Blake Hughes
Section 010
Final Essay
It’s a chilly late autumn day, as Susan Neiman, John Kaag, and I all greet one another, in the hotel lobby, before heading off to the conference room.
We say our pleasantries on the walk down the hall, as we’re soon greeted by our final philosopher, the one and only, incomparable, Stefani Germanotta.
The four of us head into the designated conference room, as we begin to take our coats off, and sip on the warm beverages, provided to us as a treat from the hotel staff.
Me: It is an absolute pleasure to meet with you all here today! I must thank each and every one of you, for taking the time out of your busy schedules, to have a quick meeting with me.
The three faces before me smile, and nod, as friendly and kind, as could be.
Me: With that being said, I’ll just jump right into it. I’m going to ask each of you the same two questions, and write down your answers, for an article. First, I’m going to start with you, Susan. But, if you’re comfortable with jumping in to answer, fell free to do so, at any time!
Me: The first question is, what does it mean, to grow up?
Susan: Hmm, what an interesting question. I think it could mean many things, depending on how you look at it.
John: That’s exactly what I was thinking. It depends on the person you ask, and the perspective you’re looking from. For instance, if you have someone who has grown up wealthy with privilege, it could mean joining your family business, and taking trips. However, if you ask someone who hasn’t has a luxurious lifestyle like the other, they would probably answer with working themselves silly, trying to pay bills, provide for their families, etc.
Susan: Which, is one of the most interesting things about philosophy, if not the most interesting. Everyone has a different perspective, and a different opinion. Even if they may be similar to one another, all of their cards aren’t going to exactly line up perfectly together, which gives us the wonderful opportunities of discussion, like we’re having today.
Stefani: Very well said!
John: Great job.
Susan: But, to answer your question from my perspective, I would build off of what Stefani and I said. There are definitely different paths for people grow up with, but no path will be exactly the same, as the other. Each person will have their own highs, and lows, depending on what type of person they are, what life choices they make, etc.
Stefani: I completely agree with what both of you said, and couldn’t have put it better myself. But, just to flesh it out a bit more, I would include an example about the person who is privileged. Let's say their family has all of the riches in the world, and they were destined for success, long before they even arrived here on this Earth. However, let’s say they’re gay, but the family refuses to have their name “tarnished” if that person tried to live their life, as themselves. Despite having all of the wealth and power in the world, they wouldn’t really have wealth, or power. They would live a very different life, than the standard “Privileged” person.
Me: Excellent points and discussion, everyone!
Me: Moving on to the next question, what do you think makes life worth living? Anyone can jump in, to answer.
Stefani: This is another complex question, but for me, I would have to say it’s the love that makes it worth living. Being able to experience the joys of life with the ones you hold near and dear to your heart, brings you such joy, and happiness. Not only that, but being able to love the world. I’m very blessed to have the platform I have, and try to spread as much love, and positivity, as I can. I often try to help those who are less fortunate, or even those who are just feeling lost, and alone. You never know how much power a simple hug, or a smile, can bring to one’s life.
John: That is a lovely answer, Stefani. I think your take is a wonderful way to look at it, and I would agree. I would also say, that the wonders of life, and the universe, make it worth living, as well. Being able to learn so much, and discover new things. Going on your own adventures throughout life, to know more, is a huge factor, in my opinion.
We all smile to one another, enjoying the engaging conversation we’re having. Just as Susan is about to jump in, my phone beeps, alerting us all, that our time is almost up.
Me: Oh, my goodness! How the time flies, when you’re having fun. We’re already almost out of time, but I have so enjoyed the discussions we’ve had today. As we begin to wrap things up, Susan, if you want to jump in with your side, we would all love to hear it.
Susan nods, as we start to gather our coats, and throw away the empty coffee cups.
Susan: Thank you, Blake. I think Stefani and John both make great points, and I would have to agree, with both of their sentiments. I would say, it’s the simple things in life, that make it worth living. Just like Stefani said, with the greats, but it’s also nice to stop, and smell the roses. Having little things of joy, that spark a smile on a rainy day.
Me: Like Stefani had, also, said, with the smallest things, such as a hug, or a smile, right?
Susan: Precisely. If life were go, go, go, all the time you would have to make sure you don’t get yourself lost in the mix of chaos.
Stefani: Living a little, makes life worth living.
Me: I love that!
John: Can I use that line?
We collectively laugh at John’s joke, as we start to head out the door, and walk back down the hallway, to the lobby.
Me: I want to thank you all again, for having such a nice time with me today. I have thoroughly enjoyed the discussion we’ve had, and I hope we can all meet up again, sometime soon.
The three of them thank me, as well, as we say our goodbyes, and go our separate ways. I smile to myself, as I read over my notes, lost in thought, about the many great points that were made today.
Gaga! I'll bet she'd not JUST have talked. She seems to be someone for whom life is made most livable by performance (and outrageous forms of personal expression).
ReplyDeleteYour style-checker gave you some good flags that you seem to have ignored.