Maybe Life is Worth Living: Uncertainty and Hope on the Brooklyn Bridge

John Kaag stands on the Brooklyn Bridge, a vibrant cityscape bustling around him. His gaze falls upon a message painted in stark lettering: "LIFE IS WORTH LIVING." This simple statement, intended to offer solace to those contemplating suicide, becomes the starting point for a deeper exploration of life's value and the existential questions that linger in the face of despair. The chapter delves into the philosophy of William James, who proposes an intriguing alteration – adding the word "maybe" to the sign.

(similar sign on RFK bridge)

James's "maybe" isn't a denial of life's worth. It's an acknowledgement of the inherent uncertainties we face. The bridge itself offers a stark contrast – a symbol of human ingenuity and progress, yet also a place where lives have tragically ended. The effectiveness of the sign is questionable. Does a declaration of life's absolute worth resonate with someone on the verge of ending it all? James suggests a more nuanced approach. "Maybe" implies the possibility of choosing life, even in the face of immense difficulty.

This philosophy aligns with James's pragmatism. Life's worth is subjective, shaped by individual experience. The "maybe" empowers us to find our own meaning, even when confronted with darkness. Free will offers a path beyond despair. We can choose new perspectives, new behaviors. Even in challenging circumstances, the choice of what to focus on holds immense value. James argues that this discernment, this ability to choose what we hold onto, is a mark of wisdom.

Certainty, in this context, becomes a potential pitfall. The unconditional claim of "life is worth living" might feel dismissive to someone grappling with immense pain. James emphasizes humility. The universe is vast, and the meaning of life remains an eternal mystery. Embracing "maybe" signifies our willingness to grapple with this uncertainty.

John reflects on the setting sun, a dance of light against the vast darkness of the night sky. James's "maybe" resonates with him. The cosmos thrives on hypotheses, just as our lives are defined by possibilities. We embrace the constant flux of existence, finding solace in the persistent wonder of chance, where hope outweighs resignation.

Life, as Emerson suggests, is an ongoing process of exploration, a series of experiments where new possibilities unfold. The "maybe" becomes a companion, offering something to observe, anticipate, and experience. This constant variation fuels our sense of wonder, with mystery and chance sustaining us when practical solutions fail. It's in this willingness to live on a "chance," as James describes it, that our humanity is revealed – a clear distinction between passive acceptance and hopeful anticipation.

The image of objects tossed into the river takes center stage. They vanish into the depths, seemingly lost forever. This finality echoes in concepts like "dead" or "lost." John ponders the potential for loss beyond material possessions. Perhaps everything, even relationships and lives, eventually fades away. While some embrace this fatalistic view, James, like John, finds solace in uncertainty and hope, rejecting the notion of complete oblivion.

The ripples created by an object thrown into the water offer a powerful counterpoint. Though seemingly insignificant, these ripples have a lasting impact on the river's flow. Each ripple, born from a single action, can influence the river's course. This echoes the interconnectedness of life, where even seemingly small actions have the potential to ripple outwards, impacting the vast expanse of existence.

The chapter delves further into James's philosophy, drawing connections to the works of Emerson. Life is an apprenticeship to truth, a continuous journey where each circle of experience births another. This journey also extends into our understanding of the self. James posits a multifaceted self, encompassing the material, social, and spiritual dimensions. While the material and social aspects are readily apparent, the spiritual self, with its intellectual and moral facets, holds a profound but often undetected significance.

In his later years, James acknowledged the possibility of realities beyond our current understanding. He emphasized the importance of experiential philosophy, questioning the assumption that human experience holds ultimate authority in the universe. He explored the unseen realms often dismissed by modern thought, even venturing into the realm of psychical research.

John reflects on James's willingness to explore the unexplained, a stark contrast to the contemporary skepticism towards the unseen. Despite the lack of definitive answers, James and his peers approached their research with cautious optimism. They meticulously documented their findings, pushing the boundaries of science into uncharted territories.

James's background in physiology provided a solid foundation for his exploration of the unseen. While the objective lens of anatomy offered valuable insights, James sensed something missing in understanding human nature. He believed in something beyond the physical, a dimension that transcended the material realm. This "something" manifested in the fringes of consciousness, a subliminal realm holding immense potential for exploration.

James's emphasis on the subliminal realm resonates deeply. In our everyday lives, we often operate on autopilot, rushing through routines without truly experiencing the world around us. The subliminal, however, holds the potential to break through these patterns, offering glimpses of a deeper reality. It's in those fleeting moments of awe at a sunset, or the unexpected joy sparked by a forgotten memory, that the subliminal whispers its message. These experiences, though subtle, can offer a powerful counterpoint to despair, reminding us of the beauty and wonder inherent in existence.

This connection to the subliminal aligns with James's concept of "healthy-mindedness." He argued that a healthy mind actively seeks out experiences that foster hope and optimism. Engaging with the subliminal, whether through art, nature, or introspection, can be a powerful tool in cultivating this healthy-mindedness. By paying attention to the whispers beneath the surface, we open ourselves to possibilities beyond the limitations of our current circumstances.

However, the subliminal isn't a utopian escape. It also holds the potential for darkness. Negative thoughts and emotions can lurk in the shadows of our minds, influencing our perceptions without our conscious awareness. The key lies in cultivating a discerning mind, one that can differentiate between the whispers of hope and the echoes of despair.

Here, James's pragmatism re-emerges. He encourages us to experiment with different approaches to engage with the subliminal. Meditation, mindfulness practices, and even exposure to beauty in art or nature can all be tools for fostering a healthy dialogue with the unseen aspects of ourselves. Through this experimentation, we learn to harness the power of the subliminal, allowing it to guide us towards hope and a deeper sense of life's meaning.

John stands on the bridge, the city lights twinkling on as darkness descends. He reflects on the complexity of the human experience, the interplay between conscious thought and the whispers of the subliminal. James's philosophy offers not a definitive answer, but rather a framework for navigating the uncertainties of life. By embracing "maybe" and engaging with the subliminal, we cultivate a sense of hope, a willingness to face the unknown with courage and an openness to the possibilities that lie hidden within ourselves and the world around us. This journey of exploration, fueled by curiosity and a healthy dose of skepticism, might not provide all the answers, but it offers a powerful path towards a life worth living, even if it's a life lived with a perpetual "maybe."

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the 988 Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.