| "Is it so wrong, wanting to be at home with your record collection? It's not like collecting records is like collecting stamps, or beermats, or antique thimbles. There's a whole world in here, a nicer, dirtier, more violent, more peaceful, more colorful, sleazier, more dangerous, more loving world than the world I live in; there is history, and geography, and poetry, and countless other things I should have studied at school, including music." -High Fidelity (by Nick Hornby - yes it is a book for all of you who merely lazily watch movies and don't READ)
I am greatly inspired by those who defy the norm. By those who study mirthlessly what they deem to be their passion. I am greatly inspired by those who ignore the dark recesses of society's pull and struggle (because yes, it is a struggle) to become REAL.
I am greatly inspired by writers who take risks. Because every word a writer pens to paper is subject to criticism and undue response by those who can't quite understand. Because those who cannot understand DO NOT REALIZE that to a writer, words are as essential as the oxygen they inhale - and as each word nears the all too judgemental eye of the all (so thought) omniscient public, vulnerability strikes a painful chord at every hapless, casual read.
I am greatly inspired by those who will TRY. Those whose minds are eager for challenge. Those who are eager to challenge others, and those who stand alone against a very lonely wall called adversity. Those who walk in integrity and knowledge, verse and poetry, art and music - and wade in deeper than their knees until they are entirely engulfed in possibility.
I am most inspired by those who wrestle fear. Not avoid, not run from, not shirk away... but those who STUDY fear - who are in consistent battle with its timeless effect on the human soul. Those who realize that in being oneself - AUTHENTICALLY - you will not always be liked, appreciated, esteemed or noticed. You may most likely be exploited, ruined, battered, bruised and torn.
"The culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves. And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn't work, don't buy it. So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. They way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning." -Tuesdays With Morrie |
