No Collegian, You're Not a Kwisatz Haderach

In the popular science fiction series “Dune,” author Frank Herbert describes a eugenic human breeding program that has as its goal the “Kwisatz Haderach.” Herbert drew this term from the late medieval esoteric school of Judaism known as Kabbalah. Literally, Kwisatz Haderach (Hebrew: קְפִיצַת הַדֶּרֶךְ) translates to “the shortening of the Way.” For the Kabbalists of mystical Judaism, a Kwisatz Haderach would have the miraculous ability to travel, or “jump,” a great distance in an instant. Perhaps, students of the New Testament may recall how — after baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch — Philip the Evangelist was “carried away” by the Spirit so that the eunuch saw him no more and “Philip found himself at Azotus” (Acts 8:39-40). 

In the Dune universe, the Kwisatz Haderach is a male messiah figure sought by the shadowy “Bene Gesserit” order who will have the mental powers to bridge time and space. This messiah figure is believed to have the power of understanding the mind of others, accessing ancient ancestral memories and knowing the course of many potential futures. The story arc hinges on the political struggles that surround the acquisition and maintenance of such power. Many competing groups seek such a savior they believe can be present at two or many places at once. 

The reason for my writing is simple. When I was an undergraduate student, I tried to do too many things (both academic and extracurricular). So, I am aiming to encourage you, dear reader. You are not a Kwisatz Haderach; I hope this is a liberating appeal. You don’t have to be in multiple places at once. You shouldn’t join every interesting campus organization. You don’t need to know all the answers or see the future. You’re not a savior — embrace your finitude. 

It is a misguided dream to seek a “shortening of the way.” For starters, bilocation is impossible. More to the point, there are no shortcuts to a formative education. We need to put in the work and study. Likewise, we can’t outsource human thinking to AI machines (also a major theme in the “Dune”emuniverse). My desire is that you can have deep and abiding peace in just knowing you are a human being and a valued part of our campus community. 

For Christians, it may be interesting to note that the Rabbi Jesus of Nazareth surpasses the Kwisatz Haderach tropeem He took no shortcuts. He became finite, contingent, vulnerable, tired, weak and sad. As such, Christ walked the whole gruelingemVia Doloroso to the cross. Because the crucified One has triumphed over death, I suggest you celebrate your contingency. Your success at NDSU doesn’t require omnipresence. You don’t need to do everything all at once; take your time. Trust that the One who guides the course of time and space is also guiding you.