Owen Bones is a Chicago producer currently building an amazing live show.
What is the importance of space exploration in our society?
I think space exploration will tell us a lot about what we are destined to do as a species. Are we supposed to leave for the cosmos, or are we tied to the Earth? In the short term, we’re going to use space for resources, mining, transportation…extensions of the same systems that are currently destroying us on Earth. Whether or not we even reach the point of exploring and developing space in meaningful ways before we collapse as a civilization will be very telling.
Do you worry about the heat death of the universe?
Definitely not. What could we even do about it?
Do you think anything is absolute? If so, what?
I think that virtues are absolute. Whether or not these virtues (dignity, honor, etc.) can physically exist is another question.
What is time? What is Macaroni Time?
Time is a linear measurement that humans use to reference their experiences in 3D space. Macaroni time is time that has been (rightfully) designated for the acquisition of macaroni.
Like Sartre, do you consider contemplation a luxury?
Contemplation is definitely a luxury. It was only recently that humans got to stop worrying about, you know, immediate and painful death during every waking moment.
Is your existence as compared to your nonexistence something which can be justified?
Yes, since justifications can be relative, but also no, because justifications are…relative.
Are you afraid that everything will happen?
Nope, some of everything is bound to be awesome.
In Albert Camus’ famous novel ‘The Stranger’ the central character, Mersault, is able to tolerate life in prison fairly well because of his general detachment. Is it fair to say that many people in our society “detach” as a way of coping with the violent unjust system that has been thrust upon us by history?
Yes, I think that is an accurate statement. We can pontificate about the “most ideal” state for humans to live in, but something we know for sure is that modern society has so many problems that people are forced to cope. I imagine, in an ideal world, simply existing would be enough, and we wouldn’t have to detach from our experiences to survive.
How do you make earnest connection in a world of instant gratification?
I have experiences with other humans in person. Growing up, I spent an incredible amount of time in online worlds, having online experiences, like many people my age. I had blissful and heartrending experiences alike through the internet, and while I believe they were no less “real” than my “real life” feelings, I’ve grown to crave human interaction. Eat some psilocybin mushrooms with your best friend. Go to a concert. Collaborate on an art project. Those sorts of experiences have felt very satisfying to me.
