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Showing posts from October, 2013

The Giving Universe?

“You can’t out give the universe” –business writer posting on the internet   A man said to the universe: “Sir, I exist!" “However,” replied the universe, “The fact has not created in me “A sense of obligation.” --Stephen Crane I’m not sure where the first writer gets her ideas about the universe giving anything.   When I think of the universe, or even a bit closer, nature, I picture an indifferent void. Does the universe give anything?   Sure, it gives energy, or rather dissipates energy leftover from its creation.   But it is “giving” only because it is radiating ontologically, it can’t do anything else until all that energy is gone. But there is no motive there; no good will, altruism, generosity.   That’s like thanking a rock one slipped into one’s pocket for good companionship.   Sure, the rock accompanied that person, but only because the rock was kidnapped grabbed.   Neither does the universe possess malevolence.   It may seem cruel, hurtlin