Alice in Borderland and the Search for Truth

I was intrigued with the movie series on Netflix entitled, “Alice in Borderland”. It is a story of Arisu and Usagi who find themselves in a desolate version of Tokyo filled with radical technology and deadly games that they must complete to stay alive.

The series triggered my interest, since it asks thought-provoking questions about life and philosophy. For instance, Descartes’ musing on “How one can be certain that one’s whole life is not a dream” echoes in one of the scenes. For their final game, they need to complete the three rounds of croquet but before they can proceed to the last round, the Queen intentionally delays the game by asking them to sit down and have some tea. In return, the Queen, is held at a gunpoint by Arisu to tell him the truth about the illusion and reality that they are into. Then, the Queen threw some challenging questions: “You really want to know the truth? Are you prepared?”

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The truth has been sought for a long time, even since the time of Pontius Pilate when he asked Jesus: “What is truth?”

Fr. Roque Ferriols, S.J. writes, “that a person looking for the truth must admit there is a true answer. This answer might be difficult and may take long to find but there is a true answer.” Despite the challenges in the quest for truth, one’s conviction helps pursue it–an artist can create a work of beauty; a scientist can discover a solution to a problem; and a philosopher can construct an outlook on reality.

The meaning of truth can be interpreted in the context of our lives in the sense that we make and the sense we give to it. Our spiritual maturity and devotion to God, for example, can help us gain a better perspective on the truth and its application to our present lives. Thus, the truth and reality lie in our daily challenges, adversities, and victories which we shall embrace. As Jesus pointed out in one of his teachings, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will wear… do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matt. 6:25-34) and similar teachings are also held by these quotes:

“If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.” – Lao Tzu

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.” – Buddha

There is no need to go elsewhere for the truth as it already lies within you.

Are you prepared to embrace life and accept the truth? (Francis Manayan)