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Fractals of Freedom: Virtues in a Void

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Fractals of Freedom: Virtues in a Void

Daniel Henry Rodgers

"What is meant here by saying that existence precedes essence? It means first of all, man exists, turns up, appears on the scene, and, only afterwards, defines himself. If man, as the existentialist conceives him, is indefinable, it is because at first he is nothing. Only afterward will he be something, and he himself will have made what he will be." – Jean-Paul Sartre

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Absurdity, chaos, strife: The poet chooses virtuous reality. Sisyphus, a titanic wave of metamorphosis, waiting, salted nausea: The thinker roughed by sand a solitary tree in a barren desert defies absurdity by seeking meaning in the absurd. Authenticity, vision, conformity, religion: The rebel a roaring wildfire igniting change like: authenticity, vision, and non-conformity forging their own path. Project, reflect, individuality: The human river tasting the minerals of experience expresses identity and discovers themselves. Leap, Übermensch, ethics, logotherapy: The agent acts with freedom and responsibility finding purpose. Meaning, joy, void, hope: The sweet-smelling optimist a sunflower fills emptiness with hope seeking light in the darkness. Truth, illusion, reality, fiction: The rationalist discerns the real and the imagined. Contradiction, logic, emotion: The harmonist strives for balancing the rational and emotional. Freedom, authenticity, manipulation, conformity: The individualist resists pressure and influence. Awareness, paradox, courage, hope: The existentialist embraces the absurd and transcends. Leak, speak, strike, kneel: The activist challenges- The status quo and injustice. Tirelessly fights for justice! Death, suicide, violence, genocide: The mortal faces limit and horror with courage. Despair, nightmare: The lover shares and cares with love. Existence precedes essence? Or essence precedes existence? The question haunts forever. The Stoic Observes, unmoved yet aware: Virtue alone suffices whether essence or existence; In reason and nature we find our constant companion.

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Len Gasun

Date: 8/10/2024 7:34:00 AM

Wow! I love this a lot especially the last part. A wisdom-filled poem crafted not only by a poet by a philospher. I'm so happy to read from you again my dear poet frind, Sir Daniel . Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you always and your writings. Hugs

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 8/13/2024 6:31:00 AM

Dear Len, I am so appreciative of your visit and your kind words. I think that God gave me an inquisitive mind that never stops thinking about possibilities, which can be a curse or a joy. Our poetic family is made up of thinkers and creative types that bring many insights into each of us and I am thankful for your poetry and insights. - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Duke Beaufort

Date: 8/9/2024 11:16:00 AM

Daniel, I do like how you've used a mathematical concept of fractals to explore the nature of our existence and essence (or is it the other way around?). There are so many nuances to how we decide to act. It's wonderful to look at different branches and then figure out how I should integrate them all. I'm thinking sometimes we have to prune the dead or dying branches and add fertilizer to the ones we would like to see grow. Perhaps that is the point of self reflection and therapy too.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 8/13/2024 6:27:00 AM

Hello Duke, Thank you for your wonderful insights. In high school, I cared nothing about Math and barely made it through. At that time, I could not see the true meaning of how math can be applied, except for simple arithmetic. I went into the Army for several years and when I came out, I decided to give college a try. Since my major was audio engineering my first two math classes was Calc 1 and 2. My girlfriend at the time, who became my wife was a math wiz and she tutored me and I aced all math classes going forward. I agree with you that we do need to do some pruning in order to grow or be stuck forever. Always a pleasure my friend. - Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Sam Kauffman

Date: 8/9/2024 10:00:00 AM

A simply amazing poem, Daniel. This one I will read many times to savor all of the poetic texture and wisdom. Your images are fresh and so unique and carry your thoughts from one contradiction to another all resolved in the last stanza. "Virtue alone suffices." Amen. I love the title - Virtue in the Void. Would make a great contest theme. So happy I found this poem this morning. Sending you blessings, dear friend on notes of joy.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 8/9/2024 11:10:00 AM

Dear Sam, How could I not appreciate your amazing friendship and insights because they are so uplifting. One of my great joys is searching for knowledge and wisdom and therefore I never seem to stop reading and gathering data to form creative thoughts. I have not had the opportunity to set up a poetry contest, but I would be more than willing to do so jointly with you. I could probably learn a lot from you. No pressure, just a random passing thought. I just appreciate your friendship! Have a great weekend! Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Sara Kendrick

Date: 8/9/2024 7:06:00 AM

Mankind is definitely a contradictory concept in terms. Thanks for sharing this one with us. Sara K

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 8/9/2024 11:05:00 AM

Dear Sara, I am always appreciative of your visits. We have been pursuing knowledge since the beginning of time. The question is, do we know God is always there and is the ultimate source of knowledge and goodness. Have a great weekend my friend, Blessings, Daniel

I Am Anaya

Date: 8/8/2024 10:01:00 AM

Freedom is the randomness of mortal's nature. Perhaps a legacy helps to be remembered. I read fractal geometry is a powerful tool for uncovering secrets from a wide variety of systems and solving important problems. Some scientists believe true randomness does exist; no math equation will ever describe it perfectly. So far, there is no way to say who is right and who is wrong--I read. Interesting. The highest good is based on knowledge, the wise live in harmony with the divine reason. I Agree. Important study here, Daniel. Enjoyed!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 8/9/2024 11:01:00 AM

Dear Anaya, I feel honored to have you as a friend because you have some very insightful thoughts. I think we all realize that we cannot be on the same page all the time no matter our walk in life, however, we can pursue knowledge and wisdom for greater understanding. This is true, whether we agree or not. I believe I have learned more by examining the things that go against my values and beliefs. What do we say that conflict can be a teacher in of itself. Thanks for your amazing comments. - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Mike Gentile

Date: 8/8/2024 4:16:00 AM

Perfect title Daniel for such a contemplative concept! I have never been burdened by the reason or meaning of my existence, rather, I try to make the best of it, I think we all know right from wrong and good from evil. It's important to try! Very interesting piece, you are certainly a very unique writer!!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 8/9/2024 10:57:00 AM

Hello Mike, It is interesting that during my high school years I could have cared less about knowledge, wisdom and purpose, but one day I took my first philosophy class my freshman year in college and fell in love with the pursuit of knowledge, although I believe I understood my purpose and meaning in life from an early years. Part of my journey is helping others to ask questions and seek answers. - Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

David Crandall

Date: 8/7/2024 7:52:00 PM

Very interesting and thought provoking, Daniel. It seems every heavy concept is included - meaning, truth, death, freedom, along with how different folks approach the challenges inherent in these concepts.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 8/9/2024 10:54:00 AM

Hello David, I am grateful for your comments. When I start my journey of research it becomes endless, and I have to pick the top ideas that would blend into my poem. What a challenge it brings my soul. Thank You, Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Paige Hind

Date: 8/7/2024 10:37:00 AM

"In reason and nature we find our constant companion" so true, and there's a lot more thinking to do with this poem...you could be your own philosopher, maybe you already are...:)

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 8/9/2024 10:52:00 AM

Dear Paige, I always enjoy your visits and comments. I suppose we are all philosophers to some degree because we have our own values and virtues that we ascribe to. Thanks for your friendship. - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 8/6/2024 6:50:00 PM

In reason and nature we find our constant companion, and our pure essence of course dear Daniel, that can only be found by studying our own hearts and souls. You write with so much eloquence and beauty, you own a language all of your own, D, :)

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 8/7/2024 7:29:00 AM

Dear Rose, I was very grateful getting up this morning band reading your comments. They truly bless me! - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Brenda J. Joyce

Date: 8/6/2024 10:40:00 AM

Liked very much Thanks for sharing!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 8/7/2024 7:28:00 AM

Dear Joyce, thank you for your visit and kind comments. - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 8/6/2024 5:17:00 AM

Love the first verse. Great philosophical statements that can be chewed over. Hugs ~ Kim

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 8/5/2024 9:51:00 PM

you are such a deep thinker. have I dubbed you yet? the Soup philospher.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 8/6/2024 6:13:00 AM

Dear Andrea and Kim, I have always appreciated you and your kind comments. They humbly fill my soul. I believe in many ways that we poets and writers are always expressing our view of the world, whether it is beauty, family, living, humor, meaning, politics, etc... It makes each one of us a philosopher in some degree. Thank you for being my friends. - Blessings, My Dear Friends, Daniel

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 8/6/2024 5:18:00 AM

Love that, Andrea! Yes, the Soup Philospher! ~ Kim

Valsa George

Date: 8/5/2024 9:06:00 PM

Hi Daniel, I totter under the weight of your philosophy.... ! This poem is quite complex for my simple brain. I feel I am like Sisyphus lifting the boulder of your poem to the top, but the very next moment, I find myself falling to the foot of the hill. Like Sisyphus I too am not dissatisfied...With every repeated lifting, I find more meaning. I too have faith in the stoic philosophy that virtue alone matters....and the question of essence or existence doesn't matter at all. We cannot brush aside any philosophy as absurd. We can assimilate the true meaning and purpose from all philosophies and forge our own paths. Thanks for sharing these weighty philosophical broodings on life and its purpose. You are another philosopher, dear Daniel.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 8/6/2024 6:09:00 AM

Dear Valsa, I am so grateful for your comments and insights. I have always considered you to have a philosopher's heart based on your comments and some of your poems. After many years of pursuing knowledge, which is an endless quest, I considered the precepts of Stoicism and Buddhism, which are very close in the way we are to live, as great examples of living. I am a believer in God, who has given me the ultimate aspect of my life and, in many ways, tells us how to love and help others in their journey. Today I am filled with your wonderful words and I am so appreciative. - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 8/5/2024 7:01:00 PM

Sticking my neck out, I'd say that is a very thoughtful poem. Being smart, I'll stop there and just say "Good job". I haven't read a lot of phiosophy.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 8/6/2024 6:03:00 AM

Dear Hilda, I loved your comments, which brought a smile to my face. When I was in high school, I really didn't care about education or philosophy. When I got to college I had my first philosophy class and fell in love with the pursuit of knowledge. Funny because my first degrees were in music which is my creative side. - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Nette Onclaud

Date: 8/5/2024 2:59:00 PM

Very existential in substance and form with streaks of sartre tones...as these philosophers would say, I exist therefore l am...

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 8/6/2024 6:01:00 AM

Dear Nette, how nice to see your visit and your insights. Have a great week! - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Jay Narain

Date: 8/3/2024 11:50:00 AM

Great philosophical write.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 8/5/2024 7:14:00 AM

Hello, Jay, Thank you for your visit and kind words. Usually the deep philosophical poems are the least read and it is always a pleasure to see your notes. - Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Ink Empress

Date: 8/3/2024 9:11:00 AM

I long to be the stoic, but im too human to be one, although i do practice and value alot of what stoics do. And in nature i find my companion. What a deep and profound poem this is dear daniel! And a unique way to phrase lines, how you’ve highlighted different shades of us and personalities and life with excellent word pairings, i also love the alliterations. And i love the line “ a sunflower fills emptiness with hope seeking light in the darkness” seeking light in darkness, and something about them gives me hope! And i love sunflowers! Wisdom flows throughout this deeply meaningful poem that depicts so much in a philosophical manner dear daniel! This i will fave more than once! For the profound nature of your word weaving!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 8/5/2024 7:21:00 AM

Dear Empress, I always fear that when I write one of my deep philosophical poems, no one will want to read it, especially taking the time to comment. However, you are one of the deep thinkers who sees the messages in the poem. Over recent years, I have found all kinds of value, ethics, and morals in stoic philosophy. Although I am a very godly person, I believe there is a lot to be gleaned in the stoic approach to life that is compatible with my beliefs. I am grateful for your amazing friendship, and I send you hugs!! - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 8/3/2024 1:10:00 AM

We are born to grow and eventually die. In between there is Life. You explore it in a philosophical way. In the end, we reap what we sow. Great poem.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 8/5/2024 7:16:00 AM

Dear Victor, Thank You!! You and I know that between being born, living, and dying, our Lord has written all over our lives. In my devotional this morning, I was reading about the sower, which goes right along with your words that we reap what we sew. - Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Silent One

Date: 8/2/2024 11:12:00 AM

Your poem intellectually captures the complexity of human existence through a imagery and philosophical concepts. The use of iconic symbols like Sisyphus and the Übermensch, along with existentialist ideas, creates a profound exploration of life's absurdities and the search for meaning. The comparison of concepts like "freedom" and "conformity," "truth" and "illusion," adds depth and invites readers to reflect on the contradictions inherent in the human experience. The poem's structure, with its varied stanzas and succinct lines, mirrors the chaotic yet interconnected nature of these themes .

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 8/5/2024 7:23:00 AM

Dear SO, First, thank you for being the first to comment on my poem and taking the time to understand the nuances within the poem. Not everyone appreciates philosophy, which happens to be one of my passions. Have a wonderful week my friend! - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel