“I pretty much try to stray in a constant state of confusion just because of the expression it leaves on my face” Johnny Depp
That probably explains his issues with Australian quarantine laws, but, when I read this, many years ago, I could not help but think that this was an appropriate way of life. Of course my expression is way prettier than his, but even if it wasn’t it seems a reasonable starting point to build a philosophical approach to living.
One of my favourite commercials ever is The Discovery Channel ad of a few years ago (see link below). We are surrounded by amazing and beautiful things both natural and man-made. To go through life blind to this is to miss out on experiencing great wonder on a regular basis. Tonight I will be woken by the full moon as it crosses to the west and begins shining directly onto my head. Sure I could close the blind — such as it is — but that would mean blocking the air flow which is as valuable as sleep in the North Queensland summer. Besides that, it is beautiful. A moon so bright it casts long shadows making torches redundant. Angled right, I could read by it. So instead, I will have a little whinge, then lie there, basking in its glory as my mind plays with the thoughts that skitter through.
A book I read most years is Bill Bryson’s A Short History of Nearly Everything. It is something I recommend to everyone. The world is truly astonishing for the curious minded. Even Bryson’s ever constant cynicism is caged by the majesty and the humbling minutiae of the universe we are lucky enough to exist in. The journey he takes me on, from the big bang, through to our bacterial grandparents, to the physics, science and mathematics that govern our very existence, leaves me with a renewed sense of awe as I focus back on the world around me.
So, Johnny had it almost right. It is right to be confused, but to simply leave it there is to stumble blindly, if still prettily, through an existence bereft of substance. There is enough in the world to be blown away by something amazing every day. A dear friend just recently called me “a nerd who reads lots of weird shit”. I was quite chuffed with this however I am well aware that perhaps this is not a goal for everyone. Perhaps there is a need to let the brain switch off with The Married at First Sight Bachelor Party Special. But when it is time to wake it up again, wake it up with the realisation that your senses have the ability to take in something astounding then do something about it.
None of us know enough about the world. So be curious. I am sure it will leave a wonderful expression on your face.
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