Being that it is the time of year to begin writing papers that are due in classes, I thought it was time for a smoke break. I walked outside and took a moment to reflect on Hale-Bopp floating majestically through the sky and several thoughts blew through my head like a cool breeze. I deemed these thoughts worthy to share with my fellow scholars.

To put myself in the proper framework, I went to my kitchen and mixed the biggest gin and tonic I have ever had. Why this and not a pint of Guinness you ask? As Douglas Adams wrote in Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, the gin and tonic is the only drink to be invented on every planet in the universe. It seemed appropriate as I contemplated the meaning of life.

While looking at the comet, I could see the members of Heaven’s Gate riding the comet through the universe, like a wild bull, having the time of their lives. For I truly believe we create our own realities. Why die alone and in a nursing home when you could have something so beautiful to look toward? It is the fear of death our society has embedded within us that causes people to look for the ugly in something so beautiful. But IS this comet beautiful?

Being a zillion miles away makes us believe this, but if it was on a direct course for Earth, the picture would be different. It would be evil, ugly and something to be feared. The comet is none of these things by itself; these are qualities we give it to create the illusion that a woman or man has some understanding of the vast universe we live in.

The destruction represented by this comet would be the catalyst for our world to unite. There would be no more racial lines because the cooperation of everyone would be necessary. The political figures we mock would be our last hope.

We would send every weapon we have at the comet with the hope of blowing it off course giving mercy to our little rock. The universe is a pool table and we can only hope in vain that we are the eight ball, the last to go in.

Think about how you would spend the last two months of your life? Which would it be more like? The doctrines preached at a church or Brian Johnson’s article last week? I would want to unite my family into one place and spend the remaining time with the people I care about. Tell them all the things I forgot to mention the past 21 years. I would want one last kiss from my great grandmother.

But as I ground myself back into my current reality, I see Hale-Bopp floating by and I realize the great blessing it has given me. I still have more time to do these things in my life that truly matter. Hale-Bopp has baptized us all with a new life! Who is to say there is not another comet following that is unseen presently? Stop living life out of the scarcity we have been taught and see the abundance of real opportunities we have!

We should be at lowa State to increase the knowledge in our minds and not our future earning potential.

The only thing we own in this life is our bodies given to us by the creator. Chasing after material possessions only distracts us from the things that matter in life. Treat all the people around you with love and respect. Help someone out in need.

There are plenty of homeless or needy men, women and children right here in Ames that could use some of our abundance. Death becomes a wonderful alternative to those with nothing to live for unless you are willing to take the time necessary to help them find it. Not by forcing our beliefs upon them, but by listening to them. We are all responsible for each other!

Matthew Hoelscher

Senior

Liberal Studies