It's been an interesting year, thus
far. Spring, as always, left me rejuvenated with a fresh outlook on
the plans and direction I wanted to live my life. The plan was to
travel some, read some, meet some new folks, and spend some time in
nature. I really was looking forward to peregrinate through some
newer climes, and hike some real mountains. But, as usual, life has a
way of throwing a big wrench into the midst of most well planned
vacations. It's a reminder that there are no guarantees of any kind
in this life. Before I could wrap my head around the fiduciary
malfeasance of an elderly colleague, a close friend decided to drop
their body and I found myself playing executor to his last testament
and will. That was as much fun as sleeping on broken glass as there
was one conversation he should have had with his family before he
croaked – but, the exuberance of youth always lulls us into
believing that we are guaranteed a long innings. Once in a while, we
all need a change of focus and pace. It really is not a new epiphany
as Nobel Laureate Ernest Hemingway (1899 – 1961) wrote “Happiness
in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.”
At times, it might seem as if life is
conspiring against every single plan you have detailed out. It's at
such times that one must guard against despondency as that would open
the chute towards the endless downward spiral of depression. However,
I always wonder whether an epiphany or observation such as
Hemingway's have a direct impact in changing the direction of a life
continuum? I am fascinated by how an epiphany might suddenly
galvanizes one into action – or to at least consider the intentions
to act in a vastly different and new way. I have done it. Everyone
does it. I have witnessed many folks make similar declarations. The
underlying question remains whether that actually impinges life in
any way. It really is an acceptable expectation – the norm - that
people will make these declarations after an epiphany. Whether they
follow through or not is a determination for another day. I am
interested in the more philosophical aspect of whether it is possible
for an epiphany to change the course of one's life. At its core, an
epiphany is just the revelation of new information which leads to a
different opinion on a prevailing situation. One suddenly becomes
aware of new information which sheds new light on an existing
situation which might cause one to react differently from that point
on out. I mean does it really change the life continuum when one
realizes that they have a downright plonker for a roomie, or that
they have a psychotic floozie for a romantic love interest.
This might seem like basic casuistry
but it really is a principle that has been vexing philosophers
through the ages. An epiphany is essentially an observation of new
data surrounding a specific situation. It is a sudden intuitive leap
of understanding, especially through an ordinary but striking
occurrence – basically, a sudden realization of some fact. The
Heisenberg Principle of Observation stipulates that every event is
changed by the observation of that event. It really is in the realm
of Quantum Physics but is easily applicable to ordinary, daily life
experiences most notably in folks that gain some political office and
begin to believe themselves all powerful and important. Get the gist?
It would make sense if it ended there. But George Berkeley vigorously
defended what is now classified as subjective idealism which is the
view that reality consists exclusively of minds and their ideas.
Berkeley's most famous aphorism is “esse est percipi” which
translates as “to be is to be perceived.” In other words,
perception is the foundation to subjective realism in that the shared
reality of the outside world is contingent on a knowingness in that it
tends towards solipsism. Solipsism is the belief that the mind is the
only thing that can be known and verified.
At the end of the day life will always
throw a curve-ball to all the best laid out plans. What is important
is not to focus on the curve-ball but on life through all the changed
plans to whatever goal one is aiming. Do the right thing, mark it off
your annual list of good deeds before retreating to your mansion on
the hill. I have marked a few things of this year's list – the most
important thing, thus far, being diplomatic and patient while being
the executor to my friend's last will. The toughest part of that
whole experience was convincing his family that throughout his life,
he had marched to the rhythm of a different drum. I just wish he had
explained to his family that he had lost his faith and become the
kind of godless, hedonistic party animal that they had always warned
him against. That was an awkward conversation! It's funny how we
always used to discuss the manner in which we wanted our bodies
disposed when we finally shoved off this mortal coil. It was not so
simple explaining it to his family, though. However, I ensured all
his wishes were met and carried out.
There was another significant left turn
in another aspect of my life but that is a discussion for another
day. In the meantime, consider these words of wisdom from H.L.
Mencken, writer, editor, and critic (1880-1956):
You
can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do
something about its width and depth.
Have
fun always!
