[MD] Food for Thought

[Ham Priday]

Hello David --


Ham said:
> History is a fait accompli.

David said:
> It can change nothing so what would be the point?

On the contrary, it can change everything.  If you think this through, you
will see how shallow is the point you have taken.  Allow me to lead you
through my reasoning.

In the experiential world, history is observed as process: 'A' progresses to
'Z'.
Direct experience is that of the present, somwhere around 'M'.  Thus, we
know that A - M has already occurred and is past history.  What has yet to
occur is N - Z.  We know that this, too, will be history.  Whether the
entire progression of history is finite, repeated as a cycle, or infinite,
ultimately it is complete.  If we regard history as "reality in process" (a
la Whitehead), the beginning and the end are ultimately one.

Does this mean that my writing a thesis, or you living your life, is
pointless?  Evidently not.  Does it mean that you and I are not free to make
our own choices?  Absolutely not.  A 'fait accompli' is neither fatalism nor
pre-determination.  In the absolute scheme of things, it simply means that
all decisions, all actions, all values are essentially one.

In my ontology, existence is the negated, differentiated state of the
Absolute.  Every thing and event is experienced as an object relative to
awareness, which is also differentiated.  The "common denominator" of
existence is nothingness. When awareness ceases, nothingness is re-negated
(annulled), and All is One.

Now what, exactly, is "absurd" about my writing a thesis?

Enjoy the new year.  (It may still hold some surprises for both of us.)

Regards,
Ham