly put forward) and correct. What I found interesting was the expression “private theatricals” as I was reminded of the quote (I believe it’s from Shakespeare) that “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts…”
Relatively speaking, we are, of course insignificant in the scale of the universe. But, at our own scale of reference, one person can change the world and we each hold in our existence the power to make (or at least start) that change. As I believe the Universe just IS, I also believe that WE are the Universe and it is our limited ability to understand that which truly separates us from the angels (and the devils).
People do withdraw “at will” all of the time, but even that is not proof their existence was not for the greater “good” of the universe. Sometimes, it is simply how the role is written and they have played their part.
Again, thanks for visiting and posting a comment!