The Antipodes

The things
    that are seen
                heard
                felt
The emotions
                      the past
                                           the memories
                                                                            the dreams
             then a realization
of a future ahead
one that awaits
one that is in our hands
one that is destined
                                  what can anyone do?
             the universe
       the earth
    a fluctuating vision
the sky
the sun
            moon
                      stars of the infinity
harmony all around
gallery of the senses
bounds of the soul
                         see
                                  think
                                                 comprehend
what is it?
what is this?
what are we?
what is
                                                                               existence
in this realm of
possibilities
mere probabilities
or


                      a self



the self
the mind
the life

yes,life
and lives
and Life


does it make sense?
everything?

             flicker

                   gasp

                            silence




imagery
or ideals?
random?
or conveying

the point of points
the ends of ends
the rendezvous place of the heart
                                        human heart
perfection
Perfection

A Letter from Pisay

Dear children,

I am writing to you a feedback about what you have just recently been. Remember what I tell you always: 'feedback is the breakfast of the champions'. And yes, we should not be victims but instead victors of circumstances!

Seriously my child, why do you grumble? I have heard so much of that since you were first year, during those days when I rigorously train you with the lab reports and quizzes an research papers that I required often; but why are you still deeply troubled with what I am? Time and time again I have told you that you will appreciate in the future what I have done for you, but you still are ashamed of me? I have exhausted my resources trying to teach you with what I could, and I stood against constant budget cuts and got money from innumerable sources just for your sake, yet you label me corrupt. I have approved myself by setting high enough standards for the faculty and staff that I am, yet you still criticize me as incompetent, and sometimes labeled harsh. I have required you only very minimal things (even the 2 year service I have abolished just for you) in exchange of the precious things I gave you, yet you still complain at what I require you. And now, my dear child, now that you are basically free from my more rigid restrictions you continue criticizing me? I have endured all those mentioned, but have accepted it and could have lived peacefully with those burdens in my heart; but this I cannot withstand: that you strip me in front of the crowd, burn me with the flame I once kindled, and mock me with the words I once sharpened. Why have you turned against me? why have you forgotten what I have done for you? You are blaming me for the person that you are now? Look at yourself! Did I mold you to be such? Did I distort you to become a monster of my own peril? No! Since when did I forget to emphasize the social sciences, or the arts perhaps? I have given high distinctions to those who excel in these fields; I have ensured that clubs for the right-brained people are present and active for their sake; and I have retained so many teachers that are adept at these fields. I have produced painters and philosophers and artists alike! Just like you, dear writer! Or did you forget your most basic lesson? Have you forgotten the art of thinking before acting (or, perhaps, writing), of trying to find the objective truth through tests? Scientific method, young child! And you are talking about sociology, right? Why do you blame an institution with “burning” its constituents when each one has a self, a dynamic self which Nietzsche says can recreate itself? And besides, you could have enrolled in another academe if you really disliked me or science (it's clear, Philippine Science High School).

One word: chill! Do not be so rash with life, my dear student. Though I do not mean to say that you must discontinue being an active citizen, a little moment of pause is needed so that one's logic can work properly. Again, I shall say: that in you – in your generation – rests the future of this nation. I trust in your excellent mind and pure heart. I believe in your capacity to be better. I just hope that someday – and it might be very soon – you still will be a good Filipino no matter what.

Sincerely,

Pisay

A Letter from Pisay

Dear children,

I am writing to you a feedback about what you have just recently been. Remember what I tell you always: 'feedback is the breakfast of the champions'. And yes, we should not be victims but instead victors of circumstances!

Seriously my child, why do you grumble? I have heard so much of that since you were first year, during those days when I rigorously train you with the lab reports and quizzes an research papers that I required often; but why are you still deeply troubled with what I am? Time and time again I have told you that you will appreciate in the future what I have done for you, but you still are ashamed of me? I have exhausted my resources trying to teach you with what I could, and I stood against constant budget cuts and got money from innumerable sources just for your sake, yet you label me corrupt. I have approved myself by setting high enough standards for the faculty and staff that I am, yet you still criticize me as incompetent, and sometimes labeled harsh. I have required you only very minimal things (even the 2 year service I have abolished just for you) in exchange of the precious things I gave you, yet you still complain at what I require you. And now, my dear child, now that you are basically free from my more rigid restrictions you continue criticizing me? I have endured all those mentioned, but have accepted it and could have lived peacefully with those burdens in my heart; but this I cannot withstand: that you strip me in front of the crowd, burn me with the flame I once kindled, and mock me with the words I once sharpened. Why have you turned against me? why have you forgotten what I have done for you? You are blaming me for the person that you are now? Look at yourself! Did I mold you to be such? Did I distort you to become a monster of my own peril? No! Since when did I forget to emphasize the social sciences, or the arts perhaps? I have given high distinctions to those who excel in these fields; I have ensured that clubs for the right-brained people are present and active for their sake; and I have retained so many teachers that are adept at these fields. I have produced painters and philosophers and artists alike! Just like you, dear writer! Or did you forget your most basic lesson? Have you forgotten the art of thinking before acting (or, perhaps, writing), of trying to find the objective truth through tests? Scientific method, young child! And you are talking about sociology, right? Why do you blame an institution with “burning” its constituents when each one has a self, a dynamic self which Nietzsche says can recreate itself? And besides, you could have enrolled in another academe if you really disliked me or science (it's clear, Philippine Science High School).

One word: chill! Do not be so rash with life, my dear student. Though I do not mean to say that you must discontinue being an active citizen, a little moment of pause is needed so that one's logic can work properly. Again, I shall say: that in you – in your generation – rests the future of this nation. I trust in your excellent mind and pure heart. I believe in your capacity to be better. I just hope that someday – and it might be very soon – you still will be a good Filipino no matter what.

Sincerely,

Pisay

Being in Itself

The vastness of the universe is a mystery in itself. Its capability to accommodate infinity is as yet to be comprehended, and humans can merely speculate that which they can comprehend – and a very small portion indeed. This dwarfs the existence of the human race, and the consciousness which is the only thing available simply becomes a mere speck in the grand structure of everything. Man seems to become an insignificant part, and the self-seeing spirit questions this insignificance despite uniqueness.

Can a definite answer be reached?

Humans are special in every aspect of its being. The logical mind, the skillful hands, each portion of our anatomy is fascinating. One can even deduce that it is perfect. The great potential of humanity lies in its one unique aspect: the consciousness. It is the spirit in one context, the soul in another, and being both at the same time would be the best resolution, but whatever it may be this immortal and special part of a human gives the ultimate sovereignty in its existence. That is, the thinking self that we are enables us to be above every living creature (though not in a condescending way but rather in a responsible, steward way). This then forms the vital part of what is known as leadership. Being above the other living things, we are bound to form the notion of taking responsibility for anything that happens. Because we are the only ones capable of making, limiting, or avoiding circumstances, we are to ensure that harmony is maintained. Then one asks: what about the harmony between fellow human beings? Wouldn't it be futile for them, equal in their own rights, to govern themselves? One would easily visualize wars and battles for power or anarchist rebellion, as the problem of who would govern among the governing race ensues. Though it is true that humans are born equal, it is equally true that a group can only survive if an authority exists.

How can one resolve this? Through equality and sovereignty at the same time.

One would muse if a society of equal individuals peacefully living under a certain leader can exist. Problems are either the leader would oppress the subjects or the citizens would overthrow the leader altogether. If both equality and organized governance could exist, the tug-of-war relationship of the masses and the ruling body could be changed. If one carefully observes the different groups that exist anywhere in the world, one would see something fascinating: the relationship between the leader and the members is more than just power. Members, human as they are, follow a leader if he/she can rightfully provide their needs as humans. That includes both the rights and the basic necessities. The leader also ought to be an equal as well, interacting with the members just as fellow members do. What would distinguish the leader then? It is the respect that he/she gains. And how does he/she gain it? Through stewardship and excellence. Indeed, the leader starts with himself being an excellent member and co-worker of the group. If he then is able to exceed this by being devoted to serving the group, he gains the respect of everyone. To top it all out is his constant drive to make the group improve, which makes him totally worthy of authority.

It is equally true, however, that this has not been achieved anywhere in the human world. In each human group there always will be tension, disagreement between the members, power-struggle, and in worst cases oppression (and on both sides). All these ideals come to nothing when viewed in a realistic lens. What should be done, then? Should we just let the hideous injustices linger in every human group? Should we simply dispose of communal life and live as individuals, far better than tyrannical ruling and corruption? And should we just accept that, as mere specks in this universe, we will just dissipate into dust altogether, destined, just as everything else is, in a constant degradation and entropy that leads to nothingness? Is the struggle for life useless after all?

Or are we missing out something?

Indeed, one could see the hopelessness of the world that we all are in. Everything seems to be unchangeable, the universe simply overwhelming for us to try to live with. It is more enlightening to note, however, that consciousness brings with it an ultimate feature: the will. One is always able to choose his own path, no matter what the situation. As said earlier, humans can limit, avoid, or create circumstances, which gives the power over all living things. And one important factor, which can be taken from the almost impossible union of Darwin and creationism, gives humans the capability to resist the downward spiral of entropy, and which makes our existence stand out from the rest of the universe:

Man is the product of a constant struggle to survive, and with his capability to evolve as himself he draws into his being power, purpose, and life, making him the fittest of them all.

Life is a Choice

Whatever is done will happen, but what would destiny be? Or, is there a destiny? One would like to ask, but no answer comes.

Not on the chair.
Not on the door.
Not on some tree.
Not on the person beside the seat.
Not on anyone who is loved.
Not on one's parents.
Not on one's relatives.
Not on heaven.
Not on hell.
Not on limbo.
Not on the angels.
Not on mythical creatures.
Not on the wheel of fortune.
Not on anything one knows.



Find it yourself.




But isn't finding it a choice itself?


It isn't that easy.