Not so bad

I've sometimes thought that college is the the real apex of life; that it can't get any better than that. Late nights, interesting classes, oodles of free time and few responsibilities. But now as I'm a few years removed from college and I find myself challenging this view I've held. Yeah, college was fun, and one of the best times I've had but I don't think it is the apex of my experiences on earth thus far. There are a lot of things I put up with in college that weren't all that great: crappy apartments, a piss-poor bank account, no safety net of any kind, working nearly full time while studying for 15 credits a semester... None of those things were great.

Now that I think about it, being a few years removed from college is not too bad. I have less responsibilities now than then. I've got a good job and no other obligations, which is really my dream. Once I'm off work for the day I can do whatever I want; no kids, no commitments, a significant other who works till late... I've got freedom, and its not so bad.

Getting Older

As I approach my mid-twenties I often find myself caught up in thoughts about the future, the past, and my changing identity therein. I think this is a unique time in a person's life; we 20-somethings are transitional creatures, no longer kids yet still standing on the precipice of tommorow and all the future represents. Questions inevtiably arrise, finding identity outside our places of birth, our schools, and upbringing. I think this is a time laden with many pretenses and expectations; some bad and some good; I believe it is our duty to engage the presuppositions surrounding this age to root out whats really important and what isn't. The search for identity shouldn't be based on societal or cultural norms; I would argue that the seed of reason, which is born into all of us, should be nourished and cultivated even above tradition.

The Greek philosopher Epicurus advocated the study of reason and philosophy so that we could reap the benefits of Ataraxia, a state of being free from worry and preoccupation. I find this to be true on a practical level, when I find myself dwelling on materialistic and superficial concerns then worry seems to find its way in. Yet, when I indulge contemplation I find that those negative effects just don't stick.

I suppose that what I'm getting at is that this is an important time in life; a time to make decisions and a time to identify value.

As Thomas Jefferson once said, "Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits. "