Being, I imagine, must be very simple. It is Becoming which is so messy and which I am all for.
Being, I imagine, must be very simple. It is Becoming which is so messy and which I am all for.
What did James Tiptree Jr. mean by:

Being, I imagine, must be very simple. It is Becoming which is so messy and which I am all for.

This quote is a reflection on the nature of existence and personal growth. “Being” refers to a state of existence or identity that is fixed and unchanging, which is considered simple as there are no variables or changes to account for. It’s static, unchanging, like a still snapshot of life.

“Becoming,” conversely, refers to the process of change and advancement. It’s messy as it involves shifts in understanding, perception, behavior and identity – it’s an ongoing process with ups and downs. The phrase “which I am all for” indicates an endorsement for this messiness – an acceptance that chaos can be beneficial as it leads to growth.Applying this idea in today’s world or personal development might involve embracing change rather than fearing it. Such as, instead of resisting new technologies or societal changes due to fear or discomfort (being), one could embrace them as opportunities for learning and growth (becoming).In terms of personal development, someone might feel pleasant with their current skill set (being) but decide they want to learn something new like painting or coding (becoming). the process will be messy at first – they’ll make mistakes and struggle but eventually they’ll improve.

So essentially this quote encourages us not only accept but also appreciate the complexities involved in personal evolution – whether that’s learning new skills, adopting new perspectives or making notable life changes – as these are what lead us towards becoming better versions of ourselves.

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