July 30, 1999

Old Friends Come Anew

Nearly everyone of us had an imaginary friend at one time or another. They were a confidant, an ally, and a playmate. They left us at some point, but we remember them. The nature of an imaginary friend carries on in adult life. Comedy shows like Saturday Night live have recurring characters we treasure. Kevin Nealon's Mr. Subliminal and Rob Schneider's Copy Guy are comforting moments of entertainment.

We use our imagination to create all sorts of creature comforts. A mind long ago created Santa Claus to festive up a holiday for young children. We have a tiger named Tony selling us cereal by showing his bravado and determination. We replay again and again the character of Rick from Casablanca. All these characters are means we use to display characteristics of personality we so enjoy and we respect. Some are principles of life we hope to live up to. Others are merely tools of education.

I've used my own as well. For thinking about mathematics and how we reach conclusions, I use cavemen. Their simplicity lets me be as pure as possible in highlighting my work. I should write about them more.

I did write about the Swedish Woman, the lady love for whom I am meant to share my heart. Her existence is filled with trouble though, for she likely is far from my location. She is an ideal. I see her in many, and I don't know who she is. I see her in the words of my feminine friends. I see her in their actions. She's the most pointless and obsessive creation I've created.

Our imaginations house our future, our potential, and our ruin. Make sure your imaginary friends are not your enemies.