Jane and Me

Writers have to be the happiest people in the world.

Who else besides a writer can claim that their eyes see into the dark labyrinth of the human soul with such aching clarity, and simultaneously perceive man's ability to aspire to almost angelic heights? Just meditate for a moment on Jane Austen--she is a masterful storyteller; powerful and memorable due to her insight into the human creature and its frequent silliness.

Argue as you like, but reality sells.

Take a moment to review the culmination of Austen's life: here we have Jane and all her unique and lovely intuition, writing a ray of light onto the heart of the woman and creating love stories that many would sell their grandmother on the black market to participate in. The irony? Austen dies having never married.

The power and the curse of the writer--and any other cynics out there--is their perspective on the world. The true writers I've met are disenchanted with the shallow water that others spend their time wading in, and as a result live deeply fascinating inner lives. I like that.

Although embarrassingly far away from Austen's eloquence, I identify with her mindset. Seeing the world with clarity will leave you profoundly satisfied or just plain disgusted. I am convinced to the inky depths of the pieces of my heart that the deeper facets of the soul has great power that must be embraced.

Speaking of which: doesn't it seem like this generation of teenagers worships one being able to distinguish themselves? How contradictory is it to strive to be totally unique, and concurrently hope to find a mate and a group of "their people" that shares their values? The rebels should tip their hat to the establishments they despise, because without them, there would be no contrast and therefore no distinctiveness. I knew this girl who would accidentally trip as often as she could and lay on the ground, encouraging others by her wide, searching eyes and giggle, to tease her over her clumsiness. I knew another boy who would make a point of wandering off mysteriously into dark hallways when he knew people were watching him.

Is there a better way to distinguish yourself? I hope so.