Chiang Post

 I would like to talk about the stories of Hassan and Ajib, as both were given the same opportunity, yet used them in two different ways. 

Hassan was a ‘maker of rope’ when he stepped through the Gate of Years, to only meet his older, richer self. In fact, the first thing his future self says to him is that he had been waiting for his arrival. Hassan used his visit with Hassan from the future for good. He was genuinely curious about the life he had been able to make for himself, and wanting to know how to achieve it. Future Hassan told him simple tasks such as ‘walk on the North side of the street’, ‘do not buy eggs from this one grocer’, and ‘buy extra hemp’. All these otherwise simple choices that we are all faced with in everyday life, lead Hassan to where future Hassan to the position he is in now. Hassan was also thankful that future Hassan did not disclose every single choice or event that would happen, as there was still some surprise and choice of ‘free will’. For example, the story of the pickpocketer, Hassan was at first mad at future Hassan for not warning him, but then realized he enjoyed the rush of having to act on his feet in the moment. Because of all this, Hassan got to enjoy his future as a wealthy and successful man. 

Ajib unfortunately lived a different life. Ajib was a weaver of rugs, but yearned to be wealthy. Instead of seeing Hassan’s story and understanding that good things come to those who wait, he went through the Gate of Years and was shocked at what he found. Future Ajib was living in the same house as Ajib was right now. He was so caught up in this boring life, he refused to even speak to future Ajib, he just took the savings and left. Back in the present day, Ajib wore the best clothes and lived a lavish life. Eventually he ran out of money and we find out that Ajib stole all the money that future Ajib was saving up after losing the first fortune. So he stole from himself twice. 

To me, I wanted to talk about these two stories because the striking difference between them shocked me, especially since they occurred one after the other in the story. It is interesting to know and have the perspective of people seeing their future and the responsibility to act on it. Hassan was able to understand he must wait, and the good things will come, Ajib did not think the same, nor did he realize his younger actions would affect his future self. Without the idea of the Gates of Years, I think this is an important lesson to remember, our actions of today will ultimately affect us in the future. This can break down the linear idea of time, because if it only kept moving forward, why would the past affect us? It is interesting to think about. 


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