Miscellaneous stories
Viewing comments for Chapter 29 "Nothing More"Fiction and non-fiction prose
15 total reviews
Comment from I am Cat
So well done! Excellent! We appear to have the same thought processes... (scary, eh?) LOL
I loved your essay. I'd expect no less than beautifully and concisely written, and wow, with my own views... it's like a mirror. ;)
I think i love you. LOLOL
well, in a weird stalkerish way, of course. ;) (oh, I better go back and erase your name now... so you won't know I know who you are) ;)
there, now I"m just another girl stalking another ..... person.
carry on...
some thoughts:
This just beggars belief. (another cultural thing?)
and this again? ;)
Whilst the other side of the coin .... (oh no! not that again?) lol
All I will say is that I have not come across any compelling evidence that reincarnation actually happens. (what about deja vu?) ;)
Along with all other living beings, I am inseparably joined to this universe, and my future is eternally to be part of it. (perfect!)
WEll done! good luck in the contest!
Cat
reply by the author on 17-Dec-2015
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So well done! Excellent! We appear to have the same thought processes... (scary, eh?) LOL
I loved your essay. I'd expect no less than beautifully and concisely written, and wow, with my own views... it's like a mirror. ;)
I think i love you. LOLOL
well, in a weird stalkerish way, of course. ;) (oh, I better go back and erase your name now... so you won't know I know who you are) ;)
there, now I"m just another girl stalking another ..... person.
carry on...
some thoughts:
This just beggars belief. (another cultural thing?)
and this again? ;)
Whilst the other side of the coin .... (oh no! not that again?) lol
All I will say is that I have not come across any compelling evidence that reincarnation actually happens. (what about deja vu?) ;)
Along with all other living beings, I am inseparably joined to this universe, and my future is eternally to be part of it. (perfect!)
WEll done! good luck in the contest!
Cat
Comment Written 17-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 17-Dec-2015
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Thank you, Cat, for the lovely review. A stalker? OMG call the Police! (No, not the cops, the band - preferably playing "Every Breath You Take" )
Due to popular demand, I have put an English translation of "beggars belief" in the footnotes. However, *whilst* I am willing to do that, I'm unwilling to make any other suggestions that might be hinted at ;-)
As far as deja vu goes, I'm sure I've heard that argument before.
Thanks for the good wishes. and fun remarks, much appreciated!
Comment from Liberty Justice
WOW!! "Most people are never going to die, because they are never going to be reborn. Now, this is some heavy stuff evidenced by references. Writer states that we, people, who are living are blessed to be alive to die, because thousands of people through dna testing were never even ever born. liberty justice
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2015
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WOW!! "Most people are never going to die, because they are never going to be reborn. Now, this is some heavy stuff evidenced by references. Writer states that we, people, who are living are blessed to be alive to die, because thousands of people through dna testing were never even ever born. liberty justice
Comment Written 15-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2015
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Yep, the odds of any individual actually existing are almost infinitesimally small (Tim Minchin). What better reason could there be not to waste the one chance we are given? Thanks for reviewing my essay :)
Comment from Adri7enne
Fascinating stuff. I understand the concept you set out for your readers. There is nothing here which demands a suspension of reality. It is a fact that we are all part of the eternal stuff that makes up the universe. We are part of the whole, always have been, and always will be. Furthermore, I believe that the soul, which is part of cosmic consciousness, returns to the ocean of thought. That part of us which was never created, continues on as part of the cosmic "I Am" which is the All of the Universe.
I thoroughly enjoyed your clear, well developed concepts. Very well written. Good luck in the contest, author.
reply by the author on 14-Dec-2015
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Fascinating stuff. I understand the concept you set out for your readers. There is nothing here which demands a suspension of reality. It is a fact that we are all part of the eternal stuff that makes up the universe. We are part of the whole, always have been, and always will be. Furthermore, I believe that the soul, which is part of cosmic consciousness, returns to the ocean of thought. That part of us which was never created, continues on as part of the cosmic "I Am" which is the All of the Universe.
I thoroughly enjoyed your clear, well developed concepts. Very well written. Good luck in the contest, author.
Comment Written 14-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 14-Dec-2015
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A very interesting idea you've expressed. I think there's a fair bit of common ground :)
Thank you for the lovely comments, and the very generous rating. Thanks for the good wishes too, much appreciated!
Comment from cupa tea
That's a good report, and I can't argue with your points. I wasn't aware there was anyone offering money for proof of dead people...I have to ask this question...what about the mediums who work with cops to find dead bodies and solve crimes? Has it been proven that they are fakes too?
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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That's a good report, and I can't argue with your points. I wasn't aware there was anyone offering money for proof of dead people...I have to ask this question...what about the mediums who work with cops to find dead bodies and solve crimes? Has it been proven that they are fakes too?
Comment Written 13-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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I suspect reports of both the use of "mediums" in solving cases and their "successes" are greatly exaggerated. It does make for fascinating TV. That's an excellent question you have raised, it certainly would be worthy of further investigation. However, the bottom line is, in cases where extreme claims are being made, the onus of proof is on the one making the claim. A better question might be "has a single one been proven to be undeniably the result of receiving information from a dead person?" Thanks for reviewing :)
Comment from Lovinia
Hello Mystery Writer
A well constructed essay with the beliefs of many and defining your own belief system through the portals of distinction you've mentioned here. My left brain is very much a believer in the very same you've described here ... more scientific fact than believing in what cannot be proven. We have a life, do our best, or our worst, and return to the Universe in particles that re-establish in a myriad ways. I love the thought of being a tiny part of the wondrous waterways, flora or fauna of our planet... even a humble rock. :))
Your introduction is clear and well written. The body of your essay portrays your own opinions in regards to each of the belief systems that exist in the mainstream. You explore the scenarios well and provide opportunity for discussion... yet your statements of your own beliefs is strong.
"Along with all other living beings, I am inseparably joined to this universe, and my future is eternally to be part of it." ... a quote worthy in its own right. Beautifully expressed. Well considered.
Interesting quotes which could lead to long and continued discussions on evolution through to the aftermath of creation. You do make me wonder how different the world might be if all the above-mentioned beliefs were disregarded and replaced by the knowledge that this is it, our one chance to shine as who we were born. The rest is a sharing of remaining life particles to connect to the future. Almost a complete swallowing of EGO-self. You raise so many fascinating issues. Well done. I wish you the best of luck in the contest. Warm Regards - Lovinia xoxo
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2015
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Hello Mystery Writer
A well constructed essay with the beliefs of many and defining your own belief system through the portals of distinction you've mentioned here. My left brain is very much a believer in the very same you've described here ... more scientific fact than believing in what cannot be proven. We have a life, do our best, or our worst, and return to the Universe in particles that re-establish in a myriad ways. I love the thought of being a tiny part of the wondrous waterways, flora or fauna of our planet... even a humble rock. :))
Your introduction is clear and well written. The body of your essay portrays your own opinions in regards to each of the belief systems that exist in the mainstream. You explore the scenarios well and provide opportunity for discussion... yet your statements of your own beliefs is strong.
"Along with all other living beings, I am inseparably joined to this universe, and my future is eternally to be part of it." ... a quote worthy in its own right. Beautifully expressed. Well considered.
Interesting quotes which could lead to long and continued discussions on evolution through to the aftermath of creation. You do make me wonder how different the world might be if all the above-mentioned beliefs were disregarded and replaced by the knowledge that this is it, our one chance to shine as who we were born. The rest is a sharing of remaining life particles to connect to the future. Almost a complete swallowing of EGO-self. You raise so many fascinating issues. Well done. I wish you the best of luck in the contest. Warm Regards - Lovinia xoxo
Comment Written 07-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2015
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Hi Lovinia,
Firstly, thank you for the wonderful rating, and the complimentary remarks. I am very grateful that you have obviously taken the time to read the essay carefully and dissect it into its component parts. Your work in reviewing this goes far beyond the normal level of effort, and I'm very grateful. I too have wondered many times how different life would be if everyone believed that this one life was our only shot at "it". John Lennon's words come to mind "Imagine all the people living for today".
Many thanks for the lovely review.
Comment from Tomes Johnston
This is an interesting and thought-provoking post that the author has created with this piece of writing. There have been many takes on immortality. I think we can all gain immortality if we leave a legacy behind us. This could be through writing, but if we have children at least our genes will carry on. Well done.
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2015
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This is an interesting and thought-provoking post that the author has created with this piece of writing. There have been many takes on immortality. I think we can all gain immortality if we leave a legacy behind us. This could be through writing, but if we have children at least our genes will carry on. Well done.
Comment Written 05-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2015
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Hi Tomes. I considered the legacy angle as well, and how through art, science or education we can leave our mark on future generations. Also, just in the way we interact with our own families and friends. I didn't want the size getting out of control, so I just stuck with this particular angle this time, but your point is well made. Thanks for the positive review.
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My pleasure.
Comment from --Turtle.
Hi, there
I read through this commentary essay on immortality. I thought you did an excellent job of laying out some of the general views on achieving immortality, and then presenting an alternative, grand-scale default immortality: Everything that exists... has existed and will exist, (if not just spread a little thin).
the idea of cheating death altogether[,]? and living forever.
(wondered if this comma was needed)
In addition, those who claim to be able to communicate with the spirits of deceased people[,](--) often to bring "messages" to loved ones(--) have been proved repeatedly, without fail, to be frauds.
(suggesting a stronger way to highlight this interrupt: 'often to bring "messages" to loved ones' with all the other commas.)
large cash prize to anyone who can verifiably demonstrate they have (had?) any communication with the dead.
(--Not sure)
have outdone my parents[,] and exceeded my expectations.
(I notice this throughout the work... commas separating peanut-butter and jelly. This and that... making it read: peanut butter, and jelly. I think you could kill a few commas through, but I only stopped on any sentences that actually stopped me.)
Imagine if we inherited traits from our past lives[,] and could actually (Only suggesting)
every fire hydrant would raise some eyebrows,
(Hmmm, many men do pee on the sides of buildings and trees... tires... I thought to myself...)
If I were to fantasize about any interesting reason that things are like they are, it would be that people get to sign up for life... like it's an amusement ride, or some sort of ride. Bored immortal creatures trying to kill some time, ... be a cow, be a crazy dictator if you can, be a religious icon... 'course, It'd only be fun if you don't know.
Who would want to be addicted to crack... or worse? Wishful thinking that there'd be a reason beyond chance and circumstance, but why not for the same reason people seem to want to watch movies about gangsters and drugs.
But I digress my silly thought-play, this was a solid essay, and easy to read and follow. I came away with thinking scientific immortality...
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2015
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Hi, there
I read through this commentary essay on immortality. I thought you did an excellent job of laying out some of the general views on achieving immortality, and then presenting an alternative, grand-scale default immortality: Everything that exists... has existed and will exist, (if not just spread a little thin).
the idea of cheating death altogether[,]? and living forever.
(wondered if this comma was needed)
In addition, those who claim to be able to communicate with the spirits of deceased people[,](--) often to bring "messages" to loved ones(--) have been proved repeatedly, without fail, to be frauds.
(suggesting a stronger way to highlight this interrupt: 'often to bring "messages" to loved ones' with all the other commas.)
large cash prize to anyone who can verifiably demonstrate they have (had?) any communication with the dead.
(--Not sure)
have outdone my parents[,] and exceeded my expectations.
(I notice this throughout the work... commas separating peanut-butter and jelly. This and that... making it read: peanut butter, and jelly. I think you could kill a few commas through, but I only stopped on any sentences that actually stopped me.)
Imagine if we inherited traits from our past lives[,] and could actually (Only suggesting)
every fire hydrant would raise some eyebrows,
(Hmmm, many men do pee on the sides of buildings and trees... tires... I thought to myself...)
If I were to fantasize about any interesting reason that things are like they are, it would be that people get to sign up for life... like it's an amusement ride, or some sort of ride. Bored immortal creatures trying to kill some time, ... be a cow, be a crazy dictator if you can, be a religious icon... 'course, It'd only be fun if you don't know.
Who would want to be addicted to crack... or worse? Wishful thinking that there'd be a reason beyond chance and circumstance, but why not for the same reason people seem to want to watch movies about gangsters and drugs.
But I digress my silly thought-play, this was a solid essay, and easy to read and follow. I came away with thinking scientific immortality...
Comment Written 04-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2015
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I'm not sure about the comma thing. There are two things I really like on bread: peanut butter, and jelly. Or... There are two things I really like on bread: peanut butter and jelly (so what's the other one)? I think I use the comma because when I read the sentence aloud, I pause there. (like that!) Whether that is incorrect or not, I'm not sure. There's also the possibility that I put the pause in because I make my sentences too long. I have a terrible habit of doing that.
I do appreciate you pointing it out though, I'll review it and see if I can get rid of some.
Thanks for the thorough review, it's very much appreciated!
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I always find this a nice source on commas
I recommend checking out the end of the section ... titled: Comma abuse. : )
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Hi turtle - did you miss copying the reference in there? I don't know where to look! Also, I have already removed a couple of the excess ones you pointed out and changed a couple of others to em-dashes as you suggested. I'll re-read it again later to see if I can bear to part with any more ;-) Thanks again!
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Oh Geez... I did miss pasting the link!
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/02/
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What a great reference - thank you!
Comment from ~Dovey
Hi!
I wish I had a brilliant and lofty response to your eloquently worded essay, but I don't. Perhaps your question of reincarnation being plausible lies in Newton's 3rd Law of Motion, which as you know, is summed up as:
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
As you say that matter has always existed, "We know that matter cannot be created or destroyed. Therefore, every sub-atomic particle in my body has always existed, as far back as time has existed. The stuff of which I am made was there at the big bang." (Where were we before the big bang, I wonder? Or, was this merely the inception of all things? If so, what wheels set that in motion?)
Anyways, my point would be that perhaps the action of death creates the reaction of birth. It is fodder for thought, at least. When considering that you are talking about equal amounts of matter regardless, it has to go somewhere, does it not?
Now for technical aspect: This one sentence might need a bit of elaboration, it just reads a bit off to me. (This just beggars belief.) It seems incomplete to my ears.
Lastly, "I am a star." Who of us hasn't waited our whole lives to say that? :)
I am sure there are numerous beliefs and opinions on this subject. I hope you find at least a bit of value in this review, as in the grand scheme of things, it is all subjective anyways. From a technical (writing) aspect, I find it to be concise and well thought out, sentence structure is complete, and I found no grammatical errors, except as noted above in the one sentence.
Good luck in the contest.
Kim
reply by the author on 03-Dec-2015
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Hi!
I wish I had a brilliant and lofty response to your eloquently worded essay, but I don't. Perhaps your question of reincarnation being plausible lies in Newton's 3rd Law of Motion, which as you know, is summed up as:
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
As you say that matter has always existed, "We know that matter cannot be created or destroyed. Therefore, every sub-atomic particle in my body has always existed, as far back as time has existed. The stuff of which I am made was there at the big bang." (Where were we before the big bang, I wonder? Or, was this merely the inception of all things? If so, what wheels set that in motion?)
Anyways, my point would be that perhaps the action of death creates the reaction of birth. It is fodder for thought, at least. When considering that you are talking about equal amounts of matter regardless, it has to go somewhere, does it not?
Now for technical aspect: This one sentence might need a bit of elaboration, it just reads a bit off to me. (This just beggars belief.) It seems incomplete to my ears.
Lastly, "I am a star." Who of us hasn't waited our whole lives to say that? :)
I am sure there are numerous beliefs and opinions on this subject. I hope you find at least a bit of value in this review, as in the grand scheme of things, it is all subjective anyways. From a technical (writing) aspect, I find it to be concise and well thought out, sentence structure is complete, and I found no grammatical errors, except as noted above in the one sentence.
Good luck in the contest.
Kim
Comment Written 03-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 03-Dec-2015
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Thanks, Kim, for a very thoughtful and thorough response to my entry.
I'll try to answer a couple of your points, but you'll have to bear in mind I'm not a qualified physicist - just someone with a passing interest (and thus might well get something wrong).
"Where were we before the big bang, I wonder?"
I believe the general consensus is that there *was* no time before the big bang, or space either for that matter. Time and space *began* with the big bang. Not sure about anyone else, but that idea kind of blows my mind.
As for what set it in motion, well, I'm not sure anyone has a good answer for that. One answer is "nothing caused it". Another is that the big bang was the result of another universe collapsing in on itself. This kind of fits in with your death/birth idea. I find the reassuring thing about the way science works is that it's perfectly ok to say "this is the best explanation we have - for now", or sometimes "I don't know". To my mind that makes a lot more sense than saying "this is the truth because some nomadic bunch of desert dwellers barely out of the stone age said it was a few thousand years ago". Also, it is no answer in my mind to introduce a "creator" into the mix, because we then have exactly the same questions, plus a whole bunch of more difficult ones, about them.
I'm not sure what your point is about matter - it has always been there, in roughly the same amount it is now (remember it can't be destroyed, but it can be converted to energy).
As far as beliefs and opinions go. I am certain that there is actually an objective truth about how the universe works. And if there are N different opinions on the subject, I'm sure there are N that are not correct in every aspect. But it is in our nature (and also fun) to try and figure it out as best we can.
Thanks again for a great review.
Comment from LIJ Red
I want more. At seventy-one, I ain't through yet. You write well and you dig up the notion most of us keep buried(here I think of Herman Wouk speaking of the Caine,
"the bad dream that's there, as real as a rock") that the spark that our thoughts will go out with no trace, and life will totter on without us. This provokes some
pharoahs to madly build, and some to madly write-of which I've done enough here.
Excellent.
reply by the author on 03-Dec-2015
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I want more. At seventy-one, I ain't through yet. You write well and you dig up the notion most of us keep buried(here I think of Herman Wouk speaking of the Caine,
"the bad dream that's there, as real as a rock") that the spark that our thoughts will go out with no trace, and life will totter on without us. This provokes some
pharoahs to madly build, and some to madly write-of which I've done enough here.
Excellent.
Comment Written 03-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 03-Dec-2015
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Good point about the pharoahs! Thanks for the thoughtful review, LIJ Red. You comments are much appreciated.
Comment from Sloegin
I gave you 5 stars because of the depth of your writing and the research done.
You presented your views in a way that I'm glad I'm not debating the possibility of a "hereafter" with you.
Your writing, grammar and punctuation all make your presentation an easy read. Being on FS, you get a hearty, "congratulations on that alone.
I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation.
Keep writing,
Sloegin
reply by the author on 02-Dec-2015
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I gave you 5 stars because of the depth of your writing and the research done.
You presented your views in a way that I'm glad I'm not debating the possibility of a "hereafter" with you.
Your writing, grammar and punctuation all make your presentation an easy read. Being on FS, you get a hearty, "congratulations on that alone.
I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation.
Keep writing,
Sloegin
Comment Written 02-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 02-Dec-2015
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Thanks, Sloegin, for your kind very words. I assume from your comments that you aren't entirely in agreement with everything expressed, so the fact that you judged the essay on its merits rather than on your agreement with the content is much appreciated.
