An idea is conceived. In its embryonic stages, it's generally small
and simple. As it develops, it undergoes many transformations,
sometimes resembling at various points other ideas that had come and
gone before. Finally, it is born. It is usually welcomed only by the
handful of people involved in its making, and perhaps some of its
closer relatives.
It's normal for a newborn idea to undergo many turbulent, often
painful transformations as it embarks on its journey towards maturity.
Often in its younger stages, people don't want it around. They see it
as trouble, "misguided" or even arrogant. Few stop to realize that
this is the natural state of almost _anything_ that is still new to
the world.
As the idea slowly grows, it begins to find its place in the world.
It might jump around among several different niches, perhaps even
diversifying its portfolio among many at once. Sometimes an idea will
die a young death, it's rather tragic but inevitable. Just as
inevitable, many ideas continue to grow, to form their own little
niche in the world. As this begins to happen, the idea slowly
encounters fewer obstacles. Where before there was only disdain and
rolling eyes at its antics, it begins to find acceptance. Where
before it couldn't quite communicate the fundamentals of its nature so
well, it begins to find a new articulation. People begin to look at
it more seriously, to treat it with more respect. Even "dignity" in
some cases. The world begins to accept the idea as at least
tentatively "relevant", if not even vital in certain circles. Of
course, there will always be those in the world who are incapable of
getting along with any given idea. But by and large, a mature,
well-developed idea is greeted with at least tentative acceptance by
those who are themselves mature enough to be in its company without
mindless prejudice clouding their judgement. Even those who have
legitimate complaints about the idea can engage it reasonably if their
own aims aren't dishonest and filled with self-deceit as to their own
motives.
Eventually, if nothing comes along to abruptly terminate the idea's
existence or to suck all the vibrance right out of it, the idea
finally reaches the stage of "mature". It's been around long enough
to have a well-established circle of friends, family and
acquaintances. It is in its prime, engaging the world more than it
ever has before. Enthusiasm grows to an all-time high as it attacks
the world with an effervescence the likes of which its makers never
dared hope it could achieve. It is living - it is alive. It is
thriving and vital, a necessary part of the world, at least to those
who know it well.
There comes a point in its life where the idea slowly begins to wind
down. This can be triggered by a number of factors. Perhaps a
younger, sexier "upstart" idea has entered the picture and for all
practical intents and purposes, competed the older idea out of the
limelight. Or perhaps it notices people around it taking it less
seriously, or being less interested in it. The statements and ideas
it comes up with tend to be treated with less enthusiasm, people begin
to nod and smile politely at it in some cases. The idea is aging.
Some ideas age gracefully, and some ideas plummet into the depths of
decrepitude at speeds that shock them into an often permanent
enfeeblement.
Eventually, the idea will die. This doesn't mean that it will no
longer be seen as true or relevant, though this is sometimes the case.
It means simply that the idea has become an historical figure -
perhaps still respected and seen as a valuable part of history, but no
longer a vital part of the world of daily affairs.
A deceased idea is sometimes remembered with respect and admiration,
and sometimes it is reflected upon with disdain. Of course this
sometimes varies depending upon who is doing the remembrance. At
other times still, it will be completely forgotten - any contribution
it's made to the world may yet persists, but the source of the
contribution becomes forgotten and unknown to all but the ideological
"genealogists" of the world. Sometimes, its remains are forever lost,
and sometimes they are recycled into the ever-forming bodies of ever
newer ideas.
Such is the "psychle of life".
(to be refined at a later date)
--
L8r,
Uncle Dollar Bill
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