How did we get here? The question can lead into science, family history, faith, or philosophy. Each kind of inquiry has its place. But no account of our beginnings can make today's choices for us.
At some point another question enters: we are here; what shall we do? It asks less for an explanation than for a direction. What deserves our care? Which relationship needs attention? What can we begin with the knowledge and resources we actually have?
The second question does not settle the first. We can keep learning about origins while acting in the present. We do not need a complete account of life before we can take responsibility for a piece of it.
Sometimes an inquiry becomes more useful when its direction changes. Wonder can remain. So can the work waiting in front of us.

Questions about our origins can matter, while a different question asks what we will do with the life already here.

How did we get here? The question can lead into science, family history, faith, or philosophy. Each kind of inquiry has its place. But no account of our beginnings can make today's choices for us.

At some point another question enters: we are here; what shall we do? It asks less for an explanation than for a direction. What deserves our care? Which relationship needs attention? What can we begin with the knowledge and resources we actually have?

The second question does not settle the first. We can keep learning about origins while acting in the present. We do not need a complete account of life before we can take responsibility for a piece of it.

Sometimes an inquiry becomes more useful when its direction changes. Wonder can remain. So can the work waiting in front of us.

We Are Here. What Shall We Do?