React

Life is essentially reaction. In that, it continues the Newtonian and quantum universe. Molecules do certain things based on what they encounter. Organisms adapt to changes in the environment.

Animals and people have a multitude of sensory inputs, constantly demanding attention. Human brains translate photon arrivals into pictures with which we can interact. Other senses work as remarkably. 

But of course we simply ignore what we cannot perceive. That too is a survival trait, since we evolved to filter noise. When looking at a meadow, for example, we may fail to notice very much, but will immediately be aware of a bird or butterfly in flight or a rustle in the grass.

Philosophy tends to ignore reaction. Many precepts direct acolytes to ignore all distractions and concentrate on the greater holy plan and mystery. But I wonder.  That rustle in the grass might be a hungry lion.

It seems that the “greater” plan for life is reacting to stimulus. Our current distemper may simply result from too much stimulus, too few filters. Yet we dare not ignore anything, for we are so wired.

If there were a greater plan, filters would be effective and easy. But right now our meadow is chaos incarnate.