by Larry Francell, Contributing Writer

The French philosopher John Buridan (c.1295 – c.1360) lived in the Middle Ages teaching mostly at the University of Paris. He wrote numerous commentaries on the works of Aristotle and experimented with the scientific theory of inertia. However, he is best remembered for a concept he never mentioned in his own writings: Buridan’s Ass. Least one begin to worry excessively this is really a tale about an animal.

According to the story, this hungry animal is placed equidistant from two stacks of hay the same size and shape. In some versions, the animal is both equally hungry and thirsty and is placed between a stack of hay and a bucket of water. While trying to decide which direction to move, the ass dies of hunger or thirst. This story actually first appears in the writings of Aristotle but somehow became associated with Buridan, and can actually be considered a philosophical exercise between free will and determinism.  

With Determinism, a prior sequence of causes determines one’s present actions and thus decisions are predetermined. Free Will we can presume to be the freedom to choose between alternatives without outside influences other than, possibly and hopefully, an internal moral compass.

Regardless, the ass dies trying to decide between what it perceives as two equal choices, but I think that very seldom are choices equal. It’s more a matter of perception and the idea that choices, while often hard, still have to be made. So I suppose I come down on the free will side of the argument.

So what’s the point, one might ask?

And this question leads to another story. Once upon a time long ago and far away a group of men we call the Founding Fathers met for the purpose of creating a governing document, a covenant among the people of the United States. This was not a contract between defined parties, but I think a true covenant among all citizens. It begins with the words, “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” I think these are some of the most important words in the English language. Our Founding Fathers certainly thought so.

Citizenship is precious, and as citizens the most precious right we have is the right to vote.  Or, considering the meaning of the word covenant, maybe we should think of it as an obligation.

Whether it’s trying to decide between water or hay, or two perceived equal stacks of hay now is not the time to equivocate.  It is time to exercise our right.

And besides, if you do not vote, you do not have the right to complain.