I remember reading Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" when I was younger, and wondered why such a motley crew would somehow want to (despite their differences) stick together and trudge through a long, weary journey.
It's been awhile since I've read the book, but I loved each character's tale, save the poem, which was fortunately cut off, none too soon I would say. But I have come to the conclusion that the reason why, is that they had a common goal. (In their case, the Canterbury Cathedral) Well, if that is so, maybe that's why we as human being's somehow put up with each other.
Quite often, I consider the people that bear having me around almost everyday. Even though we may not share the same lifestyles, morals, religions or even worldly ideals, we will bicker, scoff at our individual tales and illusions of grandeur, debate endlessly about science and faith, and at times, retreat sulking and licking our wounds. But we all have one objective, to find our place in this world, regardless of how short it is.
In my opinion, the world needs it's multitude of institutions, neighborhoods, coasts and cathedrals. For people everywhere tend to search out a like-minded individual, or someone close enough to accept you for who you are, regardless of differences or if not, they fear that the possibility might not even exist, and shun it, unwilling to disprove it. I get it, I worry too that if I find that person, he/her may not accept me. Or Horrors! I may not accept him/her/It.
Some say that is why religion is so popular, that someone so perfect (that it would be impossible to not accept that perfection) would accept us so thoroughly. But honestly, I'm intimidated, because I can strive all I want to be like this person, to gain that approval.. But I will never truly feel adequate, to a perfect being. But who knows, maybe in my path towards perfection, I will gain your acceptance by accepting you.
I have my beliefs and stories, as others will have theirs, and if we don't have something to share, what do we have really?
