42 Whatever

“Whatever!” was the response that came to me across the room. It was not a particularly dramatic or passionate comment based on what I considered to be a critical and poignant inquiry. This somewhat puzzling reply seemed to have several possible interpretations. Though not urgent nor trivial, the expected reply to “Should I close the door?” would seem relatively straightforward. It was simple enough, with a minimum of possible comebacks, one of which was not “whatever.” But this answer threw me back into the basic chaos theory and opened decision choices I did not want to embrace. Is it OK to close the door? Is it OK to leave the door open? What will be the ramifications of any decision? Does it make any difference? As is my affliction, I began to think about an esoteric question that had been visited many times. Does a cognitive cortex and opposable thumbs create a valuable human or just a viable animal?

The question delves into the essence of what makes humans. The cognitive cortex of the brain is responsible for advanced functions such as reasoning, decision-making, and consciousness, which are integral to human behavior and existence. Meanwhile, opposable thumbs have allowed humans to manipulate and interact with their environment, leading to significant advancements in tool use, art, and technology.

The ability to think is valuable for many reasons. It includes critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and contributing to society. Thinking also allows people to consider moral and ethical issues, develop innovative solutions, and have meaningful conversations with others. Thinking critically and compassionately ultimately adds significant value to people's lives and helps society move forward. It exhibits the traits of a valuable human.

Not thinking can lead to quick decisions and being easily influenced or deceived. It can also prevent personal and intellectual growth and contribute to misunderstandings and conflicts. Without thoughtful consideration, individuals may overlook the consequences of their actions and fail to understand the perspectives and needs of others. This can lead to poor judgment, impulsive behavior, and a lack of empathy, ultimately hindering personal development and societal progress.

Acting without careful consideration can strongly influence our emotions, leading to impulsive behavior and decisions driven by immediate feelings rather than rational thinking. This can result in heightened emotional responses and increased vulnerability to external influences. Thoughtlessness can also lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, as our actions and words can be driven by unchecked emotions rather than thoughtful consideration. In essence, thoughtlessness can amplify and distort our emotional responses, often leading to outcomes not aligned with our actual values and intentions. It exhibits the traits of simply a viable animal.