In carting around ideas and notions put forth by Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855), let's take a look at a couple from Frygt og Bæven / Fear and Trembling (1843). These definitely seem to hold continued relevance in the early 21st century.
"Fools and young men prate about everything being possible for a man. That, however, is a great error. Spiritually speaking, everything is possible, but in the world of the finite there is much which is not possible." (Walter Lowrie translation, Fear and Trembling and The Sickness Unto Death, 1968 edition, Princeton University Press, page 54.)
To me, this is pretty basic -- everyone who can has to choose carefully what they are doing with their lives, or bumble along; either way, our options are limited by time and place. Choose wisely -- if possible. Not everyone can do X, Y or Z. But maybe more could mind their Ps and Qs.
"He has comprehended the deep secret that also in loving another person one must be sufficient unto oneself." (Lowrie, page 55).
The optimum relationship is one between existential equals. This is not to say that everyone can function optimally at all times or even at the same level, only that such would be an idealized balance.
One more quip as a bonus point: "He resigned everything infinitely, and then he grasped everything again by virtue of the absurd." (Lowire, page 51).
Zen and the art of grokking. Compare with Donovan's "There Is a Mountain:"
"First there is a mountain, then there is no mountain, then there is . . ."
Today's Rune: Journey.
1 comment:
Part of aging is realizing that one's options are indeed limited by the world and that as time goes on they become more so.
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