Some say men continually war against circumstances, but I say they perpetually flee. What are the works of men if not a momentary respite, a hiding place soon to be discovered by catastrophe? Life is endless flight before the hunter we call the world. -EKYANNUS VIII, 111 APHORISMS Spring
The quote delves into the human condition, portraying existence as an ongoing struggle against the relentless forces of circumstance. It challenges the traditional notion that humans are engaged in constant conflict with external challenges; instead, it suggests that much of human effort is an act of fleeing from inevitable upheavals. Our creations, whether physical, intellectual, or emotional, serve as temporary sanctuaries—brief respites from the chaos that defines life. These sanctuaries, however, are fragile, destined to be uncovered by catastrophe, much like a fragile hiding spot vulnerable to discovery. The imagery of life being an endless flight before the 'hunter,' which is the ever-present and unpredictable world, emphasizes the transient and precarious nature of human existence. It encourages reflection on how much of our endeavors are driven not just by desire or purpose, but by a fundamental desire to evade the impermanence and suffering inherent in life. At its core, this perspective merges existential thought with a recognition of life's inescapable turbulence, prompting us to consider whether true stability exists or if we are simply perpetual runners in a relentless chase. The metaphor captures the universal human experience—an ephemeral pursuit for meaning, safety, and permanence amid the chaos of existence, highlighting the resilience and futility intertwined in our perpetual quest for respite.
