Perhaps one day the opportunity will open,
And maybe then my walls will crumble.
If only I could convince myself to take the first step,
Alas, for now I’ll simply remain quiet and humble.

I most certainly welcome a warm approach,
In the event you feel the slightest interest.
I have simply been unable thus far,
To break down my own defenses.

One day… one day…

Those who have followed my writings over the years know that I tend to focus on those aspects of life that bring us the most difficulty. It has always been my hope that, by doing so, someone will stumble across my writings while dealing with an issue of their own and find some insight or solace (and to that end I sincerely thank those of you who have contacted me to let me know that I have, in fact, succeeded in that goal to some degree). The time to bring that dialogue full circle has finally come. Fair warning, I feel it only right to take into account that people have started reading my writings at varying points over the past few years and, as a result, should highlight some of the key aspects of my writings.

Introduction

I have seen the darkest recesses that my mind can conjure, stumbling through an abyss wherein pain and sorrow run rampant. An existence cruelly governed by a twisted combination of anxiety and depression whose sole aim was, I have no doubt, purely destructive. I have floated along in a state of numbness and contentment, the world seemingly nothing more than a pale blur experienced through the eyes of someone else. The feeling of emotions being unattainable and out of reach, yet the desire to grasp those emotions stinging much like the cruel whip of a madman. I have also experienced the sheer joy of living life. The happiness brought by simple pleasures as well as the complex mechanics of human interaction that bring about the marvel that is, in and of itself, pure blissfulness. We all experience these feelings in varying degrees across random stages of life (not to be confused with a purely linear progression as described above, though it is entirely possible). While my aim has been to approach the first two through writing, it would be remiss of me to continue to ignore the latter.

Section One: Darkness

“He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.” — Friedrich Nietzsche

Few things are capable of destroying a person as completely and effortlessly as a single act of betrayal by someone in whom one has placed implicit trust. Such an act tears a person apart, creating an downward spiral from which many are never able to actually recover. The mind turns upon itself, casting doubt and fear on all actions, thoughts, and especially upon the intentions of others. Self-induced isolation is a common occurrence, and one that only serves to deepen the aforementioned concerns. In essence, the mind becomes its own nightmare, plummeting its owner further toward irrecoverable darkness and depression.

Nietzsche’s words serve a dual meaning in this sense, for the monster that one must battle is not only the manifestation of betrayal that begins the cycle, but actually becomes oneself. It is a self-perpetuating cycle that threatens to siphon away any shred of hope that may be left, cleaving one’s soul and ripping apart one’s mind in the process. For those fortunate enough to eventually overcome the pain and uncertainty that taints all aspects of life after such an event, the world seems a far different place… one bereft of color, of emotion, and even of the potential for simple joys.

Section Two: Numbness

“It has been said that time heals all wounds. I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue, and the pain lessens, but it is never gone.” — Rose Kennedy

Darkness eventually gives way to something else, and while at first it seems a relief to no longer feel oppressed by fear and anguish the constant numbness and the creation of mental and emotional defenses against relapsing into the darkness once more creates its own dilemma. In short, the mind seeks to protect itself from further harm by blocking out the ability to grasp any emotion out of the fear that allowing one to once again feel anything more than contentment, anything at all that could remind it of past occurrences, may thrust the mind back into the waiting arms of despair.

The world seems to become nothing more than a blur of pastels. The rich, vibrant colors of life give way way to the dull grey lens of numbness and acceptance. Hope is nothing more than a distant memory, shrouded in a cloak of disbelief that one could ever have felt such a wonderful emotion. Pain is readily recalled, yet seems to be a dull ache that simply does not go away. In time, this phase also begins to lose its hold over the mind, though not without some shred of warmth that manages to slip through the cracks of one’s carefully built defenses.

Section Three: The Light

 

“Perfect courage is to do without witnesses what one would be capable of doing with the world looking on.” - François de La Rochefoucauld

 

It is in that moment, when one’s defenses are tested and found lacking, that one of two actions will be taken: withdraw and repair the defenses, or find the courage to once again step out onto the path that one once walked. There are few things so difficult in life as the simple act of opening oneself up to the world, however slightly, and slowly breaking down the defenses one has taken such pains to erect.

Suddenly a sea of emotions threatens to drown the mind, pushing it to the brink of insanity. It grasps for every possible hold on such “rediscovered” emotions as compassion, hope, and even love. The threat of relapsing into the darkness grows greater as actions and words are over-analyzed and perceived to mean more to the mind’s sharply reawakened senses. The reminder of the mind’s recently collapsed defenses help bring the over-emotional attachment to every act of kindness and friendship back in check, yet also threaten to disguise those signs of sincere interest from others. It is, in this state, that the long journey through the abyss comes to a close and the mind is reunited with the body upon the journey that is living. While the wounds and scars of such a voyage will never fully disappear, the enlightened mind is able to understand far more than it ever thought possible.

Reflection

Eventually the complexities of the mind give way to the realization that the simple things matter more than previously thought. For instance, the joy of walking through the rain in the company of a friend is a feeling that cannot be replaced through philosophical discovery and thought. The sheer pleasure of lying on a blanket and gazing, unobstructed by urban lights, into the stars while discussing any topic is easily forgotten in the hustle of modern life. The warmth of being pressed against another on a cool, Autumn night and roasting marshmallows over a fire, or curling up under a blanket in the arms of a significant other… all examples of the simple pleasures of life that bring us the most joy, and yet are the easiest to forget when lost in self-reflection or, even worse, denying our hopes and dreams due to the fear of repeating mistakes.

In the end there is only one thing we can be somewhat certain of: whether we go through life thinking we have complete, moderate, or no control over our fate does not matter. We have one life given to us, and it is we who must choose whether to pursue those things that bring us joy or to hope that joy finds us.

“We are so accustomed to disguise ourselves to others, that in the end, we become disguised to ourselves.” — Francois de la Roche Foucald

I have enjoyed a number of adventures over the years. Some have ended well, others have left their toll on me in some mental or physical form. I have seen, first hand, the damage that can be caused by the betrayal of trust, the loss of love, the dashing of hopes, and the torment of feeling lost while trying to make the best choice for oneself. I have also seen the joys of camaraderie, the security and comfort of close friendship, and the incomprehensible strength that two people in love can have in the face of everything that gets thrown their way.

Yet I am lost at the moment, unable to see anything beyond an encroaching darkness as far as I can see. Sometimes I simply wish someone was around to reassure me that this perpetual numbness cannot last, and at the same time I am afraid to let anyone else close enough to be that reassurance due to the scars of the past.

It sounds silly, even when written. How easy it can be to provide support for others, to provide the shoulder they need, to recognize the benefits of having that social network of trusted people, and yet to so easily close oneself off from the same, needed support simply because there is an ingrained fear of being betrayed once again.

I know these things, and yet I maintain my walls. The same walls that allow me not to see the sun coming over the horizon, but to see just the storm as it approaches.

I know that I have created a cage for myself as a result, and that nothing will change until someone is able to help open the door. The problem lies therein, however, that at the moment I either do not know that someone, or both that someone and I simply have not realized their potential to help.

“It has been said that time heals all wounds. I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue, and the pain lessens, but it is never gone.” — Rose Kennedy

Unlimited Data

I have the unlimited data plan that was introduced with the original iPhone, which I subsequently upgraded to the unlimited 3G plan when I purchased the iPhone 3Gs. I refuse to change to the new tiered plans (200 MB for $15 or 2 GB for $25), not because I routinely use more than 2 GB of data but because I want the unlimited, no-worries approach to data usage. If the new plans allowed the same functionality as minutes, where unused data could be “rolled over” from month to month, then I might consider it. However, I doubt we’ll ever see such a consumer-friendly option implemented.

It’s pretty obvious the new data plans are not truly aimed at making data more affordable/accessible to the general public, regardless of what AT&T wants us to believe. It is absolutely aimed at maximizing profit while trying to curtail data usage on the 3G network in order to try to help lessen the strain on AT&T’s infrastructure. If the prices were different ($10 and $20 respectively), then I might be persuaded that there was at least a sincere effort at trying to be more consumer-friendly with the new data plans.

However, there is one other kicker that disproves any possible good intentions that AT&T might have with regards to data traffic: tethering.

Tethering

There is an option, built into practically all smart phones these days, to enable tethering. It is something that is a feature of the phone. The data traffic is still covered by the chosen plan, so why is there a monthly fee associated with using my allotted data “time” through tethering instead of on the device itself? With AT&T the cost is astronomical. The fee to tether is not a one-time “activation” fee, which I could possibly be persuaded to accept, nor is it a reasonable monthly fee that is added as a “feature” (after all, there is no difference between having tethering activated or not activated on the phone other than the “flip of a switch” on AT&T’s end). It is, quite simply, nothing more than the exploitation of the consumer in order to allow the consumer to use a feature that is already a feature of their chosen device.

I’ll clarify this once more: If I have, say, a 2 GB Data Plan, then I have already paid for the use of 2 GB of data in one month. Why is there an additional fee or restriction on how I use my allotted 2 GB of data if I choose to use the phone as a modem while out and about in an area where I don’t have wifi but I have my laptop? Instead, if I want to use my 2 GB of data, I have to use my iPhone’s built-in capabilities. Wait a moment, tethering IS a built-in capability, and I still have to pay an extra $20 per month to use the feature!

Rant

Quite frankly, this is all bullshit. If you want tethering you have to use the 2GB data plan, you can’t keep your unlimited plan. Fuck that. There is a reason I have the unlimited data plan, and it is because my data usage varies a lot month to month (I’ve broken the 2 GB limit a few times, which would mean I’d end up paying an additional $10 per 1 GB overage each month, which equates to the exact same price I pay for unlimited… tell me, why the hell would I shoot myself in the foot if my average for data usage is $30 a month anyway?).

All of this is old news, certainly. However, I’m annoyed due to being in an area with pretty crappy internet service (and guess what, that’s AT&T too, but that’s another rant) and tethering would be a welcome solution. However, I’m not paying $45+ a month for the ability to tether my laptop to my iPhone and lose my unlimited data plan.

At this point, I HIGHLY encourage the activities of the jailbreak community, and applaud them for their efforts. After all, for the price of one month of tethering with AT&T I could get an application that allows me to create a WiFi hot spot, or directly tether, on my iPhone. It’s looking more and more tempting every day…

It seems as though it is a perfect description.

Defeated. Demoralized. Discouraged. Crushed. Broken.

I am certainly not happy, but I do not believe I am unhappy either. Perhaps discontented, yet content at the same time. It truly is a paradoxical feeling, and I believe it to stem mostly from simply wanting to no longer feel quite as lonely as I do on occasion. It’s almost as though I have lost the ability to feel anything more than the numbed contentment I seem to be encased in as of late.

I know it is merely temporary. Merely a phase that I simply have been unable to escape recently. Yet I still fear it not to be temporary.

I blame holidays, and especially boredom. Just having a few friends to go to a park with, or enjoy a drink, or even just someone to curl up on a couch with and watch a movie truly makes such a huge difference, and yet even that seems to escape me.

Broken. It definitely fits. My ability to truly feel anything beyond contentment is, at the moment, broken.

What, then, makes me feel as though things will change?

Hope. Faith. Courage. Confidence.

This is not the first time I have felt this way, though it is the first time, at least in quite a while, that I know the reason is truly loneliness. I don’t seem to have much luck meeting people, or at least that seems to be the current (and somewhat long-running) situation as of late.

I know, however, that eventually that will change. It’s all a matter of time.Ok, and maybe luck. A guy can hope though, right?

This is, quite simply, the beginning of a change for me. Friends are people who try to talk to each other, who try to be there for each other, and who at least try to maintain some sort of contact. I’m going to be blunt: if I haven’t heard from you lately, or if after reading this you still don’t send a message and try to rebuild some sort of friendship, then I couldn’t care less. You see, it is time for me to work on rebuilding friendships with those who actually want to do so, and I’m not going to waste my time with people that either 1) are nothing more than acquaintances or 2) aren’t concerned enough to actually try to have a real conversation with me at least every so often. Does it mean I may end up being “friends-less” on some social networking site? Quite possibly. However, if I judged myself by the number of virtual “friends” I have then I would be a pretty shallow and unintelligent person.

So, here are the basics: I’m posting this today, June 17th. There are a handful of people that I speak to fairly often and that fit my definition of friendship. Those people automatically get a pass (If you think you are one of those people chances are you are correct. After all, it means we’re on the same page about whether or not we are friends). In one month (on July 18th) I’ll remove anyone and everyone that is not either a part of the aforementioned circle of friends, has not attempted to work toward rebuilding some sort of relationship, or that I simply could not care less about (yes, there are a few of you that I really just have no interest in what you say or do, and I’m not going to pretend to be concerned).

Obviously I’ve been bad about keeping in touch as well, and over this next month I’m going to work to rectify that based on who responds and who doesn’t. Maybe this is me being lazy and saying “hey, you have to make the first move,” but honestly I’d rather build those friendships with people that are willing to do so instead of someone who is going to wait on me to send a message first. If you want to and you’re willing, after reading this, to send me a message and establish (or re-establish) a relationship then I thank you, because that means that even with my flaws you can look further and see me, not just a person you once knew or thought you knew.

Now, here is my rambling letter to everyone, to interpret as you please and choose to do with as you please.

Dear <insert applicable name here>,

I don’t care one way or another about you. You choose not to make contact, not to speak, not even to send a quick message saying “Hey, how is it going?” every once in a while. I don’t blame you, I haven’t exactly been good at doing that either. However, the time has come to make some changes. I want to surround myself with people who are actually concerned about me, and who choose to be a part of my life and want me as a part of theirs. Quite simply, this means you aren’t invited to the party.

“It’s not you, it’s me” doesn’t really fit here. It is you, completely. I may not have helped the situation but let’s face it, you could have just sent a message saying “How’s it going?” and I would have eventually responded. Well, unless you were sending message after message, in which case you’re far too impatient for a response for me to concern myself with your petty, unintelligent conversation about the weather, a random “ice-breaker” type of greeting, or that gossip from twenty years ago that wasn’t interesting then.

Of course, I can be perceived as an ass at times. I admit it. That’s part of why I’m writing this letter. I’m apologizing (really it’s there, just don’t strain yourself looking for it) for those times when I was unapproachable for some reason, and am offering to rectify that mistake. All you have to do is send me a sincere message and continue the conversation (patiently), or at least show sincere interest in me.

So, to make it simple: I don’t care if you are “technically” family, a long-time acquaintance, or a new friend. Everyone is subject to the statements I’ve outlined above. Either you’re interested in me and want to rebuild our friendship, or you’re not. Either way, you have one month to let me know. After that, well, let’s just say “friends” counts and contacts lists will be a lot thinner and more manageable, so that I can actually focus on those people who do want to be a part of my life and want me to be a part of theirs.

 

- Jesse

I’m spontaneous in general, enjoying varied activities that seem to fall across the gamut of personality types (i.e. athlete, geek/nerd, and even the modern concept of socialite). From SCUBA diving to enjoying the adventure a random road trip brings, from writing to semi-serious photography, from philosophical discussion to examining topics in psychology and sociology, and from mindless entertainment to challenging video games, I find myself best described as an enigma.

Family is certainly important to me, though my definition of family does not generally fall within the scope of the “traditional” definition accepted today. My family includes those few close friends whom I would do anything for, and excludes those “blood-relatives” who seem only to consider themselves family when describing how we know each other.

And then there is the dualism of personality traits that seem so contradictory they could not exist in the same person: such as the confidence in my abilities and with who I am yet at the same time the lack of confidence in starting a conversation with someone I feel attracted to; or the passionate feelings about a number of topics yet the calm, quiet demeanor I typically possess. Again, the best description seems to be “enigma.”

What I have learned, however, is that I would not trade any experience I have had thus far, for without them I would never have become the person I am today. Further, the little things in life mean so much more than we typically give them credit for. In the end, the journey truly is the meaning of what it means to live, not the destination.

A significant amount of research has shown that women are, generally, more adept at not only making and maintaining close relationships, but also in attempting to ensure their friends’ needs are met than are men. To an extent this may be due to the ease with which women generally speak of emotions and thoughts with others as compared to the seeming taboo on such conversations among men. In light of such thoughts the above statement could be a primarily male concept, nonetheless it is something I have noticed.

In general we also fail to evaluate what we want or need out of any relationships except for those to whom we choose to pursue an intimate relationship with. Consider this an open letter, an intimate glimpse into my mind and thoughts on the subject, and in some ways a challenge to everyone to consider what they are to those around them:

I generally do not write purely personal letters, and yet I feel compelled to do so whilst in the midst of examining my life thus far. I miss, dearly, the closeness of good friends with whom I felt anything could be shared. I miss the companionship of a loved one. Above all, though, I miss the support of knowing that there was someone there whom I could lean on for support without having to utter a word. The knowledge that there were those around me who would do anything and everything possible for me if only I would ask, just as I would for them.

I feel increasingly alienated from those around me. Whether an actual alienation or the mere realization that I long for a partner to share my life with and to provide that type of support that other friends simply cannot provide is difficult to discern, just as difficulty lies in determining whether this is born exclusively from my thoughts, actions, and emotions or influenced by others around me. Regardless, there is certainly something missing from my life even in the midst of so many positive changes, and I realize it to be a type of friendship, a type of relationship, that I do not currently possess.

In essence, I understand that while I value my friendships I also recognize that something is missing that cannot be obtained without either further developing an existing relationship or forming a new one. It is in this area that I seem to be either incapable at the moment, or merely incompetent in general.

This is, certainly, not an appeal to anyone to look differently upon me. It is, instead, an appeal to everyone to think of your friends, your acquaintances, your family, and, if applicable, your significant other, and to remember not to take them for granted. To look at them and recognize all of the things they do for you, and to understand and appreciate their sincerity and love. Without them, after all, life would not be much of a pleasant experience.

On the other side, look at those whom you call friends yet have no reason to. Are you simply associated with them for no reason other than convenience? Are you potentially misleading them, whether intentionally or not, into believing you are there for their support when you would rather not be burdened by their thoughts? I challenge you to be open and honest, and in doing so resolve to either truly become a friend to them or sever ties instead of hiding behind a facade.

Obviously such a challenge could not be issued without taking my own advice, and therefore I intend to do exactly that. I opened this letter with statements surrounding what I miss, and what I long for. I would be remiss in not acknowledging what I am grateful for as well, and in all honesty that can be summed up in seemingly few words: concern for me, laughter, and simply enjoying the company of those whom I am proud to consider friends. While you all may not provide me with quite the type of relationship I realize is missing in my life at the moment, I am sincerely grateful, and happy, to have those relationships we do have.

I may still take you for granted on occasion, and you may still do the same to me. I hope, though, that each of us will keep in mind just how much all of our relationships truly mean to each other.

- Jesse

Let’s be clear, if a person cannot accept their significant other’s friends, regardless of gender, then that person has some other, fundamental reason for their lack of acceptance. Jealousy, fear, past experiences, lack of trust… the list is almost overwhelming when considering all possibilities. However, one fact remains that cannot be disputed: friendship (in all of its various forms) is important to each of us, and is not something that should be discouraged based upon gender.

Examining the Most Common Fallacies

• “I trust him/her but I don’t trust his/her friends.”
  This is, unfortunately, one of the most common answers heard when asked why someone does or does not approve of their significant other having friends of the opposite gender. The issue here is, at its core, trust. There is not a caveat when speaking of trust. Either there is trust or there is not, period. Implying otherwise is a common misconception that serves no purpose other than providing a way to blame someone other than a significant other for a person’s lack of trust.
• “I’ve been burned before and simply do not want to be in a similar position again.”
  While this is certainly a similar issue, the problem is more akin to fear than actually a lack of trust. Blaming a person for someone else’s mistakes is easy, and something everyone will do at some point in their life (I’m willing to bet on that one). The fact remains, though, that holding one person accountable for another’s mistakes is simply unfair, and can cause more problems than anticipated.
• “I should be everything he/she needs, not some other guy/girl.”
  This one is complete and utter ridiculousness. No person can ever be everything for another. It simply is not possible. Attempting to do so not only creates an unmeetable expectation of another person and places undue stress upon them if they fail to meet such expectations, but also belittles the importance of forming bonds with other people to grow and develop as humans. We are social creatures and, as a result, have social needs as well as individual needs. Depriving someone of either should be, and is in many cases, a criminal offense. Why, then, do so many seem to want to close their significant other into an isolated relationship that deprives them of learning, of growing as people, and of being exposed to the wonders and joys of all types of relationships?

Certainly this could be extended into a number of other topics, but the purpose of this post is simply to remind people of the basic premise of why friendships should not be looked through the biased lens of gender. Think about it next time the discussion arises or someone makes a comment that resembles those above. If you feel as though one of the statements applies to you, take a step back and figure out why. Communication with your significant other is far more important than bickering over friendship simply because of a person’s gender.

Continuing that line of thought, sanctions against behavior, even those supposedly based on moral principles, are not universally viewed as good or bad either. The perfect, controversial legal examples are: gambling, polygamy, and prostitution. On the other hand, some interesting social sanctions are: racial or ethnic bias in specific areas, bias toward sexual orientation, and the constructed regulations regarding the “legal” age of marriage (note that this one is, technically, also a legal example, but plays into social sanctions as well).

While the concept of morality and values as socially constructed sanctions to promote certain types of behavior is certainly nothing new (after all, Nietzsche suggested such ideas in the 1800s), we still continue to hold onto the idea that morality is an inherent trait and base legal sanctions upon perceptions of morality.

Because this can be construed any number of ways, I want to make something perfectly clear: I am fascinated with behavioral studies, specifically sociology and psychology, and a topic like this is quite interesting to examine and discuss. This article is a thought experiment designed to generate discussion. Further, I am going to intentionally discuss controversial issues, and so if you are easily offended I suggest not reading after this point.

Seriously, if you’re still reading at this point you cannot say I did not warn you.

We’ll start with something a little less controversial in case someone did not heed my warning and scanned the next paragraph anyway: gambling.

Gambling has had an interesting history in the United States, bouncing between being prohibited behavior and legalized behavior. Sanctions on gambling typically revolve around the perception that gambling is an immoral activity serving only to corrupt those who partake and to attract criminal activity. As with any other activity, there will always be people on one extreme or the other (ii.e. compulsive gamblers who are addicted to the behavior and those who proclaim gambling as a sin and rely on the fear of religious persecution to keep others in check). The vast majority of people, however, are not going to fall into those extreme categories.

Gambling, however, is a rather tame example of socially constructed sanctions that claim to be based on moral principles. Prostitution takes the concept a leap forward, and really begins to open the door to controversial discussion.

The idea of providing sexual favors for a price is not a novel concept. According to historical texts, prostitution has existed since the beginning of written history at least, and potentially even existed prior. Much like gambling, it has seen acceptance (even being looked upon favorably as a profession at times) and prohibition. Also like gambling, prostitution is not universally banned around the world, not to mention the disparity of being legal and illegal within the boundaries of the same societal regions (i.e. countries).

These are simply two examples helping illustrate two points before we delve into the meat of the discussion:

1. Morality is not universal (in other words, the concept of good and evil is defined within the constraints of one’s environment/society and varies from one person/community/region/culture/etc. to another).
2. Sanctions against behavior that claim to be based on moral principles cannot, by their very nature, truly be based upon morality. Instead these sanctions are based on other concepts (be it religious in nature, as the sanctions against prostitution began, or simply as a result of the majority of those in a law-making capacity choosing to place sanctions against certain behaviors).

Alright, now that we have the understanding of why these concepts are so interesting somewhat established, let’s look at some very controversial questions that arise out of such realizations:

1. Mental disorders are characterized by a number of factors, and some are only diagnosed by the failure of an individual to conform to the norms and values of the society in which they reside. Keeping the idea that morals and values are often socially constructed, are such individuals truly ill or do they simply share the same beliefs as another culture?
2. Taking the above question a step further: the average age of consent for participating in sexual activities in the United States ranges from 16 years of age to 18 years of age. The average age where a couple can legally marry in the United States (with parental consent) ranges from 14 years of age to 16 years of age (most states recognize the age of 18 as the legal age to marry without parental consent). What are the origins of specifically choosing an age wherein such activities are legalized? In other words, we know these ages were socially constructed, but how were the specific ages chosen?
3. Continuing along the lines of arbitrarily choosing ages upon which to base legal concepts, what makes the age of 18 symbolic of the transition into adulthood? What makes the age of 21 a suddenly acceptable age at which to consume alcohol?

Personal THoughts

Generally speaking, laws tend to be established for one of two reasons: to protect the rights given to each citizen for being a citizen of their country or to provide recourse against those individuals who bring disorder or cause disruptive behavior within society.

There is a generally accepted principle that one sacrifices a certain amount of individuality in order to be a part of society (i.e., certain rights of the individual must be forfeit in order to preserve the society as a whole). The question this raises, though, is whether or not such a restriction is fair given that an individual (normally) has no choice about living within a society (there is certainly no choice at birth, but often an individual is constrained by other factors that also do not allow relocation to a society wherein their beliefs and values are more aligned).

Ok, so I didn’t get as controversial as I thought about getting after all. There are just some things that even I can’t take the devil’s advocate stance on for the sake of discussion.

So, what do you think?