‘There is no spoon.’ You are only as useful in this life as that truth. — IsShouKenMei blogger Alexiel
Though I reference the ground-breaking and trend-setting film, “The Matrix”, my interpretation of that beginning quote is approached from a slightly different angle. There are various moments in this life that looks to an acceptance of one’s existence as a requirement for progress. What is interesting is that all people want to make progress, but I believe that there are only some who seek some form of self-preservation. If one believes there is no spoon, then they are not limited by what they see with their eyes, unrestricted from the ability to take action that would concur that they truly do have a purposeful existence.
You say there is a spoon because you merely regard it as a necessary utensil for your daily life. In other words, one’s life simply is what it is and has no potential to be anything more. In that same right, there is no you if you reject yourself as a necessary existence by limiting your life to mere thought or speculation. One may make progress in overcoming the hurdle of thought, but by that time, it is too late to pursue any form of self-preservation — that was the last thing on their mind.
This is another level of what I consider “isshoukenmei” to encompass. Living life is so hard a lot of time, but if one is able to live a life of faith, not limited only by what they can see in three dimensions, then saying ‘there is no spoon’ transforms life into something so much more mutable, meaningful, and beautiful.
I’ll end with this. A life by faith is perceived as foolish by many. Many deem themselves unable to grasp the fulfillment of progress in life. Those “many” are one in the same.
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2008-02-10 at 19:34:24
Kayuri
Somehow… just knowing that I am present here, and knowing that there someway that I can become better… is the simplest way I can see my life right now… This is more of a life reflecting thing for me… I guess I really don’t have much to say, but more to think about… Maybe I’ll comment back later with something more meaningful… I don’t know. ~Kayuri
2008-02-10 at 20:49:46
storymode
Kayuri-chan, I can imagine you may feel overwhelmed by this entry given your already busy life at this point in your life. As always, if this is all you can share, then that is good enough for me. It’s very much something for me to keep in mind as well, especially because this entry was completely a revelation beyond my normal thinking in regards to how I have lived up till now. If you ever need to talk to someone though, do contact me…
2008-02-12 at 07:57:49
Kou
Yes, there is no spoon if I perceive there not to be. If you took Philosophy while you were in College you would’ve went over a lot of philosophers who tried to identify exactly what you are trying to do. To explain not only the world around us but our desire and drive to life and succeed is no easy task. To give purpose to ourselves isn’t something that should be taken lightly and you definitely don’t.
Anything is possible and if there’s one thing I have faith in, it is myself. I know no matter how predictable or upsetting life can be, I am a variable. I can make the difference. I can make things worse by succumbing to the pressures of life or make the best out of every moment (good and bad) in my life. No matter what happens I will never give up and neither should you.
In the end the only thing ever holding you back is you.
2008-02-13 at 22:51:57
ketio
Thank you Niel, I definitely needed this. I feel like I’ve been needing to start over for a long time. I guess that time has come.
2008-02-13 at 23:52:53
storymode
@Kou: Would you believe I never took a Philosophy class in my life? I had a feeling you would resonate with this kind of entry though…at least on the surface. =P
@Keito: You are very welcome. A lot of this revelation came from that very need for myself. “Run the race that is set before you.”
2008-02-14 at 07:43:13
Kou
Well because you technically take philosophy everyday. Religion (or the way of life as you would rather say it) is just one interpretation of theology, a branch of philosophy. I’m not trying to put down Christianity in any way, just saying that you’re philosophically thinking about your place in the world and your purpose by being such a true Christian and believing in what you believe and asking philosophical questions like you do. Not all people following a religion can be as philosophical as you because they don’t seek the guidance and information their belief offers, at least not in the way you do. So no need to be left out XD
Take care of yourself, I’m really having trouble seeing you for myself because I’m running my own little race right here at college. X___x; stupid Calculus…I WON’T LET YOU BEAT ME!! >O
2008-02-15 at 10:21:08
analiasa
There is no spoon. You can take a lot from that statement, but in the context of the message of the movie, the absence of purpose/meaning or the assignment of purpose/meaning is what I think is being communicated. The scene takes place inside the Matrix, the boy was telling Neo how to overcome the limitations of his (false)perceptions that the Matrix was real. (which in turn, is a symbol of our perceived reality)
Inside The Matrix, there is no spoon, only the perception of one and as such, perceptions can be changed to change one’s personal reality.
In the real world (ha), though, There Is No Spoon, has a billion interpretations, but I came up with this:
All things are relative at any moment in time, including purpose and meaning. One man’s spoon is another man’s shovel depending on circumstances. It’s not the practicality or usefulness of a thing that determines how it is defined. It is it’s purpose that defines a thing and it is it’s purpose which gives meaning. If I am stuck somewhere and have to dig myself out, that spoon in my pocket from when I had soup for lunch, is now a shovel, due to the necessity for one. I created a new purpose for the spoon and therefore it’s meaning to me has changed.
You could argue that a spoon is not a shovel, it’s still a spoon, whether you use it for it’s INTENDED purpose or not, a spoon is a thing used for scooping up/stirring food. Consider this; Is it really still a spoon? A shovel can not be used as a spoon, though it’s purpose is similar, it’s FORM does not allow it to be. (A shovel could be used as a spoon for an elephant, but I am speaking from an individual point to view, from my personal perspective as a human with a smallish mouth). So, then, Form is my objective reality which is perceived in relation to the Form.
Human beings have purpose because we give ourselves (and each other) a purpose and we are defined by that purpose (according to the assignment of that purpose). Humans are living things, therefore their purpose is also alive and subject to change, just as we grow and change our purpose grows and changes. Individually we either define our purpose according to our individual WILL or allow ourselves to be defined by the will of others. Collectively, we are all subject to our own and others perceptions to define an agreed upon reality, but it is not pure. Only the self can define a pure reality. *which can land you in the loony bin if you decide that you’re god and smite everyone else because they refuse to worship you*
A spoon without purpose is no longer a spoon, but it’s form can be given new purpose and therefore new meaning. People without purpose have no meaning in their lives, but we can give ourselves purpose or subject ourselves to the will of others to “find” it. In either case, there is meaning, whether it is positive or negative is also relative to the purpose, but that’s another topic entirely.
sorry this was so long. You don’t even know me, but you seemed like the kind of person that appreciates a thoughtful response and I had some time to kill.
again, take this from an entirely individual perspective. I don’t presume to know anyone else except myself. I have never been to college or taken any formal courses in anything so I welcome your feedback.
peace.
2008-02-16 at 15:11:24
storymode
@Kou: I suppose my position can be viewed in that way. Regardless of being Christian or not, if one does not ask any questions of what they believe in, then they truly are just being led by second-hand beliefs — that being one of the major reasons why society is so put off by Christians who do not take the time to really understand their choice for themselves.
@analiasa: I am a person who appreciates thoughtful answers. Though I must say that I do find myself somewhat reluctant when posed with so much at once, but that is just a psychological weakness I have that has nothing to do with you or the quality of your reply.
I agree with much of what you wrote. Having watched The Matrix a little more than half a dozen times in the past, I made a point to mention that my perspective on the topic was different from what the movie intended. Out of all that you said, the quote “a spoon without purpose is no longer a spoon, but it’s form can be given new purpose and therefore new meaning” is what I believe encompasses all that you were explaining. You took a revelation of mine and went a more metaphysical route. That is, you looked away from the belief of there being no spoon and focused solely on the purpose of the spoon itself. I can appreciate your explanation because it steers the mind into a different lane while remaining parallel to my main idea: You are only as useful in this life as that truth.
I also want to say that I am not put off by the fact that you have not attended college. People go to college because it allows for them to discover and begin carving their direction for future success, not exactly because it makes them smarter or more intellectually competent. Thank you for sharing your viewpoint. I honestly had to take a step back and ponder your words for a while before responding. For the record, I don’t usually write entries like this either. ^^;
2008-06-25 at 04:54:18
TKaihea
I sort of just stumbled upon this page because I was curious if anyone else had found new meaning to that quote from the movie. Although I find all of your answers very valid and thoughtful, I still think that Lao Tzu said it best when he said “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be”.
Peace,
TK
2008-10-28 at 16:40:52
toma's revelation
I really enjoyed reading your comments on the mystery behind this quotation. But most of all the comment concerning the dependence of an objects form of existence by the determination of its purpose. This idea denotes the truth that ultimately the dimension of form is just an illusion a reflection of our inner world.Therefore when we look at the sky for example is like seeing our internal world. But since we are the creators of this world we can make this spoon bent