Imagine that we had time at our disposal. We could do whatever we want with it. Travel forwards or backwards. We could glimpse our respective futures and prepare for the best and/or worst. Sounds convenient, right?
But what if time was a curse, something we could never prepare for? I contemplated this while reading Poul Anderson's There Will be Time. Having so much access to history and the future is almost charming. Intriguing. We can simultaneously know the past and the future. The only question is, does this truly make us wiser? Can we really learn from a time past or an upper future if we can never change what happened or what will? While it would add to our knowledge base, what would it really add to us as people?
It makes me consider the plight of the vampire: destined to live forever with no real power to change the world. Living long enough to see the earth die and replenish itself, witnessing the rise and fall of revolutions, or watching human loved ones expire. The idea of living forever inherently seduces us with invinciblity. But how invincible could we truly be with a back track and up track of time that will never change in the way that we want it to, need it to. Do we learn from it? Are we bound by it?
Time is open opportunity for experiences of whatever kind. The only thing we can do is make the best of it. But with a world that isn't begging for our comfort, perspective, or our approval, can time ever really be enough for us or will we always want more?
You tell me.
Come back on Saturday, May 27 for the review. I look forward to hearing from you!
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