Post 7 :: Daily Reflection
In class today, we read more of a long (read: REALLY long) essay called "The Gift." It's about a man, whose actual name escapes me -- Kravinsky, I think it was? -- who donates a lot. That's quite the simplistic way of putting it; there's so much more to the story than that. We haven't finished reading it though. In fact, we're not even halfway through it.
But so far...
We find that Kravinsky runs off to donate his kidney to a woman he barely knew. He considers anyone who can donate a kidney, who doesn't donate it, a murderer. I disagree with this. I realize that yes, someone's kidney can save someone else's life. But think about the risks involved. How much should we give to someone we don't know? How much is required of us? Why should we feel so compelled to give?
There's a fine line between those two options (murderer vs. just not doing anything). It may sound selfish, but really, what is our responsibility? Why put our lives on the line for someone you don't know? Yes, it's a nice thing to do. Yes, life is important. But aren't our own lives important, too? How can someone have such little regard for his own life?
That shows disrespect to all those who love him.
Flagrant disregard for one's own life does not only have the potential to harm oneself. It hurts everyone connected to that one person -- kind of like poking a hole in a web; there's one hole, and technically, only one spot got damaged. But the entire web suffers as a result.
Of course, that's getting a little off-topic. (With consideration for the original route.)
But I suppose I can use it to find another point:
Life is valuable, but whose life is worth more? Should we risk one to save another? If that one life risked is lost in the process, but another life is saved, isn't the result the same? You've still lost a life.
Or is that just the pessimistic way of looking at it?
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
'cause faith is so hard to find
Post 6 :: This I Believe Reflections
I
A) Living What You Do Every Day
After reading this little essay, my first thought was, "If only I could find a job that I liked." I didn't really think much. I wasn't sure what to think; it was pretty short, and while it was slightly interesting, I didn't connect with it as well as I do with some other statements. I know that feeling of being embarrassed of what you like to do, or of what you want in life. There's a part of me that knows I shouldn't be, but when I tell others, it just... reminds me why I kept quiet about it in the first place.
Her situation is different, though. I don't know. I figure, if you like your job, who cares what someone else says? If you make a living every day doing something that you love to do, I'd consider you an extremely lucky person. I know people who hate their jobs.
B) The Perfection of Character
Okay. So I think I might kind of understand the "This I Believe" idea. It's stating what you believe, and maybe, if you want to add, why you believe in it. It isn't a persuasion; it's a simple statement of belief. What you want others to know that you believe. They're quite short, so I'm having a hard time forming any sort of response to them.
To this one in particular, I barely felt any sort of personal connection. I'm not one for definite morals and ways of life. I don't see things in black and white. I can't see things with that sort of definite outlook all the time. Sometimes it's one or the other. Sometimes, it's hard to tell where white ends and where black begins. I'm not as decisive as the author of this post.
C) We're All Different in Our Own Ways
Um... To be honest, this post confused me. Whenever I thought I had a certain mood pegged to the piece, it changed. It was a little annoying. Sorry. I don't know; I know the world is interesting because everyone is different. That, I agreed with. I think the world would be boring if everyone had the same interests. What chance would there be then for you to learn about other things and expand your horizons? Perhaps discover something new and exciting?
I can also relate to the last part. I wish I were like everyone else -- actually, I'm not sure I'm taking his statement in context. Yeah. I'm sure I'm not. Anyway, I really do think individuality is important. I'm just not sure how to take this statement.
I
A) Living What You Do Every Day
After reading this little essay, my first thought was, "If only I could find a job that I liked." I didn't really think much. I wasn't sure what to think; it was pretty short, and while it was slightly interesting, I didn't connect with it as well as I do with some other statements. I know that feeling of being embarrassed of what you like to do, or of what you want in life. There's a part of me that knows I shouldn't be, but when I tell others, it just... reminds me why I kept quiet about it in the first place.
Her situation is different, though. I don't know. I figure, if you like your job, who cares what someone else says? If you make a living every day doing something that you love to do, I'd consider you an extremely lucky person. I know people who hate their jobs.
B) The Perfection of Character
Okay. So I think I might kind of understand the "This I Believe" idea. It's stating what you believe, and maybe, if you want to add, why you believe in it. It isn't a persuasion; it's a simple statement of belief. What you want others to know that you believe. They're quite short, so I'm having a hard time forming any sort of response to them.
To this one in particular, I barely felt any sort of personal connection. I'm not one for definite morals and ways of life. I don't see things in black and white. I can't see things with that sort of definite outlook all the time. Sometimes it's one or the other. Sometimes, it's hard to tell where white ends and where black begins. I'm not as decisive as the author of this post.
C) We're All Different in Our Own Ways
Um... To be honest, this post confused me. Whenever I thought I had a certain mood pegged to the piece, it changed. It was a little annoying. Sorry. I don't know; I know the world is interesting because everyone is different. That, I agreed with. I think the world would be boring if everyone had the same interests. What chance would there be then for you to learn about other things and expand your horizons? Perhaps discover something new and exciting?
I can also relate to the last part. I wish I were like everyone else -- actually, I'm not sure I'm taking his statement in context. Yeah. I'm sure I'm not. Anyway, I really do think individuality is important. I'm just not sure how to take this statement.
you put the dream in my reality
Post 5.5 :: Musings
My friends are truly wonderful. If there's one thing about my life that I would never change, it's them. Really, the smallest things can make a world of difference when the thought is behind them. So maybe small things can make a difference? Even little notes written on a piece of paper. Simple, hand-written wishes.
My friends are truly wonderful. If there's one thing about my life that I would never change, it's them. Really, the smallest things can make a world of difference when the thought is behind them. So maybe small things can make a difference? Even little notes written on a piece of paper. Simple, hand-written wishes.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
show me what it's like to be the last one standing
Post 5 :: Reflection
Today, while I was walking around at Pearlridge Shopping Center, a woman approached me and began telling me about some charity. Of course, the mall was noisy and full of people, so I didn't comprehend a word of her speech. I was with several others at the time, and one of the people in our group told her, "Sorry..." I thought I wouldn't have to donate, because someone had already said no, but she proceeded to tell us, "Oh, even one dollar or coins will make a difference." So I pulled out my wallet and gave her four dollars.
Will that four dollars save someone? Help someone, even? Or will it go into someone else's hands? For whatever reason, to be used on something other than that child? I don't know. I don't know, I don't know, I don't know. There are too many unknowns in charity. I don't like not seeing to whom I'm giving my parents' hard-earned money. (And I say my parents' money because it's not mine -- I don't have a job.)
And how can something so small really make a difference? Everyone likes to say that small things make a difference, but how big is that difference? Is that difference big enough to make any difference at all in the situation? Or is it just a difference in name?
But I felt bad for not giving anything. Especially with my new toy at home.
Again, giving out of guilt comes into play. Why do we give? Is it because our hearts go out to those starving children or because we don't want people looking at us, thinking that we have no heart?
Does the intent matter?
Should it?
Today, while I was walking around at Pearlridge Shopping Center, a woman approached me and began telling me about some charity. Of course, the mall was noisy and full of people, so I didn't comprehend a word of her speech. I was with several others at the time, and one of the people in our group told her, "Sorry..." I thought I wouldn't have to donate, because someone had already said no, but she proceeded to tell us, "Oh, even one dollar or coins will make a difference." So I pulled out my wallet and gave her four dollars.
Will that four dollars save someone? Help someone, even? Or will it go into someone else's hands? For whatever reason, to be used on something other than that child? I don't know. I don't know, I don't know, I don't know. There are too many unknowns in charity. I don't like not seeing to whom I'm giving my parents' hard-earned money. (And I say my parents' money because it's not mine -- I don't have a job.)
And how can something so small really make a difference? Everyone likes to say that small things make a difference, but how big is that difference? Is that difference big enough to make any difference at all in the situation? Or is it just a difference in name?
But I felt bad for not giving anything. Especially with my new toy at home.
Again, giving out of guilt comes into play. Why do we give? Is it because our hearts go out to those starving children or because we don't want people looking at us, thinking that we have no heart?
Does the intent matter?
Should it?
shake it off, get back on track
Post 4 :: Reflection :: Quote
In The Singer Solution to World Poverty, Singer constantly reminds us that there are people far less fortunate than us in other countries -- that we should be living off necessity versus want. Yesterday, I finally got something that I'd wanted for a while now, that I'd asked for as a birthday/Christmas gift from last year. And you know, I love it. It's absolutely amazing. But it was just so... ironic; the first thing that popped into my head was TSSTWP. Do I need this? No, not really, I'd have to admit. What could all that money have gone towards? Saving lives? Taking people off the streets? Feeding children?
Isn't guilt grand?
And with that in mind, what makes the difference between donating to placate a conscience plagued with guilt and a heart that wants to give. Is there a difference? How fine is the line between kindness and guilt? Does one lead to the other, or do they both affect our decisions to help others?
If we donate out of guilt, does it mean less than a donation made from the heart?
What would we do without that sense of: "Gods, I've been blessed with this life. And yet, I feel kind of bad because this money that I'm spending to make my life fuller could be used somewhere else, given to people with needs more dire"?
II
" I, like all of us, have an occasional love affair with that which is natural, and mysterious, and beautiful. Yet, sunrises and Sephora are equally prominent on my list of favorite things. Does this make me selfish? Shallow? Or is Maria and her penchant for 'cream-colored ponies' merely the product of the idealized world that exists only in theaters and on T.V. "
-- Elise
In The Singer Solution to World Poverty, Singer constantly reminds us that there are people far less fortunate than us in other countries -- that we should be living off necessity versus want. Yesterday, I finally got something that I'd wanted for a while now, that I'd asked for as a birthday/Christmas gift from last year. And you know, I love it. It's absolutely amazing. But it was just so... ironic; the first thing that popped into my head was TSSTWP. Do I need this? No, not really, I'd have to admit. What could all that money have gone towards? Saving lives? Taking people off the streets? Feeding children?
Isn't guilt grand?
And with that in mind, what makes the difference between donating to placate a conscience plagued with guilt and a heart that wants to give. Is there a difference? How fine is the line between kindness and guilt? Does one lead to the other, or do they both affect our decisions to help others?
If we donate out of guilt, does it mean less than a donation made from the heart?
What would we do without that sense of: "Gods, I've been blessed with this life. And yet, I feel kind of bad because this money that I'm spending to make my life fuller could be used somewhere else, given to people with needs more dire"?
II
" I, like all of us, have an occasional love affair with that which is natural, and mysterious, and beautiful. Yet, sunrises and Sephora are equally prominent on my list of favorite things. Does this make me selfish? Shallow? Or is Maria and her penchant for 'cream-colored ponies' merely the product of the idealized world that exists only in theaters and on T.V. "
-- Elise
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
it's better to face these kinds of things with a sense of poise and rationality
Post 3 :: Water Buffalo Movie/Singer's Solution II :: Questions :: Quotes
Edit: Is this text size too small?
Today, we were told to watch an eight-minute movie (approx.) and juxtapose that with the Singer's Solution to World Poverty paper by Peter Singer. The movie was about a few Americans who decided to make a difference in the lives of one Chinese family by giving them an actual water buffalo. This buffalo, if used to work, could help plow fields; if butchered, it would feed one family for about fifteen years (or so the guide said). It was a thoughtful and wonderful thing to do, and I do admire people who do such generous things.
* Off-topic: Today, when our President made his State of the Union speech, he talked about one man who, upon seeing another man fall into the path of an oncoming train, jumped in and rolled the man between the rails where they stayed until the train had passed. This man could have easily turned away, covered the eyes of his two daughters and told them to close their ears. Instead, he saved a life, risking his own in the process. Truly amazing, I think.
Holding this against Singer's Solution to World Poverty, I think I had less of a "beef" with the water buffalo video; it wasn't trying to tell you to give, give, give, because you're an American and you live a cushy life. It showed us a simple story of how a few simple contributions can make another family's life that much easier. The video was much more convincing than the paper; perhaps too much persuasion pushes people in the opposite direction. Or it just pushes the stubborn ones (myself included) in the opposite direction.
Both video and essay speak of the importance of reaching out, but the reasoning and presentation are entirely different; the video works more through actions than the essay, which works through "logic" and persuasion, using morality as a foundation for each argument. Which one worked for you? Was it just me, or did they give off different... for lack of a better word, "auras"?
Why is it that money, the one thing that people say shouldn't matter, is what makes the most difference in this world? They say money can't buy happiness, but is that true? If I think about it... I don't know. Without money, I couldn't attend the school I do now. If I couldn't attend my school, how would I keep in touch with friends? Where would I get my chance to meet new people? Where would I find a job? Where would I get the chance to turn my life around? How would I eat? Where would I sleep? What would happen if I got sick or hurt?
How influential is money in our lives?
Going back to Singer's Solution, a comment on my other post informed me of the fact that ("the fact that" is a phrase I should really stop using) AUW's 15% actually goes to its workers/helpers and to other programs. I don't know. So... yeah. Maybe 15% out of a donation isn't all that bad if it's helping someone. I suppose it's all right. *shrugs*
II
New question(s) raised:
5. What is a life worth? (In what "currency"?)
6. Are some lives worth more than others? Who should be helped first? The most?
III
Quotes (x5)
"Someone told me that love would all save us..."
-- Nickelback
-- Utada Hikaru, Passion
"Why do we rush to slow down?"
-- TRAPT, Lost Realist
"We can't be together forever."
-- Hayner, KHII
Edit: Is this text size too small?
Today, we were told to watch an eight-minute movie (approx.) and juxtapose that with the Singer's Solution to World Poverty paper by Peter Singer. The movie was about a few Americans who decided to make a difference in the lives of one Chinese family by giving them an actual water buffalo. This buffalo, if used to work, could help plow fields; if butchered, it would feed one family for about fifteen years (or so the guide said). It was a thoughtful and wonderful thing to do, and I do admire people who do such generous things.
* Off-topic: Today, when our President made his State of the Union speech, he talked about one man who, upon seeing another man fall into the path of an oncoming train, jumped in and rolled the man between the rails where they stayed until the train had passed. This man could have easily turned away, covered the eyes of his two daughters and told them to close their ears. Instead, he saved a life, risking his own in the process. Truly amazing, I think.
Holding this against Singer's Solution to World Poverty, I think I had less of a "beef" with the water buffalo video; it wasn't trying to tell you to give, give, give, because you're an American and you live a cushy life. It showed us a simple story of how a few simple contributions can make another family's life that much easier. The video was much more convincing than the paper; perhaps too much persuasion pushes people in the opposite direction. Or it just pushes the stubborn ones (myself included) in the opposite direction.
Both video and essay speak of the importance of reaching out, but the reasoning and presentation are entirely different; the video works more through actions than the essay, which works through "logic" and persuasion, using morality as a foundation for each argument. Which one worked for you? Was it just me, or did they give off different... for lack of a better word, "auras"?
Why is it that money, the one thing that people say shouldn't matter, is what makes the most difference in this world? They say money can't buy happiness, but is that true? If I think about it... I don't know. Without money, I couldn't attend the school I do now. If I couldn't attend my school, how would I keep in touch with friends? Where would I get my chance to meet new people? Where would I find a job? Where would I get the chance to turn my life around? How would I eat? Where would I sleep? What would happen if I got sick or hurt?
How influential is money in our lives?
Going back to Singer's Solution, a comment on my other post informed me of the fact that ("the fact that" is a phrase I should really stop using) AUW's 15% actually goes to its workers/helpers and to other programs. I don't know. So... yeah. Maybe 15% out of a donation isn't all that bad if it's helping someone. I suppose it's all right. *shrugs*
II
New question(s) raised:
5. What is a life worth? (In what "currency"?)
6. Are some lives worth more than others? Who should be helped first? The most?
III
Quotes (x5)
"Someone told me that love would all save us..."
-- Nickelback
前を向いてればまた会えますか?
{ If I keep on looking forward, will we meet again? }-- Utada Hikaru, Passion
にどと会えぬ人に場所に窓を開ける
{ Towards the people, the places I will never see again, I open this window. }-- Utada Hikaru, Passion
"Why do we rush to slow down?"
-- TRAPT, Lost Realist
"We can't be together forever."
-- Hayner, KHII
Monday, January 22, 2007
yeah you bleed just to know you're alive
Post 2 :: Response to "The Singer Solution to World Poverty"
Honestly, I don't like this kind of writing. I don't like it when authors (intentionally or not) guilt-trip me; papers that say things like: "If you don't give money to save lives, you obviously have no morals" or "You should give money -- SAVE A LIFE" just don't sit well with me. Of course, I know they're not saying it outright, and that I'm taking a very cynical view on these things. I just don't need someone I don't know telling me or implying that I'm not a very charitable person.
I did think that this person has a distinct contempt for those who buy more than what they need. In fact, I still think so, and I feel like this paper would be more convincing if he weren't denouncing more than half of the readers. Of course we feel guilty when confronted by the choice between a child's life and our own material happiness, and that we're choosing ourselves over his/her life. I don't feel like that's something we need that rubbed in our faces, though.
One thing I noticed about some of the writing is Singer's exaggeration of the bad parts of the two situations. Given, Bob did make a pretty selfish choice, which we can all look down upon as Singer "predicted," but Dora did not do what she did intentionally. The way it is phrased in one of the later paragraphs makes it seem that way, strangely enough. He says: "Unlike Dora, too, he did not mislead the child or initiate the chain of events imperiling him" (Singer, 2). It's almost as if he makes some near-unreasonable arguments/inferences from his own writing in a slightly sarcastic manner, kind of like... Okay, say someone eats your piece of cake you had sitting in the 'fridge. You would say (if you were really grumpy): "Oh, that's okay. You were just hungry -- even if it was my cake, it's okay." It makes the person who ate it feel guilty (or at least, it would make me feel guilty).
Also, I heard that AUW (Aloha United Way) actually takes 15% of each donation off the top. So if you donate $100, maybe only $85 will actually get to the people you want to help. I don't know. Maybe I'm just selfish. -___-||| I don't like the idea of that money going to people to whom it wasn't supposed to go.
I do think it is nice to give to others in need. I think it's nice that some of us do help (although I really only help when others plan it out -- and then only sometimes), because you can give someone his or her life back.
Ugh. I hate dealing with "being charitable" and things like that.
Morality is so... GRAY.
P.S. -Warning for blatant/heavy cynicism and utter disregard for politeness.-
A single, simple, all-mighty solution to world poverty? BULL. I'm sorry, but seriously? $200 per person? Even if we only have to do it once, I doubt everyone will want to pay. And then after that? We're humans. I'm sure we'd find some way to get ourselves back into debt. *pessimist*
Honestly, I don't like this kind of writing. I don't like it when authors (intentionally or not) guilt-trip me; papers that say things like: "If you don't give money to save lives, you obviously have no morals" or "You should give money -- SAVE A LIFE" just don't sit well with me. Of course, I know they're not saying it outright, and that I'm taking a very cynical view on these things. I just don't need someone I don't know telling me or implying that I'm not a very charitable person.
I did think that this person has a distinct contempt for those who buy more than what they need. In fact, I still think so, and I feel like this paper would be more convincing if he weren't denouncing more than half of the readers. Of course we feel guilty when confronted by the choice between a child's life and our own material happiness, and that we're choosing ourselves over his/her life. I don't feel like that's something we need that rubbed in our faces, though.
One thing I noticed about some of the writing is Singer's exaggeration of the bad parts of the two situations. Given, Bob did make a pretty selfish choice, which we can all look down upon as Singer "predicted," but Dora did not do what she did intentionally. The way it is phrased in one of the later paragraphs makes it seem that way, strangely enough. He says: "Unlike Dora, too, he did not mislead the child or initiate the chain of events imperiling him" (Singer, 2). It's almost as if he makes some near-unreasonable arguments/inferences from his own writing in a slightly sarcastic manner, kind of like... Okay, say someone eats your piece of cake you had sitting in the 'fridge. You would say (if you were really grumpy): "Oh, that's okay. You were just hungry -- even if it was my cake, it's okay." It makes the person who ate it feel guilty (or at least, it would make me feel guilty).
Also, I heard that AUW (Aloha United Way) actually takes 15% of each donation off the top. So if you donate $100, maybe only $85 will actually get to the people you want to help. I don't know. Maybe I'm just selfish. -___-||| I don't like the idea of that money going to people to whom it wasn't supposed to go.
I do think it is nice to give to others in need. I think it's nice that some of us do help (although I really only help when others plan it out -- and then only sometimes), because you can give someone his or her life back.
Ugh. I hate dealing with "being charitable" and things like that.
Morality is so... GRAY.
P.S. -Warning for blatant/heavy cynicism and utter disregard for politeness.-
A single, simple, all-mighty solution to world poverty? BULL. I'm sorry, but seriously? $200 per person? Even if we only have to do it once, I doubt everyone will want to pay. And then after that? We're humans. I'm sure we'd find some way to get ourselves back into debt. *pessimist*
Saturday, January 20, 2007
live through this, and you won't look back
First Post :: Introduction + Quotes (x4) + Essential Questions?
I
I guess this is where I should introduce myself -- you know, name, rank, and serial number -- all that good stuff. My name is Jessica, and I like to draw. I'm a big fan of anime and manga (as well as fanfiction); my current favorites are D.Gray-man, Tenjo Tenge, Katekyo Hitman Reborn!, and xXxHolic. I also love video games. I just finished playing both Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II (which, may I add, were absolutely EXCELLENT), and I am about halfway (?) through Tales of the Abyss (ToA). I'm interested in the weirdest things (to you, at least). Oh, and I kind of don't like using tab. I just start a new paragraph a few lines down. If you see a typo or anything, feel free to point it out.
This blog will contain quotes, lyrics, my own thoughts, and perhaps images of some sort. To be completely honest, I don't like writing out long, complete sentences, as most of my thoughts are disjointed and barely logical. If I do write long sentences, they'll probably be run-ons. Go figure.
IA
The name of this blog comes from a song -- the opening theme to D.Gray-man, "Innocent Sorrow." It's a great song; give it a listen if you have time. It's in Japanese, though.
The title of this post comes from a song by Stars called "Your Ex-Lover is Dead." Also a great song.
II
I hope that was a long enough introduction. We were told to put essential questions in, if we could. "Essential questions probe the deepest issues confronting us... complex and baffling matters which elude simple answers: Life, Death, Marriage, Identity, Purpose, Betrayal, Honor, Integrity, Courage, Temptation, Faith, Leadership, Addiction, Invention, Inspiration. Essential questions are at the heart of a search for Truth." (I think Existence should be added to the list.) Two of the examples given to us were:
1. What kind of world is this?
2. How should we live in it?
I guess I could add:
3. Why are we searching for Truth? Does it exist?
But I don't think one universal Truth exists. And if it does, why should someone else's Truth have the right to determine what you do or say? Why should our lives be run by this Truth? Is the Truth different from what is "right"? If so, is Truth really so valuable? (Gods, I'm cynical.)
4. Why should there be a way we "should" live?
This may be slightly painful to read, considering the amount of cynicism. .___.;;;
III
I'm just going to stick in a few quotes.
"That's what I pray / That everything dear I hold in the palm of my hand, will still be there unchanged tomorrow. Today, the same sky, the same palm of my hand."
-- Sumomo Yumeka
" 'Let's meet again in the next life.'
'Yeah... I'll wait for you.'
'Silly... Just because you have a next life.' "
-- Kingdom Hearts II
"The closer you get to light, the larger your shadow becomes."
-- Kingdom Hearts
"We pray for our sorrows to end,
and hope that our hearts will blend.
Now I will step forward to realize this wish.
And who knows:
starting a new journey may not be so hard
or maybe it has already begun.
There are many worlds,
but they share the same sky-
one sky, one destiny."
-- Kingdom Hearts
IV
... I wonder if this counts as two posts.
I
I guess this is where I should introduce myself -- you know, name, rank, and serial number -- all that good stuff. My name is Jessica, and I like to draw. I'm a big fan of anime and manga (as well as fanfiction); my current favorites are D.Gray-man, Tenjo Tenge, Katekyo Hitman Reborn!, and xXxHolic. I also love video games. I just finished playing both Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II (which, may I add, were absolutely EXCELLENT), and I am about halfway (?) through Tales of the Abyss (ToA). I'm interested in the weirdest things (to you, at least). Oh, and I kind of don't like using tab. I just start a new paragraph a few lines down. If you see a typo or anything, feel free to point it out.
This blog will contain quotes, lyrics, my own thoughts, and perhaps images of some sort. To be completely honest, I don't like writing out long, complete sentences, as most of my thoughts are disjointed and barely logical. If I do write long sentences, they'll probably be run-ons. Go figure.
IA
The name of this blog comes from a song -- the opening theme to D.Gray-man, "Innocent Sorrow." It's a great song; give it a listen if you have time. It's in Japanese, though.
The title of this post comes from a song by Stars called "Your Ex-Lover is Dead." Also a great song.
II
I hope that was a long enough introduction. We were told to put essential questions in, if we could. "Essential questions probe the deepest issues confronting us... complex and baffling matters which elude simple answers: Life, Death, Marriage, Identity, Purpose, Betrayal, Honor, Integrity, Courage, Temptation, Faith, Leadership, Addiction, Invention, Inspiration. Essential questions are at the heart of a search for Truth." (I think Existence should be added to the list.) Two of the examples given to us were:
1. What kind of world is this?
2. How should we live in it?
I guess I could add:
3. Why are we searching for Truth? Does it exist?
But I don't think one universal Truth exists. And if it does, why should someone else's Truth have the right to determine what you do or say? Why should our lives be run by this Truth? Is the Truth different from what is "right"? If so, is Truth really so valuable? (Gods, I'm cynical.)
4. Why should there be a way we "should" live?
This may be slightly painful to read, considering the amount of cynicism. .___.;;;
III
I'm just going to stick in a few quotes.
"That's what I pray / That everything dear I hold in the palm of my hand, will still be there unchanged tomorrow. Today, the same sky, the same palm of my hand."
-- Sumomo Yumeka
" 'Let's meet again in the next life.'
'Yeah... I'll wait for you.'
'Silly... Just because you have a next life.' "
-- Kingdom Hearts II
"The closer you get to light, the larger your shadow becomes."
-- Kingdom Hearts
"We pray for our sorrows to end,
and hope that our hearts will blend.
Now I will step forward to realize this wish.
And who knows:
starting a new journey may not be so hard
or maybe it has already begun.
There are many worlds,
but they share the same sky-
one sky, one destiny."
-- Kingdom Hearts
IV
... I wonder if this counts as two posts.
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