The greatest mystery of existence is existence itself.—Deepak Chopra

#WonderWhatWouldHappenIf gives us a chance to voice both our fantasy and our fears

Yes, boys and girls, it’s time to play with hashtags again. #WonderWhatWouldHappenIf just started trending on Twitter in the past hour (10 AM EST) and is already growing rapidly in popularity. I can’t say I’m terribly surprised. This is one of those hashtag games that gives one the opportunity to explore mystery, express fear, or expound upon matters of fantasy. I doubt there are any of us that haven’t at one time or another pondered, #WonderWhatWouldHappenIf and then proceeded to answer that question.

Actually, following through on #WonderWhatWouldHappenIf is at the core of science exploration, invention, and discovery. If no one ever was curious about what might happen, then we might never discover many of the wonderful things that make our lives better. Pursuing the innate curiosity regarding life and all that surrounds us is what allows us to advance as a society. If no one ever asked #WonderWhatWouldHappenIf we would likely still be living in caves and pounding rocks.

While the trend is still new, here are some early favorites:

#WonderWhatWouldHappenIf people really start thinking for themselves and not what people tell them to do

— Compton Willy (@Willy2Wise_4U) January 31, 2016

#WonderWhatWouldHappenIf my face opened up pic.twitter.com/CeUTncmxLe

— Mikey Barbera (@ThePianist1770) January 31, 2016

#WonderWhatWouldHappenIf the only people who were allowed to tweet were the ones who knew the difference between there, their, and they’re?

— ♥️ Sassy Mouth ♥️ (@SassyMouth2012) January 31, 2016

Those are just a very small sample, of course, and since it’s still early I’m sure there will be even better ones coming. I’m tempted to contribute heavily because, being totally honest here, I ask that question probably more often than is healthy. Fortunately, I rarely follow through or else there would constantly be a mess in the kitchen and my computer probably wouldn’t work. Still, here are some of my more frequent thoughts:

#WonderWhatWouldHappenIf

• we all had the chance to learn physics directly from Dr. Stephen Hawking (@ProferssorSH)
• everyone was concerned about being better than they are now
• I mixed blueberries, raspberries, and a MilkyWay™ bar in a chocolate shake (rather surprised I’ve not tried this one yet)
• the terrorists trying to build bombs were color blind (unable to discern red wires from green wires from yellow wires)
• children always listened to their parents the first time
• nationality wasn’t a thing
• we all behaved more like our favorite pets (I fear a lot of public urination on fire hydrants)
• we had a clean, unlimited power supply that was not controlled by any government or third party
• grass was purple
• we really did have to eat our words

I’m sure you’re beginning to think of a few of your own by now. We really are very curious as a species and once we start asking hypothetical questions like this stopping becomes quite difficult. I’m intentionally avoiding those with political or overtly religious themes to them, but as long as we’re asking the question let’s get serious for a few moments.

#WonderWhatWouldHappenIf

• No one in the world had to worry about access to clean water
• Everyone in the world had equal and free access to education
• Men started truly treating women as equals in every way
• Women started respecting each other rather than being competitive
• Everyone’s skin was the same color: cobalt blue
• No one was ever afraid to sing
• We only saw the beauty in other people
• We didn’t allow ourselves to be confined by artificial social constraints
• Clothes were free
• Children never went hungry, were frightened, or alone

Like every hashtag game, whether you take it humorously or seriously is up to you. I think there’s plenty of room, and need, for both. I enjoy the more creative replies, but sometimes we need to be reminded about the issues right in front of our face as well.

Now that your brain has been stoked with the idea, go ahead and join the game and don’t forget to tag me so I’ll see your tweet! @charlesletbette