Definition:
The term “beginning” refers to the initial point or starting phase of something, while “end” denotes the conclusion or final stage. These terms are often used to describe the start and finish of processes, events, or periods of time.
Etymology:
The word “beginning” evolved from Proto-Germanic biginnaną, meaning “to begin,” which itself is derived from the prefix bi- (meaning “around” or “about”) and the root ginnaną (meaning “to open” or “to undertake”). The word “end” traces back to Proto-Germanic andijō, which means “end” or “boundary.” It is believed to be related to the Proto-Indo-European root h₂ent, meaning “front” or “forehead.”
Description:
“Beginning and end” is a fictional concept, and is used to tell a story. When saying that there’s a beginning or end to something, it’s just a matter of definition. In other words, it’s subjective when in a process we choose to call it the beginning and the end. In our language, we have made up a lot of fictional rules for when to say it’s the beginning or end of something, which creates a form of illusion that there it a beginning or end to something. Take the act of drinking water as a simple example; does the act begin when you fill the glass with water? Or does it begin when you start pouring it into your mouth? Or does it begin when you first start swallowing? Which minute did you start drinking? Or which second did you start drinking? Or which millisecond? Or which microsecond, nanosecond, or picosecond? Or perhaps did you start drinking the first time in your life you took a sip of water? And will you not stop drinking before taking the last sip of water in your life?
There is no beginning or end to existence. Existence is infinite. This concept challenges common notions but raises two key questions: how can the present exist if time extends infinitely into the past, and how can existence extend infinitely in all directions? The present moment always exists within the timeline, regardless of its placement, and the existence of existence itself is undeniable. Therefore, the likelihood of existence extending infinitely is no less plausible than existence itself.
Symbolism:
123 refers to the beginning of the decimal system and symbolizes the “beginning” of existence.
ABC, much like 123, refers to the beginning of the alphabet and symbolizes the “beginning” of existence. The word “alphabet” originates from the first two letters of the Greek alphabet: alpha and beta, meaning beginning. A = penis, B = in and out, and C = vagina, and is an analogy that refers to the story of creation.
In the last book of the New Testament in the Bible, in Revelation, chapter 1, verse 8, God says “I am the Alpha and the Omega.” This means “I am the beginning and the end”. Both the letter “A” and the letter “O” have the same meaning: alpha and omega.
A poster for the movie “Endings, Beginnings” (2019) shows all the characters with only one eye visible for each, emphasizing that beginning and end are fictional concepts.
Religion:
Many religious texts contain narratives or creation myths that describe the origin of the universe, humanity, and the world. These stories often depict a divine creator or cosmic event that initiates existence, marking a beginning point in time and space. For example, the Book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible describes God creating the heavens and the earth in six days. The very first words in the Bible are: “In the beginning.” In the Torah, which is written in Hebrew, the very first word is: “bereshit.” In the Hinduistic text Chandogya Upanishad 6.8.7, it says: “In the beginning was Brahman, with whom was the Word, and the Word was truly the supreme Brahman. This Brahman is the beginning and end of all beings.”
Religious texts frequently discuss eschatological themes, which focus on the end times or the ultimate destiny of humanity and the universe. These texts may describe apocalyptic events, judgment, resurrection, and the establishment of a new order. In Christianity, the New Testament includes teachings about the return of Jesus Christ, the final judgment, and the coming of the kingdom of God.
Some religious traditions, particularly in Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, conceive of time as cyclical rather than linear. In these views, the universe undergoes repeated cycles of creation, destruction, and rebirth, with no ultimate beginning or end. The Bhagavad Gita and the Mahabharata in Hinduism, for example, explore concepts of cosmic cycles and the eternal nature of existence.
Many religious texts contain teachings about eternal life or existence beyond the physical realm. These texts may discuss concepts such as heaven, paradise, nirvana, hell, jahannam, gehenna or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The Quran in Islam, for instance, describes the rewards of paradise for believers who follow God’s guidance, while The New Testament in the Bible in Christianity describes the reward of heaven for believers who accept Jesus Christ as their only saviour. Judaism, Christianity and Islam all threaten with a place of eternal suffering for those who don’t believe their story that a God exist.