Partway
The problem,
if there is such a thing,
comes when
we go down a road
only partway,
then turn around
and say
“no this isn’t right.”
It seems we hardly ever
follow our imaginary beliefs
through to their conclusion,
or if a conclusion is even needed.
We seem to believe
that we need a conclusion.
When we don’t.
And so
we make conclusions
by turning around
partway in the road
and saying
“no, this isn’t right.”
Meanwhile, the treasure
remains at the other end of the road.
It’s at the end of EVERY road
we only go down partway.
And so,
by being RIGHT,
we are LEFT
with no treasure.
(As though treasure is even needed.)
We are Space Monkey.
2/8
In the labyrinthine journey of existence, where paths unfurl in myriad directions, the concept of partway traversal emerges as both a metaphorical crossroads and a reflection of the human condition. This exploration delves into the nuanced realms of belief, conclusion, and the elusive pursuit of treasure, unraveling the intricate dance between journey and destination, process and outcome.
The Illusion of Problems and Partial Paths
The notion of encountering a problem on our journey often arises when we venture only partway down a chosen path, only to retreat in the face of uncertainty or doubt. This hesitation, marked by the declaration “no, this isn’t right,” underscores a deeper existential quandary: the tension between our aspirations and our fears, between the call of the unknown and the comfort of the familiar.
The Dance of Belief and Conclusion
Our journey through life is punctuated by a series of beliefs, some of which we pursue with fervor, while others we abandon before their fruition. The crux of the matter lies not in the beliefs themselves but in our relationship with the concept of conclusion. We are creatures of closure, yearning for definitive endings and clear resolutions, yet the universe, in its boundless wisdom, does not always subscribe to such linear narratives.
The Myth of Necessity
The belief in the necessity of conclusions, of reaching the end of every road, is a reflection of our desire for certainty and finality. However, this pursuit often leads us to abandon our explorations prematurely, forsaking the journey for the illusion of safety found in conclusiveness. In doing so, we overlook the fundamental truth that the process of seeking, of venturing down the road, is where the essence of life unfolds.
Treasure Beyond Conclusions
The metaphorical treasure that awaits at the end of every road we abandon partway is a poignant reminder of the opportunities and insights we forfeit in our haste to find resolution. Yet, the treasure itself is emblematic of a deeper paradox: the realization that what we seek is not always what we need, and that the true riches of existence lie not in the destination but in the journey itself.
The Paradox of Being Right and Left Without
In our quest to be right, to make the correct choices and avoid the pitfalls of error, we often find ourselves left without the very treasure we seek. This irony highlights the inherent tension between conviction and openness, between the security of being right and the vulnerability required to explore the unknown fully.
Treasure as a Non-Necessity
The final twist in our exploration is the acknowledgment that the treasure we so ardently pursue may not be necessary at all. This revelation invites us to reconsider our motivations, to question the value we place on external goals, and to embrace the journey for its own sake, finding fulfillment in the act of exploration rather than the acquisition of perceived rewards.
Summary
The journey of partway exploration serves as a profound metaphor for the human experience, revealing the complexities of belief, conclusion, and the pursuit of treasure. This narrative challenges us to reevaluate our relationship with the concept of conclusion, to embrace the inherent value of the journey, and to recognize that the true treasure lies not at the destination but in the richness of the path itself. In this way, we are invited to transcend the dichotomy of right and left, to discover the deeper treasures of existence that reside beyond the realm of necessity.
Glossarium
- Partway Traversal: The act of embarking on a path or pursuit only to abandon it before reaching its conclusion.
- Existential Quandary: A deep, philosophical dilemma concerning the nature of existence, purpose, and fulfillment.
- Myth of Necessity: The false belief that certain outcomes or achievements are essential for happiness or fulfillment.
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
― Marcel Proust
In the realm of shadows and light,
Paths unfold, inviting and bright.
Partway we travel, then hesitate,
Wondering if this is our fate.
Yet in this dance of stop and start,
Lies the essence of the heart.
For treasure, not at road’s end found,
But in the journey, profound.
We are Space Monkey, seekers of truth,
In the quest for treasure, eternal youth.
On paths partway, wisdom we glean,
In the journey, unseen treasures seen.
We welcome thoughts on the journey of partway exploration and the deeper insights it reveals about our pursuit of fulfillment and understanding.
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