In his book, "A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy," philosophy professor William Irvine says many people have trouble naming their grand goal in living. Do you? In other words, of the things in life you might pursue, which is the thing you believe to be most valuable?
Sharing my answer seemed like a suitable thing to post to this blog. Since this blog, in some regards, is another thing I use to utilize these goals. Check out what I had to say and feel free to leave me a comment that sums up how you feel about this question in regards to yourself.
The first thing I remember promising myself, was that I would not work for a 9-to-5 job in a cubicle. I didn’t want an office job. I wanted something with more adventure and creativity. I wanted something that I could express myself in order to do my job. I guess that is how, in turn, I feel into journalism, eventually.
Ever since my mid-teens I have had this feeling that I wanted to change the world. I always feel childish admitting this, but I feel like I was put on this earth to change the world, or at least to affect some part of it in a positive manner. There are just too many reasons for me not to believe that I have a strong purpose here. I just don’t want to bore you with the details about why I feel this way. It started out that I thought I could achieve this through poetry, but now I feel I have more chance to do this through journalism. Who knows, maybe there will be a poetry revival in the future. At least I hope there is one — even if I never get my poetry published.
Lastly, I have decided recently that I want to be remembered. I don’t think it is being famous that I want, but I do want to be remembered in the future. I would like to have my writing looked back upon with significance to our culture and life. Similar to how we look back and study these great writers, such as (insert your favorite writer here), I want to be reflected upon too. I want to leave my mark on the journalism and literary world. Then I could die a content man.
I wish Howie had posed this question to my Media Ethics class last spring! I totally agree with you about not working in a cubicle 9-5...in high school when I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, that's one of the main reasons I started exploring journalism. I sometimes wonder why some people actually chose this path, if they had a specific reason or if they just thought it'd be interesting or "cool". Nice to know someone shares my thoughts!
ReplyDeleteIn regard to you wanting to be remembered...I'd say these blogs are a good start. You've got a ton to say and you mention in class that you don't always know how to get it down on paper...doin' pretty well!
In high school I really had no idea what to do with my life. It is funny that you shared them same desire to not work in a cubicle. I wonder why a lot of people choose journalism too. It is always interesting to hear people's motives.
ReplyDeleteHere is a toast to being remembered!