by Vicki Helgeland

Created on: January 22, 2007   Last Updated: July 21, 2010

It is human nature to ponder. It is what separates us from lower life forms. We have the ability to reason, whereas other creatures just live on an instinctual basis. For most, the search for knowledge and truth is what makes our lives meaningful. It is not enough for human-kind to just exist. We need a reason for our existence. This need is as basic as the air we breathe and the water we drink.

Just think, if we lived our lives with the sole intent of existing another day. If our only goal was to procreate and pass on our seed. If we lived in this manner then nothing more would be accomplished. Technology would cease. There would be no advances in medicine. People would not be living longer. Our quality of life would not be any better.

Of course there are some who do not question. They live their lives by the seat of their pants, just taking life as it comes. These people for the most part are usually adrenaline junkies or depressed, or both. Without some type of order, there is bound to be chaos. The absence of questioning, shows a lack of interest. A lack of interest is the foremost sign of depression.

As we grow older, and more tired, our sense of wonder becomes suppressed. It is a sad but true fact. The number one question of a young child is 'Why?' For all parents at some point get bo mbarded with it, to the point where an answer is not forthcoming. It is usually at this point in which we say "because I told you so."
Maybe it is time we start thinking like children once again. Stop taking things at face value, but look for the deeper meaning.

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