The Effect

Somewhere between birth and death, depending on one's point of view, there seems to be a contiguous existence called life. Appearances are often misleading but it's hard to argue against that conclusion.

While no one can say precisely when the first egg was fertilized, the snowballing effect is obvious. Driven by intuitive impulses, life relentlessly begets life and all its baggage. If we could accurately measure the speed of the earth over the course of its flat spin through silent space, surely it has gradually slowed not only due to the deteriorating effects of momentum but also due to the dragging weight of an ever-growing population.

Gratefully, all forms of life must confront natural enemies and no single form has any proven right to outlast any other. Larger populations are not typically sustainable for very long. In fact, there is no cosmic regret in the extinction of an entire species since tragic disaster is regularly the hopeful fuel for future generations. Add to the design that plentiful little fish are the perfect meal for bigger ones.

In the human ocean, disease, ignorance, and endless desire are perhaps the most formidable man-eaters, always lurking in the deep, ready to consume those who swim too close. Our scientists and priests tirelessly conspire to defend us against the first two but it is that ambitious last one which attracts my attention again and again. No doubt, given the course of natural events, mankind may categorically satisfy every known human need on earth, yet a person can still be born who will be eaten whole by the yearning for something more and we will all be drawn along to that burning beacon of desire like blind moths in the night.

Well, manifestations of disease and ignorance are clearly not extinct yet but wanting power and control over others will not wait. That's probably because normal life does not offer us the regulation we want most, the power over time. Life is short and until we can make it last longer, last forever, we will not be satisfied with just swimming in the ocean. And, if that is true, then I suspect we will never be satisfied.

But if we did slow it down or if time somehow gave up and let us go on with no limiting consideration, how would we change? Would glorifying the self-serving “leadership” and “vision” of kings and queens be suddenly unnecessary? Would we outlaw falsehood and insincerity? Would humility finally take root and would all the purples, reds and golds be replaced by the softer, earthly hues of green, blue and brown? Would we at last admit that we can't be someone we're not and just be pleased with who we really are?

(On a timely note, I smile at today's gracious nod to Joe Six-pack. I served with Joe. I know Joe and Joe's been a good friend of mine for many years. Frankly, political candidates are no Joe Six-pack...at least not like the Joe I know.)

Youth's inexhaustible facade of invincibility may serve a curious purpose just as the cold realization of how time was spent may embolden the more mature. Eventually, though, if my calculations are correct and time is gradually reigned in, humility will get the best of us. And, by most modern accounts, that particular man-eater wants us a lot more than we want it.

So, this year my vote is with the humble. It reflects upon this life better than the other predators. I think it is really where we are, if appearances are worth anything. In time, it's likely where we will end up if all goes well.

And as far as time goes, the sooner the better for that result, in my opinion.

Cheers,
Mb