Zen Pencils by Gavin Aung Than for July 26, 2013
Transcript:
A white soldier and a middle-eastern soldier face off with their guns. As the quote is illustrated, they are each depicted in their hypothetical deaths and subsequent heavens. At the end of the quote, they lower their guns and enjoy a game of ping-pong ball. The quote is as follows. “I would love to believe that when I die I will live again, that some thinking, feeling, remembering part of me will continue. But as much as I want to believe that, and despite the ancient and worldwide cultural traditions that assert an afterlife, I know of nothing to suggest that it is more than wishful thinking. The world is so exquisite, with so much love and moral depth, that there is no reason to deceive ourselves with pretty stories for which there's little good evidence. Far better, it seems to me, in our vulnerability, is to look Death in the eye and to be grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides.” -Carl Sagan.
Superfrog over 11 years ago
Great art , Gavin. You’re the best.
3hourtour Premium Member over 11 years ago
..good one…
Ratbrat over 11 years ago
I’m one of the believers for good reasons, but I love this cartoon and am completely behind the sentiment expressed!
ART Thompson Premium Member over 11 years ago
I miss Carl.
Vet Premium Member over 11 years ago
Been believing that since the 60’s. “Regardless of what is happening,everyday you are alive is a good day.”An Indian Sadhus told me that one day in 1963.I was 11. I never forgot it.
dankelly57 over 11 years ago
Thank You.This idea I have long believed.Would that more people may see the wisdom in this thought.
randdwhite Premium Member over 11 years ago
If only!!!!!
Vet Premium Member over 11 years ago
If you really want to flash back go back to the Temptations “Ball of Confusion” early 1970.Listen and see how much has NOT changed.If I didn’t have such a positive outlook I would really be depressed. Its improved but still a Ball of Confusion.
Vet Premium Member over 11 years ago
Back to Ping Pong Diplomacy. Those were the days.
Chuck Sharpe over 11 years ago
Gavin this is something I never thought about until you put it out there in such a clever way ~~ THANKS
Ushindi over 11 years ago
This is great – I just checked back on previous Zen Pencils and they’re all wonderful. I definitely clicked the “Add To My Comics” button.
zenpencils Premium Member over 11 years ago
Thanks for the comments everyone. Glad to be on GoComics! Hope you enjoyed the first week of my toons :)
vldazzle over 11 years ago
I’ll be adding to mine as well! TU!
katina.cooper over 11 years ago
What happens is when they die, they switch sides.
mahnster over 11 years ago
Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and proving who he claimed to be and that he was here for ALL people, not an exclusive bunch, proves that belief in Him and being born-again, rather than a religious “good” person, is more than wishful thinking. The Tomb IS empty….500+ people witnessed Jesus after his death and resurrection, and it changed the life of Paul from Christian murderer to a messenger of the Gospel, just as I am.
mahnster over 11 years ago
Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and proving who he claimed to be and that he was here for ALL people, not an exclusive bunch, proves that belief in Him and being born-again, rather than a religious “good” person, is more than wishful thinking. The Tomb IS empty….500+ people witnessed Jesus after his death and resurrection, and it changed the life of Paul from Christian murderer to a messenger of the Gospel, just as I am.
mahnster over 11 years ago
And yes, there is plenty of good evidence. I will have to disagree with Carl Sagan.
mahnster over 11 years ago
The other error this strip has is that it is the common modern thinking that people who know God, who is knowable, are out for blood and to murder. No true born-again human who is simply a messenger of the Gospel is out for blood. From Hudson Taylor who came to China to witness, to myself now in China where he even started 160 years ago, we were never here for blood. Those who reject God, a Creator, Intelligent Design, and even accept evolution have fueled more violence from killing our children in the womb, to mass bloodshed by Chairman Mao and Stalin. Just remember that.
kaffekup over 11 years ago
What I keep remembering areCrusadesInquisitionHolocaust.But I guess those weren’t “real” Christians…
mauimike6 over 11 years ago
Sure do miss Carl and his “star stuff.” Thank you for this reminder of Dr. S’s great-hearted soul.
topbunk over 11 years ago
One of the great scientists… Mr. Carl Sagan.
toahero about 6 years ago
If there is an afterlife, I hope that it is a place for reconciliation and forgiveness, not pleasure and punishment
gummynuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuub over 4 years ago
aaawwwwwww so cute