Coffee Talk

Saturday, September 25, 2004

Do other animals long to know each other's thoughts? Does a penguin stand next to another tuxedo bird and read between the lines?

We try so hard to understand each other, or rather, to have ourselves be understood. Of course achieving the latter is dependent on a willingness to attempt the former. Words can do wonders, but they will never be perfect; the thoughts behind words are what we're trying to get at. The cogent desire to climb inside another's mind can be overwhelming. We want to know it ALL so badly. If only there were a way.

But that would be the end of passion. And the end of trust. No longer would we savor delicate nuance, or enjoy the intoxication of learning the fascinating stories of another's life. Those with depth would be made shallow, and the colors of expression would all turn white. Of course this could be incredibly calming, and I believe it will be when we die and (hopefully) learn all the whys. But life is in the details, and more specifically in learning them one at a time. What we don't know, but strive to know, is what keeps us alive.