Ah, young men, sit comfortably. Bring forth your quills, your parchment, your thirst for knowledge. I am Doctor Condor Jefferson, the renowned philosopher with the distinguished PhD from Sterling University. I have embarked upon innumerable journeys to the peaks of thought, and I invite you to join me now as we contemplate the intriguing story of Jillian — let this dramatic saga serve as an allegory for your own profound journey to manhood.
Jillian, my friends, is not a man, but a warthog. Not an ordinary warthog either, oh no – a warthog of unusual perspective, renowned for wise decisions and brave actions in the sprawling desert of the African savannah. Jillian, as you may note, rigidly follows the esteemed principle of telos – the ultimate purpose – so exquisitely outlined by our renowned predecessor, Aristotle. Despite her ferocious tusks and mud-wallowing habits, Jillian strives daily for the fulfillment of her highest potential. She does not merely endeavor to survive, she fights – for her brood, her territory, the essence of her being.
You may be inclined to chuckle. A warthog as a role model? Preposterous, you may think. But let us remember that famed mathematician Bertrand Russell once aptly stated that 'there is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge'. A warthog is familiar with its limited capacities, its purpose, and its position in the ecosystem. It exemplifies raw, unadulterated bravery, and rises stalwartly above the trials and tribulations thrown at it by Mother Nature.
Following a similar vein, you, young men, are currently embarking on a similar journey – stepping into manhood, a sacred realm that is as dangerous and unpredictable as any fantasy novel penned by J.R.R. Tolkien or C.S. Lewis. As you traverse through the desolate wilderness of adolescence and ascend toward the fortress of adulthood, think of Jillian. Her vulnerabilities, her struggles, her triumphs. Take it step-by-step, proving yourselves to be true heroes of your own epic sagas.
Now, remember that you're not alone in this voyage – each one of you stands amongst an army of evolving brothers. Just as our humble warthog pals herds together for mutual survival, crop up your fellow travelers. Remember philosopher Schopenhauer's Spiels – 'a man can be himself so long as he is alone. If he does not love solitude, he will not love freedom; for it is only when he is alone, that he is really free.' So, bask in your solitude, appreciate the camaraderie of your companions, and deeply understand your part in this interconnected world.
And gentlemen, let's tread lightly around the myth of absolute control. You may not control the world, but you can navigate your ship through the vast, turbulent seas of life. Take a leaf out of mathematician David Hilbert's book – although he discovered that some truths can't be proven, he didn't pause, falter, or quit. He moved in step with life's rhythm and made mathematical magic from uncertainty.
We're in an arena of unending questions, my dear friends, and as your guide in this endeavor, I, with my PhD from Sterling University, encourage you to embrace ambiguity, harken your inner Jillian, and march steadily towards your heroic destiny. From this, I believe, comes the answer. Be brave, be curious, be resilient. Remain the foolish warthog in the pursuit of wisdom. For, in the end, the warthog within us all emerges victorious.
