How Does One Come to Know the Unknowable

Last night, I was watching the movie In the Heart of the Sea (2015) when a single line gripped me: “How does one come to know the unknowable?” Spoken by Herman Melville, portrayed by Ben Whishaw, this question captures the heart of his pursuit. In the movie, Melville, a young writer, seeks to unravel the mysterious and haunting tale of the Essex whaling ship tragedy, a story that would eventually inspire his iconic novel, Moby-Dick.

As I heard those words, I couldn’t help but pause. It wasn’t just a question for the character—it felt mystic, almost as if it was directed at my core beliefs. Can I come to know the unknowable? What I discovered was not an answer, but a deeper sense of contentment with how I see the world.

TL;DR:

It struck me—a realization that life isn’t random, but interconnected. Every event, whether joyful or challenging, has a cause, and every outcome serves a purpose. This belief has shaped how I see the world: as a chain of causes and effects, each link meaningful and contributing to a greater story. It’s not just about logic or faith—it’s about finding balance between understanding? the reason and trusting the mysteries of life.

The Search

Life often feels unpredictable, like pieces of a puzzle without a clear picture. Yet, I believe every piece has its place. To me, it is not random chaos but a carefully woven story. Every event happens due to a reason, even if that reason isn’t obvious at first. Like ripples spreading across a pond after a stone is thrown. That stone may be hidden, the cause not immediately clear, but it is always there. This belief gives me a framework to make sense of life’s unpredictability. It assures me that even when I don’t understand the “why,” there is one waiting to reveal itself in time.

The Meaning

But my belief doesn’t stop at cause and effect. I believe every outcome tied to a reason also has a meaning and serves a purpose. Even the most difficult moments, the ones that feel overwhelming, hold lessons. These moments challenge us, shape us, and prepare us for what lies ahead. It’s this understanding that gives me strength during hardship, knowing that everything, even pain, contributes to a larger design. This sense of purpose is where I find peace.

The Trust

Still, not everything in life can be explained, and I’ve come to accept that. Some truths remain beyond human comprehension, and that’s okay. This doesn’t mean giving up on trying to understand—it means embracing the balance between seeking answers and trusting the mystery. I don’t need to solve every puzzle to find peace. Instead, I let the unknowable exist, knowing that life’s unanswered questions can still lead to profound understanding and shape life in ways I may never fully grasp.

The Interconnected Whole

At the heart of my belief is the idea of interconnectedness. Life is not a collection of isolated moments but a web where every action, every person, and every event is connected. We are all part of a larger design, contributing to a story that is still unfolding. This perspective allows me to find value in every experience, no matter how small, and inspires a deep respect for the world around me. Even the smallest actions can create meaningful impacts, guided by unseen forces that shape our journey.

The Balance

Reflecting on the narrator’s question, I realize I approach life with a unique blend of logic and mysticism. I rely on cause-and-effect reasoning to make sense of the world, yet I also trust in life’s deeper, often mysterious purpose. For me, logic and mysticism are not opposites—they are partners, guiding me through life’s complexities with curiosity and trust, and shaping how I understand and navigate the world around me.

The Journey

In answering the question of the unknowable, I’ve realized that I don’t need to fully understand it. What I need is trust; trust that life unfolds with intention; that everything happens due to a reason, and that reason carries meaning and purpose. Life is a journey rich with interconnected causes and effects, mystery and purpose, logic and wonder. Through this belief, I find contentment—not in having all the answers, but in embracing the journey. I find strength, clarity, and a deep appreciation for the journey, knowing that every step—no matter how small—is part of something far greater.

In the end, much like Herman Melville’s search for truth in In the Heart of the Sea, I’ve realized that while the unknowable may never be fully grasped, it is in embracing its mystery and trusting its purpose that we uncover the deeper meaning of our own journey.