Menu


What may be otherwise
What can be otherwise is explained from the complex phenomenon of freedom.


Author: P. Fernando Pascual, L.C | Source: Catholic.net



The pen falls to the ground. You can't resist gravity. The picture is on the right wall. It could be on the left wall. The train arrives on time. I could have been late. 

There are things that can only be one way. The stone can only be hard. There are things that can be otherwise. The stone can be in the garden, in the window or on the road.

What can be otherwise is explained from the complex phenomenon of freedom. Because we are free, we can choose between taking a whole banana or only half, between close the door carefully or suddenly. 

That's why, with a bit of common sense, we know it's absurd to complain because the sun is hot: We can't make the sun any other way. Instead, it makes sense to lament because we have burned: we could have acted wisely so that the sun did not harm us.

The human life is characterized by a continuum to happen of facts that could be otherwise. If The politicians had acted honestly, it would not have reached that crisis. If The family had thought things through, they would not have started a new sibling fight.

The look at what others do can turn to oneself: I can act differently too. Which has its advantages (I can get away from a vice) and its disadvantages (I can lose a good habit and spoil).

Every decision starts something new in the world. On most occasions, it is something small, insignificant: "Disappeared" the dust above the ledge. Other times, few but dramatic, a decision leads to a catastrophic war or a famine that makes thousands of children and adults cry.



Many things can be otherwise from the decisions of concrete, free, responsible human beings. Therefore, before acting, it is worth weighing every alternative, asking for light to God and strength to be generous.








Share on Google+




Inappropriate ads? |

Another one window

Hello!