Reference: "Brain Wave Diary" May 10th, 1999

Why is life complicated? Can it not be simple? Can it not be peaceful?

Warrior: Wave, why is life so complicated?

Wave: Biological life itself is complex.

In order to survive, thrive and multiply many things need to be taken care of. Fundamental things like food, shelter, sanitary conditions, medical attention and on and on and on. Once these basic survival requirements are met other needs become apparent. Entertainment, spiritual, mental health and well being are but some.

Already you can sense the required complexity of just achieving standard existence. How much resource, energy and planning just to exist?

If mere "existing" was sufficient for you, life would still be complicated -- but not as complicated as it is when you add higher aspirations such as personal preferences, desires and a multitude of other non essential but desirable commodities and conditions to the mix.

Everything comes at a cost.

For you, the cost is loss of simplicity. The gain is overall human development.

The ongoing challenge of survival ensures progress toward your preordained destination as a species. Cultures disappear if they do not progress. This is witnessed over and over in history. The human species must ready for the ultimate challenge -- ensuring the existence of life in the universe unto eternity.

You are apprentice creators of the future.

Warrior: Wave, why can't life be more simple?

Wave: Life cannot be more simple because you desire certainty of survival as a species.

Your answer for this is the concept of surplus.

Something within you will not allow enough is enough. You are driven to amass everything -- striving for a state of surplus. You believe surplus is the answer, since it seems to promise leisure time. You believe having leisure time is when you will be able to have a simple life.

Of course, generating and maintaining surplus brings with it a whole new logistical nightmare - another thing to be dealt with.

Taking this concept forward it is easy to see why life can never be more simple.

Warrior: Wave, why can't life be more peaceful?

Wave: Life cannot be more peaceful because you do not have equality of surplus.

As long as one faction has more than another there will be competition for the surplus. This can be seen at the level of "keeping up with your neighbour", right through to Countries competing for global resources.

Examples abound -- such as children killing for brand name clothing through to Countries conducting wholesale ethnic cleansing.

Warrior: Wave, Is there a solution to all of this?

Wave: Warrior, THAT is another question!

"Whatever you pursue gains credibility... even undeserving things."