In a Perfect World

I was recently talking with a friend about an idea I have been mulling, concerning the clash of acceptance and our own values. One comment in a reply that stood out for me was, "in a perfect world..."

But what if it already is? Surely the only thing that separates us from the perfect world is our knowledge, thinking and vision?

The doubt that is central to struggling with this being a perfect world is, quite frankly, not natural. At least it is not natural from the world's perspective. Think about it. Nature doesn't doubt for one instant that things are perfect, exactly as they should be. Nature knows, and the physical world does. If the world sees itself as perfect, why can't we?

One idea I have is that we are simply caught in our own individual take on things. Like the child stranded amidst parents that rage, the teen that confuses emotion with knowledge, and the adult that is puppeteered by hidden wounds and values, our doubt is matched only by our individuality.

I was intrigued by the August issue of "Sky & Telescope" cover story. It turns out the sun, the physical light of our lives, is not acting quite as anticipated. Scientists are now discussing the idea that the sun may be approaching what is called a "sunspot minimum," something that happens every few centuries at most. Sunspots result in the sun producing more heat. Fewer sunspots would mean reduced radiation and, more importantly, a sunspot minimum "could partially offset global warming."

What if the physical universe is exactly as it should be? Without any direct interference from us the natural order of things can see fit to reduce heat from the sun at a time when it is most needed; in a time when concern for the environment is beginning to truly surge for the first time in our knowledge. What other unanticipated factors are there? Or better yet, so what?

I hear the statement "in a perfect world..." and I am here. Should such a utopian view arrest you? Does an optimistic passage from a far off writer deserve such faith? I hope not. Any choice you come to make will only mean anything real if it is backed by knowledge, by a reasoning of your vision. And so if you cannot accept this far off view of utopia, I ask only that you keep eyes and mind open for signs and clues.