[ARC5] All Good Things... (was "Interest...")

[Arden Allen]

Thank you, Dave.  That is a very nice philosophical stew fit for a 
Thanksgiving banquet.  Enjoy the food and the conversation together, y'all.

Arden
...........

"I don't know.  The young people just don't care
about this anymore.  They have new things that
interest them."

"Yes, but surely some of them see and appreciate the
fine craftsmanship, the elegant beauty and function.
We need to think of interesting projects; a way to
get them involved.  We're getting old and unless we
can spark a passion like ours in the young, the craft
will pass away with us!"

"Yes; that may be an answer.  There will always be
at least a few who will appreciate and cherish these
works of skill and art.  We must find them and
"pass the torch" of our passion and knowledge
before it goes out forever...."

This conversation took place in China.
5000 years ago.
They were talking about the dying skill and art
of crafting excellent and beautiful chariots.
Conversations like it have been repeated for millenia.

Today, those with the skill and the passion
to produce fine chariots can be counted on the fingers
of one hand.  They still exist, and they matter,
but the passion and skill will inevitably pass
from the living world.

It is the nature of the Universe and of Man himself
that "all good things must come to an end."
We can and should make efforts to preserve our craft
as long as possible, but we must also accept that its time
has come and gone.   Few will "carry the flame" for us.
Find those few- they are what matter.
Ignore the masses, for they do not.

Perhaps it's best to adapt the ancient Greek philosophy
(was it the Stoics?) :  "The universe was born when I
was born and will cease to exist when I die."
Cherish and enjoy your passion and craft while your
time remains, but do not expect it to survive forever;
Nothing physical can.

There is this:  Unlike "those who have no hope-"
for a person of Faith, nothing is ever lost.
Everything is remembered and preserved.
Faith is the only hope of conquering Entropy.
The Almighty has proven Himself to me.
I will trust Him.

GL OM ES 73 DE Dave AB5S
...............