An Experiment
May. 11th, 2005 05:59 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
neversremedy8Craigslist.org has plans to bundle up their various postings over the years and blast them into space in the effort to communicate with aliens. They have a more coherent version of their plans on their web site, but let's just say, I'm always a bit interested in the concept of making new friends outside of the human race. (Of course, I don't believe we'll be meeting anyone within my lifetime, but it doesn't hurt to wave to the heavens.)
So, I decided to post something in the platonic personals that would someday be broadcast into space for aliens to decode, if they're bored on a rainy Sunday (I could see these becoming as popular as crosswords in the U.S. or logic puzzles in the U.K.: "I got it, Blurg! It's an ad for 'kinky sex.' What's kinky sex?" Or "What's a lawnmower, Gork?") The problem with wanting to do this is, when you sit down and type, unless you already had something to say, you may find yourself stumped about what you would want to say to an alien. I found myself in this very same predicament, and rather than leave it alone for a while to ponder what I would really want to say, I just pulled something inane out of my ass.
Seeking Answers
I am one seeking answers to the questions of the universe, my search goes out to anyone who can read this in the far reaches of space, or within the boundaries of our mother Earth. Everyone is both teacher and student, and I am always seeking greater understanding; I carry with me the wonder I held as a child as I gaze into stars or tide pools, at flowers in bloom and an elderly woman dying. I have come to accept the possibilities as they are, and to believe that the only three things I can count on are these: 1) change is the only constant; 2) the greatest love I have ever known is for my children; and 3) nothing is absolute.
We all have different truths, and I want to know what yours are; I want to experience through your knowledge what worlds you travel through, what your perceptions have given you, and what wisdom you can impart upon others. Truth is subjective, and it is in combining personal truths that we can sift through and find the common threads--the ore of truth, as it were.
Human or other, it matters not. What is the meaning of our universe? How did it begin and where is its path taking us all? We may each come up with our own answers, and we may not ever know all the answers in one lifetime, but we can give it our best shot to learn.
Now, I didn't expect to get responses from humans, though I suppose I should have. Actually, I'd expected the "WTF? You're such a loser. Wanna do me?" type of responses, but already I have received a number of comments, all of them quite different, and yet ... not. How alike we all are; I feel so average right now.
Now each response took its own form, and I would like to share the ones that have arrived in the last few hours since I posted (no don't go looking for the personals and respond to it, or I'll bite you, just comment here if you must), I may continue to post them here as they come in, but I have yet to decide if its worth it. Anyway, to the emails:
Down the Rabbit Hole Theory
Very insightful and unique posting, thanks :)
To understand the meaning of the universe you first have to understand
the secret (or at least one of them). The secret to the universe is
this... "the closer you go, the bigger it gets" No matter what you
reffer to this holds true, be it a relationship, project, job, child,
piece of art, science or anything else. The closer you look at it the
larger and more consuming it gets both physicaly and metaphoricaly.
Each and every piece of reality is its own vast rabbit hole just
waiting for us to peek into it.
Once you understand this, the secret to the universe becomes easy. It
is figuring out the personal balancing act of just how far down any
one rabbit hole you are willing to let yourself fall. the secret is
different and ever changing for each of us however even the simple
awarness of this will help you to realize you have to find the spot
where you stop and take something for what it is without going further
or it will become an all consuming energy in your life.
As to the meaning of life, universe etc... it is the easiest part...
the meaning is whatever meaning we choose to give it. Only rule is you
have to choose a meaning (even if you choose a lack of meaning it is
still choice). Since you have to choose it is probably a good idea to
pick one you will be comfortable and happy with however no one has
said we cant change the meaning anytime we want if we come up with a
better one. Always room for revision.
So, go find a rabbit hole or two, figure out what you want them to
mean to you then jump in and live... thinking about things like this
all the time will make your head spin. Best of luck to you!
Wil.
Hey, Wil, can we share hookahs? I like the way your mind walks.
Short and Sweet Theory
Added life truth.
Drop two tears in a bucket, fuck it
Stephanie
Ain't that the truth, sistah?
The Recovering Christian Theory
Dear Seeker,
It was a pleasure to finally read a craigslist posting with some substance and intelligence. I’ve always considered myself a “Seeker” as well. In fact for years I’ve been meeting with my uncle for lunch, (whom I consider a genius) to discuss God, truth, religion, evolution, string theory, intelligence design, physics, metaphysics, and the meaning of life, over soup, sandwich and a few vodka martinis. Maybe I can share some of the “truths” we have discovered.
In regards to your three truths, I agree with one, disagree with another and am unsure about the third.
1. “change is the only constant” – I agree with, as the universe is obviously dynamic, in motion and constantly changing.
2. “the greatest love I have ever known is for my children” – well, I can certainly see how you feel that way. I have an 8 year-old daughter. Before she was born I had no idea I was capable of loving another human being as much as I love her, (love for past girlfriends and the wife doesn’t even compare – but don’t tell them that). However, I feel the greatest love we have ever known is that which comes from our Creator. It is the Creator’s love that enables us to love our children as we do. Without it, love for offspring would be nothing more than instinctual and innate, such as a mother dog’s “love” for her puppies” – which I believe is not at all at the same emotional level as a human mother’s love for her child.
3. “nothing is absolute” – well, it does appear that nothing is absolute. However, since we have know idea what the meaning of life is, what the Creator’s intentions are, what it’s like after we die and break through to the other side, we can not be absolutely sure that nothing is absolute. There may be a master plan, an “absolute master plan” that we’re not yet aware of.
Here’s some of my “truths”:
1. We, the earth and the universe were created.
I base this truth on the Second Law of Thermal Dynamics, which states, (paraphrased) that something can not be created out of nothing. Now this truth comes with some baggage or assumptions, such as; if we were created, then there must be a Creator. If there is a Creator, then he/she must have created us for a reason – topics for another discussion.
2.The universe is currently expanding.
3. Something happens during the moment of our death
Studies have shown that the instant someone dies, the body weighs 1 1/2 ounces less than when the person was alive. Could it be the Soul leaving the body? I have no idea, but something very strange is going on.
4. The human mind is not currently capable of fully understanding the meaning of life, how and why we exist, being limited by only four dimensions.
We may, however, have glimpses of what it’s all about. I’ve studies various religions over the years and they all have some things in common. Zen Buddhists have a term called “kensho”, which means seeing one’s own nature, or a true awakening. From what I’ve studied there have been people that have experienced an enlightening, or a glimpse – so to speak – of the other side. Others have had near death experiences with similar descriptions of what it might be like after death.
I’m currently striving to have an awakening or kensho myself – although I think I’ll choose the meditation method instead of the near death method : )
My name is Landon by the way, and I’d love to hear back from you.
Landon
This wasn't an intelligent post, Landon, I pulled it out of my kiester, and the logic in following the Second Law of Thermal Dynamics is flawed, but I don't want to discuss it. I'm tired. In fact, you've offered me nothing I didn't already know, but then again, neither did I.
The Wiseass Geek Theory
42
Daniel
*smacks Daniel for being predictable*
Trite Philosophical Debate As Lead In To Discrete Sex Theory
Hello,
I was intrigued by your posting and I'm wondering if I may be of some help in your search for truth and meaning. I'm very interested in this kind of thing but never know where do begin thinking about it... and your posting sums up some of my own questions so nicely!
Just a little about me so you know who you're talking to... I'm 29, male, married, searching for answers like you, always looking to meet interesting new people. I've been looking for some fresh perspectives separate from my current friends and family. I can be brutally honest if you like and once I get to know someone I will share almost anything with them. If you have specific questions regarding what you talked about in your posting I'd love to chat more with you and help you with your search in any way that I can.
Have you had a lot of other responses? Do I sound like someone you'd like to talk to? You can write me back here, I also use instant messaging, and maybe you'd even like to meet face to face after a while.
Let me know,
Evan
Um. Hi Evan. No, Evan. Platonic means "no sex," and yes, that is what you were hoping for.
NOTE: No, I've not written back to any of these yet, and no, I won't be snide to them in person/via email, promise. I'm just being a brat. :)
So, I decided to post something in the platonic personals that would someday be broadcast into space for aliens to decode, if they're bored on a rainy Sunday (I could see these becoming as popular as crosswords in the U.S. or logic puzzles in the U.K.: "I got it, Blurg! It's an ad for 'kinky sex.' What's kinky sex?" Or "What's a lawnmower, Gork?") The problem with wanting to do this is, when you sit down and type, unless you already had something to say, you may find yourself stumped about what you would want to say to an alien. I found myself in this very same predicament, and rather than leave it alone for a while to ponder what I would really want to say, I just pulled something inane out of my ass.
Seeking Answers
I am one seeking answers to the questions of the universe, my search goes out to anyone who can read this in the far reaches of space, or within the boundaries of our mother Earth. Everyone is both teacher and student, and I am always seeking greater understanding; I carry with me the wonder I held as a child as I gaze into stars or tide pools, at flowers in bloom and an elderly woman dying. I have come to accept the possibilities as they are, and to believe that the only three things I can count on are these: 1) change is the only constant; 2) the greatest love I have ever known is for my children; and 3) nothing is absolute.
We all have different truths, and I want to know what yours are; I want to experience through your knowledge what worlds you travel through, what your perceptions have given you, and what wisdom you can impart upon others. Truth is subjective, and it is in combining personal truths that we can sift through and find the common threads--the ore of truth, as it were.
Human or other, it matters not. What is the meaning of our universe? How did it begin and where is its path taking us all? We may each come up with our own answers, and we may not ever know all the answers in one lifetime, but we can give it our best shot to learn.
Now, I didn't expect to get responses from humans, though I suppose I should have. Actually, I'd expected the "WTF? You're such a loser. Wanna do me?" type of responses, but already I have received a number of comments, all of them quite different, and yet ... not. How alike we all are; I feel so average right now.
Now each response took its own form, and I would like to share the ones that have arrived in the last few hours since I posted (no don't go looking for the personals and respond to it, or I'll bite you, just comment here if you must), I may continue to post them here as they come in, but I have yet to decide if its worth it. Anyway, to the emails:
Down the Rabbit Hole Theory
Very insightful and unique posting, thanks :)
To understand the meaning of the universe you first have to understand
the secret (or at least one of them). The secret to the universe is
this... "the closer you go, the bigger it gets" No matter what you
reffer to this holds true, be it a relationship, project, job, child,
piece of art, science or anything else. The closer you look at it the
larger and more consuming it gets both physicaly and metaphoricaly.
Each and every piece of reality is its own vast rabbit hole just
waiting for us to peek into it.
Once you understand this, the secret to the universe becomes easy. It
is figuring out the personal balancing act of just how far down any
one rabbit hole you are willing to let yourself fall. the secret is
different and ever changing for each of us however even the simple
awarness of this will help you to realize you have to find the spot
where you stop and take something for what it is without going further
or it will become an all consuming energy in your life.
As to the meaning of life, universe etc... it is the easiest part...
the meaning is whatever meaning we choose to give it. Only rule is you
have to choose a meaning (even if you choose a lack of meaning it is
still choice). Since you have to choose it is probably a good idea to
pick one you will be comfortable and happy with however no one has
said we cant change the meaning anytime we want if we come up with a
better one. Always room for revision.
So, go find a rabbit hole or two, figure out what you want them to
mean to you then jump in and live... thinking about things like this
all the time will make your head spin. Best of luck to you!
Wil.
Hey, Wil, can we share hookahs? I like the way your mind walks.
Short and Sweet Theory
Added life truth.
Drop two tears in a bucket, fuck it
Stephanie
Ain't that the truth, sistah?
The Recovering Christian Theory
Dear Seeker,
It was a pleasure to finally read a craigslist posting with some substance and intelligence. I’ve always considered myself a “Seeker” as well. In fact for years I’ve been meeting with my uncle for lunch, (whom I consider a genius) to discuss God, truth, religion, evolution, string theory, intelligence design, physics, metaphysics, and the meaning of life, over soup, sandwich and a few vodka martinis. Maybe I can share some of the “truths” we have discovered.
In regards to your three truths, I agree with one, disagree with another and am unsure about the third.
1. “change is the only constant” – I agree with, as the universe is obviously dynamic, in motion and constantly changing.
2. “the greatest love I have ever known is for my children” – well, I can certainly see how you feel that way. I have an 8 year-old daughter. Before she was born I had no idea I was capable of loving another human being as much as I love her, (love for past girlfriends and the wife doesn’t even compare – but don’t tell them that). However, I feel the greatest love we have ever known is that which comes from our Creator. It is the Creator’s love that enables us to love our children as we do. Without it, love for offspring would be nothing more than instinctual and innate, such as a mother dog’s “love” for her puppies” – which I believe is not at all at the same emotional level as a human mother’s love for her child.
3. “nothing is absolute” – well, it does appear that nothing is absolute. However, since we have know idea what the meaning of life is, what the Creator’s intentions are, what it’s like after we die and break through to the other side, we can not be absolutely sure that nothing is absolute. There may be a master plan, an “absolute master plan” that we’re not yet aware of.
Here’s some of my “truths”:
1. We, the earth and the universe were created.
I base this truth on the Second Law of Thermal Dynamics, which states, (paraphrased) that something can not be created out of nothing. Now this truth comes with some baggage or assumptions, such as; if we were created, then there must be a Creator. If there is a Creator, then he/she must have created us for a reason – topics for another discussion.
2.The universe is currently expanding.
3. Something happens during the moment of our death
Studies have shown that the instant someone dies, the body weighs 1 1/2 ounces less than when the person was alive. Could it be the Soul leaving the body? I have no idea, but something very strange is going on.
4. The human mind is not currently capable of fully understanding the meaning of life, how and why we exist, being limited by only four dimensions.
We may, however, have glimpses of what it’s all about. I’ve studies various religions over the years and they all have some things in common. Zen Buddhists have a term called “kensho”, which means seeing one’s own nature, or a true awakening. From what I’ve studied there have been people that have experienced an enlightening, or a glimpse – so to speak – of the other side. Others have had near death experiences with similar descriptions of what it might be like after death.
I’m currently striving to have an awakening or kensho myself – although I think I’ll choose the meditation method instead of the near death method : )
My name is Landon by the way, and I’d love to hear back from you.
Landon
This wasn't an intelligent post, Landon, I pulled it out of my kiester, and the logic in following the Second Law of Thermal Dynamics is flawed, but I don't want to discuss it. I'm tired. In fact, you've offered me nothing I didn't already know, but then again, neither did I.
The Wiseass Geek Theory
42
Daniel
*smacks Daniel for being predictable*
Trite Philosophical Debate As Lead In To Discrete Sex Theory
Hello,
I was intrigued by your posting and I'm wondering if I may be of some help in your search for truth and meaning. I'm very interested in this kind of thing but never know where do begin thinking about it... and your posting sums up some of my own questions so nicely!
Just a little about me so you know who you're talking to... I'm 29, male, married, searching for answers like you, always looking to meet interesting new people. I've been looking for some fresh perspectives separate from my current friends and family. I can be brutally honest if you like and once I get to know someone I will share almost anything with them. If you have specific questions regarding what you talked about in your posting I'd love to chat more with you and help you with your search in any way that I can.
Have you had a lot of other responses? Do I sound like someone you'd like to talk to? You can write me back here, I also use instant messaging, and maybe you'd even like to meet face to face after a while.
Let me know,
Evan
Um. Hi Evan. No, Evan. Platonic means "no sex," and yes, that is what you were hoping for.
NOTE: No, I've not written back to any of these yet, and no, I won't be snide to them in person/via email, promise. I'm just being a brat. :)
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2005-05-12 03:56 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-13 03:59 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-12 03:58 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-13 04:01 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-12 04:53 pm (UTC)You are a very good writer, especially of musings such as this.
What cracks me up is that people think they can answer your inquiry for you.
duh! all they can do is just say yeah, huh. there aren't really answers obtainable from outside. I guess there could be discussion, and that's the deal. Everyone thinks they can give you a good deiscussion, they all think they are so damn smart. It's kinda cute.
no subject
Date: 2005-05-13 04:05 am (UTC)Thank you, I do appreciate feedback. Now if only I could be a very good writer of something other than semi-amusing LJ entries. :)
What cracks me up is that people think they can answer your inquiry for you.
Exactly. I didn't expect answers, and I didn't particularly want them unless they were actually responses that came from alien minds--which seems damned unlikely at this point in time. I certainly didn't put in there all that I could have said, and they didn't seem to grasp the "truth is subjective" bit, but hey, they're mildly entertaining when I have nothing but newsgroup emails and spam awaiting me. Thanks for the input!
*hugs*