turtles all the way down

What holds you up? What holds up whatever holds you? 

                                                                                         

A friend shared this story with me:

Many years ago, the great American philosopher and psychologist William James was giving a lecture on the cosmology of the universe. He discussed the various theories, both modern and ancient, of how the universe was structured. Halfway through his presentation, an elderly lady raised her hand, and, after being properly recognized by the speaker, said, "Professor James, I know the truth about the world. After the world was created it was placed on the back of a huge turtle and that's how it's held up."

Not wanting to embarrass his paying guest but knowing such mistakes must be corrected for the sake of learning, he gently asked, "My dear lady, if the world is held up by a turtle, what holds up the turtle?" And she replied, "Another turtle, of course." James countered with, "And what holds up that turtle?"

The elderly lady just smiled and said calmly, "Professor James, you can't trick me. I know what you're saying, but it's turtles all the way down!"

I'll be back in a bit to write some more about this. Right now my daughter is dealing with the aftermath of a vehicle accident and is deep into learning some lessons about what holds us together when our grills and fenders fall apart. I'm on my way to be with her. We won't let this beclamity toss her off the face of the earth. I'm feeling a bit like a turtle right now.