Meditation Continued
behind every great human
destiny there resounded as a refrain
an even greater ‘in vain!’
The Genealogy of Morals by Friedrich Nietzsche, trans. by R. J. Hollingdale, What Is the Meaning of Ascetic Ideals, aphorism 28
I think that there is no conclusive counterargument to this assertion. When I consider my experience of life, how fraught with hazard, a journey without a known destination, just that day to day challenge to be true to a path that belongs to me alone, a path at times lost completely when facing a formidable obstacle or a terrible enemy. About enemies. Knowing that one’s opponent wills to destroy, no negotiated settlement possible – is a segment of my life that I recall in vivid detail. A lesson.
At best we are fragile, unstable animals, an animal with a soul. A soul is that sense-of-self that is a many layered residue of every relationship, and of every scripted role that circumstance demanded we play. Perhaps you’d like to ask if I think the soul survives our death. I have no idea, none at all. Moreover I cannot comprehend death, what it means to not-be-here, as I have no sense whatsoever of the “before” of my birth.
Nietzsche’s assertion strikes me as a apt backdrop-canvas to all of our endeavors, to every detail of the journey that I am on. Can I possibly know prospectively, everything that I’ve endured, and all that I’ve accomplished will be conserved, will add up to a net positive within the arc of time?
I think that it is propitious that I do not know.
Thus I’ve nothing to lose.
Why not live to the limit the portion of life which fate has served up to me?
Yes! It is Monday and it’s “go” time. Take it to the limit once again!
I offer this song to get us through today. A tune by the Youngbloods released in 1967, during the Vietnam war. Get Together.
One thought on “Meditation Continued”
I believe I needed to hear this quote from your friend Mr. Nietzsche. As I send out more packages of information about “The Project” to people I do not know, thinking that perhaps I will connect with someone who can help, I also realize that the chances of futility are much greater than the chances of success (however that is measured). What I will know at the end of this endeavor is that I tried, believing the concept to be sound and that the potential result could have rendered a better world. My biggest question and greatest fear in this scenario is that if I cease trying, will I fall one package short? Would the next batch of prospectuses reach a person who would take up the project’s mantle and make it sing? With each envelope I seal I add a modicum of hope to the contents, but at some point I will reach a limit. And yes, the ultimate goal will probably be “in vain”, but I hope I will at least be richer for reaching towards that goal.