06-29-2011, 06:41 AM
I spent more time looking a the flame of a candle. What I see is an un-choreographed dance of spontaneity. My eye observes a flame who's movements are without pattern and warning. Its dance is different from moment to moment. It dances to its own tune. The flame appears to have no memory of its past or thought of its future, it exists only in the moment. It does not predict where it will go. It is innocent. That said I know that what appears to be spontaneity, un-choreographed movement is in fact very controlled and quite predictable. The flame operates within a defined set of laws. It cannot change the laws or bend the rules it must exist within those laws. The flame's environment is set, based, and bound by its fuel source. The flames movement could be modeled and predicted. But what makes the flame move is its desire to use the path of least resistance. The flame is greedy and without remorse. It will consume all that it can. It will completely devour its supply and convert that fuel into heat. It has no rational thought of yesterday or tomorrow. It only exists in the moment. Once its fuel is gone it ceases to exist. Its destitute.
It is efficient. It converts its fuel and the resulting residue is so completely consumed or destroyed as to render it useless to the flame. Left to its own it will in time devour without thought its entire environment, leaving only destitution in its path. Its potential size is limited only to its fuel source so in that sense it is very powerful yet very weak and vulnerable. A small spark can and will require the efforts of armies of men to control given the right environment. It will consume entire forest. Left to its own it will destroy its self. The flame is only doing its job, its intent, its purpose.
That said, with an understanding of its nature, the flame is very controllable. When its efficiency is utilized it provides a consistent predictable outcome. When the greed of the flame is controlled it provides a service to others. When controlled the candle provides needed light for weeks, but when left to its own it wastes away in an unproductive manner within a few short hours. Yet it has not changed. It still appears spontaneous, un-choreographed, greedy, innocent, and in the present.
The flame is extremely needy. It requires constant supervision. Its environment (fuel sources) must be supervised in order for its purpose to be of use to others. Its fuel sources must be regulated and controlled and in this way the flame is a tool. Its qualities, purpose, and characteristics are of benefit. With time, a person can refine the use of the flame. We can be taught what a flame is, but until we feel of its heat and experience how that heat effects its surroundings, the flame is not mastered, it just exists.
When I look at a flame, I see multiple paths. When I apply the principles of the flame to my mind I see one path that leads to happiness, the other to frustration. My mind appears spontaneous, un-choreographed, greedy, and yet innocent. That said, it to could be modeled and predicted. It can be controlled. Left to its own, I would take the path of least resistance, I would consume without thought all that is around me. Left to his own, a man could be driven in a direction of self destitution (destitution: a state without friends or money or prospects).
But unlike the flame, I have thought of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I understand the present is important but I also see the need for control and conservation of the fuel supply. Thus I see two paths both relying upon the same principle but one is mastered while the other is left to its own devices.
It is efficient. It converts its fuel and the resulting residue is so completely consumed or destroyed as to render it useless to the flame. Left to its own it will in time devour without thought its entire environment, leaving only destitution in its path. Its potential size is limited only to its fuel source so in that sense it is very powerful yet very weak and vulnerable. A small spark can and will require the efforts of armies of men to control given the right environment. It will consume entire forest. Left to its own it will destroy its self. The flame is only doing its job, its intent, its purpose.
That said, with an understanding of its nature, the flame is very controllable. When its efficiency is utilized it provides a consistent predictable outcome. When the greed of the flame is controlled it provides a service to others. When controlled the candle provides needed light for weeks, but when left to its own it wastes away in an unproductive manner within a few short hours. Yet it has not changed. It still appears spontaneous, un-choreographed, greedy, innocent, and in the present.
The flame is extremely needy. It requires constant supervision. Its environment (fuel sources) must be supervised in order for its purpose to be of use to others. Its fuel sources must be regulated and controlled and in this way the flame is a tool. Its qualities, purpose, and characteristics are of benefit. With time, a person can refine the use of the flame. We can be taught what a flame is, but until we feel of its heat and experience how that heat effects its surroundings, the flame is not mastered, it just exists.
When I look at a flame, I see multiple paths. When I apply the principles of the flame to my mind I see one path that leads to happiness, the other to frustration. My mind appears spontaneous, un-choreographed, greedy, and yet innocent. That said, it to could be modeled and predicted. It can be controlled. Left to its own, I would take the path of least resistance, I would consume without thought all that is around me. Left to his own, a man could be driven in a direction of self destitution (destitution: a state without friends or money or prospects).
But unlike the flame, I have thought of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I understand the present is important but I also see the need for control and conservation of the fuel supply. Thus I see two paths both relying upon the same principle but one is mastered while the other is left to its own devices.
