Sumber ilustrasi: Magnific
14 Mei 2026 16.36 WIB – Akar
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Desanomia [14.05.2026] Imagine that, within a reflective dialogue inside the landscape of thought discussing the question where (See Where, Desanomia, 14 May 2026), a direct answer suddenly appears: here. While the meaning of the question is still being unfolded, someone answers it — yet with an answer that itself becomes another question: what if the answer is “here”? What does “here” actually mean within the framework of such a question? How would you respond? Would you continue entertaining the question? Or would you end the reflection and choose to sleep?
If the choice is to continue the dialogue, then the following description may become one possible explanation:
“Here” appears to be the simplest answer to the question “where.” Yet for those accustomed to deeper reflection, precisely within that simplicity there may hide a very fundamental problem. “Here” is not merely the pointing toward a place, but the establishment of a center of orientation. The moment “here” is spoken, a world silently arranges itself around that point.
There is no “here” without horizon. Once “here” emerges, “there,” “near,” “far,” “above,” “below,” “front,” and “behind” simultaneously come into existence. In that sense, “here” is not just one point within space, but the origin of spatial order as experienced. Space receives direction through the existence of a center of orientation.
“Here” also does not possess absolute meaning. A mountain may become “here” for a climber, yet remain “there” for someone observing from afar. Because of that, “here” is not a quality belonging to objects themselves, but a relation between existence and world. Position always depends upon the angle of involvement.
When someone says “I am here,” what takes place is not only the determination of geometric coordinates. There is also an affirmation of presence. “Here,” in such a sense, means being present within a certain situation, existing within a certain experience, and participating within a certain reality. In this sense, “here” contains existential dimensions and not just spatial ones.
All human experience unfolds from a certain “here.” Vision sees from a particular angle, hearing hears from a certain distance, and thought thinks the world from a horizon of experience. No consciousness floats without place. Even imagination about the furthest galaxy still emerges from a center of experience that is already situated somewhere.
Because of that, “here” is not an object inside the world like a stone or a tree. “Here” resembles more a horizon that allows the world to appear. Something can only become “there” because a certain “here” already exists as a point of reference. “Here” is not simply part of space, but a condition for the appearance of experienced space itself.
Yet “here” is always moving. Every movement of the body shifts the center of orientation. What was once “in front” may later become “behind.” Therefore “here” is not a fixed point, but a moving center of perspective accompanying the movement of existence. Lived space remains dynamic because “here” continuously changes.
In everyday life, “here” is often considered too ordinary to receive attention. Yet meanings such as closeness, estrangement, homecoming, and loss all rest upon experiences of “here.” A home feels meaningful not primarily because of physical structure, but because of the experience of situatedness formed within it.
Modernity gradually transforms “here” into mere coordinates. Position becomes understood mainly as data that can be measured, mapped, and calculated precisely. Yet within such a process, the existential dimension of situatedness slowly disappears. Place becomes location, and presence becomes geometric position.
As a consequence, human beings may know very accurately where they are in technical terms, while simultaneously losing deeper awareness of existence itself. Maps become increasingly detailed, yet orientation in life grows increasingly unclear. The world may be explored globally, while attachment to a living “here” weakens.
At a deeper level, “here” opens questions about human existence within reality itself. Why does existence unfold from a certain point and not another? Why is experience always organized around a certain center of perspective? Such questions show that “here” is not just a category of space, but a fundamental problem of existence itself.
Do you perhaps have another description? One that moves along the same path, or perhaps against it? (njd)
Note: This article was made as part of a dedicated effort to bring everyday life around us to our minds.
