It’s arbitrary, really. And by that, I mean time. More accurately, measures of time are arbitrary, and are only made meaningful by our desire as a society to adhere to the same clock.
Without the measures we’ve settled upon, time would continue to flow, and we would continue to be.
We’d just have a much more difficult time figuring out when to meet for lunch.
Really, the measures of time that we employ–that no one argues–are a pillar of society, enabling us to function independently and still in concert with other groups. It’s remarkable, really. Is there anything else that everyone has so readily accepted?
I can’t think of anything.
I’m fascinated by the new year, not for its significance or meaning–in truth, it’s just another day–but for its universal recognition. As it approaches, we all gather together in celebration, counting down the minutes and seconds, waiting for the moment when one year ends and another begins. We do it regardless of race, religion, or politics. We do it, and it’s one of the few things that we all agree upon.
I like that. It reminds me that for all of our differences, there’s at least one thing that brings us together. It gives me great hope for our future.
I wish you and your loved ones a happy and successful 2008.
