Michael Decker

“Every free choice collapses an infinite set of other choices that could be made. In fact, one reason people suffer is precisely this sacrifice. We cannot be everything all at once, and once we choose a way of being, the only direction left is forward. We have to take responsibility for our becoming. Every choice made leads to a meeting with an alternate self, why not consider one over another? When we choose, we also sacrifice”
― Aldrich Chan, 7 Principles of Nature: How We Strayed and How We Return

“A clear mirror reflects all things in the world, whether they are judged as “unpleasant,” or “beautiful.” “Unpleasant” things do not damage mirrors. A mirror does not cling to the images it reflects, once something is out of view, no trace is left behind.”
― Aldrich Chan, 7 Principles of Nature: How We Strayed and How We Return

“From another perspective, death is necessary to sustain the living. In our everyday lives, cells die; indeed, their death is necessary for life. Apoptosis, or selective cell death, is a developmental process that occurs throughout our lives especially in the initial stages. One of the primary risk factors of developing autism is the failure of apoptosis. This is also reflected psychologically; as we get older there are behaviors that must “die” before new psychological structures and behaviors can emerge. Alternatively, too much life can bring death. In adulthood, cells continue to proliferate, and when there is not the added component of death or apoptosis, cancer emerges.”
― Aldrich Chan, 7 Principles of Nature: How We Strayed and How We Return

“Rather than a linear evolutionary progression, the trajectory is like a spiral, the end eventually incorporates the beginning, though it also extends beyond it. One unlearns to learn, and by letting go we gain.”
― Aldrich Chan, 7 Principles of Nature: How We Strayed and How We Return