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Abstract
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: In a variety of poetic forms and styles, this creative thesis aims to explore the problem that humans have in being mortal (finite), while also having the awareness and cognitive capacities to contemplate the infinite (or eternal) both spiritually/mystically and rationally/mathematically. What is it like to be finite while being able to fathom the infinite? Why do some things last while other things do not? How is this central and universal to the human experience? What does the irresolvable tension between the concepts of the finite and infinite (which can take an endless variety of forms) tell us about modern/scientific/secular or traditional/spiritual/mystical ways of constructing meaning? Are these modes of meaning making compatible or at odds? PROJECT SUMMARY: This project will take the form of a poetry manuscript written in three parts. The first section, titled “All These Ghosts,” explores the ways in which humans are “haunted” by both the infinite and the otherworldly, even in a contemporary secular context. The second section, titled “Love and the Void,” explores the deep joys of human connection, even in the shadow of sorrow found in recognizing the limitations of the experience of living. The third section is titled “In Search of Perpetual Motion.” The poems in this final section will explore variations of the “endless” metaphor of perpetual motion machines. Throughout the last 1000 years, inventors, academics, and engineers have attempted to create a machine that runs forever on its own power, even generating power in certain cases. In essence, the search for perpetual motion is the alchemy of physics. According to the modern understanding of the Laws of Thermodynamics, this type of machine is impossible. However, this hasn’t stopped many thinkers from attempting the impossible task. This metaphor is a means of trying to capture the folly and dignity of humanity: that we can, and often tragically try, to do (or believe) impossible things. Additionally, this final section will involve a number of historical, scientific, and philosophical sources that will be used directly or indirectly as source materials.