Philosophy corner

Tires are a pretty good metaphor for life.

Around and around they go, helping us move from one place to another, sometimes for a purpose, and other times just aimlessly wandering about, just like us.

The thing that is consistent is wear. It is gradual and barely noticeable, but the tire wears away. When they are new, they are bold and sharp-edged and they look good rolling around. Eventually, they don’t look as nice as the new ones, unless they stay with their own group. It's hard to notice until they are placed next to new tires, then they suddenly look old and withered.

Filled with air they roll along effortlessly, but they are vulnerable to hazards. Anything big will puncture it, and stop it – literally – in its tracks. If it isn’t too big a tear, it can be repaired, and it’s back on the road. The big ones will destroy it.

You can’t do much with just one tire. Unless you possess a special skill, it takes at least two to make something move, because they work more efficiently with another matching tire by their side. Tires need companions.

One day, you look and discover that the tread is gone and the tire has worn to the point that it is no longer useful. Gradually, over the course of time, it will go from being a productive member of a group to an encumbrance, and it will soon be replaced by a new one. The process is unending.

Tires can be made to last longer if they are not used but they will decay and perish from age. They will have lived longer, but their life is meaningless. They are made to move. One way or another, they will wear away. It’s unstoppable. Time is their enemy.

Just like us.

I need new tires.

Tireku:

Where does rubber go
when it wears off the tires?
It just disappears.

It happens slowly,
and you cannot put it back.
Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

.