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The Nature of Thoughtlessness

I rarely take time out to think on the nature of the universe anymore. For one reason, I find it unfair that I spend any amount of time considering that which most likely never gives me a second thought. For another, and perhaps more honestly, it’s just too damn hard. I usually find it bad enough having to spend a few moments in the morning on the choice between a bowl of Cap’n Crunch or a bagel and cream cheese. I used to spend time on it, when I was younger and the issue held some importance to me. But eventually you come to realize there are no answers to discover. You’ll know that if you ever find yourself deep in the heart of the matter. Believe me, I did. So, one might say — certainly if that one is me — why waste all the effort. It can be painful and headache-forming. It’s a task with no ease of use functionality built into it. I can’t click a button and understanding emerges. We need toggle switches for thought. Now that would be an invention to celebrate.

Don’t take this to mean I’m against thinking. Not at all. Creative, independent, human thought is a very cherished thing to me. I wouldn’t do without it. That I often do is something else entirely and a good thing because I have the option to put it aside, and don’t just lack it in the first place. I’ll let you decide the factualness of that last claim.

Daniel Webster once said “Mind is the great lever of all things; human thought is the process by which human ends are ultimately answered.” Although I agree with old Dan on a lot of things, he was wrong here. Mind is not a lever, but a balance, a see-saw we must keep as level as we possibly can. Thought requires a steadiness, a focus if you will, to reach those ends he spoke of, and whatever answers they can provide.

Even if the answers don’t exist.