To Leave Or Not To Leave (An Impact), Is That The Question?

To Leave Or Not To Leave (An Impact), Is That The Question?

I have been having a most fascinating extended conversation with a few of my "Deep Thinking," philosophically oriented friends about the whole "ethical / moral / spiritual" ramifications of leaving any sort of noticeable, detectable impact on the world, once we are officially done doing our time and have finished passing through this particular physical manifestation amidst our Pilgrim's Progress?

One side says that we are to be as thoughtful, considerate, conscientious, careful and graceful as humanly possible to ensure that, just like when you go camping or hiking in nature, you end the experience by meticulously "policing" the area to ensure that you left behind absolutely no evidence that you were ever there.

Now I'm an ex Cub Scout - Boy Scout and was raised by my parents to be a very devout nature enthusiast and protector of the realm, so I quite instinctively totally understand and agree with this theory, at least as far as it applies to our effects on nature when sojourning out into the pure and pristine beauty of the woods and wilderness.

The other side seems to say something well along the lines of: "Every individual that comes to planet earth should do everything in their power to make sure that they leave something behind for their posterity." We owe it to this wondrous opportunity to even exist in this time and place to gift the world with something of positive value for the future inhabitants when we leave,, be that information, literature, art, music, stories, film, buildings, statues, whatever."

I think that's a very powerful and positive point of view. I am ever so grateful for those who went before me and left behind a trail of insightful books, inspirational poetry, engaging art, reflective and stimulating music, and lots and lots of time tested, valuable information on how to do everything from build a boat and grow tomatoes, to how to write the perfect press release or compelling website copy.

Is it the natural, inherent, "bridge-building" peace-maker in me that sees that these two concepts are not really at odds with one another at all, but in fact work in a perfect symbiotic cooperative manner with one another?

My view on this is that one can simply apply both strategies to one's life and not only be very happy, satisfied, popular and well liked, but at the very same time, avoid a bunch of additional bad karma / sin / negative energy or whatever you call it in your personal cosmological world view or spiritual path, predilection or predisposition.

I say, always consistently strive to make as powerfully positive an impact and impression on the rest of the world as possible, while being equally conscientious to avoid leaving even the slightest / lightest parcel of negativity or damage behind for others to have to carefully maneuver around and effectively side-track without stepping in it.

That seems to be the path that works best for me, what are your thoughts and insights on the subject?

Larry ;-)

"On Words And Up Words"

Larry L. Nichols
www.WordandWebWiz.com
www.OnWordsAndUpwords.blogspot.com
www.LarryLNichols.wordpress.com
www.Biz-e-Life.com

Words are my paints - Minds are my canvases.