The White Heat

In the book Physics of the Impossible Michio Kaku that analyzes the feasibility of science fiction concepts.  We all know that teleportation and intergalactic travel is impossible–at least as far as modern science has developed–but its interesting to read a renowned physicist discuss how impossible each one is. He categorizes each concept as a Class I, II, or III impossibility. Class I impossibilities may be possible “within a few decades to a century” (think invisibility and ray guns.) Class IIs may take millenia to develop–like time machines–while Class IIIs are things like perpetual motion machines and really may never exist.

My purpose in bringing Kaku’s classification system up is I want to apply it to something else. Plato said, “Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Did he mean a Class I, II, or III battle?

There are irritating things that happen to us frequently, like interaction with an unpleasant person or running out of strawberry jam, there are Class I trials. Class II’s are things like breaking an arm, or catching mono (though how you ended up with the kissing disease may not have been a trial…).  Those are definately hard things; we may post something about them on facebook and recieve condolences from our far-flung friends.

Class III trials usually won’t get mentioned on facebook.  I don’t have to enumerate them; they are unique and personal. Close friends may not even know about them–or the worst of them.  That’s okay, because it allows us to maintain a measure of composure and dignity in public. But these trials buckle our backs, bring us to our knees.  They are designed to turn us toward God, who is the only way we will make it through alright. He is there and comforts and delivers the faithful.

These are the trials Plato must have had in mind.  I admire the way I’ve seen some people, such as my parents, handle such periods of life. It is a noble thing to be someone trusted to know about someone’s deepest struggle. And for everone else, we ought to remember Plato’s counsel.

Notes: 
1. Some people say that quote actually comes from someone else; you can go to the website I did to learn about it here.             
2. Emily Dickenson gives a beautiful description of faith amid a Class III trial.  It’s in the public domain, so I posted it below.
                                                     

                                                    XXXIII

DARE you see a soul at the white heat?

Then crouch within the door.

Red is the fire’s common tint;

But when the vivid ore

Has sated flame’s conditions,

5

Its quivering substance plays

Without a color but the light

Of unanointed blaze.

Least village boasts its blacksmith,

Whose anvil’s even din

10

Stands symbol for the finer forge

That soundless tugs within,

Refining these impatient ores

With hammer and with blaze,

Until the designated light

15

Repudiate the forge.