Sanity, The Problem Of

How To Remain Sane In The Universe We Inhabit

by James R. Friend (james@docnet.infolink.co.za)
written 20 Mar 1995

This article is classified "Fictional"


The universe is a strange place.

It is also a rather big place.

It is, in fact, a big, strange place.

A big strange place is exactly the wrong kind of environment to exist in if
one would like to remain reasonably sane.  This of course is the fundamental
problem for most of the universes relatively more intelligent life-forms.

There is, however, a solution.  There are, in fact, three solutions.

          1) Reduce the size of the universe (you then have a relatively
             smaller strange place and should be able to figure out the
             strangeness before insanity sets in).

          2) Chuck out the stranger bits (you then have a big logical place
             and although the size would make it impossible to ever
             understand everything that happens there, one should at least
             be able to maintain a semblance of sanity while making the
             attempt).

          3) Flush sanity down the loo.

Note: Some people have suggested reducing both the size and the strangeness
of the universe, thus eliminating both problems at once.  And although this
at first would seem the best way to remain sane, one should consider whether
it is worth dying of boredom.

So, now that we have established that there is absolutely no way to stop
oneself going crazy in the universe which we inhabit, perhaps it is time to
ask ourselves whether it is even worth trying.  Perhaps instead of trying to
keep our balance on the cliff edge of mental stability we should not only
resign ourselves to the fact that we are going to fall but should in fact
throw ourselves over the precipice, thus conserving a lot of energy.
Energy, as you know, cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be wasted,
and any attempt to retain sanity in this particular universe is definitely a
waste of energy.

There are also other advantages to being a complete loony tune:

          1) You are allowed to do all kinds of incredibly fun things which
             sane people never get to do.  People only stare at you until
             somebody explains that you are, in fact, insane.  They then nod
             understandingly and say things like, "oh the poor thing, can
             nobody help him/her/it."

          2) You are excused from the normal responsibilities of everyday
             social interaction as applied to sane people.  You don't have
             to work, be polite, help old ladies across the road, or ever
             take a bath.

          3) If you don't have anywhere to stay one will be provided for
             you.  The rooms in these places are really hoopy because the
             walls are very soft and you can bounce around the inside in
             the most delightful way.

             Occasionally the management in these places will send somebody
             around to take you to have a bath, but generally if you growl
             convincingly at them they go away.

The list goes on.

So, to those of you losing your minds, don't let it bother you.  In this
universe insanity is a virtue.

Note: Any descriptions of social norms and the treatment of the Reality
Impaired in the above article is solely applicable to the planet Earth.
The author accepts no responsibility for the validity of the above
information (or the lack thereof) in other planetary systems.

See also:
  • Insane, How Do You Prove You Are Not?
  • Carpet Weave, The Insanities Of

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