I've been attending Toastmasters meetings. There's a section called Table Topics, where you have to improvise an answer to a usually wacky question. One of the not-so-wacky questions I got was if I wanted to know the future, and I quickly replied I didn't because I wanted to face my challenges and work on them. Knowing what was in the future for me would save me that part, which is the part of life that gives you a purpose. Without purpose, there's no life.
Of course in all the movies people who know the future change their behavior or alter events. I wonder if that would change the ‘reavealed’ future or not.
No, it wouldn’t. If I tried to modify my future, I could still not predict how the future will react to what I do differently, so there could only happen one of two things. I would not know the future or I could not change the future. I’m not sure if one trumps the other, but in my head, that’s how it works. I’m a terrible philosopher.
Such a good reminder, David, that "Knowledge sets the boundaries; mysteries move them." Such an important truth. I really needed this today, and this is a perfect example of what can happen when we allow ourselves to sit in uncertainty. My pondering and dwelling in it led me to your words. Mystery can move us to important realizations. Thank you.
I'm glad these words found you at the right moment. What a beautiful reflection on embracing uncertainty and allowing mystery to guide us. Thank you for sharing it with us. 🙏🏻
I'm a fan of lifelong learning, but I don't want to know everything. And I know it's impossible anyway. Mystery makes life more magical and keeps us humble.
Humility and curiosity are the two essentials for all adult growth. Not having to have all the answers seems to fit nicely with the humility part of that duo, while curiosity keeps us wanting to learn...at least part of the answer.
Nice topic David! I like the quotes and also seen one today >>> I knew Old Age would come, I just thought it would take a little longer! It is nice to not know or expect everything as we can certainly plan accordingly for much but the lessons in life is in the struggles and flexibility of the moments response to something unexpected. Tempus Fugit (Time Flies) so yes there is a finite time we have and a quest is to make the most of it. Keeping a smile and expressing JOY at the little things, telling stories and the quiet of the moments that scream at times if we listen for the whispers!
The older I become the more satisfied I am to practice sitting in the gap between now and next. It's enough for me. Usually. I find I am often repeating something my folks said: we will cross that bridge when we get to it.
I imagine I am not alone in have heard that growing up. But we rush past it......
We will
cross
that bridge
when
we get to
it
By which time we will have the skills and abilities to make our way across......
I've been attending Toastmasters meetings. There's a section called Table Topics, where you have to improvise an answer to a usually wacky question. One of the not-so-wacky questions I got was if I wanted to know the future, and I quickly replied I didn't because I wanted to face my challenges and work on them. Knowing what was in the future for me would save me that part, which is the part of life that gives you a purpose. Without purpose, there's no life.
Of course in all the movies people who know the future change their behavior or alter events. I wonder if that would change the ‘reavealed’ future or not.
No, it wouldn’t. If I tried to modify my future, I could still not predict how the future will react to what I do differently, so there could only happen one of two things. I would not know the future or I could not change the future. I’m not sure if one trumps the other, but in my head, that’s how it works. I’m a terrible philosopher.
Such a good reminder, David, that "Knowledge sets the boundaries; mysteries move them." Such an important truth. I really needed this today, and this is a perfect example of what can happen when we allow ourselves to sit in uncertainty. My pondering and dwelling in it led me to your words. Mystery can move us to important realizations. Thank you.
I'm glad these words found you at the right moment. What a beautiful reflection on embracing uncertainty and allowing mystery to guide us. Thank you for sharing it with us. 🙏🏻
I'm a fan of lifelong learning, but I don't want to know everything. And I know it's impossible anyway. Mystery makes life more magical and keeps us humble.
Humility and curiosity are the two essentials for all adult growth. Not having to have all the answers seems to fit nicely with the humility part of that duo, while curiosity keeps us wanting to learn...at least part of the answer.
Nice topic David! I like the quotes and also seen one today >>> I knew Old Age would come, I just thought it would take a little longer! It is nice to not know or expect everything as we can certainly plan accordingly for much but the lessons in life is in the struggles and flexibility of the moments response to something unexpected. Tempus Fugit (Time Flies) so yes there is a finite time we have and a quest is to make the most of it. Keeping a smile and expressing JOY at the little things, telling stories and the quiet of the moments that scream at times if we listen for the whispers!
Listening for the whispers. I like that Joe.
The older I become the more satisfied I am to practice sitting in the gap between now and next. It's enough for me. Usually. I find I am often repeating something my folks said: we will cross that bridge when we get to it.
I imagine I am not alone in have heard that growing up. But we rush past it......
We will
cross
that bridge
when
we get to
it
By which time we will have the skills and abilities to make our way across......
"...the gap between now and next." I like that space too.
quiet
peaceful
safe for the moment
restorative, even ....