The Unexamined Life Is Not Worth living? and The Modern Gadfly.

Socrates is correct - but to an extent. It all depends on if you are examining life the right way. It would be just as true to say that life is not worth living in ignorance, if all of your thoughts and conversation is trivial and on the surface. I just read Farenheit 451, where in the future world the government brainwashes people into believing that people on their wall TVs are their real "family", that they shouldn't think too hard about any issues, and that books are completely pointless because they are all made up. Of course, that seems like a very useless life, because I believe that under the surface of it all, under the blissful ignorance, you will know that you are missing out on something, you will know that there really IS more to life than your trivial problems because you are still human and humans are curious. And those unsettling thoughts of unfulfillment will be what really keeps you from true happiness.

The first person I could think of who is a modern gadfly is Michael Moore. I recently read one of his books and saw one of his movies, and I really could understand how important people, especially politicians would find him extremely annoying. He goes out of his way to uncover corruptions in EVERYTHING - though I guess it really isn't out of his way because it's his job as a researcher, reporter, and activist. And the greatest part is that he doesn't really choose sides; he finds something wrong with everyone. That's right, first audience. He's making fun of you, too.

Her Eulogy

What did she stand for? Well, this depends on the perspective you look at her life from. From the idealistic view, is was ideal. But from a realist's perspective, well, things might not have been quite clear to someone who wasn't Daniella. Of course, she believed in the greater good, but when it came to happiness and striving for enlightenment, she, her own mind, and her beliefs came first. Sacrifices were made. People were given up on. But that's what life is about; at least, in her opinion. You cannot change the world before you change yourself, and that is what she strove for. And you know what? She got closer than most of the world. Maybe not closer than Buddhists and monks who spend their whole lives meditating, but not a day went by where she was not able to stay happy and optimistic about whatever it was that was necessary to do, in control til the end; and even if a certain event was to make the path wobble, she would take control of her emotions and get back on. So what was it she believed in? Mental and physical health for the whole of society, ideally, of course. It all starts with food and lifestyle, the two things that are most neglected in this modern world. If everyone was healthy, there would be no war. No crime. No accidents. Only enlightened people, everywhere. But once again, the only thing you can change is yourself, because the only thing that exists is you, your world, the one you perceive at this current second. And that is all that matters.