THE Eden quandary transcends its Biblical narrative. It is a drama that still influences and haunts us today. The social ideal that challenges instant reality can be easily encapsulated in the concept of “the devil’s suggestions” in plural form. In this context, the imposition of “will” is conveyed through multiple propositions, creating a medium that aims to transcend the logic of obvious possibilities and the patience required to shape ideals into reality.

To even defy the rationale of the forbidden fruit and any hesitation to heed warnings is then seen as a mark of cowardice, a misunderstanding of those who ate and perished before. It is further interpreted that it was not the fruit itself but rather the hesitation—the choice not to act when encouraged—that led to the consequence of lost balance and the descent into chaos, as the game of guilt, blame, and accusation takes over. This descent eventually leads to either fatal emotional outcomes or serious physical consequences of error.

If the above paragraph does not underscore the importance of paying attention, then why is our media filled with images of beautiful young and not-so-young souls? These images often sit above narratives describing fatal or emotionally charged physical clashes. True, we live in a world of loud, irrational, and physical simplifications of profound states that are alluring. There is nothing wrong with beautiful things—whether they are cinematic, storefront displays, or items serving livelihoods on a conscientious platform that fulfils needs rather than feeding a ‘magical want’ that goes beyond logical circumstances.

How should society, and whatever rational intellect remains, counter such influences? What is the remedy for illogical irrationality, and can reason temper it? In that it exists but cannot be understood, much less intellectually contained? Is this the forbidden fruit, or is it instead the allure of its unspoken social doctrine that entices and subdues? It would be unfair not to offer an analogy for what I believe may be the answer to the “Eden Quandary” in our age: the division of gender egos. Though slowly dissipating, I have witnessed its persistence.

I had a colleague who was a Justice of the Peace. He invited me to his home to complete some documents, and upon our arrival, he guided me to a desk. He offered me a seat and removed a vase of artificial flowers that rested on the folding desk. He murmured to me, “I told this lady I’m using this desk, and yet she continues to decorate it with her flowers.” I didn’t respond, and we continued with the paperwork. After paying him, he walked me to the door. He glanced back, and I followed his gaze. I gestured in good humour and said, “Bro, it’s the table. You need a new one. When you bought that one, the vase and flowers came with it, I’m sure of it.” He interrupted with a smirk, “The table came with the vase and those plastic flowers? I’m going to try your suggestion—not paying you for it—and see if a new working table will solve it.” I left in good humour.

This interaction could have escalated into a clash of gender egos, ending unpredictably. It highlighted that, over time, there has been a definite need for a script addressing the changing dynamics of gender roles and realms. Such a script would allow people, even outside of the legions of hecklers and bearers of bad advice who embody the old serpent’s presence, to abide together reasonably.