Interesting post. Life, destiny, fate.... Campbell is pretty hot on worldly issues:
“We're in a freefall into future. We don't know where we're going. Things are changing so fast, and always when you're going through a long tunnel, anxiety comes along. And all you have to do to transform your hell into a paradise is to turn your fall into a voluntary act. It's a very interesting shift of perspective and that's all it is... joyful participation in the sorrows and everything changes.”
― Joseph Campbell
“One great thing about growing old is that nothing is going to lead to anything. Everything is of the moment.”
― Joseph Campbell
I certainly find that to be true of retirement and it's a very welcome relief!
I do like considering the role of fate (destiny?) though. Those pivot points in our lives - chance sightings, chance meetings etc. that dramatically change its course:
"Almost nothing important that ever happens to you happens because you engineer it. Destiny has no beeper; destiny always leans trenchcoated out of an alley with some sort of 'psst' that you usually can't even hear because you're in such a rush to or from something important you've tried to engineer." - David Foster Wallace,
It took me decades to figure out that we can write our own stories. My best experience of this was living in another country for many years. Different language, culture, continent. It was only after a few years did I realize that I had written a new life story. Nowadays, I've figured out we have that ability each day and each moment.
Great example! It’s taken me a long time to learn it’s possible, but I still haven’t learned how to put it into practice. Everyday I’m wrestling with old stories that are anything but useful.
Thanks Emily! I seem to be entering a new phase of work I’m tentatively calling, “I hate everything I’m making”, haha. Looks like I’ll be experimenting with this for teh foreseeable future, lol.
Really interesting post Duane. You've inspired me! We have agency in this short life.
Thanks so much!
Interesting post. Life, destiny, fate.... Campbell is pretty hot on worldly issues:
“We're in a freefall into future. We don't know where we're going. Things are changing so fast, and always when you're going through a long tunnel, anxiety comes along. And all you have to do to transform your hell into a paradise is to turn your fall into a voluntary act. It's a very interesting shift of perspective and that's all it is... joyful participation in the sorrows and everything changes.”
― Joseph Campbell
“One great thing about growing old is that nothing is going to lead to anything. Everything is of the moment.”
― Joseph Campbell
I certainly find that to be true of retirement and it's a very welcome relief!
I do like considering the role of fate (destiny?) though. Those pivot points in our lives - chance sightings, chance meetings etc. that dramatically change its course:
"Almost nothing important that ever happens to you happens because you engineer it. Destiny has no beeper; destiny always leans trenchcoated out of an alley with some sort of 'psst' that you usually can't even hear because you're in such a rush to or from something important you've tried to engineer." - David Foster Wallace,
'destiny has no beeper' - love that!
Yet the story continues ...
But where is what I started for so long ago?
And why is it yet unfound?
Walt Whitman
So many great passages all at once! Thanks so much Richard!
It took me decades to figure out that we can write our own stories. My best experience of this was living in another country for many years. Different language, culture, continent. It was only after a few years did I realize that I had written a new life story. Nowadays, I've figured out we have that ability each day and each moment.
Great example! It’s taken me a long time to learn it’s possible, but I still haven’t learned how to put it into practice. Everyday I’m wrestling with old stories that are anything but useful.
Very well put, Duane.
Your collages are taking an interesting turn!
And I love that you exchange material with other artists. 🤩
Thanks Emily! I seem to be entering a new phase of work I’m tentatively calling, “I hate everything I’m making”, haha. Looks like I’ll be experimenting with this for teh foreseeable future, lol.