Celestial Quest resulting state of mind may also help a person to even extract from the traditional religions the essential elements, which often are forgotten or overlooked due to all the artificialities and trivialities which have engulfed the religions of the world. Emerson put it this way: ―A life in harmony with nature, the love of truth and of virtue, will purge the eyes to understand her text. By degrees we may come to know the primitive sense o the permanent objects of nature, so that the world will be to us an open book and every form significant of its hidden life and final cause.‖ Now, I recognize and respect, that there is not necessarily just one route to an awareness of a creative, universal force (a Supreme Being if you will) and that throughout the ages human intelligence has sought out this source, with varied success. Also keep in mind that one‘s ―Frame of Reference‖ is everything, as an old professor of mine used to remind us every day in class. In the following pages I will, in using the ―Gift of Reason‖ address this journey, this Quest, as well as take a closer look at both sides of the human mentality spectrum. Along the way I will, of course, interject my take (for what it‘s worth) on certain theological/philosophical issues including what I see as one very possible hope of humanity – the beautiful, yet simplistic message (i.e. love, compassion, mercy, forgiveness) dramatically demonstrated by one humble young carpenter, Jesus of Nazareth. Whether one buys into the ―divinity‖ factor or not, the message itself is not only overwhelming for we troubled humans, but downright miraculous in his application. He certainly comforts me as I pursue this Quest with his words: ―Take my yoke, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls; for my yoke is easy, and my burden light.‖ (Matthew 11:29). With these beautiful words in mind we should always strive to help others, especially those that are hurting (in one way or another). In so doing, use whatever unique gifts you have been given by the Creator, whether they be special talent, skills, abilities or various resources, and use these in service to your fellow human being. This, at least in my estimation, is what life is all about. Sure there are, in this life, some more fortunate than others, but nonetheless we all, to varying degrees, face a myriad of obstacles along the way. It is how we deal with them, and hopefully overcome them, that are important, and in the process we must continue always to reach out and help others that are hurting. We must be doers in this life and, at least, try to make a difference. Otherwise what is the point of it all? Now, let us begin with ―The ―Impossible Dream.‖
7