Past, present, future

Since I wrote my last post, I have had the opportunity to think about the importance of life and I have discovered that to enjoy our lives fully, we should not only look at the bright side of our existence. Another important element must not be forgotten: our daily life.

Indeed, we have all dreamt of going back into the past. When we were children,  we had nothing to do except playing, no financial problems: it was paradise. Even myself needed to move to Brazil to realize how lucky I was to have lived in English speaking countries for the past six years. Others living a difficult experience in the present may also dream of  future events or even of another life.  But with all this, we often forget the most important: the present.

We should not only look at the bright side of each event of our lives but also focus on the present, on what we are living actually. Indeed, if you spend your time remembering the past, you’ll arrive at a point where you don’t remember what you lived before as you where thinking about the past… In addition, if you only imagine an ideal future, you’ll always be disappointed by the present and will not enjoy life!

So, enjoy the present moment, carpe diem! See how wonderful life is in every tiny detail, you only have one so explore entirely. I’m not saying, however, that we should never look back at the past. Indeed, it may help us appreciate even more what we are living at present, as well as, planning the future helps us prepare for the possible new experiences we might have.

The most important is to try to enjoy life as much as possible. Even if I know it isn’t easy, give it a try!

What is the importance of life?

For this second post, I had chosen to write a poem but, last week, after reading  the novel “Oscar and the lady in pink” by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt for the third time, I changed my mind…

This wonderful book tells the story of the last twelve days of a ten year-old child who has cancer and is going to die. To help him face this dreadful situation, an old woman in pink decides that, from now on, each day is going to count for ten years. This book proposes a beautiful approach of life, from childhood to death.

So,this led me to think about this essential question: what is the importance of life?

When you’re a child like me, you have the feeling that you will never die, that you’re everlasting. You imagine that you have all the time you like, that you rule your life. You don’t understand that you cannot choose the time when you die. As a result, you don’t appreciate as much as you should every second of life. When death silently approaches, even if life has only begun, we think it’s unfair, that life is too short. But, stop complaining! Enjoy life as much as you can, whether you are a child, a grownup, whether you are wealthy or poor. Always try to look for the bright side of every event. Bring joy to this cheerless world! Look at the world as if it were the first time of your life. Keep this childlike awe before nature’s beauty!

I would just like you to remember one thing: life is not a gift, it is only a loan.

Quote

“Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts of our lives have already become.”

C.S. Lewis

 

What are books, essays, and writings for?

To begin with, I would like to understand the purpose of books, essays and writings.

First of all, people generally read to distract themselves. Indeed, books allow the reader escape from reality, from society, from stress, and become another person in another world… Books may also cheer up when people are depressed or aspire to heal their wounded hearts. For some people, books are great friends, so whatever happens they will always be there, waiting for someone to open their cover and turn their pages…

In addition to this, books are also an endless well of wisdom. When reading, a novel, for instance, people have the opportunity to extend their vocabulary, discover new expressions, etc. Whatever is a person’s initial level, books will always help to improve it. Reading greatly increases your knowledge on every subject in the world!!!

Besides, literature allows people to think about the society in which they are living, its laws, its conventions. Many great philosophers such as Montesquieu, Voltaire facilitated the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789, by spreading democratic ideas through their works. This shows how a book can have a relevant impact on society.

Last but not least, literature allows people to express themselves, and spread their point of views. Nowadays, with the internet, it is much easier to exchange ideas, theories as well as information and read articles or books for free.

In a nutshell, books, essays and writings have numerous aims which differ according to the readers or writers.

And for you, why is reading and writing so important?