The Algebra of the Soul

Mankind has, since the earliest days of trying to understand their purpose on the world, sought to unlock deeper meaning. Why are we here? What is our purpose? Why do I think, feel, experience? Why do I feel joy when I am happy? Why do I cry for no reason in the middle of the day? Why do I feel a longing ache deep inside at the thought of spending my life alone? Why? We do not wish to just understand ourselves and our place in the world, we seek to quantify it utterly. To define it and label it, to sand off the rough edges and imperfections, to place it in a box especially designed for it and to place it upon a shelf to admire and take pride in. This has eluded us since the beginning of all time. There are variables to pin down and for each they are different, to say nothing of the intangible quality of the soul.

Zero, neither even nor odd, a number which is not for it signifies the opposite of what numbers are meant to mean, quantity. It exists as a representation of nothingness, a physical symbol of the concept of inphysicality. It can not serve as a basis for anything, but its nonexistence is the mortar for the bricks that the tangible. If there is a value to be associated with the soul, zero perhaps might be the most accurate, but even this is not correct.

One, the first prime number, the first odd number, and isn't that interesting? It says a lot about mankind that being alone is odd to us, that we crave the presence of others beyond ourselves. To be alone is to be isolated, to be walled off from experiences that are beyond what we can make ourselves. One is The Self. One is the beginning of your story. Before anything else, there is you...there is one.

Two, the second prime number, the first even number, the beginning of balance, of equilibrium. This is where connections are formed, through two. Connections to other people as individuals or as larger groups. With two comes the threat of a will beyond your own. A force that is not within your control, unless you create and exercise control. Two is the introduction of violence and helplessness, for conflict is also formed through two. Choose your reason for violence, they are all equally valid and invalid, and despite your best efforts to protect yourself, there will come a time when nothing you do matters. When you will try your best and fail, when you will do everything right and fail, when you will not even be aware that you need to do anything and the cold, uncaring universe will bring consequence to your feet.

Three, the third prime number, the second odd number, the trinity both natural and unnatural. Perhaps it is not a coincidence that the number of the Eternal Residents is made up on a trinity of threes. It is here that we see the paradox inherent in the beginnings of society. If two is a balance, then three must be an upsetting of this balance, yes? Yes, but also no. For three can balance as well if not better than two, but only so long as equilibrium is maintained. The moment impartiality fails three is the moment the scales become unbalanced. The strong connection that can form between two, is halved in strength when it becomes three. Rather it can be should those of the three not reciprocate evenly. Three is the basis for groups and all larger numbers build off three.

X, the unknown variable, the infinite possibility, the obsession that drives you ever onward. X is the goal of all, it is that which eludes us at the beginning and perhaps forever. It is what needs to be discovered, to be solved, it is the puzzle which the universe has placed within our laps as we are but small babes desiring only food and entertainment. And yet what lays within the puzzle but sustenance and validation. It is staggering to know how many fail to solve even the first puzzle. It fills the heart with nihilism. For those who can stave off succumbing to the dark intrusive thoughts and who can muster the courage to push themselves to their feet and continue on in spite of themselves there may be hope yet to be found.

First one must sift through The Charred Bones of Optimism.