Holding Tank
by Matt Brown
The world we live in is like a holding tank for all living systems. These living systems are put on this earth to reproduce and multiply so that they help establish an intelligent, organized, and safe world. Some of these living systems are in positions of power, which set out to dictate how we should live our lives: the people we should associate with, what is morally acceptable, and what will cause punitive circumstances. There are specific sets of rules, codes, and boundaries for almost everything we do. And though we may not like it, without rules and boundaries, the world, as we know it, would starve and splatter into total chaos. The barriers of parental protection, governmental laws, and formal education are a few boundaries put in place to help sustain and perpetuate the human species.
Protection usually starts at a young age with one’s parents, who sometimes are obligated by law or feel the need to provide and protect their young, developing offspring by setting barriers and boundaries. These boundaries include who you hang with, how late you can stay up, and where you are. These boundaries exist until we have fully matured enough to take responsibility for ourselves.
In addition to parental protection, governmental laws are established to restrain how we act so that we don’t inflict harm on others. The government attempts to steer us clear of corruption, greed, and power. Laws serve to protect and keep us out of harm’s way.
Education is another barrier. Without a formal college education, it is more challenging to find high paying jobs, which will lead you to enjoyable careers. The lower paying jobs affect the way you live your life, where you live, and how many children you end up having.
When it comes to boundaries in life, the list is unlimited; parental protection, governmental laws, and formal education are just a few of the barriers that most humans face. Though we may not like it, we must accept our boundaries and know that they are necessary in order to perpetuate our species.