Life Is Too Short To Waste On Trivialities

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 1 September 2025 September 1 is the 150th birth anniversary of the famous American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs. He's best known for creating the characters Tarzan (who appeared in a series of twenty-four books by him) and John Carter (who was a recurring character in a series of eleven books). Known for his pithy observations, Edgar once famously said, " The more one knows, the less one believes in miracles." In these few words, Burroughs encapsulates a profound observation about the relationship between knowledge and belief. As individuals gather more information, insights, and evidence, they often become inclined to question and doubt the existence of miracles. Burroughs suggests that expanding awareness and understanding of the world can diminish our inclination to attribute extraordinary events to supernatural forces. It implies that as we become better educated and well-informed, natural explanations tend to prevail over supernatural or miraculous interpretations. Burroughs' quote serves as a reminder to approach the concept of miracles with a critical and rational mindset, valuing the acquisition of knowledge in order to better comprehend and navigate the wonders of the world. We needn't believe in the so-called miracles and outlandish claims made by Mother Teresa, Christian Saints, Jesus, Muhammad or occultists. All were and are bogus. Life itself is a miracle, in case you need a miracle to live by. Albert Einstein aptly said, “ There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” So very true. Isn't it the biggest miracle that no human has ever seen the god or gods, yet, a majority of people believe in its existence, so much so that they can even kill their brethren for the sake of a fictional entity who simply doesn't exist! We're ready to harm anyone who dares ask the validity of our preposterous religious tenets. Do you require a better and more convincing miracle than this to believe in miracles? One more quote of Burroughs makes you think, "Life is too short to waste on trivialities." In his eloquent words, Edgar Rice Burroughs enumerates a profound truth about the brevity of life and the importance of focusing on what truly matters. "Life is too short to waste on trivialities," he declares, urging us to contemplate the limited time we have on this earth and to use it wisely. In a world filled with distractions and meaningless pursuits, Burroughs reminds us that our time is a precious and finite resource, not to be squandered on frivolous matters. Instead, his words encourage us to seek purpose, to pursue our passions, to build meaningful connections, and to devote ourselves to endeavours that will leave a lasting impact. Ultimately, Burroughs beckons us to seize each moment and make every second count, for life's brevity is a powerful reminder that we should choose purpose over triviality. We're all going to die, all of us, what a circus! That alone should make us love each other but it doesn't. We are terrorized and flattened by trivialities, we are eaten up by nothing. Remember, The contented have time to worry about trivialities; often to the extent that they never achieve anything worthwhile. Chanakya says, "Kshudram Pratyante Parinamatah Kshudram " (Indulging in trivialities will eventually make you trivial). There cannot be two views about the efficacy of this aphorism. The tragedy of human existence is that sublimity is forever pitted against triviality. The crass appeals to us much more than the class. Quantity is at variance with quality. ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/life-short-waste-trivialities/d/136668 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism