Alfred Adler once wrote of the unreasonable effectiveness of logical thought. In the 1930s, Kurt Godel discovered his principle of mathematical incompleteness which blew away most of the foundations of logic that were established until that point. Godel's theorem has been called the "uncertainity principle of mathematics". This poem owes its inspiration to Kurt Godel and to my friend Christine R. who first opened my eyes to its possibility.

Theirs was a singular society,
of logic, almost mathematical piety.
They proved all they believed,
by reason alone, they achieved.
They studied only every science.
The intellect their sole appliance.
All their arts, music and poetry,
mere tributes to another geometry.
Their thoughts precise, never surprise,
their entire lives an exercise.
Never felt anger or fear or guilt,
thus their piteous minds were built.
"Logic is supreme," their frenzied chant;
'twas all their stunted minds could grant.
Their almighty Oracle, this toneless twit,
this dour wretch, ruled as he saw fit.
Ever his actions were dreadful outcry,
he'd readily reply to the question, "why?".
('A divorcee is the same as a maiden unwed;
they are both technically single', he'd gingerly once said.)

Then one day, at their Academy graduation,
they had their first lesson in real education.

This un'honor'ed graduate, alacritous chap;
led the Oracle into a magnificient trap.
"Logic, sir, is itself flawed", he boldly began to state,
"for there are truths it can't possibly illuminate."
The crowd shudder'd, to the Oracle's dismay.
"Be warned, young munuc, of what you say!"
"Gladly sir, I shall now state a fact,
ne'er would we prove by any logical tract."
"Boy, you risk being cast out in disgrace!"
"And you, sir, risk appointing me your place."
"It's settled then, boy, proceed without further adieu."

"You will never say this statement is true."

The Oracle seethed at the twin twisted locks,
the perfidious truth within the grim paradox.
O vile truth, the Oracle couldn't assert for it would falsify;
O vile lie, neither could the Oracle bring himself to deny.

"We know now a truth, that none can repeat;
for all the logic in the world crumbles at its feet.
Therefore be assured, all ye of sound thinking;
logic is not the answer to everything."