The numberless repetitive cycles to be seen in human affairs and in the natural world give no evidence of coming to an end or to a state of rest. From the human perspective, anything that is repetitious, giving no promise of any letup, is “full of labor” or wearying. One would be at a loss for words when attempting to convey accurately the concept of countless repetitive cycles continuing for endless ages to come.

Although numberless visual impressions continually enter it, the eye is never satisfied, with the object of seeing having come to a pleasant culmination. Likewise, a barrage of various sounds, including human speech, enters the ear. The ear, however, is not filled, not having reached the state of being fully satisfied with the sum of all that has been heard. Because so much of what is seen and heard proves to be repetitious, humans experience a sense of restlessness or dissatisfaction. There is a desire for seeing and hearing something truly different — new.

This passage presents matters from the standpoint of what appeared to be the case to the observer. The role of the brain is not included, as its function in seeing and hearing was not understood at the time the words were committed to writing.

Commentary by Hans Werner
Posted on: 6/11/2007 00:42 am