WDYDWYD?

With JoMo's creation of the "WDYDWYD?" Facebook group, I've had this question on my mind quite often recently (the question, for those unfamiliar, is "why do you do what you do?"). Obviously my posting on the group was meant to be humorous and not too serious. I mean, am I going to Hell? That's up for debate. I'd say no, on the basis that I don't believe in Heaven/Hell, and if they don't exist then I can't go to either of them. On the other hand, if they do exist, regardless of my atheism, I think I'm a pretty decent person and might deserve a seat in the nicer of the two supposed realms.

Moving on, I believe that everyone does things to pursue their own personal ambitions. These ambitions can be small or large, simple or complex, short- or long-term; from not wanting to be late to work to wanting to be happily married someday. One of my beliefs regarding mankind is that everyone does everything in order to benefit themselves in one way or another. Obviously some actions benefit others as well, and perhaps more than they benefit ourselves, but no one does anything that won't benefit themselves.

The argument that could be made is that people who put their lives in danger to save someone else aren't benefiting from that action. I could take the cynical approach and say that the person doing the saving is benefiting with an ego-boosting good reputation and potential short-term positive notoriety. A more acceptable explanation, however, might be that if that person makes no attempt to save the other person's life, then he/she would have to live with the notion of that neglect on his/her conscience. Thus, the resulting benefit of saving the person's life is not having that person's death on your conscience.

Understand, still, that I believe that there can be genuinely good people, and that there are many good people. Just because an action benefits you does not mean you are necessarily a selfish or bad person.

I'm not expecting most people to agree with this cynical philosophy which I've adopted, and I'm not going to say that it's absolutely right, but it's what I believe, so at least consider it and maybe see that it is quite often true. Arguments and attempts to disprove this belief are always welcome.

Building off of that philosophy, though, I also believe that, while not all ambitions are related, most short-term ambitions are shaped by long-term ambitions. In other words, my ambition to make a lot of money helps to shape my ambition to not be late for work. This ambition (to make a lot of money) is more important than others which might shape my short-term ambitions, such as my desire to stay at home and do something more fun than working.

It's this ambition to be successful and rich which ultimately makes me do what I do. I don't go to work or study for exams because it's fun. I'd suppose then, that all of our actions are determined by all of our ambitions, and the importance of each respective ambition.

Agree or disagree, it matters not to me, but hopefully you'll at least take a closer look at the reasons behind your actions. While I believe that everyone does everything to benefit themselves, I don't necessarily think that it's a good thing. Try to do more things that benefit others as well. It's Christmastime, it's a time for giving. At any point of the year, though, try to give to others and help others. Try doing something with someone else in mind, and you'll be surprised at how much it benefits you.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Roots of Life: Lively, Mysterious, and Reliable

I'm going to preface this with some dangerous words: I don't necessarily expect you to take anything from this entry. I hope that putting that sentence at the beginning of this entry won't cause you to stop reading, though. Usually when I write, I want someone to be inspired or changed or moved by what they read. I typically want you to view things in a different light or perhaps appreciate the simplicity of life a bit more. This entry is different, though, I tried something different. Just my thoughts. I'd characterize it almost as an organized stream of consciousness, if there is such a thing. There's not much to agree or disagree with, just read and hopefully enjoy my pondering on the vastly-present and rarely-considered trees. As per usual, comments and responses are always encouraged!

Ever see a tree? Of course you have; but have you ever truly thought about a tree? Many would say yes, and perhaps some have. Most of us think about trees in general, and believe that they must be saved from extensive logging practices. Some of those people might even be labeled as "tree-huggers." If you think this is going to turn in to another liberal rant promoting a cause I believe in (see Four Years), you're wrong.

On Saturday afternoon, I went with my family to cut down a Christmas tree. As we drove home, the tree atop our car, I thought of how similar a practice it is to hunting for game. I killed a living organism that day, threw it on top of a car, and drove it back to my house solely for a type of ornamental display.

It's only a tree, it's not an innocent animal, it's different. That was my next thought, which most of you probably share. Then I got started thinking about trees, and how magnificent they really are. Most of us take trees for granted. They've always been there, and always will be (for the duration of our lives, at least).

Trees are some of the largest, oldest, most abundant, and most important organisms on earth. There are trees older than the great Egyptian pyramids, and there are trees many times more massive than the largest animals found on earth. Trees provide not only the oxygen which is essential to life on earth, but also shelter and protection for millions of animals, including humans. Trees are some of the most useful living things on this great earth of ours.

Trees do so many great things, and so few evil things. One would then probably argue that they can't be evil, because they don't have souls, brains, or personalities.

I'm not going to try to suggest that a tree has a brain, that's preposterous, but just stay with me here for a little bit. If that's the case, that a tree has no personality or soul, then how are they so diverse? From giant Sequoias to tiny pines to resilient palms. They last through the harshest winters and the most dreadful summers. All are different, from the patterns of their bark, to their leaves, to their lively fruits. Some change as they grow, from vibrantly bright greens to flushing reds and yellows. Some trees seemingly shed as winter approaches, the only organisms to lose their coats for winter.

Trees are mysterious. Think of how such a minuscule seed can grow in to such a gigantic tree, towering over the earth and its creatures. Then think of that sprawling tree that you see - that's only half of the organism. Trees are territorial and dig themselves deep into the soil, planting their foot down hard, vowing not to move. Trees whistle, flow, and rustle in the wind, providing many of the mysterious sounds of the forest.

Trees are reliable. Various animals make their homes in a tree; the tree does not reject the animal, but instead provides great protection. Trees can be counted upon to mark the different seasons of the year. In a photograph you can infer the time of year based on the density and color of the leaves.

Trees are all-seeing. Think of all that goes on in a jungle, forest, or even in a small wooded patch. From the notorious parties held by teenagers, deep in the woods on the outskirts of town, hidden from parents or police. Bodies dumped by murderers, hiding the evidence from the prowling investigators. Rare animals lurking through the jungles, never seen by man. Trees see it all, and keep it all to themselves.