Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of viewing the film "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" as an extension of my journalism class; the reason for the film's relevance to the trade is due to the fact the story's writer, Hunter S. Thompson, is an extremely recognizable figure in the journalism echelon for his gonzo style and disparate pursuit of the stories in which he enthralled himself. The viewing of the film's subsequent stylistic debauchery and excess put me in a frame of mind, which caused me to think about a quote I'd heard long ago, but only recently delved into again: the concept of 'finding what you love, and letting it kill you.'
Originally, the quote was attributed to famous writer Charles Bukowski, but while the statement's origins have been called into question, the ethos of the statement remains pure: what does it mean to pursue something so completely? Is that an idea, which many consider yet don't fully pursue? As a college student who has experienced his fair share of life, the idea behind the quote strikes me anew, especially with the 'rat race' of everyday life becoming clearer as I work, study, and write to carve my own niche in the world.
Bukowski, for his part, was an advocate of living in a way of treasuring each moment, but that general guideline was underscored with a note of reckless abandon. He pursued his craft, yet he underwent so many personal changes, deluges, twists and turns, that he wound up experiencing life itself while pursuing life's meaning, and whatever that meant to him. While that might sound like a non-answer, working in something which is your passion, or having the courage to place everything you stand for on the line to do what you love, brings with the action nothing but uncharted territory, because that's when life gets absolutely unique for everyone; in the same way, I personally pursue my writing the way nobody else has done before. Many people move to college, many people function as a part in the workforce, but we're all individuals in the end who are chasing a notion inside of us, one of happiness and fulfillment among our responsibilities and, undoubtedly, our personal challenges. For me, the pursuit of writing, it turns out, is what I love, and taking the quote's energy into account, I should let that be what eventually does me in, because a person's passion is what'll give us everything or nothing -- and I'm determined for it to be the former.
Like Matthew McConaughey said when he won best actor, he needs three things every day: something to look up to, something to look forward to, and something to chase. So the next time you're feeling caught up in the daily drive, consider, whatever it is, what you value, what your goals are, and what you love -- and then redouble your efforts to chase those ideas. I can't tell you when I'll catch it, but the pursuit's done me a world of good thus far.
