Trees are such a powerful symbol of life, are they not?   Deeply rooted and grounded in the soil from which they derive all their nutritional needs, they grow up and out into the light.

<p><center>
<a href="https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-tree-tree-of-life-8487828/"><img src="https://images.hive.blog/700x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmQonay7ceUgJbex3n3DGJtTUg6mPoAK1oXvEFE844K3fw/ai-generated-8487828_1280[1].jpg" target="_blank"></a><br>
<sup>Source: Creator <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/deeznutz1-3086161/" target="_blank">deeznutz1</a> on <a href="https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-tree-tree-of-life-8487828/" target="_blank">Pixabay</a>
</sup>
</center></p>

Few would likely argue with this, given how much we have come to understand through what we can and have observed, from the beginning of time.&#160;  The marvel and wonder of the world around us fills all of our physical senses with inspirational awe.

The richness and diversity of all the natural world surrounds us with has challenged the minds of man from the beginning of time.&#160;  In an attempt to understand it fully, observations are made.&#160;  Measurements are taken.&#160; Laws are written.&#160;  Resulting in scientific facts being established.

<p><center>________________________</center></p>

What about realms beyond the reach of our physical senses?&#160; Vital aspects of life not lending themselves to measurement?&#160; Or attempts to subjugate them to the Scientific Method and a new Law?

On Easter Sunday, 2025, I would like to stimulate some careful thought and reflection, in touching on these questions based on a key word in the title of this post.&#160;  Paradox.

<p><center>
<img src="https://images.hive.blog/300x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmaUpjP6piz9ZftABqrARagF2JbVMZQvxT6S4G9VZUGwRv/QT_Divider.png">
</center></p>

<h2><div class="phishy"><strong><em>Binary</em></strong></div>&#160; Code</h2>

All who read this post know we are living in an extraordinary chapter of human history.&#160;  Predominant in our time is the impact of <code><strong><em>digital</em></strong></code> devices of all sorts.&#160;  Fundamental to the operation of these devices is programming code.&#160;  All the complexity of how code works can be boiled down to it being a sequence of 0s and 1s.

The ultimate in black and white? 

<p><center>
<a href="https://dtptips.com/why-do-computers-use-1s-and-0s-the-language-of-computers/">
<img src="https://images.hive.blog/500x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmP3KwQadztEWhR7MnuRjByAHkYcvtw8y4fAeYxMNaahQX/image.png" target="_blank">
</a><br><sup>
Source: Digital Tips post on "<a href="https://dtptips.com/why-do-computers-use-1s-and-0s-the-language-of-computers/" target="_blank">Why Do Computers Use 1s and 0s?</a>"
</sup><br>
</center></p>

Most would agree life is more commonly viewed as infinite shades of gray instead of black and white.&#160; Leading one near and dear to me to a common exclamation, when dealing with some of the regular tech issues we all experience:

<blockquote>
"<em>It is making my hair <div class="phishy"><strong>hurt!</strong></div></em>&#160;" 🥲
</blockquote>


In the "comfort zone" of earlier times, in technical terms, the world used to be 100% <code><strong><em>analog</em></strong></code> not digital. 

Or was it?

No matter where this post is read, the diversity of our cultures, our worldviews, etc. we still all have some common understanding about what I will refer to as binary codes of life in this world.

<p><center>________________________</center></p>

<h4><div class="phishy"><strong><em>Light</em></strong></div>&#160; versus Darkness</h4>

Without light, there is no life.&#160;  To underscore this fundamental truth, in our annual trip around the sun, the amount of light and darkness varies.&#160;  But, <strong><em>every single day</em></strong>, without fail, the sun goes down in the evening, plunging the world into the darkness of night.&#160;  Followed <strong><em>every single day</em></strong>, without fail, by the sun coming up in the morning, restoring us to the life sustaining and affirming power of the light of a <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20118%3A24&version=ESV" target="_blank">new day</a>.

<p><center>________________________</center></p>

<h4><div class="phishy"><strong><em>Good</em></strong></div>&#160; versus Evil</h4>

In the eternal struggle to discern good from evil, to determine right from wrong, is there any correlation with light and darkness?&#160;  Is it pure coincidence that what is wrong, what is evil tends to be linked to hiding in the shadows or operating under the cover of darkness?

How about this well known quote?

<blockquote>
<em>"Sunlight is the best disinfectant!"</em>
<br><br>
<sup>[Source: <a href="http://archives.cpajournal.com/2003/1203/nv/nv2.htm" target="_blank">The CPA Journal</a>]</sup>
</blockquote>

Do other references come to mind, like the commonly used key word in our time - transparency?  Without light, does the word transparent even have any meaning?

<p><center>________________________</center></p>

<h4><div class="phishy"><strong><em>True</em></strong></div>&#160; versus False</h4>

Programmers know what they call boolean expressions are based on a determination of whether the expression is true or false.&#160;   Resulting in mission-critical branching of the code to go one way or the other.&#160;   Without this core functionality, most code will not be able to achieve its objective.

Without knowing what is true and what is false, where do we end up?

<p><center>
<a href="https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-tunnel-end-man-8780223/"><img src="https://images.hive.blog/300x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmTDic63V38c6yD1JTubuzZZWJCgk8y9LPMyViiv42LqMF/ai-generated-8780223_1280[1].jpg" target="_blank"></a><br>
<sup>Source: Creator <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/juliush-3921568/" target="_blank">JuliusH</a> on <a href="https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-tunnel-end-man-8780223/" target="_blank">Pixabay</a>
</sup>
</center></p>

Lost?&#160;  Wondering what is what?

In this <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevedenning/2022/02/09/what-is-the-digital-age-and-what-does-it-mean/" target="_blank">digital age</a>, constantly told the relentless advance of technology will be our ultimate salvation, how are we doing with these questions?

<p><center>________________________</center></p>

<h4>Male <div class="phishy"><strong><em>and</em></strong></div>&#160; Female</h4>

What can we come up with, as an example of the challenges we are facing?  Can we at least 

<p><h5><center>
Trust the <br>
<div class="phishy"><strong><em>Science!</em></strong></div><br>
</center></h5></p>

in addressing some of them?  Surely we can agree this is regularly presented to us, as an argument one dare not even attempt to refute.  As doing so would ... "<em>go against the narrative</em>."

<p><center>
<a href="https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-love-lovers-heart-9102427/"><img src="https://images.hive.blog/400x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmbte54HfxdCVKH23b6tYj7C3uSq1Epv85z4ATRy4N7kkN/ai-generated-9102427_1280[1].jpg" target="_blank"></a><br>
<sup>Source: Creator <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/lavillia-38455994/" target="_blank">Lavillia</a> on <a href="https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-love-lovers-heart-9102427/" target="_blank">Pixabay</a>
</sup>
</center></p>

How about knowing at birth, whether we are male or female?&#160;  You know, what used to be taught in schools, about the <a href="https://www.webmd.com/sex/xx-and-xy-chromosomes" target="_blank">XX and XY</a> chromosome pair?

<p><center>
<a href="https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-family-holiday-summer-8973746/"><img src="https://images.hive.blog/600x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQma9cmrDoMaobq5vnksN2fN5XZ12RPboMwZFsS2taJuXec/ai-generated-8973746_1280[1].png" target="_blank"></a><br>
<sup>Source: Creator <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/a_scarcy-7784328/" target="_blank">a_scarcy</a> on <a href="https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-family-holiday-summer-8973746/" target="_blank">Pixabay</a>
</sup>
</center></p>

No!&#160;  No, no, no ...

<p><h5><center>
Not <div class="phishy"><strong><em>that</em></strong></div><br>
Science!<br>
</center></h5></p>

<blockquote>
<em>"It depends!?"</em>
</blockquote>

Really?&#160;  Yes!&#160;  Our children need to be subjected to all sorts of "<em>education</em>," so they can then make a "<em>well informed</em>" decision of which they are.&#160;  Or neither.&#160;  Or both.&#160;  Or something else all together different!?

If their parents object?&#160; Not acceptable.&#160;  If the now "<em>educated</em>" child makes a "<em>well-informed</em>" decision to "<em>transition?</em>"&#160; Great!&#160; Assuming their parents can get past the barriers to them even knowing about it, if they object?&#160; Overruled, by the State.

Wow.&#160;  How did we end up here?

<p><center>________________________</center></p>

What does this have to do with the central point of this post?&#160;  If there is a greater or more powerful example, universally understood by all on the face of the earth, than this one, I do not know what it is.

<p><center>
<img src="https://images.hive.blog/300x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmaUpjP6piz9ZftABqrARagF2JbVMZQvxT6S4G9VZUGwRv/QT_Divider.png">
</center></p>

<h2>Ultimate Binary?&#160; <div class="phishy"><strong><em>Life</em></strong></div>&#160; versus Death</h2>

Is there any more significant binary reference than this one?&#160;  Is this one linked to the ones previously listed?

<div class="pull-left">
<sub><u>Life</u></sub>
<img src="https://images.hive.blog/650x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmQonay7ceUgJbex3n3DGJtTUg6mPoAK1oXvEFE844K3fw/ai-generated-8487828_1280[1].jpg"><br>
<center><sup>
Source: Creator <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/deeznutz1-3086161/" target="_blank">deeznutz1</a> on <a href="https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-tree-tree-of-life-8487828/" target="_blank">Pixabay</a>
</sup></center>
</div>

<div class="pull-right">
<sub><u>Death</u></sub>
<img src="https://images.hive.blog/DQmW2RkxZCBMMoBDLLSxKzrF1DEnspWCvod3oNMT6jPLFRe/apocalypse-2459465_1280[1].jpg"><br>
<center><sup>
Source: Creator <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/arttower-5337/" target="_blank">ArtTower</a> on <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/apocalypse-war-disaster-destruction-2459465/" target="_blank">Pixabay</a>
</sup></center>
</div>

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Every choice we make and decision we reach has consequences.&#160; While the time delay to realizing this varies, is it just being overly dramatic to say they are either producing life or destroying it?&#160;  If not literally, then at least strengthening life or undermining it?

<p><center>________________________</center></p>

In this <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevedenning/2022/02/09/what-is-the-digital-age-and-what-does-it-mean/" target="_blank">digital age</a>, how are our families doing?&#160;  Are they being strengthened or undermined?&#160;  If the answers result in <em>any</em> children, how are they doing?&#160;  Are they being strengthened or undermined?

<p><center>
<img src="https://images.hive.blog/300x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmaUpjP6piz9ZftABqrARagF2JbVMZQvxT6S4G9VZUGwRv/QT_Divider.png">
</center></p>

<h2>East versus <div class="phishy"><strong><em>West</em></strong></div></h2>

New to actively participating on the Hive blockchain, an essential part of my why was to experience this virtual community, of what we might agree could be referred to as "global citizens."&#160;  If agreed, what do we share in common?&#160;  And what might we agree divides us?

My oversimplified response, for the purposes of the main point of this post?&#160; The ancient <a href="https://religion24.net/what-is-the-difference-between-monotheism-and-polytheism/" target="_blank">distinction</a> between the monotheistic view of the West and the polytheistic view of the East.&#160;  On this Easter Sunday, combine this with the <a href="https://www.dictionary.com/e/should-we-use-bce-instead-of-bc/" target="_blank">BC(E?)</a> historical understanding of the polytheism of even the West, prior to Christianity.&#160;  For example, the Greco-Roman world and their differing sets of Gods.

Before continuing, first a quick aside:

<h4>#introduceyourself, Round 2</h4>

In my Hive <a href="https://peakd.com/introduceyourself/@quark.top/engespdeu-introduction-qt-enters-the-hive-portal" target="_blank">introduction</a>, I clearly stated I am a very private person.  I made this statement, as I have written elsewhere, knowing this is frowned upon.

<ul><ul>
<li><sup>
While I still think that is the case generally, right out of the gate I got this supportive <a href="https://peakd.com/introduceyourself/@fionasfavourites/re-quarktop-ssaojd" target="_blank">welcome</a> from a <a href="https://peakd.com/c/hive-106316/created" target="_blank">Silver Blogger</a> OG.&#160; After two days of receiving no response whatsoever on my introductory post, it was encouraging. An understatement, at this point.
</sup></li>
</ul></ul>

As I have thought about it before and am prompted to do so again now, I will add two more brief introductory bullet points:

<ul>

<li>Tying in to this segment of my post, as a person, I identify with being from the West, in general, with a Judeo-Christian <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2045%3A22&version=ESV" target="_blank">worldview</a>, in particular.</li><br>

<li>If they ever come, however well-intentioned, any question requesting that I reveal more about my personal story will very likely get a response like this:<br><br>"<em>I will neither confirm nor deny ...</em>"</li>

</ul>

Now, on to finishing this post.

<h4><div class="phishy">Paradox?</div></h4>

Would anyone reading this post disagree that most people dislike the idea of anything being viewed as black and white?&#160;  Particularly when it comes to statements about what is right or what is wrong?&#160;  What is true or what is false?

Instead, at least on the surface, we are more comfortable with the shades of gray, "<em>it depends!</em>" variety of statements.&#160;  This is more tolerant.&#160;  Compassionate.&#160;  <code><strong><em>Loving!</em></strong></code>

Ohhh, well then ...&#160;  How is it we arrived at "<a href="https://peakd.com/hive-106316/@quark.top/freedom-of-expression-all-or-nothing" target="_blank">all or nothing</a>" expressions of "my truth," backed by "everybody knows" assertions?&#160;  With any form of dissent being characterized as what?&#160;  Intolerant.&#160;  Heartless.&#160;  <code><strong><em>Hateful!</em></strong></code>

And ...&#160; If that fails to sufficiently intimidate and suppress dissent, the time for talk is over.&#160; Followed by growing expressions of support for varying acts of violence.

Being charitable, does anyone else notice any irony?

<p><center>________________________</center></p>

Whatever the response of any to what I have just written, would there be some agreement most wonder what, if anything, can be done about it?&#160; What some might refer to as the challenge of overcoming the "human condition?"

Here are two key thoughts associated with a monotheistic response, based up the existence of <strong><em>one</em></strong> God.&#160;  <strong><em>One</em></strong> Supreme Being.&#160;  <strong><em>One</em></strong> Higher Power.

<p><h5><center>
This <strong><em>One</em></strong> <br>
is <br>
<div class="phishy"><strong><em>Sovereign</em></strong></div><br>
</center></h5></p>

No power in this world is equal to, let alone greater.&#160; From this position of supremacy, this <strong><em>One's</em></strong> statements about what is right or what is wrong, what is true or what is false are what?

<p><h5><center>
These <strong><em>proclamations</em></strong> <br>
are <br>
<div class="phishy"><strong><em>Transcendent</em></strong></div><br>
</center></h5></p>

Being above and beyond any self-professed wisdom of mankind, they contain no "<em>it depends!</em>" caveats.&#160;  There are no "<em>what if?</em>" scenarios or escape clauses.

Mankind's rejection of and rebellion against the above offering any answer to the various moral dilemmas in which mankind endlessly finds itself is ancient.&#160; Again, every choice we make and decision we reach has consequences.

In general, what is your alternative?&#160;  In particular, how does your alternative provide peace of mind for today and hope for tomorrow?

If based upon believing mankind reigns supreme, i.e. there is no God, then is the following an unreasonable question?

<p><h5><center>
Why is your viewpoint <br>
<div class="phishy"><strong><em>better</em></strong></div><br>
than anyone else's? <br>
</center></h5></p>

You are smarter?&#160;  Wiser?&#160;  Superior in some other way?&#160;  Based on what?

These questions are not meant, in any way, to be unkind or disrespectful.&#160; They are very intentionally meant, though, to raise an important objection you may wish to consider, when making the case for your alternative.

<p><center>
<img src="https://images.hive.blog/300x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmaUpjP6piz9ZftABqrARagF2JbVMZQvxT6S4G9VZUGwRv/QT_Divider.png">
</center></p>

Books have been written about various aspects of the content of this post.&#160;  In briefly touching on some of these topics, it is my intention to underscore the deception and delusion of our time and the resulting manipulation and confusion arising from it.

<p><center>
<a href="https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-praise-worship-8657663/"><img src="https://images.hive.blog/600x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmcVPiK3YuuomV9SLtWvdqxt93HZ5YW9a9cazZo2aVnP8t/ai-generated-8657663_1280[1].jpg" target="_blank"></a><br>
<sup>Source: <a href="https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-praise-worship-8657663/" target="_blank">Pixabay</a>
</sup>
</center></p>

We all have our own <a href="https://peakd.com/pob/@meno/dead-internet-theory-and-the-rise-of-emma-horsedick" target="_blank">thoughts</a> about this, as well as what we choose to do in coping with them.&#160; And ultimately what we <em>believe</em> about the future awaiting us all.

<p><center>________________________</center></p>

For millions across the world, their belief in the <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203%3A16&version=ESV" target="_blank">story</a> behind the celebration of <a href="https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/true-meaning-of-easter-why-is-it-celebrated.html" target="_blank">Easter</a> is their source of peace for today and hope for tomorrow.

On this Easter Sunday, in our time experiencing all that is going on around us, in what do you find your peace for today and hope for tomorrow?&#160; All reasonably stated viewpoints are welcome.

Best wishes, until we meet again,
QT

<center><h2>
👋❤️👋
</h2></center>

<p><center>
<img src="https://images.hive.blog/500x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmT2SxtrtCa1BtrWugjqwGyd4gPigLSueVC4yePTgEYAnr/QT_Brand_Closing.png">
</center></p>

<p><center>
<a href="https://peakd.com/hive-109288/@thoughtfulposts/tdp-posting-guide">
<img src="https://images.hive.blog/450x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmVLKKNBiGeTPCuQV9Pa81ZpH1gNhd4fVovjuFkQSTDj4k/image.png" target="_blank">
</a><br><sup>
Source: TDP post on "<a href="https://peakd.com/hive-109288/@thoughtfulposts/tdp-posting-guide" target="_blank">Thoughtful Daily Post History</a>"
</sup><br>
</center></p>

<p><center>________________________</center></p>

<p><center>
<h4>🤝&nbsp; <a href="https://peakd.com/introduceyourself/@quark.top/engespdeu-introduction-qt-enters-the-hive-portal" target="_blank">Partnership Pledge!</a>&nbsp; 🤝</h4>
&#x2022; &#160;10% of Post Payout to Comments<br>
&#x2022; &#160;1 <a href="https://peakd.com/hive-140084/@freecompliments/an-updated-explanation-of-hsbi-a-wonderful-service-for-those-who-plan-to-stick-around-hive-for-a-long-time-26q" target="_blank">HSBI</a> to the Best Comment
</center></p>

<p><center>
<h4>🤝&nbsp; <a href="https://hivehub.dev/tx/62055b4a6033be7130a7e12fc45f06c2238ee147" target="_blank">Pledge Honored! 1</a> & <a href="https://hivehub.dev/tx/4b044f7d475738dc42a12dc8c6458f066682d989" target="_blank">2</a>&nbsp; 🤝</h4>
&#x2022; &#160;1 <a href="https://peakd.com/hive-140084/@freecompliments/an-updated-explanation-of-hsbi-a-wonderful-service-for-those-who-plan-to-stick-around-hive-for-a-long-time-26q" target="_blank">HSBI</a> to the Best Comment<br>
&#x2022; &#160;Awarded to @wesphilbin &<br> @thoughtfulposts
</center></p>