If the world were merely seductive, that would be easy. If it were merely challenging, that would be no problem. But I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.

E.B.White

The Spock Phenomenon

I never watched Star Trek in my life, except, back in the 80s, for an episode or two running in the background at my Grandparents’ place; I, however, still know very well who Spock is, and I understand his character’s significance in the series. Channelling the Peppa Pig narrator, “everyone knows who Spock is!”

Spock the character hits a common human nerve: the daily struggle between doing what is logical and pursuing what is pleasurable. If one can consistently channel the inner Spock, bad judgements would be a thing of the past, or so the hope goes. Simple daily pleasures can still be enjoyed; but decisions will no longer be steered by short term pleasure or its cousin, avoidance of pain.

Inner Spock will not let you stay in a bad marriage to avoid the pain of facing the unknown, keep the pleasure of good sex or maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

Inner Spock will not let you waste your income on shiny new toys to impress others or pacify yourself. Some toys though are ok, they can bring pleasure for years.

Inner Spock will know that emotions are inevitable, but they are mere waves to be surfed. Decisions are to be made on the beach, not balancing on a board at the wave’s peak. Unfortunately, when the wave roars, inner Spock’s voice is drowned. A worthy pursuit is cultivating the awareness of where you are in the present moment:

Are you at the top of the wave?

Is the wave crashing around you?

Or are you standing safely with solid ground beneath you?