I spent much of February "getting comfortable with my word", asking why about why. I ask myself why many times each day, sometimes about small things like why Fels-Naptha soap is called that (because it originally contained naptha which is another word for the carcinogen benzene, no longer in the soap) and sometimes about bigger things. These bigger things include what I want my remaining years to look like and what I have to do to make that happen, and wondering why other people significant in my life might be acting in certain ways and the best way for me to respond in turn.
The thing that has guided me most this month has been a quote from Albert Einstein: "The important thing is not to stop questioning; curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when contemplating the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of the mystery every day. The important thing is not to stop questioning; never lose a holy curiosity."
--from statement to William Miller, as quoted in LIFE magazine (2 May 1955).
So I'm going to keep trying to comprehend a little of the mystery each day, and I hope you are, too.
That Einstein quote resonates so much with me. I think this captures a big part of why I think of myself as a lifelong student -- I never want to lose my sense of curiosity. I'm also really happy that I live in an age where it's so easy to learn more about the things that make me wonder. Thank goodness for Google!
ReplyDeleteI'm agreeing with Sarah - love the quote and keeping curiosity alive (and asking WHY) is a big part of my life.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful quote, Bonny. (I love Einstein quotes, but I've never read that one before.) There are so many "mantras for life" buried in it. My particular favorite is "never lose a holy curiosity." I'm going to be thinking about that one all day . . . It sounds like "why" is a perfect word for you this year. XO
ReplyDeleteI am echoing how much I loved that quote. It is new to me as well! (and of course, I have written it down!!) I love the idea of holy curiosity... YES! I love the questioners (although there were days when I did not one to hear one more "why" from my kids, LOL)
ReplyDeleteI often feel like I'm the least curious person ever but then I wonder if it's because I work in a place where all the answers are readily available. I need to think more about why I don't ask WHY more often.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading Marilynne Robinson's What Are We Doing Here? this month and I'm fascinated by the larger-than-expected overlap in their Venn Diagrams ... which might be due in large part to BOTH their curious natures. You're in fantastic company!
ReplyDeleteComprehending a little mystery each day sounds like a wonderful practice. I also love the idea of "holy curiosity." I am thinking a lot about aging these days too. You are inspiring me to include curiosity.
ReplyDeleteWHY is a perfect word for you. I feel as if you have always been a questioner and now it's become more apparent. I look forward to the answers you bring to us each week!
ReplyDeleteJust look at you embracing your word :-) I read the March opening pages in my devotion last night - the theme this month is "embrace mystery". Maybe my Season and your Why will have a few things in common!
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