AP fishing

By Chie Theresa Fujioka

*Disclaimer: This is NOT a religious essay. If it were, it would border on the heretical. In fact this is just my general statement about the following question, along with a generic solution which does not detail my personal religious beliefs. Keep this in mind, since I can be lousy at expressing my opinion exactly*

Question: Henry David Thoreau wrote, "Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish theyare after."
In a well thought out essay, examine the accuracy of this aphorism in modern society. Concentrate on examples from your observations, reading, and experiences to develop your ideas.
(AP Comp Practice test)

The image of fishing brings deas of peace, stillness, and nature to mind. Although I have found the activity boring and unfrutful, Thoreau's aphorism strikes a resonant chord with my impresson of modern, and perhaps all, society (as I know it). The common example of money and the phrase, "If only I had (blank)" are overused to the point of meaninglessness, but the idea that a single idea or object could serve to satisfy, still plays a dominant role today. Certainly movies and books would get nowhere without the common theme of a search for happiness through something. Tragedy occurs when all is in vain. "I have a dream."

What is it that makes the "fishing" so desirable to the man? I maintain that it is the process and the emotional result (pride, confidence, feelings of accomplishment, etc.) which make it so. In a way, this resembles a placebo effect. People are told, through every medium, the one thing or another will bring ease or happiness. Either they strive to achieve this, or give up in hopeless desperation.

Our world, especially our capitalistic desires (which all political forms fall prey to), is fueled by some form of greed or self-serving. Whether the Holy Grail is the perfect successful job, a Martha Stewart museum-like home, popularity, affection and friendship, or any other "idol," the true object of desire remains unrecognized. True, these things all are worth something, but they are not worth everything. As the denominator approaches infinity, the whole approaches 0. True happiness is found only through a change in one's self through the process of life. I would not embarrass my friends by any specifics, but I sense that despite their claim to "know" otherwise, there is an underlying conviction that these idols CAN and WILL bring happiness.

I believe this is where religion majorly influences humanity. By religion, I do not mean the specific worship of any divine entity, but rather a faith in the completely attainable (or given) from which the transitory elements of life can be observed more objectively. In my case, I believe it is God revealing himself to man. For Thoreau, it was something more transcendental. However, through this "religion," an individual's point of view is changed and made capable of happiness because the person is content. Like Thoreau at Walden, the introspective processof life, whether divinely revealed or not, is what gives humanity a firm basis for hope and thus, happiness. For, in the words of Our Lady Peace, "Happiness is not a fish that you can catch."

Talkback: Post Reply | View replies (6)