Monday, March 01, 2004

  Revelation of the Day

I'm taking a break from putting the finishing touches on my research proposals, and as I'm trying to write eloquently about my interest in ecology and my career goals, I can't help but think about people who've come a sliver shy of saying that "professional students" like me are a waste of space. People say similar things about musicians, artists, writers, anthropologists and so on. Why? Listening to good music or reading a good novel makes me feel great--why wouldn't anyone enjoy sharing these things with the world? The same goes for art, theater, film, literature, dance. . . and cute fuzzy animals.

Those who dedicate themselves to ideas, careers and activities they believe in and love are subject to resentment by those who dedicate themselves to the pursuit of status and money.

Why? I don't know. Perhaps spending 40-80 hours a week chasing money leaves little time and energy to enjoy things you love and to be the person you want to be.

Work, play, friendship and love--if you can't spend the majority of your time enjoying these things, what's the point?

---