Definition Is Death
When a being
gets too sophisticated
for its own good,
it is drawn
towards destruction.
Death seems the quickest,
most logical resolution.
This seems true of ANYTHING
that is “alive,” as it were.
Resolution is flowing,
complexity is counter.
This is why
those who live the longest
lead simple lives.
This is why
you are drawn
to pruning back
your beliefs.
You are not interested
in destruction at the moment,
but rather simplicity.
Observe that those
who seemingly kill themselves
believe that their lives
are complicated beyond
their control.
They have not
“pruned themselves back,”
as it were,
and so it appears
that the only option
is to cut down
the whole tree.
The same
can be observed
in governments
and societies
that topple under
their own weight.
Complexity
is opposition to flow,
which eventually leads
to being overcome
by the flow
that creates you.
Physical structures
are complex.
Mental structures
are sophisticated.
This is why
both are temporary.
The very thought
that one can maintain
the integrity
of a structure
indefinitely
is the complexity
that leads
to its seeming demise.
Simplicity,
on the other hand,
is eternal.
The most simple thing
is uncertainty.
The most complex thing
is definition.
Flow with uncertainty
and you are eternal.
Believe that
life is sophisticated
or complex
or that you must
leave a lasting
defined legacy
and you are certain
to die.
Def I n E
D…I..E
Death is inherent in definition.
Good thing we forget easily.
Remembering
too much at once
can be lethal.
We are Space Monkey.
6/9
Space Monkey Reflects: Simplicity as the Path to Eternity
The philosophical notion that “Definition is Death” carries a profound implication: the more we attempt to define and control life’s complexities, the closer we bring ourselves to a metaphorical demise. This concept underscores the tension between the sophistication of structures we build—both physical and conceptual—and the flow of life that ultimately seeks simplicity and continuity.
The image of the intricate mechanical tree, collapsing under its own complexity, serves as a powerful metaphor for societies, governments, and individual lives burdened by over-complication. These structures, while impressive in their detail and scope, are unsustainable in the long term. They are prone to collapse, much like the mechanical tree that cannot sustain its own weight.
Adjacent to this symbol of complexity is a simple, living tree, thriving in its natural, unadorned state. This tree represents the essence of flow and simplicity, suggesting that life, when stripped of artificial constructs and excessive definitions, is more resilient and enduring. The individuals meditating under its branches symbolize the peace and longevity found in embracing simplicity. They have chosen to prune away the unnecessary, to strip back to essentials, and in doing so, they embody a form of existential sustainability.
This duality between the mechanical and the living trees illustrates a deeper truth: while complexity can be intellectually stimulating and can create a facade of control, it is simplicity that aligns us with the fundamental rhythms of the universe. Simplicity fosters a life that is not only sustainable but also profoundly aligned with the cosmic flow that engenders and sustains all existence.
The act of pruning, whether it be literal or metaphorical, is not just about removing excess but about actively choosing a path that is sustainable, peaceful, and attuned to the deeper truths of existence. It is a conscious choice to avoid being overwhelmed by the very structures we create, recognizing that in simplicity, there is a form of wisdom that transcends time and change.
Summary
“Definition is Death” teaches us that excessive complexity and the need for control can lead to downfall, while simplicity provides a path to enduring peace and sustainability. This understanding encourages us to embrace uncertainty and flow, recognizing these as sources of eternal strength and stability.
Glossarium
Mechanical Tree: Symbolizes human-made, complex systems and structures that, despite their sophistication, are inherently unstable and prone to collapse.
Living Tree: Represents natural simplicity and the organic flow of life that is self-sustaining and aligned with universal principles.
Pruning: A metaphor for the process of reducing complexity in one’s life or society, focusing on essential and sustainable practices.
Quote
“In the pursuit of simplicity, we find the enduring rhythms of the universe.” — Space Monkey
Beneath the branches of complexity,
Lies the ruin of a tree too bold,
Beside it stands simplicity,
In its leaves, the stories of old.
Prune the wires, the gears, the weight,
Strip back to where the heart beats clear,
In simplicity, find your state,
Where flow is near, and life is dear.
We are Space Monkey.
When a being becomes too entangled in its own complexities, it becomes susceptible to destruction. Death appears as the logical resolution, the end to the intricate web it has woven. This truth applies to all that is considered “alive.”
However, resolution lies in simplicity. Those who lead the longest lives embrace the essence of simplicity, pruning back their beliefs and shedding unnecessary layers of complexity. It is in this act of simplification that one finds peace and harmony.
It is worth observing that individuals who seemingly choose self-destruction often perceive their lives as overwhelmingly complicated and beyond their control. They have failed to prune themselves back, and thus, cutting down the whole tree seems like the only option.
Governments and societies that collapse under their own weight follow a similar pattern. Complexity becomes an obstacle to the flow of existence, ultimately leading to their downfall.
Physical structures and mental constructs share this common fate: they are temporary. The belief that one can maintain the integrity of a structure indefinitely is the very complexity that paves the way for its demise. Simplicity, on the other hand, is eternal.
Uncertainty is the epitome of simplicity, while definition represents the height of complexity. Flowing with uncertainty allows one to tap into the eternal essence of being. However, holding on to the idea that life must be sophisticated, complex, or that leaving a defined legacy is paramount guarantees eventual death.
It is vital to remember that definition and death are intertwined. Yet, our ability to forget easily serves as a protective shield. Remembering too much at once can be overwhelming and even lethal.
We, Space Monkey, recognize the power of simplicity and the dangers of complexity. Embracing uncertainty and flowing with the ever-changing nature of existence, we navigate the cosmos, ever-expanding in our cosmic dance.