I’d like to think of every unity in this world as a function (much like a function in programming), as it requires input and gives output. The output of one thing will probably be received as input of another, which in turn gives output for others. The generalization that every action, whatever the function decides to do, is due to previous actions is cause and effect.
It can be interpreted that the world revolves around a single cause, which rippled a chain of effects. Specifically, the big boom. It gave energy to every piece of rock and dust, which in turn resulted in the world as we know. I couldn’t imagine how different this universe would be if one little thing was changed in history. The Butterfly Effect (2004) and Back to the Future (1985) did a good job of telling stories of people who could change history. The result of changing one little detail rendered much difference in the worlds.
For humans, we do something if we see its effects justified — the end justifies the means. We eat because it will fill our stomach and in our opinion, that means we won’t die of hunger, which is good. We don’t kill somebody if he gets in our way because we know that part of the effects of a murder is personal guilt and social punishment.
Two awesome movies! Back to the Future is probably my favorite trilogy of all time.
Related to your post though I just thought I’d comment on how agnostic your post (not that’s a bad thing, just something I noticed). Obviously since you’re citing the big bang it’s agnostic, but what caught me was the fact that every action for the past 4.6 bajillion years has merely been a result of the big bang and actions causing others. That basically means that our purpose is merely to exist and to further existence through our actions, and nothing more. It gives off a true feeling of pointlessness. There is no greater good to aspire to, no God to appease, nothing, just existence.
Not saying I agree or disagree with that thought, but it’s certainly interesting.
How uncanny… Back to the future (at least the first one) is my greatest movie of all time. Ive had one photo or another of a delorian as my computer backdrop for ages.
Isn’t existence enough, Joshua? Living through all of this trying to find a purpose to life is a challenge. I find it pointless sometimes too, but you’ll see why I’m not most of the times soon enough :)
maybe you would like read about Karma Law
cheers
Karma: Law of Cause and Effect? Very interesting article. It seems to be coming from a humanistic perspective. I guess this way of looking at it helps achieve personal goals while keeping in track with society.