“There are two ways to live your life: one is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein

Einstein identifies a dichotomy both in the individual and also in the society. This could be interpreted as the spiritual and the rational side to people or the belief of destiny. However, this idea also goes further and applies in the field of education and interpersonal relations that is in the mindsets we adopt. A final consideration here is the acknowledgement that agnosticism and uncertainty apply to many individuals and that their view is also valid.

Einstein was ain intrinsically y curious personality which despised authority and lauded the ability to change the paradigm in our way of thinking. Interestingly, there was also an ethical side to Einstein and a belief in some omnipotent being that inscribed all possible laws into the individual. Having come across many people he had certainly experienced the rational and spiritual dispositions. Rational people may be scientifically-minded who believe that everything can be reduced to a set of principles. Hence, it is no surprise to the rational person that society continues to advance in technology and knowledge. In contrast, there are those who cannot accept that there is a finite depth to anything and to an extent this is true of people and how the relate and form societies. Charles de Gaulle is once quoted saying “…how can anyone conceive of a one-party system in a country that has two hundred varieties of cheese?” To these people, life is a continual journey in which few things are certain. Neither mindset is superior, but both are present in humanity.

A broader appreciation of Einstein’s assertion is that some people are naturally more curious than others. The Myers-Briggs classification system separates some people on their level of intuition or judgement in situations. This is an acceptance of the different approaches people adopt to life. In the realm of education, Australian society has gradually considered the variety of preferences among students. Vocational-type training is receiving much support in encouraging people to find their way in a society that still emphasises the need for higher education. Higher education is a necessary cog in society, however, the higher the degree of specialisation, the more difficult it can become to communicate this benefit to society. With a realisation of different learning types comes a more equitable society that embraces the individual. In addition, relationships can succeed or fail on the grounds of our outlook on life. A rational minded person will frustrate the wondering and impulsive ‘spiritual’ sided person. An appreciation of variety is a sign both of maturity and self-confidence.

A final point here is the widespread ‘societal-agnosticism’ or uncertainty in society. “Agnostics’ can be thought of not merely as people eschewing religious belief, but also as those who are unsure whether rational or spiritual ways of thinking work. The rise of Eastern mysticism in Australia seems to highlight a spiritual vacuum in the world in which material possessions do not satisfy. However, the view of agnostics is valid in that the journey of life and discernment takes time. Self-discovery is often the key to living life well.

To conclude, the dichotomy of persons is clear both on an individual and collective level. The uncertainty of people does not make their life’s journey meaningless. The acknowledgement of this is a helpful tool in acknowledging the diversity of people and nations.

PS

I think this essay question wanted the responder to focus on how people live their lives. Instead, I just looked at different personality types. So this isn't very well done in my mind! - Mick Smith