To Be Impossible Or Improbable | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

To Be Impossible Or Improbable

50
To Be Impossible Or Improbable
"The Impossible often has a kind of integrity which the merely improbable lacks." Douglas Adams, English writer and humorist (1952-2001).

There's nothing like a good quote. College students (females, predominantly) are always scribbling down inspirational phrases, gaping and gawking at clever terminology, and utilizing those sweet moments which bridge the gap between illusory musings and sensibility to create a Post-it note, journalistic haven.

My friend recently bought a Polaroid camera, and lo and behold, preceding the first round of film, this tiny black card popped out with the words, "The impossible often has a kind of integrity which the merely improbable lacks." An alliteration fit to make your Post-it note and Sharpie-frenzied mind go bonkers.

As written, the "Impossible," is portrayed as a private, predominant entity in relation to the much reduced "merely improbable," presenting himself as a chivalrous knight in shining armor, of a certain integrity that the latter lacks. What the...?

When somebody tells me, "That is impossible," or "You are impossible," the phrase strums a romantic chord. My five-year-old self scoffed at the notion that anything at all could be unattainable. A vision tethered to some maximum that lends itself more possibility than impossibility. If that makes sense, hear me out. On the contrary, when I hear the words, "The likelihood of such an event happening is highly improbable," I immediately balk at this syntactical caging. The idea of calculated pessimism cloaked in improbability pummeling a fledgling success is morose and insincere.

Tell me what is impossible and I will garner the courage to prove you wrong. While yes, Impossibility may inevitably imply limitation, at least he has the respect to allow you to prove him wrong. He implies possibility. But he is no wolf in sheep's clothing. He is defined by his given name as being that which will most likely not happen, but you better give him a run for his money. He likes competition -- the chase. Thus, that impish preceding "im" facetiously mocks his very inverted nature. He gently sweeps his thumbs over the gilded harp in which you've hemmed your every dream.

Improbability shuts you down immediately. He is the microscope, the metal tongs ready to pinch and poke because he has mathematics and science breathing down his back. He manically screams, "Down with the arts!" and positions practicality in your face, unleashing it like a foaming-at-the-mouth Pit Bull armed and ready to bite you in the face. His harsh, vile laugh extracts enjoyment from the cutting of nylon cords, one by one, that make up the veins of your aspirations.

I would rather befriend the Impossible. He answers you honestly, plain faced and never greedy. He cares not for facts, because facts do not factor into his chemical makeup. He is the liquid, gaseous, mental, hidden being that we will never know, which we can only grasp at in our ontological investigation. He grins, he befriends.

The impossible soars where the improbable types rhythmically on a well-oiled typewriter. The Impossible faces his blinking blue eyes towards the sun, where the Improbable squints behind thick rimmed glasses, increasing the chance for wrinkles in the future.

Ultimately, impossible is possible. When we were five we sure as hell thought so.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

36295
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Types Of Students You Will Meet In College

You wish you could be #5, but you know you're probably a #6.

16814
cool group of lazy college students in class
StableDiffusion

There are thousands of universities around the world, and each school boasts its own traditions and slogans. Some schools pride themselves on sports, while others emphasize their research facilities. While there is a myriad of differences among each and every school, there will always these seven types of students in class.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Rhyme Without Reason Greek Life Function Ideas

When you have no ideas for what to wear to this date function

318083
A dog and a frog
Healthy Pets

I am going to a rhyme without reason date function and I have looked at so many different rhyming words and I figured there need to be a new list of words. At these functions, there are usually at least two rockers and boxers and an umpteenth amount of dogs and frogs. I have come up with a list of creative and unique ideas for these functions.

If you like what you see, get a shopping cart going with these costumes.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Yoga love

A long over due thank you note to my greatest passion.

30613
A person in a yoga pose surrounded by a supportive community of fellow yogis with a look of peace and gratitude on their face the image should convey the sense of strength mindfulness and appreciation that the writer feels towards yoga
StableDiffusion

Dearest Yoga,

You deserve a great thank you.

Keep Reading...Show less
Arts Entertainment

Epic Creation Myths: Norse Origins Unveiled

What happened in the beginning, and how the heavens were set in motion.

10713
The Norse Creation Myth

Now, I have the everlasting joy of explaining the Norse creation myth. To be honest, it can be a bit kooky, so talking about it is always fun. The entire cosmos is included in this creation myth, not just the earth but the sun and the moon as well. This will be a short retelling, a summary of the creation myth, somewhat like I did with Hermod's ride to Hel.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments