This one is an obscure reference in a science-fiction novel entitled "Ringworld" by master Larry Niven, who just happens to be one of the most acclaimed sci-fi writers of the last century. Despite its obscurity, it still remains one of the truths that may explain the complexity of our Universe.
"The perversity of the Universe tends towards a maximum"
And if you take the time to observe life under this principle, you will see it in action. A good example of it could be a hailstorm destroying a garden full of roses, but leaving weed totally unharmed.
It also applies to people. I'd say, especially to people. No matter how well a person behaves, or how good they may seem, they will always find a moment at which they will show their perversity, and it will be so mean, dark and cruel that even them will be surprised. You can observe kids, for instance. Despite their cherub-like faces, each boy or girl will get his little wrong-meaning hands on a little insect and start ripping its parts away just for fun, at least once in their lives. Oh... I know what most people is gonna say, that they do it "out of their need to explore the world". Naaahh. They'll do it because they can't do that to other bigger beings. Or what about these lovely people who are always stealing the pens from your desk, no matter how many you keep at hand?
When circumnstances have the chance to do you any harm, they will always try to do as much as they can...
Paranoia? No, not really. It is just that knowing this has helped me to be better prepared to face the little, inevitable, unpredicted annoyances of life. Just think about it.
"The perversity of the Universe tends towards a maximum"
And if you take the time to observe life under this principle, you will see it in action. A good example of it could be a hailstorm destroying a garden full of roses, but leaving weed totally unharmed.
It also applies to people. I'd say, especially to people. No matter how well a person behaves, or how good they may seem, they will always find a moment at which they will show their perversity, and it will be so mean, dark and cruel that even them will be surprised. You can observe kids, for instance. Despite their cherub-like faces, each boy or girl will get his little wrong-meaning hands on a little insect and start ripping its parts away just for fun, at least once in their lives. Oh... I know what most people is gonna say, that they do it "out of their need to explore the world". Naaahh. They'll do it because they can't do that to other bigger beings. Or what about these lovely people who are always stealing the pens from your desk, no matter how many you keep at hand?
When circumnstances have the chance to do you any harm, they will always try to do as much as they can...
Paranoia? No, not really. It is just that knowing this has helped me to be better prepared to face the little, inevitable, unpredicted annoyances of life. Just think about it.
2 comments:
Personally, I prefer Discworld...
Interesting Law though. I always seem to lose pens (I suspect theft) and end up having to buy them off a certain person I know...
jingo: oh, yes. Pratchett is the master regarding fantasy. I've only read six of his books, and 'Mort' is out of print in Mexico!! Never lend your books.
About your pens, yes, the universe, and certain indiviuals are perverse.
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