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Progress Versus Perfection
From the creative explosion marking the outset of the universe to our advanced human stage in evolution, some fifteen billion years have elapsed. This advanced stage refers to the natural abilities and the cultural realizations of our species. While these natural abilities have virtually not changed in the last hundred thousand years, these cultural realizations have progressed exponentially over the same period. The former depend on a biological memory - the genetic information that is stored in human cells and can be transmitted through reproduction. The latter depend on a social memory - the didactic information that is stored in human libraries and can be transmitted through education. Together these two memories and modes of transmission supply the necessary tools to perpetuate and ameliorate humanity. The problem is that humans rarely use these tools to the maximum. They reproduce very well; more than five billion people testify to that; but they could do better in every other respect, witness the many instances of weakness and wickedness that tarnish their image. Having said this, their existence can never be perfect. The worthiness and especially the effectiveness of their efforts will always be limited and perfectible. Such is their human condition. They can achieve great things, thank God! Yet this greatness cannot be absolute, thank God again! This imperfection hides a sublime advantage that can only be fathomed and cherished by a life lover. It ensures the maintenance of a dynamic state in pursuit of fulfillment, which is essential for the act, the dignity, and the joy of living. Conversely, the attainment of infinite health, strength, pleasure, wisdom, glory, wealth, and every other object of one's desires would amount to an infinite satisfaction that would kill these desires. This attainment is impossible because it is incompatible with life. Perfection and death go together like two inseparable lovers in a single tomb. They send a shiver down my spine. Who can look on death as the ideal of life? Perfection is fit for a stone. It may appeal to a wretchedly tired soul in dire need of a rest. Dead, however, would this soul not adopt the opposite stance after a lengthy bout of mineral tranquility? Would it not dream of having a second chance to live and love life? Many may think the human condition could be better without being perfect. What is the meaning of this betterment, which bears no relation to the one that ought to be accomplished by human means within the limits of this condition? Do many wish God would increase these means or reduce these limits? For what purpose? To make life easier? Closer to death! Can they not see the beauty of the imperfection as it is? Can they not appreciate that the peak of human fulfillment entails a steep mountain to climb and the constant risk of falling? Admittedly, it is hard not to lament one's challenging human condition while painfully struggling to rise to the challenge, especially if the difficulties are serious and numerous. Correlatively, it is hard then not to reckon that there is room for improvement in the creation. I for one have long indulged in this sort of lamenting and reckoning. With hindsight, I am now in a good position to size up my error. God was not to blame for my unhappiness at the time; my attitude was at fault. I had failed to realize that the extreme difficulties I was faced with were exceptional opportunities for spiritual development and enlightenment, just as an obstacle can keep ivy in the dark and become the instrument of its ascension to a superior place in the sun. Laurent Grenier's writing career spans over twenty years. During this time he has broadened and deepened his worldview, by dint of much reflection and study, and in the end has crafted "A Reason for Living," his best work to date. Official web site: http://laurentgrenier.com/ARFL.html
Latest News:Site: Yahoo! News Search Results for news [News] 5 O'Clock Shadow News you can't leave work without: Asamoah makes a deal News of record News of record reports for Chelan and Douglas counties Newport News police seek help on wave of thefts from cars NEWPORT NEWS A rash of summer-night car break-ins and vandalism has police asking the public for help, and warning them to lock their vehicles. Newport News hit with rash of car break-ins NEWPORT NEWS -- Police are asking for help in solving a large number of car break-ins and vandalism cases in Newport News. According to police, 134 cases were reported in the area between J. Clyde Morris Blvd. and Oyster Point Road since June 1. Most of the incidents were between J. Clyde Morris and Middle Ground Blvd. and happened during the early evening hours. Police say many thefts happened ... NEWS ALERTS: Sign up to get breaking news on your mobile phone Get breaking local news as it happens. Enter your phone number: Standard Messaging Rates or other charges apply. To Opt-out text STOP to 4INFO (44636). For more information text HELP to 4INFO (44636). Contact your carrier for more details. Powered by 4INFO. Newport News police search for suspects in string of car thefts Newport News detectives are seeking assistance from the Community, in solving a large number of cases involving damage to, and larcenies from, cars. Newport News police seek information regarding larcenies and property damage NEWPORT NEWS -- Police are investigating 134 cases of damage to cars and larcenies from cars that occurred between June 1 and July 25, according to police. News in brief Here are a selection of brief news items from this week?s paper edition, and possibly a few news briefs that didn?t make it in the paper. Newport News townhouse damaged by fire NEWPORT NEWS A townhouse in the 1000 block of Willow Green Drive was damaged by fire this morning, fire officials said. One of the residents had minor burns to his hand, a Fire Department news release says. An off-duty city firefighter/medic helped evacuate the adjoining homes. News of the Past who has deep genealogical roots to Winston County, provides news from past editions of the Winston County Journal. The Winston County Board of Supervisors posted a notice of the new "Dog Law" which was passed in the July term. Site: news - Google News Arizona News Round Up - San Francisco Chronicle (blog)
MORE RESOURCES: Site: Yahoo! News Search Results for humanities Diane Ravitch Named Fellow of The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture Dallas - The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture has named Diane Silvers Ravitch, Ph.D., as a Fellow of the Institute. Sandwich School Curriculum looks ahead: Languages, math, humanities see changes Sandwich Superintendent of Schools Mary Ellen Johnson presented the district?s current curriculum and her plans for the future at the school committee?s meeting last Wednesday July 21. Valley Couple Donate $100,000 to Cleveland Magnet Program Cleveland Humanities Magnet High School in Reseda has received a $100,000 donation from Hagai and Jill Gefen, who credit the school for instilling a passion for learning in their three sons. Florida Public Library wins Picturing America Grant Florida - The Florida Public Library has won a $2,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for its Picturing America program. New living-learning programs focus on entrepreneurship, digital cultures By: Maria Romas The University Honors Program?s fall curriculum will include two additional living-learning programs, with new focuses on entrepreneurship and computer science joining existing technology, humanities and interdisciplinary curricula.... Maryville High School teacher attends Lowell workshop A Maryville High School teacher?s quest to be a lifelong learner will directly benefit her students this year. Dr. Penny Ferguson recently attended a National Endowment for the Humanities Landmarks of American History and Culture workshop. Humanities University Going Global Efim Pivovar is president of one of Russia?s leading universities ? Russian State University for the Humanities. In a conversation with the Chief Editor of RussiaProfile.org, Andrei Zolotov, Jr., Prof. Pivovar speaks about the opportunities for foreign students at his university ? and the shortcomings of its present programs aimed at foreigners. Indiana Humanities Council gets $100K grant The Indiana Humanities Council says it will use a new grant to continue its statewide celebration of food and other programs. Former congressman on civility tour; Jim Leach wants politicians to be nice It's been bad before. Aaron Burr bad. Live music in Stanley Sunday and Wednesday Dr. Eric Furuseth of Minot State University brings his vocals back to local listeners Sunday. Eric offers a variety of songs and arias plus humorous stories from his international travels. Site: humanities - Google News Diane Ravitch Named Fellow of The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture - dBusinessNews Dallas (press release)
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