We don't know what's going on here. If these tremendous events are random combinations of matter run amok, the yield of millions of monkeys at millions of typewriters, then what is it in us, hammered out of those same typewriters, that they ignite? We don't know. Our life is a faint tracing on the surface of mystery, like the idle, curved tunnels of leaf miners on the face of a leaf. We must somehow take a wider view, look at the whole landscape, really see it, and describe what's going on here. Then we can at least wail the right question into the swaddling band of darkness, or, if it comes to that, choir the proper praise.
In Annie Dillard's "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek," the author reflects on the mysteries of existence and the randomness of life. She questions whether the extraordinary events around us are mere accidents of nature, akin to monkeys at typewriters producing text. This contemplation leads to an exploration of the human experience, suggesting that we might be intricately connected to these chaotic occurrences, igniting something profound within us.
Dillard emphasizes the importance of adopting a broader perspective to understand the complexities of life. By examining the larger context of our experiences, we can articulate our questions and observations more effectively. This approach encourages us to engage with the unknown, allowing us to either voice our inquiries into the mysteries we face or express gratitude for the vibrancy of existence.
