Prelude to a Season's Perfection

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Cogito Ergo Sum.

The timeless maxim is indeed, timeless. It has always been about thinking and rationality---the core of human existence being attributed to a person's ability to rationalize. The "value" of perceiving what is right and wrong, of realizing what is and what is not, of distinguishing what is possible and what is futile---is an "absolute value" which everyone who hopes to be considered as "existent" must possess.

Given the chance, Descartes may have even added a particular qualification to that quote if he saw what kind of mess society has turned into. I think "correctly," therefore I exist. What constitutes "good" and "correct" thinking is still debatable, but for the sake of argument, it will be considered that "good" and "correct" refers to the common, usual, natural and greater good. And the ability to make decisions based on these things is a necessary, sometimes even an essential part of choosing and decision-making. The assumptions are reasonable and logical.

But on the contrary, if one is to look into it more deeply, one may find out that rationality can often be a hindrance. Absolute subscription to rationality confines one to the bounds of rationality, and zeroes out any chance for transcendence. For how can one take a seemingly illogical, irrational, even "mad" step if rationality is considered of highest value? Most, if not all of the steps leading to higher states and places require leaps of faith and seemingly absurd and irrational choices.

But again, there is no issue if one is contented with the status quo.

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