+++ title = "Jekyll and Hyde Philosophy" description = "Torn between the bad and the ugly" date = "2018-04-30" categories = ["life", "me", "philosophy"] [[resources]] name = "header thumbnail" src = "**y1NXI-alfOz6PgFt2VvP3A*" [resources.params] [resources.params.meta] creator = "Wendy Scofield" license = "https://unsplash.com/license" sameAs = "https://unsplash.com/photos/TjfQR3JgGG8?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" +++ I’ve mused before about my irreconcilable dual philosophy. The part of me that inspires the ‘Neither do I’ in my bio [Ed. Note 2021: Bio previously read 'Adrenaline Junkie afraid to die. Doesn't make sense? Neither do I!'] — it’s not just there for the rhyme! In the shower[1] just now it hit me what that is. It’s a Jekyll and Hyde philosophy. Sometimes, I attempt optimism with earnest. I see the world for what it *could be*, rather than the twisted anarchy that it is. And I am fired to fight towards that. My philosophy in these times is all-encompassing, laid back and non-judgmental. I believe — truly believe — in a Utopian future.[2] That’s my Jekyll philosophy. One of the best intentions.[3] Then, I inevitably remember (or am reminded) [*Life is Shit*](https://medium.com/@WhereAngelsFearToTread/rainbows-lollipops-and-sunshine-498cdad1e3f). This is the spiteful, cynical, middle finger to the universe side of my splintered worldview. Where I see that its a goddamn miracle the human race hasn’t obliterated itself *already *and we’re all living on borrowed time. A philosophy that is malevolent and selfish. Shit sucks and all we can do is make the best of it. But it also brings an anger — a futile rage against the universe that doesn’t give a shit. And a justified rage against The Powers That Be which don’t give a shit *either.[4]* That’s my Hyde philosophy. One of sometimes-righteous anger but shot through with wide cracks of black malice. And so I am. And so I am torn. Trapped and torn between two inconceivably opposed world views. Thinking one thing one moment, and the opposite the next. It is confusing and infuriating. So I half hope that one side eventually wins this impossible war. Though if that were to happen, I don’t know which side would win. I don’t know which side I’d *want* to win, either. [1] Why is it always the shower? I guess because its the only high-daydream activity we do regularly and consistently… [2] Equality [Ed. Note 2021: Nope. Meant equity!] for all and all that wonderful bollox. [3] For all the good that intentions are… [4] And anger is a veritable powerplant of energy, creative and otherwise. If it was good enough for Terry Pratchett, it is more than good enough for me.