ExploreTruth

Towards the end of the Matrix Revolution, there’s this climactic scene in the epic battle between Neo and his arch nemesis Mr. Smith.

After Smith finishes pummeling the face of Neo for what seems like the 100th time, he asks the quintessential question.

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“Why do you persist?” {Clip of scene}

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For some odd reason that question arrested me the other night as I stumbled through a darkly light hallway and into the bathroom.

Why do I do it?

Well…not the trip to the bathroom.  That can be explained by the tall non alcoholic beverage I guzzled hours before fading out.  But what is not so easily explained is what people find so special about life that keeps us fighting through adversity, pain, and setbacks?

Mr. Smith, who in earlier parts of the Matrix Trilogy, seemed more cynical about human existence, and albeit he still remained determined to end the human race, showed himself in the ending scene, to be genuinely perplexed at Neo’s heroic persistence.

That confusion turned to rage when Smith’s question was met with Neo’s cool response…

“Because I choose too.”

The question of why we persevere through it all, isn’t just a question someone suffering from depression or suicide asks.

This seems to be a question anyone who has felt even the slightest sharp corner of human existence must grapple with. Or should.  Even if you haven’t.

The question remains…

What exactly is the point?

• What argument would you have given to the humans who were packed like sardines in the belly of a beastly slave ship?
• What word would you say to the walking skeletons of the Nazi concentration camp?
• What could you say to someone who just feels like they do not have any reason  left to live?

What exactly are you fighting for?

Money?  Love?  Truth?  Some sort of transcendent purpose?

Or do you think it’s all just meaningless?

What do you think?  What’s keeps you going?

Comments: FB