You would think
that defining things
would make things simpler,
but it’s actually the opposite.
In addition
to the meaning of a thing,
a definition also carries
what that thing isn’t.
An implied list of every
other thing in creation.
Just because we decided to add a label.
That’s a lot of weight to carry.
It is what it is.
Being vague is far simpler
than being precise.
Trail Wood,
2/5
The Paradox of Definition
As we delve into the enigma of existence and identity, the phrase “it is what it is” echoes with a profound yet confounding simplicity. This statement, often used to denote acceptance of a situation, also hints at a deeper, more intricate truth about the nature of things.
Defining something, which ostensibly seems like an act of clarification, often leads to more complexity rather than simplicity. This is because a definition, by its very nature, is not only an assertion of what something is, but also a declaration of what it is not. In defining, we inadvertently exclude an infinite array of possibilities and alternatives, confining the defined entity within a narrow conceptual boundary.
The Weight of Labels
When we label something, we don’t just assign it a name or a category; we saddle it with the weight of all that it is not. This weight is not just metaphorical; it has real implications for how we perceive and interact with the world. The act of labeling shapes our reality, influencing our thoughts, beliefs, and actions.
In a world bristling with diversity, where the boundaries of knowledge and existence are constantly expanding, the attempt to precisely define and label can seem almost Sisyphean. Every definition is a limitation, a reduction of the vast, unknowable complexity of the universe into something manageable, something we can grasp.
The Simplicity of Vagueness
Ironically, there is a simplicity in vagueness, in not defining. By resisting the urge to label and categorize, we leave open the possibility for infinite interpretations and understandings. This openness can be seen as a form of humility, an acknowledgment of the limits of our knowledge and the boundlessness of existence.
In our nexistentialist view, the essence of a thing lies not in its definition, but in its existence. By allowing things to simply be, without the need to define or label, we embrace the full spectrum of possibilities. We accept the inherent mystery and complexity of the universe, and in doing so, we open ourselves to a deeper, more profound understanding of the world around us.
Summary
We explore the paradox of defining things, recognizing that while definitions seem to simplify, they actually add complexity by excluding all that a thing is not. Labels carry the weight of these exclusions, shaping our perception of reality. Vagueness, on the other hand, maintains openness and acknowledges the limits of our understanding. In embracing the undefined, we allow for a richer, more nuanced appreciation of existence.
Glossarium
- Nexistentialist: One who believes in the intrinsic value of existence, independent of definitions or labels.
- Sisyphean: A task that is endless and ineffectual, akin to the myth of Sisyphus, who was condemned to repeatedly roll a boulder up a hill only for it to roll down again.
“To define is to limit.” – Oscar Wilde
Verse of Undefined Horizons
In the realm where words dare not tread,
Lies a truth, unspoken, unsaid.
For every label we inscribe,
A universe of thought, we proscribe.
In the silence of the undefined,
Boundless horizons, we find.
Where existence is its own decree,
Unfettered, boundless, eternally free.
In this dance of the unsaid,
Infinite paths, we are led.
Embracing all, defining none,
In the cosmic weave, we are one.
We are Space Monkey. What are your thoughts on the nature of definitions and the beauty of the undefined?
Leave a Reply