Understanding Entropy in Our Lives

We are all familiar with entropy and its implications, yet we often overlook its name. The saying "ignorance of the law is no excuse" applies equally to the Law of Entropy, which affects our lives just like any other law, be it physical or legal.

As Chinua Achebe poignantly stated, "Things fall apart," and we witness this in our everyday experiences, regardless of how well we organize our surroundings.

This reality becomes more apparent when we have children who eventually grow and leave home. I used to joke that my home was decorated in the style of "Early Childhood." Watching our three little ones grow up and leave has been challenging, but it certainly makes maintaining order much simpler. Score: Me, 1; Universal Law of Entropy, 0.

Yet, pride often precedes a fall. This might be another universal principle to consider, but I am determined, as any battle requires focus.

With the resolve reminiscent of Hannibal traversing the Alps, I refuse to be defeated.

By a tea bag.

I aimed to recycle it, so I lifted the lid of our compost bin, which I had cleaned the night before but left to dry upstairs. Upon noticing a bedroom light was still on, I turned it off. When I brought the compost bin downstairs, I wanted to line it with paper towels, but the spool was empty. So, I recycled the cardboard tube instead and noticed the recycling bin was overflowing.

I took it outside, but a plastic fast-food tray was stuck inside, leading me to reach in and get old sauce on my thumb. I attempted to “wash” my hand with the accumulated snow on my car, intending to let it melt and clean my hand. Just then, my phone rang, and I instinctively reached for it with my dirty hand, resulting in a wet and grimy coat pocket. Of course, it was just a telemarketer. Frustrated, I retreated to the warmth of my kitchen for a cup of hot tea.

Fortuitously or not, the tea bag was perched above the dishwasher, which was in need of unloading and reloading—both tasks I completed. However, I accidentally tossed the tea bag into the dishwasher and placed the dishwasher tab in a cup of boiling water.

No harm done, I thought. I halted the dishwasher, retrieved my tea bag, and placed the dishwasher tab back in its compartment—still in the cup—closed the door, pressed start, brewed a fresh cup of tea, and finally relaxed.

But then I realized I had used the tea bag I planned to compost. Not so pleasant: it had a hint of dishwasher soap, leftover sauce, and some unidentified meat flavor, reminiscent of my childhood visits to the elephant exhibit at the zoo.

I also recognized that my current troubles paled in comparison to Hannibal's monumental journey, where he led 20,000 men and 10,000 animals, including 37 elephants, across the perilous Col de la Traversette to confront the Romans—twice.

Ultimately, I understood that my small issues, like an underused tea bag, had inadvertently led me to tackle other necessary tasks. Score: Me, 2; Universal Law of Entropy, 0.