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The arbitrariness of things (March 31, 2020)

I looked up the definition of arbitrary. Turns out it doesn't fit what I'm trying to say here. I think traditional would fit more. But I like the word "arbitrary". I like saying it. ar-bit-ra-ry. So I'll stick with it. Even if it's not really what I mean.


Days are arbitrary
Months are arbitrary
Who decided that a day has 24 hours?
That March has 31 days?

Just imaginary boundaries that we use
To mark the passage of time

If there were 60 days in a month
instead of 30
what difference does it make?

I know, I know
It's the moon's fault

But really
Why should we pander to the moon?
Were our ancestors Luna fanatics? (heh)

Most of the world is no longer agricultural
At least based on my experience
So why do we still adhere to seasons?
Or is it just the usual case of tradition carrying over?

What if we only have one long month
with 365 days?

What then?

What difference would that make?

Birth month is over

Why celebrate birthdays at all?
Seems arbitrary to me

I just...
Don't people stop and wonder?

Or do people want these divisions
to feel like they've done something with their time?

How about the unproductive ones?
It will only make them more guilty that
they have not done something useful with their time

Why be useful at all?

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