I have recently started learning about ancient Mesopotamian history.
The very fundamentals of philosophy were laid down in writing as part of the Mesopotamian Wisdom literature, -a series of texts that lay bare the theological and philosophical underpinnings of this pioneering civilization. This is the society that invented writing, and thus, these writings are the first example of humanity’s approach towards philosophy.
It was a society that loved to compete, and it manifested in their ability to debate. Their innovative style of philosophical debates personifies several non-living objects and makes them debate each other. For example -
Winter vs. Summer.
Sheep vs. Grains.
Hoes vs. Ploughs.
Finding out about this approach inspired me to think up such a debate between the Past and the Future.
Thus, that’s what today’s poem is about.
And what’s more, I got so inspired that I decided to express today’s poem in form of a video as well!
So without further ado, poem starts in 3… 2… 1!
Given below is the text version if you can’t watch it just yet:
Come hear ye a story that's written to last. The tale of Time's children - One Future, one Past. 'Twas up in the Heavens one day as they played They started to argue and here's what Past said: "I'm truth and reality. All that is known. If you are the fruit - I'm the seed that was sown. I'm all that has happened I'm all that is done. You know this that I am what you will become." Incensed and insulted, it was Future's turn. So here's the response that was said in return: "I'm full of potential I'm all that can be. The eye only looks at what I let it see. I'm forward progression, a world full of hope. I'm grand as a vision. While you're just a trope." As none of the parties could prove all their laurels. The Gods intervened just to stop their loud quarrels. "Oh stop it you two, take this fight not beyond. We raised you as equals, as siblings in bond. You are both essential You are both divine And for all of time you are both intertwined. So quit your debating and reverently bow to the one who creates you - THE MOMENT OF NOW."
That’s it! This was edition 79 of Hello Universe, and the 4th video poem so far!
Check out Some fun stuff below.
Some fun stuff:
This is a place where I share something cool to read, something cool to listen to, and something cool to watch! The underlined words are links that you can click to visit the recommended content.
1. Read “Your Life in Weeks” by Tim Urban: My deep dive into ancient history reminded me of this excellent visualization by Tim on Waitbutwhy. It shows how short one life is if just viewed from a different perspective. Put in the context of ancient history which is thousands of years old, a 90 year life doesn’t seem like much. Not sure how you’d see it, but I feel inspired to take action and make the most out of this one life!
2. Listen to “Oldest Stories”: This podcast is the source that got me diving deep into ancient Mesopotamian history. A well written and nicely narrated production. The research and narrative is truly of the highest quality. Check it out now!
3. Watch “Mesopotamian Gods Family Tree” by Useful Charts: A fantastic Youtube channel with a great visual vocabulary. This channel uses its “Tree” format to dive deep into various historical periods and families, and in connection today’s poem, it made sense to link to the Mesopotamian episode. Subscribe to Useful Charts today!
That’s it for this week, see you next Tuesday!
Live in the now. Loved the poem, the idea of it, and the conclusion. Well written. Really liked the video, too! Maybe it could have been a bit slower, but it was great to watch and listen to. Also liked how you played with the fonts to show the different voices. Nice one.
Nice piece! Interesting and fun!