Discovery Of Man

One of my favorite tales is the one about discovery.  Over generations, man has looked for new information about his world.  He always starts from what he knows and moves on from there.  When he can’t explain a particular thing, he makes it up.

When he’s ready to turn myth into fact, man disregards his fears of the unknown and, in the most valiant leap of faith, ventures into the world.  He shares the information he collects with his community with hopes that it becomes common knowledge.  In turn, his community is grateful.

The same method applies for uncovering myths large and small.  From molecular physics to the expansion of the universe, man always seeks information that make his world tick.  What’s true for the universe is equally true for man himself.

However, without possessing knowledge of the closest body, himself, discovery of all things beyond is a novelty.  True discovery starts at home and, over time, reaches beyond the horizon.

Without knowledge of the vessel in which he travels, man will not travel far.  Self discovery is the key to unlocking the bounty of the world.

Mysteries about what lies beyond the familiar can disable efforts to move forward.  When a person knows himself, he is able to venture out.  This requires trial and error, success and failure.  As he builds his confidence a little at a time, he can venture further from home than in his previous attempt.

Knowing that doom lurks ahead has never stopped the fearless

Take the discovery of the globe, for example.  Empires were built locally and then grew outward.  Before Columbus and others sailed the seven seas, they battled fears about the edge of the world.  It was believed that the edge of flat Earth held monsters and doom.  Regardless, these pioneers set sail and unveiled the unknown.  They forged new paths and shared their discoveries.  The world is now known, less mystifying and small.  His next adventure points towards the heavens.

My voyage to becoming a comedian is no different.  A comedian starts with what he knows and makes up the rest.  As he journeys past the familiar, he learns what methods work and don’t work.

It takes trail and error, small victories and losses.  He gains confidence and moves further than his last effort.  He manufactures a unique product and shares it with the world.

Of course, all journeys begin with one step.  Sometimes that step requires a leap of faith that can only come from within.  The world becomes a better place when the bounty of his journeys is shared.