Why the incessant arguing? Why does it seem like peace evades us every time we open our mouths to speak? Why do we take advantage of every opportunity to ridicule, taunt, mock? Why are we so incredibly negative? What have we done to create in ourselves this cynical, contemptuous, scornful character? Is it media? Is it the lack of meaning that we find in our own individual lives that spurs us to find the infinitesimal faults in others? Why is this battle for love and optimism so arduous?
If I find the answers to the above questions, I'll be sure to document my findings. For some reason though, I have a feeling this question will take a lifetime to unravel...
Sunday, December 20, 2009
A Word On Life In General
From the perspective of a child, a foot of snow is an oasis, a "winter wonderland." Now that childhood has slipped between my fingers, the joy of snow appears to have done the same. It is beautiful indeed, there is no doubt, but the overwhelming satisfaction its arrival used to bring has ceased to exist in my mind. However, I have not yet turned into one of those kind of people who frown upon snow's arrival; on the contrary I was excited as any to hear of the approaching storm. Its just different this this year, in a way I cant quite articulate adequately enough to express what I really mean.
I guess a lot of life has been like that lately, a delicate balance between adolescence and adulthood. This season that I am in now feels like oblivion. This soon this will end, especially once college comes into view. The future is so vast, so open, so pregnant with possibility its overwhelming! There are so many choices for college, so many possible majors, and so many different careers and professions to pick from. I do know however, that the course of all my up and coming decisions will be led by the following words: "Ignorance, when voluntary, is criminal, and a man may be properly charged with that evil which he neglected or refused to learn how to prevent". What I've gathered is that there is need beyond imagination, and people living their lives in such desperation that I myself cannot simply lead my life as though blind to their plight. But simply giving money, as some suggest, will not solve the problem of global poverty. In my humble opinion, it will only worsen and prolong the effects of extreme poverty. By giving a person in need a handout, you will fill his stomach for a while. However, what state will be in after your money has been spent? Exactly where he was before you came into his life. The cycle of handouts only perpetuates poverty, because it does not raise the afflicted out of their state of desperation, it simply numbs the pain.
What then, if money in and of itself will not pacify the gaping wound of poverty, will alleviate the poor of their anguish? Education. The best way I've found to verbalize this concept is found in a Chinese proverb: Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.. I'm not saying that money is meaningless and that people who give are wasting their time. But what I am saying is that education is invaluable, a key to rising above even the most seemingly impossible circumstances.
I guess a lot of life has been like that lately, a delicate balance between adolescence and adulthood. This season that I am in now feels like oblivion. This soon this will end, especially once college comes into view. The future is so vast, so open, so pregnant with possibility its overwhelming! There are so many choices for college, so many possible majors, and so many different careers and professions to pick from. I do know however, that the course of all my up and coming decisions will be led by the following words: "Ignorance, when voluntary, is criminal, and a man may be properly charged with that evil which he neglected or refused to learn how to prevent". What I've gathered is that there is need beyond imagination, and people living their lives in such desperation that I myself cannot simply lead my life as though blind to their plight. But simply giving money, as some suggest, will not solve the problem of global poverty. In my humble opinion, it will only worsen and prolong the effects of extreme poverty. By giving a person in need a handout, you will fill his stomach for a while. However, what state will be in after your money has been spent? Exactly where he was before you came into his life. The cycle of handouts only perpetuates poverty, because it does not raise the afflicted out of their state of desperation, it simply numbs the pain.
What then, if money in and of itself will not pacify the gaping wound of poverty, will alleviate the poor of their anguish? Education. The best way I've found to verbalize this concept is found in a Chinese proverb: Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.. I'm not saying that money is meaningless and that people who give are wasting their time. But what I am saying is that education is invaluable, a key to rising above even the most seemingly impossible circumstances.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
A Lost Art
Something about the snow has inspired this new love for writing. Maybe its the fact that I've been trapped inside all day. It's possible. Or maybe its the mystique of the softly falling flakes on my windowpane, beckoning me to use a long-forgotten skill. It has been a while, unfortunately. Too long. The throes of everyday life have enthralled me to the point that I cannot remember the last time I picked up a pen and paper and just poured out my heart to no one. I guess in this fast-paced culture I live in, taking the time to account for the day events is out of the question?.. Its such a remedy to the complications of daily life, writing is; a passive but doubtlessly effective way to release one's deepest fears, aspirations, and thoughts without the nag of ridicule and negativity, unless self-induced. The pen is a haven for the wondering mind, the paper a sanctuary for the restless soul.
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