The Tragedy of Commitment
Yesterday, Andrea N shared with us a short story from a collection called Daily Afflictions:
"Whoever wants something great must be able to limit himself." - Wolfgang von Goethe
Sometimes your are paralyzed with indecision. You can't bring yourself to choose any one future because to choose one is to forsake the promise of all others. Yet not choosing is making you crazy. In such a state, drastic action is necessary. You must choose - and then, one by one, murder all the futures you passed over. Like a faithful companion you've cherished all through your youth, you must lead each future back behind the shed, and even if it looks up at you with those big eyes, dreamy with possibility, you must put the cold muzzle to its head and pull the trigger. You must do it, again and again, for each future that competes for the attentions of your heart. Only then are you ready for commitment. Only then can you pursue the one thing which will, in time and after much mourning, become all things to you.
The future is full of possibilities that I must shoot in the head.
"Whoever wants something great must be able to limit himself." - Wolfgang von Goethe
Sometimes your are paralyzed with indecision. You can't bring yourself to choose any one future because to choose one is to forsake the promise of all others. Yet not choosing is making you crazy. In such a state, drastic action is necessary. You must choose - and then, one by one, murder all the futures you passed over. Like a faithful companion you've cherished all through your youth, you must lead each future back behind the shed, and even if it looks up at you with those big eyes, dreamy with possibility, you must put the cold muzzle to its head and pull the trigger. You must do it, again and again, for each future that competes for the attentions of your heart. Only then are you ready for commitment. Only then can you pursue the one thing which will, in time and after much mourning, become all things to you.
The future is full of possibilities that I must shoot in the head.
posted by Rex at 12:31 PM
1 Comments:
Dear Rex,
Stop murdering your dreams. The future is full of possibility and the glorious excitement of the unknown. That is the future. Who knows what will happen? You may be able to live multiple futures, each time committing fully to the one in which you happen to be currently living. I mean, I plan on having multiple "futures", and in each one committing myself fully. That is the beauty of being an educated individual in this world: the opportunities are nearly endless. You will have a doctorate degree, and that will open more than one door for you. Read more on my own blog - I'm actually going to update, just for you, Rex.
Love,
Anonymous
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