Philosophical Circle

Having now consumed the elixir of life, perhaps against my will, the remaining, undeniable choice is stark: to live or to die. Whether life has already imposed its inevitable, cruel ultimatum upon you with its customary harshness, you must still bear the burden of choosing, in whatever manner you can manage between existence and oblivion. Fortunately, not all of us experience that agonizing pull, but for those who do, remember that the pressure is always mental; therefore, it can be gradually eased with time. Of course, we don’t always have the agency to make this decision ourselves, but if nothing else, we are at least fortunate enough to choose death on our terms, though it is never an easy choice. Do I want to live or die at this moment? 

We have little time for this contemplation, as time reveals its secrets only when it is ready. This question seems fundamental to the very nature of reality, perhaps its primary ingredient. Reality persistently demands our answer, sometimes urgently. It requires our response as if its very existence depends on it. Maybe that is the only way reality can persist—not needing our permission, but our participation. Not only are we compelled to adhere to its seemingly absurd demands, but we are also sometimes denied the choice to refuse them. However, perhaps science and innovation are the cheat codes to this refusal, occasionally revealing themselves over time. If we consider reality on a spectrum of life and death, scaled to 100%, death ultimately prevails only 1% of the time, relying entirely on that single chance. Therefore, why would existence operate any differently? Why wouldn’t it demand so much of us? In retrospect, it seems only equitable, although at the precise moment existence demands that answer, reaching the same conclusion is challenging. However, it appears we have the option to force existence’s hand when we choose to defy death or willingly engage within the realm of life and death, seemingly giving existence the illusion that we humans can mold our own fate in these matters. Sometimes reality grants us this prerogative, and other times it rejects such actions, unequivocally making the decision for us. Imagine the experience of death, perpetually secondary to life, inherently unpopular. Yet, death embodies a quiet modesty, accepting its eventual arrival. It never actively takes, only receives, and even facilitates a return when possible.

Life, conversely, possesses a seemingly insatiable appetite, constantly demanding its own abundant proliferation. While it is the choice favored by most living beings, it remains demanding despite its inherent popularity. Perhaps this imbalance serves a purpose, or perhaps it does not. The very uncertainty of whether a valid reason exists might be enough to restrain humanity, potentially keeping it within certain bounds. This lack of definitive knowledge may be precisely what is required for a complete and fundamental renewal – an ultimate “de novo.”

Dear reader, I thank you for your participation in my provisional existence as I am grateful to be in yours. This piece is especially thought-provoking even for me as I write and ponder about it. Now, I am curious what your thoughts are on it and your personal opinion on the relationship existence has with itself ? have you ever thought about it?

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