Say yes 4 (will this be the last?)

17May10

I’ve been investigating ‘yes’ over the past few weeks, and I’ve found that there are some philosophical aspects to it.

First, there is the problem with dualism.

Second, yes and no seem to be somehow rooted in reality. They can be used as answers to questions that test our understanding of reality. Are there leaves on the tree? Has the sun come up yet? By comparing the idea ‘sun up’ and ‘leaves on tree’ with our sensory input, we can assess reality and communicate about it. So: not saying no, as my assignment was for the past weeks, is sometimes plain unnecessary practice. Well, no, I have to disagree with myself there. I’m writing about it, so the least it did was make me aware of something.

Third, I realised that by saying yes, I exclude some things. And by saying no, I exclude other things. So whatever I do or say, it will define the path I take in life.

Saying yes to something (and keeping your promise) will inevitably mean that you have less time to do something else. If you spend too much time saying yes to things, you may end up making promises you can’t keep and disappointing people. On the other hand, by saying no too often you may miss out on a lot life has to offer.

It all comes down to finding the middle way. Thank god for continuums. :)

I’d like to end with some quotes:

Freedom is a possibility only if you’re able to say no
~ 1517, The Whitest Boy Alive

When you say “Wait a moment,” you are bound by your own karma;

when you say “Yes I will,” you are free.

~ Shunryu Suzuki, from Crooked Cucumber by David Chadwick