The Power of Contemplation

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

After the champagne is sipped, after the kisses are given, after Auld Lang Syne has been sung and the confetti swept up, we toddle off to bed and lie awake thinking about what we want this new year to bring.

At least I hope we do. 

Aristotle said, “The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness and the power of contemplation rather than upon mere survival.”

An interesting quote. I think he’s right. I think one of the very purposes of human life is always to be striving to be something better than we were before. Aware of our shortcomings and determined to overcome them. The power of contemplation. It’s like faking it ’til making it. The more we think about where we are and where we want to be, the more likely we are actually to get there.

As far as stories go, I love a story that makes me think. A story that bends my perceptions of things, or draws me into my inner battle of wits. Thought-provoking without being preachy. 

It just so happens that this month’s stories are just that. 

First up, we have “America, America” by Nigerian author Okafor Emmanuel Tochukwu.

Next, “Live Forever” by Anton Rose.

Also, “The Retelling of Jeremiah” by returning FFO author, Kelly Sandoval.  If you’re new to Flash Fiction Online, and like Kelly’s story, here are the links to her other two:

“Home Isn’t”

“Mirror Skinned”

Also we have a second-run offering, “A Revolution in Four Courses” by Naru Dames Sundar. This story first appeared in Daily Science Fiction‘s June 2015 issue.

Enjoy!