Lost: Season 5 episode 2.

[bos]

The Compass.

How does it exist? Locke had it, then gave it to Richard, who then gave it to Locke. Its a circle. Chicken and the egg.

[akclone]

The Compass.

How does it exist? Locke had it, then gave it to Richard, who then gave it to Locke. Its a circle. Chicken and the egg.

Matter exists. The compass is composed of matter therefore it exists.

If Locke never gives the compass to Richard, Richard never has it.
If Richard never gives the compass to Locke, Locke never has it.
Interesting problem we have here.

[bos]

Matter exists. The compass is composed of matter therefore it exists.

If Locke never gives the compass to Richard, Richard never has it.
If Richard never gives the compass to Locke, Locke never has it.
Interesting problem we have here.

Is the island the same way? Now that they all are starting to interact with the past and therefore creating their present and future. My brain...it hurts.

[maui6651]

Matter exists. The compass is composed of matter therefore it exists.

If Locke never gives the compass to Richard, Richard never has it.
If Richard never gives the compass to Locke, Locke never has it.
Interesting problem we have here.

Richard wouldn't have given Locke the compass in the future if he didn't think Richard in the 1950s would recognize it. My guess is that he had it prior to the scene in the 50s and then lost it at some point in time (as in due to time travel).

Or maybe, since things they have when the sky lights up travel with them, Richard no longer had it once Locke arrived in the 50s. Or maybe there are two compasses. Or maybe it's best not to think about this stuff because time travel is theoretical and messes with your mind.