Unfathomable
- Deric Hollings
- 6 days ago
- 8 min read
On the EP entitled Requiem for a Nightmare (2025), by lyricist Eclyse and producer Forge One, is the song “Unfathomable” in which Elyse states, “What can’t be fathomed, traveled lightyears with a telescope. To see the past, yo, we can’t imagine even a fraction.”
Thereby, he addresses the term unfathomable (not capable of being fathomed). Here, fathomable regards that which is capable of being comprehended. Importantly, fathom merely means to penetrate and come to understand. As well, to understand simply regards a mental grasp.
A synonym of understanding is comprehension, which means the act or action of grasping with the intellect. As well, intellect is the power of knowing, as distinguished from the power to feel and to will: the capacity for knowledge (the fact or condition of being aware of something).
Having deduced the meaning of these terms, there’s one last word that may be useful to define. Eclyse used the term imagine, which relates to the ability to form a mental image (a visual representation of something, or a mental picture or impression) of something not present.
Therefore, when fathoming something that “traveled lightyears with a telescope,” such as light from a distant star, the very act of imagining this content negates the claim of not being able to “imagine even a fraction” of the very subject matter which apparently “can’t be fathomed.”
Ergo, Eclyse’s claim either represents a mistake of fact, a lie, nonsense, or a paradox (a statement or sentiment that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true). Allow me to explain how I’ve come to this conclusion, though you may disagree.
I view many events through the proverbial lens of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), as I’ll provide a psychoeducational lesson that involves thinking and believing which is rational (in accordance with both logic and reason), or not (i.e., irrational), as it regards REBT herein.
Here, “logic” is the interrelation or sequence of facts or events when seen as inevitable or predictable, and “reason” is a statement offered in explanation or justification. For instance, a modus ponens syllogism uses the following logical form: If p, then q; p; therefore, q.
Before I provide an example, it may be useful to know that one source states, “A theory is, in general, any hypothesis or set of ideas about something, formed in any number of ways through any sort of reasoning for any sort of reason.” Colloquially, a “theory” alludes to a mere belief.
If every theory in which I believe possibly could be true or real (p), then every theory in which I believe empirically must be true or real (q). Every theory in which I believe possibly could be true or real (p). Therefore, every theory in which I believe empirically must be true or real (q).
This proposition follows logical form; yet I argue that it isn’t reasonable, because what could be isn’t necessarily what is. Thus, I consider this syllogistic belief as that relating to irrationality. Nevertheless, I have little doubt that at least one person on this planet disagrees with my outlook.
Noteworthy, my worldview is subjective (characteristic of or belonging to reality as perceived rather than as independent of mind). Thus, not everyone agrees with what everybody else deems as rational or not. Irrespective of advocacy for equality, not everyone maintains the same views.
For clarity, the American Psychological Association defines subjective as “taking place or existing only within the mind,” and defines objective as “having verifiable existence in the external world, independently of any opinion or judgment.”
Also, a rational perspective for one person may not be considered rational by members of a group. For example, people dedicating themselves to the practice of science may fervently disagree with referring to a mere belief as a “theory.” I agree! Yet, this is my subjective view.
Provided this framing of my conclusion about “Unfathomable” by Eclyse and Forge One, the lyricist’s claim either represents a mistake of fact, a lie, nonsense, or a paradox. It simply isn’t rational to claim that something fathomable is unfathomable.
Specifically, when fathoming something that “traveled lightyears with a telescope,” such as light from a distant star, the very act of imagining this content negates the claim of not being able to “imagine even a fraction” of the very subject matter which apparently “can’t be fathomed.”
Let’s consider this matter by use of a modus ponens syllogism (if p, then q; p; therefore, q). If one can fathom something (p), then that which can be fathomed isn’t unfathomable (q). One can fathom something (p). Therefore, that which can be fathomed isn’t unfathomable (q).
Granted, complete comprehension about matters within the cosmos may likely be unimaginable or unfathomable. After all, fallible human beings don’t maintain perfect knowledge. We simply don’t know what we don’t know (e.g., whether or not there absolutely is life on distant planets).
Although we may not be able to fully understand or grasp matters across the universe, provided our limited intellect, we can imagine possibilities. Thus, we can fathom matters which are supposedly unfathomable. Now, are you able to grasp the argument I’ve outlined herein?
If so, then I invite you to consider that the words we use matter. Therefore, the next time you catch yourself declaring that something is unfathomable, I invite you to stop and ask yourself, “Am I making a rational claim?” Challenging your beliefs in this way is how REBT functions.
If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.
As the world’s foremost hip hop-influenced REBT psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.
At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!
Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
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