So I'm positive I'm not unique in ever considering this thought, but I feel as though it can hopefully inspire a healthy, philosophical discussion, as it is probably a thought that has crossed your mind at least once, or if not, it is an interesting observation of life.
When we speak of "the butterfly effect" we are usually speaking on going to the past, changing an random event, and upon return to the present, it is completely different from before you traveled back in time. Instead, think of this in reverse.
The present is the sum of every little thing, every experience had, every movement you've made, every reaction you've had in your life.
As if life were an equation, a function of time, and after adding everything up, you get to the point in the present that you meet someone. The most amazing part is, and the reason why I'm highlighting "meeting" someone specifically, is that means that their completely different equation of life, has led them to the same point. Two completely different lives, equating to the same outcome for a short time. And then after this, like a virus, that new person becomes a part of your equation, thus leading you to meet another person, and so on and so forth.
[b]So, in short, when you meet someone for the first time, not only has you're entire life has lead to this point, but so has theirs. [/b]
How do you feel about this phenomenon? Does this support the deterministic philosophy, or the chaos philosophy?
[spoiler]Also, I'm thinking about doing a continuous series of these threads, "random thoughts from the cellar." Let me know if you think they're stupid and I should get a better k/d, or if I should keep doing them. [/spoiler]
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Edited by Lance: 10/2/2015 4:32:04 AMI see what you're saying. At the same time it's cool to consider that by deciding never to have kids you'll be breaking a bloodline that goes all the way back to the beginning of time or life or whatever. And [i]then[/i] you realize that each and every person you pass on the street, in traffic, see as an extra on TV, is living out a life equally as complex and stressful as yours, developing an entire narrative that runs chronologically and geographically adjacent to yours but don't relate in any immediate fashion. There's a word for that: Sonder, I think.