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| A picture of my sister (taking the picture) and I at Garden of the Gods in Colorado |
My favorite of the three profiles was the profile of Robert Shields, author of the World's Longest Diary. This was my favorite because I also hold a diary, although it isn't anywhere near as intensive as Shields'. It was interesting to compare Shields' dedication and mine. I thought I was dedicated, writing something, anything, once a day. Shields' dedication is unparalleled. The theme that stood out to me in this writing was obsession. I feel this is important because through obsession is one of the many ways people hold on to things. I feel that exactly what "Holding On" (as the book is titled) means varies from person to person. People hold on in many ways, either barely or completely, either not enough or too much entirely. Either through obsession or through disassociation.
I highlighted the writing at its best where this exchange between Shields and the interviewer takes place:
"Do you feel like the diary controls you?
I feel like i'm in control. I could stop it at any time.
What would it do to you if you just stopped?
It would be like turning off my life." (page 30)
I highlighted the writing here because it seemed like Shields was threading that thin line between obsession and action. From the response to the first question, anyone reading this out of context would assume he's just a passionate hobbyist. They wouldn't see it as "weird". However, from the response to the second question, it seems like Shields is a little out of control. Anyone reading this out of context would perceive him as being controlled by the diary and contradicting himself.
My question would be: "Why would Shields feel like he was turning off his life if he stopped the diary?". The very juxtaposition of these two questions and answers makes me want to know more about his response to the second question. What does he mean by that? Surely, isn't that indicative that he's not completely in control?
Hey, I enjoyed reading how you interpreted his profile. I also chose Roberts and talked about his obsession. To answer your question, I do think there is a juxtaposition there as well.
ReplyDeleteI think whenever someone reaches the level of obsession Robert has they may like to think that the can control themselves, but in reality automation and years of habit take over and you become overwhelmed with the urges to continue. If Robert was to admit that he wasn't in control of his actions and obsession, it would pose it in a negative light. Since he has no intentions on stopping, it may be too overwhelming for him to reconcile in his mind that he is feeding into an unhealthy obsession. Thus it would likely mess with his head as he admits in the response to the second question.
I believe by what he meant was that since he has been doing his journal for so long he really hasn't adapted to the regular humans life style of going out of town and enjoying life in different ways. His obsession like Jarrod said, might be unhealthy in others eyes, but in his its his passion and love.
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