יום שבת, 2 ביולי 2011

Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero

I find that the most exuberant and durable characteristic of life is the taste of new experiences. I have repeatedly heard the claim that pleasures which are conveyed by the 5 elementary senses are 'materialistic, shallow and evanescent'. I disagree with that view and feel somewhat obliged to share the reason.

Our senses are mere appendices of our bodies and, as is the case with any living system on earth, are set upon an inevitable course towards their demise. In addition, every chronological step entails their deterioration. That means less experience gained, in diminished quality. If we are to grasp the rich diversity of this world, we need to act fast.

As an atheist, I believe that there's nothing beyond the looking glass. We only have one shot at this. No afterlife, no heaven or hell, no reincarnation. This is it. This worldview affects me in 2 main ways: Firstly, it makes death much more vivid and critical. Secondly, it enhances every moment, rendering every second priceless. Therefore, I want to use every possible moment to learn, experience and feel.

Of course, I don't mean to suggest that we embark with panic upon a stampede. It is nothing short of insane to keep death in our mind at all times. I also don't mean to belittle the value of 'spiritual' means to happiness. I overtly support the stand that one must also nourish the mind from within.

Everything I'm making here is a reminder, that time is of the essence;  life is both short and precious. We should "gather our rosebuds while we may". Because even if this point seems painfully obvious now, as you read these words, you might forget its importance in the course of time.

So in between the office, the lab, the road or anything else - remember to grasp thorns and roses alike and to embrace as many passing moments as humanly possible, paving the road to the great void with lively bricks.


2 תגובות: