From the LOST forums...(this kind of stuff gives me a headache)

[TCJ70]

The Compass Paradox - It was Never Manufactured???

What about the Law of Conservation of Mass???!!! Ok this is really bugging me. So the way things stand, the compass was never manufactured by anyone. In terms of Locke's consciousness, he was given it by Richard... then he goes back in time and gives it to Richard in 1954, and then tells Richard to give it him, as seen earlier. So where did the compass come from? Think chronologically... as if you were a thinking compass.... you first come into existence with a flash in 1954 in Locke's pocket. You are handed to Richard, who keeps you with him for over 50 years, in between dangling it in front of a young Locke. You lead a peaceful existence in Richard's pocket for half a century. Then in 2007, your reverie is rudely interrupted as you are yanked out at Locke's insistence. And given to another injured Locke. Who then flashes and....poof 1954!!

If I were the compass, I'd have some major existential questions. Where did I come from? Who made me? Where did the metal and glass in me come from? And so on.

[Fleshdancer]

1. The LOST forums make for a fascinating community....

I have read numerous confusing posts describing advanced mathematics and physics or a comprehensive history of Christianity or Egyptian Gods on LOST forums. Then I change threads and suddenly people are debating whether Vincent is Jacob or having a heated argument over who is the better woman for Sawyer. It's an odd mix of people and interests.

[TCJ70]

2. Yeah...just for some reason this thread...

...really makes my head hurt. I guess I'm having trouble imagining something, a physical object, with no beginning (assuming this guy has his timeline right).

[Fleshdancer]

3. My head hurts too

I don't buy the "no beginning" concept. Just because we don't know the details of its creation doesn't mean the compass doesn't have a beginning. Then again, I don't have a high philosophical tolerance generally...at least not when I'm sober. :D

[TCJ70]

4. Well, I don't drink but...

...here ya go! :toast: (Mine's root beer...heh)

[graywarrior]

5. I live at LOST forum when I'm not here.

[rvablue]

6. Can you give me the link?

I feel like the next day I can't remember a damn thing I saw until the next week brings it all back.

I'd like to check out the forum --- I'm so confused. But it's a good confused!

[Fleshdancer]

8. This is the one I usually go to:

http://www.lost-forum.com/

[rvablue]

9. Thanks, fleshdancer!

Now, I'll NEVER get off the tubes! :hi:

[LostinVA]

10. www.televisionwithoutpity.com is good, too

[JTG of the PRB]

7. Ah... A classic temporal paradox... Those are fun.

Every now and then I'll think about one when I feel I haven't killed enough braincells during a given day.