November 05, 2021

01

We are just lucky to be here.
"Time and chance happen to us all."
Particularly chance.
All the way down.

It's pure chance that the times
are what they are.

Nothing has to be what it is.
It is as it is 
because of chance.

We are who we are by chance.
By the chance our mother and father
are our mother and father,
for one thing.
And by the chance that 
the things that happened to us
to "mold our character"
happened to us the way they happened to us,
and when,
and where.

It is by chance that we see the way we see,
that we are influenced by
the things that--
and the people who--
influence us.
Why them and not something, someone, else?
Why do we listen to whom we listen to,
and not someone else instead?

It's all chance.

Chance directs our boat
on its path through the sea.
So, sit back, enjoy the ride.
There is absolutely nothing
that wouldn't be there
except for chance.
So, what's the point of all the anguish,
and the constant striving?
Maybe, yes.
Maybe, no.

The Braves beat the Astros,
and where are the Dodgers?

Need I say more?

–0–

02

Amor fati, or "Love of Fate,"
is living as though everything that happens
is just the way it needs to happen,
and, more than that,
just what we need to happen
at this point in our life.

The questions,
"What is going to happen?"
and "What are you going to do 
if this or that happens?"
are answered with,
"I have no idea! I am going to wait and see!"

All of the work to control the future--
and there is a considerable amount
of that going on--
would best be served
by devoting it to doing what needs to be done
in the circumstances at hand.

A better present would produce a better future,
like that (snaps fingers).

What needs to be done right now,
because it needs to be done?
Do that!
The way it needs to be done!
Who determines what that is?
We do!
And we have to be right about it!
The present depends on it--
and so does the future!

Living with our heart in what we are doing
because it needs to be done
is the sine qua non of a life well-lived.

We cannot do that apart from a "love of fate."