If there are many doors,
not closed yet,
then how can you,
enter through
a new door,
and see the
new horizon?

The Paradox of Choice and the Search for New Horizons

You know, life has this way of presenting us with doors – opportunities, choices, paths we could take. Sometimes it feels like we’re standing in a hallway with so many options, it’s almost dizzying. And there you are, wondering how to find something truly new when everything seems open and available.

This poem touches on a fascinating concept that the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard explored – the idea of possibility and choice. Kierkegaard believed that the sheer number of possibilities in life could lead to anxiety. It’s like what modern psychologist Barry Schwartz calls the “paradox of choice” – sometimes, having too many options can actually make it harder to choose and feel satisfied with our choice.

But here’s the thing about these doors and new horizons – they’re not just about what’s out there, but also about how you see things. The phenomenologist Maurice Merleau-Ponty talked about how our perception shapes our reality. So, a new horizon isn’t always about finding a completely new door, but sometimes about looking at an existing door in a new way.

Now, you might be wondering, “With all these open doors, how do I find something truly new?” It’s a good question, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes, having too many options can actually make it harder to see what’s truly unique and valuable.

But here’s a little secret: the new horizon, that fresh perspective you’re looking for? It’s not always about finding the perfect, untouched door. Sometimes, it’s about how you walk through the door you choose. The existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre emphasized that we are defined by our choices and actions. So, even if you’ve opened a door that seems familiar, you’re not the same person you were when you opened a similar door before.

The key is to approach each door with openness and curiosity. Don’t be too quick to judge a door by its appearance. What looks like an ordinary door might lead to an extraordinary journey. The philosopher Martin Heidegger talked about the concept of “unveiling” – how things reveal themselves to us over time. Each door you open is an opportunity for such unveiling.

And remember, it’s okay to stand in that hallway for a bit, taking in all the possibilities. There’s no rush. Sometimes, the very act of considering all these doors can be an eye-opening experience in itself.

But when you do choose a door, commit to it. Walk through with purpose and enthusiasm. Because here’s the real magic: the new horizon often reveals itself not just in the choice you make, but in how you embrace that choice and make it your own.

So next time you’re faced with a hallway full of doors, take a deep breath. Trust yourself. And know that whichever door you choose, you have the power to make it lead to something beautiful and new. It’s all in how you step through and what you bring to the journey. Your unique perspective, your experiences, your curiosity – these are what will make any horizon new and exciting.

Remember, every choice is an opportunity for growth and discovery. So choose with courage, step through with an open heart, and be ready to create your own new horizons.

Reflections on Choice and Perception

Reflective Questions:

Personal Experience:

• When have you felt overwhelmed by too many choices in your life?
• Can you recall a time when having many options actually made it harder to make a decision?

Interpretation:

• What do you think the “new horizon” represents in your life?
• How do you interpret the relationship between the “many doors” and the “new horizon”?

Decision-Making:

• How do you typically approach decision-making when faced with multiple options?
• Do you find it easier to make choices when you have many options or fewer?

Novelty and Growth:

• What does finding a “new horizon” mean to you in terms of personal growth?
• How do you seek out new experiences or perspectives in your life?

Paradox Exploration:

• Can you think of a situation where having more choices made it harder to find something truly new?
• How might limiting your options potentially lead to new discoveries?

Metaphor Extension:

• If your life right now is a room with many doors, which door are you most drawn to, and why?
• What might be behind the door that scares you the most to open?

Self-Reflection:

• Are there any “doors” in your life that you’ve been hesitant to close? Why?
• How might your life change if you focused on fewer “doors”?

Societal Reflection:

• How do you think this poem relates to the challenges of decision-making in modern society?
• In what ways does our culture promote the idea of “many doors” being always open?