A few thoughts on ideas
(left unedited, as written on 12/17/2002)
I think the beginning of wisdom for me was the realization that my answers might not be right for others. If that is the case, then my gathering of wisdom is quite young in tooth, if you will.
Recently I was pondering my own examination of how ideas I've held in the past have guided my choices in this life, for better or worse, and drew a parallel to some experiences I've witnessed in others. I came to a conclusion:
Ideas are perhaps the most important unseen factor guiding destiny I have known, regardless of actual validity.
A casual statement made be someone, accepted and internalized by another, can guide and even rule an individuals' choices for decades. Perhaps too few of us have the chance to discover and evaluate these ideas. I doubt any of us ever discovers all of these hidden thoughts or beliefs.
This understanding of the power of ideas on an individual at first made me reluctant to interact with anyone, lest I pollute or perhaps in some way damage them for decades. (Mematic Virus- from Meme for idea: a concept that changes a persons perceptions, outlook, path or destiny).
I thought I could try to limit the damage I did others by avoiding any statements at all. Since I'm not in a position to know enough to know which ideas are ultimately pro-survival and healthy and which are faulty, it is best that I suppress them all if possible. Censoring the bad ideas is just not possible given my rather limited view of 'The Big Picture'.
Eventually I tried looking at this exchanging of ideas as a bazillion random particles (humanity) bouncing off one another inside a balloon (our shared coexistance in this time/space).
It might be part of natures design that out of bazillions of random idea exchanges, some paths would ultimately result that not only ensured individual survival, happiness and success, but would guide future generations. A darwin contest of ideas, if you will.
If this is the case, then I can happily go about expressing ideas to any and all who will listen without worry about consequences. Yes, some individual life paths may be 'damaged'. Which implies a judgement that some lives are more worth living than others, I suspect inappropriately. Perhaps perceived 'damage' is the price of the larger process in place.
Having considered the impact of my ideas on others this far, I realize mass media presents tons of ideas, more to any typical individual, than I could ever hope to express to every single person I'd interact with in a lifetime combined. Ideas like my teeth are too yellow. Perhaps an idea I can reject without much effort.
May life bring you unexpected pleasures... |
