Counterfactuals

“You cannot step into the same river twice.” — Heraclitus

From time to time, I find myself asking myself the question “If I could do it all over again, what would I do differently?”

Admittedly, this can be instructive when giving advice to others[1]. But, there’s something off about the statement. It assumes that given the same set of conditions and increased information we will be able to predict the future with greater certainty. Heraclitus’s quote is not only a statement about the constancy of change, but it speaks to the complexity inherent in the world.

Understanding, that our existence is marked by change and complexity should give us a level of humility about how much control we have over the world. It should also allow us to know that we should work hard and passionately, not because of the results we seek but because the process of working hard and passionately proves to be an end in itself. That’s why I’m being more deliberate about mindfulness.

Enjoy the river while you’re in it.

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Notes
[1] Consume advice, as you would a tasteless meal, with a healthy sprinkling of salt.