Five colours, five tones
I overheard someone utter, “How can one truly comprehend the experience of blindness without having lived a day in the shoes of the blind?”… Or something along those lines.
The words of Lao-Tzu came to mind — Perhaps it is not solely about the firsthand encounter of losing one’s sight, whether from birth or later in life. It may be more about the triumphs and resilience that a blind individual has demonstrated in the face of adversity. Our preconceived notions and fixed perceptions of the world, the definitions of color and sound, who determines these things?
It seems that every generation must grapple with three fundamental questions: “Who am I?”, “What do I believe?”, and “What do I desire?” These inquiries inevitably clash with the teachings we have received, the expectations imposed upon us, and the mold we are expected to fit into. It is crucial to scrutinize these aspects, retaining the beneficial ones while discarding those that are irrelevant or incompatible with our own experiences.
Many of us find ourselves ensnared in a perpetual cycle of generational conditioning, whether it be religious, cultural, traditional, or political. While poverty may not be a choice, our perception of the world and its possibilities is within our control. The rewards that await us can only be attained through a arduous journey of overcoming challenges.
I do not assert that these circumstances possess inherent qualities of goodness or badness; their evaluation is contingent upon the surrounding circumstances. Society frequently imposes limitations upon us, hindering our ability to reach our utmost potential and compelling us to conform due to the absence of visible alternative paths. It is not uncommon for us to find ourselves ensnared in a state of entropy.
I do not possess a strong sense of patriotism or religious inclination; such sentiments have never resonated within me. I do, however, hold my own set of beliefs, as is characteristic of the human condition — hope, for instance, is one such belief. And that is perfectly acceptable. Yet, amidst my agnostic disposition and insatiable thirst for knowledge as a skeptic, there is one belief that I hold dear — the belief in design and creativity. I acknowledge the existence of trade-offs, for they are an integral part of how the world operates. I cannot proclaim myself an evangelist for any particular cause, and I strive to avoid cynicism to the best of my ability, although it may prove convenient on occasion.
Design, as an experience, may be transient, but it possesses a sophisticated and ethereal nature.
