Philosophical Question

Jaybird180

Final Approach
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Jaybird180
Is flying a means to an end, or an end unto itself?
 
I've been getting questions like this a lot lately since I just bought my first plane without even finishing my private certificate yet: What are you flying for? Do you want to do it professionally? Why now? Why at all?

My response is that I have wanted to fly since I was a very small child. I just can't stop thinking about being up there. Sure it's also a career path (one that my brother took), but it's not about the future or making money off of it. It's about pushing in that throttle and lifting off right now!

So, for me, flying is the destination.
 
Is flying a means to an end, or an end unto itself?

Mu.
 
I like the Thoreau quote. Most people live their lives without ever really living. I think they believe they are saving it for next time around.
 
You mean this isn't a practice run!?

I don't think so, but I think that is what a lot of people think (or at least that is the way they act).
 
For many of us, we have "arrived" at our destination as soon our wheels leave the ground.

Not to say I like just boring holes in the sky -- I like to go places in my plane. But it's the journey, not the destination, that is most important.
 
I don't think so, but I think that is what a lot of people think (or at least that is the way they act).

I am eternally amazed at the people I meet who do...NOTHING. It's as if they are always afraid, as if they think they're going to live forever.

IMHO, in order to fly, you must first accept the fact that you will die...some day. Once you've truly accepted that fate, everything becomes possible.
 
Both. I couldn't justify flying without having a mission to accomplish. But the journey is just important as (sometimes more important than) the destination.
 
I am eternally amazed at the people I meet who do...NOTHING. It's as if they are always afraid, as if they think they're going to live forever.

IMHO, in order to fly, you must first accept the fact that you will die...some day. Once you've truly accepted that fate, everything becomes possible.
I don't plan on dying. I'm enjoying the trip far too much to give it up.
 
I always tell people that flying makes getting there as much fun as being there.
 
I always tell people that flying makes getting there as much fun as being there.

As long as you get to fly first class i.e. GA and not commercial!
 
I fly, therefore I am!
 
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