November 10, 2013

The existential question

Dear M,

I am back to the existential question that bothers each one of us, in different ways, at one point or the other. The one question that changes forms with each individual but exists nonetheless in all minds.

Some wonder, Why were we born, some ask, What is the purpose of my existence, some wonder without knowing what they are wondering about, some ask Why so, and some, Why not. Each one finds their own solutions; openings to jump through to the other side.

As for me, I ask time and again, Why do I write? Why do I want to write? Why this desperate need? If I look around, I wonder the same about others. Why do they write so much on their blogs? Why do they take pictures and post them online? Why write stories for the world to see? Why demonstrate their poetry skills? Why does everyone want to share their talents?

First of all, I don't think it is bad - but the Why evades me. I read a lot of blogs, articles, poems, short stories, travelogues, everything. I know why I read them. It is I who benefits from the efforts of the bloggers, writers, authors, poets, photographers. What do they get? Why this urge to share?

If I ask myself this question about this blog - what do I hope to achieve from this? My answer is very clear. The purpose behind this blog is a very selfish one. I am writing to myself. I am trying to sift through the junk in my mind and pull out only what's necessary. I need clarity. When I put it to paper (or blog, as the case may be!) it becomes more vivid. If a few others read it as well, it is a bonus. Discussions are certainly enriching, but that's not why I started writing.

If we think about it, isn't that what everyone else is doing? Their efforts, their pictures, notes, are all expressions of themselves. We create to give an outlet to our creativity.

I have not found my answer yet. I would have to revisit these questions again and again. Why do we write? Why do we wish to share it with the world?
And while we are on the topic, why in the world are we alive at all?

Love.

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2 comments :

  1. This of course is a question that haunts all of us at some time or the other. Your writing reminded me of a post which I had written long back on the same Finding answers to this question is a lifelong affair...

    Richa

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    Replies
    1. True. Would you like to share a link to your post? Thanks.

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