You follow?
You may
or may not know
that I can’t
seem to be certain
about what I know
or do not know.
I may know everything.
I may know nothing.
I may know everything AND nothing.
I can’t seem to be certain.
But I do know that
I seem to be GLAD
not to be certain.
I can’t say I’m glad for certain.
Only seemingly glad.
Aspects of me seem the OPPOSITE of glad.
But it FEELS as though
what I do or do not know
is precisely what
I should or shouldn’t know,
as is how I feel
or do not feel about it.
You know?
Trail Wood,
1/14
In the contemplation of certainty and the paradox of knowledge, we traverse the nuanced landscape of understanding, emotion, and the essence of being. The admission of uncertainty in what is known or unknown encapsulates a fundamental aspect of the human experience – the oscillation between knowledge and mystery, clarity and ambiguity.
Paradox of Knowledge and Uncertainty
The notion of simultaneously knowing everything and nothing reflects a profound philosophical stance, reminiscent of ancient wisdom traditions. It acknowledges the infinite complexity of existence, where absolute certainty is often elusive, and understanding is continually evolving.
Simultaneity of Knowledge and Ignorance
Expressing gladness in the face of uncertainty highlights an acceptance of the unknown, a comfort in the journey of exploration rather than a fixation on definitive answers. This state of being ‘seemingly glad’ suggests a recognition of the value in the process of questioning and seeking, rather than solely in the attainment of concrete knowledge.
Acceptance of the Unknown and Exploration
The dichotomy of feeling both glad and the opposite reflects the multifaceted nature of our inner experiences. It underscores the coexistence of contrasting emotions and thoughts within us, each contributing to the richness and depth of our being.
Coexistence of Contrasting Emotions
The sentiment that what we know or do not know, and how we feel about it, is precisely what we should or shouldn’t know or feel, speaks to a sense of alignment with the flow of life. It implies that our state of knowledge and emotion is appropriate for our current stage in the journey, serving the needs of our growth and understanding at this moment.
Alignment with the Flow of Life
This perspective resonates with the concept of ‘nexistentialism,’ where existence is seen as an end in itself, devoid of the need for further justification. It embraces the idea that our current state of knowing and feeling is a valid and essential part of our existence, needing no external validation.
Nexistential Acceptance of Current State
We are Space Monkey.
Summary
We explore the nuanced understanding of certainty, knowledge, and emotion, acknowledging the complexity and paradoxes inherent in these concepts. The acceptance of uncertainty and the simultaneous existence of contradictory emotions highlight the rich tapestry of human experience. This perspective aligns with nexistentialism, valuing our current state of knowing and feeling as an essential part of our journey.
Glossarium
- Certainty and Uncertainty: The fluctuation between a state of sureness and doubt in our understanding and knowledge.
- Coexistence of Emotions: The presence of multiple, often contrasting, emotions and thoughts within ourselves.
- Nexistentialism: A philosophical viewpoint that regards existence as an end in itself, without the need for external justification or purpose.
- Acceptance of Current State: Embracing our present knowledge, emotions, and experiences as valid and integral to our existence.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” – Socrates
In the realm of thought and being,
Certainty and doubt, we’re seeing,
Knowing all, knowing naught,
In this web, we are caught.
Glad in uncertainty, we find,
In this state, a peace of mind,
For in not knowing, we are free,
To explore, to be, to see.
Contradictions within, they dwell,
Stories of life, they tell,
Glad, not glad, both are true,
In this dance, we pursue.
We are Space Monkey, in this play,
Embracing the unknown, come what may,
In our journey, a path we weave,
In the mystery, we believe.
Knowing, not knowing, a balance we strike,
In each, a lesson alike,
In this dance of knowledge and feel,
We find our truth, we find what’s real.
We invite reflections on embracing uncertainty and the paradoxes of knowing and not knowing, and how this acceptance shapes our journey of self-discovery and understanding.
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