Wednesday, March 14, 2012

On the Tragedy of Optimism

             On the Tragedy of Optimism

             (and the folly of mystic wisdom)


               I am always pained to witness optimism; it's like seeing a small child toddle into traffic. Optimism guarantees that all surprises are unpleasant; and life is full of surprises. Failure, for instance. Failure is never an option; but it is always a possibility.

               I have even heard optimists claim that everything is perfectly good, it only seems otherwise. But that is easy to refute. Is murder good? Is slavery? Are lying and theft good? And never mind human evil; what about earthquakes, floods, disease and other natural misfortunes? Are they good? For what?

               And in general, is evil good? If there is no difference, then is there law?

               Perhaps we don't understand yet, but we will, if only we believe. But belief without understanding is folly for the student and failure for the teacher. If a teacher is so wise that no student ever understands, then is the teacher really wise?

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