1.  What if we were all equally beautiful by society’s standards, would we find each other attractive?

Perhaps physical attractiveness would take a backseat to personality, intelligence, humor, kindness, and shared values; and lead to a shift towards deeper connections rather than solely physical appearance.

2.  What if there really is a purgatory?

According to an internet search, the word “purgatory” comes from the Latin word “purgare,” which means “to purge.” In Roman Catholic and medieval Christian belief, purgatory is a place where souls are cleansed of sin and made fit for heaven. It’s often described as a “cleansing fire” that purifies souls like gold or silver in a furnace. 

However, it may not be an actual fire because that’s the “other place.” It’s probably much like a doctor’s waiting room where you sit for hours wondering why your appointment was so early and you still haven’t been seen.

3.  What if, as adults, we could grow a third set of teeth?

The idea of growing new teeth, though it may sound painful, is probably everyone’s dream…who has had dental work. Katsu Takahashi, lead researcher and head of dentistry and oral surgery at the Medical Research Institute Kitano Hospital in Osaka, Japan has been working on this idea for years. His experiment involves mutating one of our genes in hopes of creating a time when “tooth regrowth medicine” is a third choice alongside dentures and implants.  

4.  What if we are time-travelers, and don’t know it?

The internet: “Our lives are already filled with subtle, inexplicable moments that feel like déjà vu, strange coincidences, or a sense of familiarity with places we’ve never been, as if our subconscious is remembering past lives or future experiences from “time jumps.” Consider that shared experiences and memories might be kept in a collective unconscious, which could manifest as similar déjà vu experiences across a population. And that some interpretations of quantum mechanics suggest the possibility of multiple realities existing simultaneously, which could be linked to the concept of time travel.” 

Me: Perhaps what we don’t know won’t hurt us. 

5.  Why do some people drink pickle juice?

It might sound gross, but people do drink this stuff for several reasons. According to my friend who uses “tooth soap,” “Pickle juice is hydrating and may help with muscle cramps, blood sugar, and gut health.” No surprise that athletes have been sipping the brine for years.

6.  What if we could exist on air alone?

Obviously, we’d miss the pleasure of eating. For me, that would be a devastation even though there’d be more time for art. FYI, Breatharians believe they can live off of air or rather, “prana,” which is the Sanskrit word for “life air” or “life force.” However, none have succeeded, and some have died trying. 

7.  What if we didn’t have to work for money and everything was free?

Perhaps listen to the economists who believe “society would experience significant issues with resource allocation and production, as people might not have the same motivation to work, potentially leading to shortages of essential goods and services, while others could potentially over-consume due to the lack of price signals regulating demand; essentially, the system could collapse due to a lack of incentive to produce goods and services.”  

8.  What if music ceased to exist?

Something would surely be missing. Imagine a silent wedding ceremony or a party only consisting of people talking with drinks in hand. Without music, life would become a blank canvas that wouldn’t expect color anytime soon.

9.  And the most important question: What if I stopped writing my column, would you miss me?

RAMONA JAN is the Founder and Director of Yarnslingers, a storytelling group that tells tales both fantastic and true. She is also the roving historian for Callicoon, NY and is often seen giving tours around town. You can email her at callicoonwalkingtours@gmail.com.