The Post Where I Pose A Question.

What does it mean to be human? What is the point to life and the human existence? These are questions philosophized by many that both fascinate and terrify me. One of those well known philosopher's posed an interesting question that I have always been drawn to: Do humans find that they are better able to understand and experience life through their reading, particularly by reading fiction?

 I know I have been better prepared for life by reading about mishaps and situations some of my favorite characters have found themselves in. Sarah Dessen's books for example, she bulls eyes the heart of issues that I know I have expierenced and some I haven't but are important for me to know are out there in the world. From an abusive boyfriend to a neglective family sitution to the loss of a loved one, Some of those I know and understand while others I don't . Expeirecning those situations with her main characters, girls that are thrown trough the loop of life and how exactly they deal with it has better prepared me for some of the curve balls my life has thrown at me.

It's not always the tearjerkers that teach you a thing or two about life either, sometimes characters find themselves in situations that aren't emotional but aren't any less difficult to maneuver. I've learned to handle these situations with a touch of humor and a laid back demeanor not because of my up bringing but primarily because of the books that I line my shelves with.

Mauriel Bradberry's The Elegance of a Hedgehog, was one of those books that changed me a little when I finished it. It changed my outlook on the world. It taught me that this life is precious and fleeting and filled with too many great movies and great books to let it slip by. Life is too precious and you have to live it for those who don't get the chance. Yes, in the grand scheme of things none of it really matters but that shouldn't stop us from enjoying all of the wonderful things this short life does have to offer. All the people we could get to know.

I believe books have helped me understand people and human nature better. They always used to tell us not to judge a book by it's cover and in the fourth grade we all shook are heads "Of course we don't do that." But as a society I think we do. I have seen some really great people go under the radar because people don't take the time to pay attention or listen. It took me a really long time not to categorize peole and to appreciate their oddities. I mean the real oddities, not the new oddities people adopt to be seen as quirky and cool. I am not talking about a fad. I mean real quirks that I don't full understand but realize and acknowledge their existence. Seeing into people's heads is one of the great aspects that fiction gives you.

So, guys what do you think? Do you feel like reading has at all helped you understand the people that surround you? I am fascinated to read what you have to say.