The Art of Survival

How does one simply survive the world? Some use the act of violence, the harsh words that kill us from the inside, or blending in; the act of becoming invisible. A major issue that I see in our world today, just from observing my peers is how to fit in. That particular "issue" has been around since the first humans; Adam and Eve. I wanted to address this issue because Peekay from The Power of One had to undergo many circumstances in order to finally accept who he was and resolve the issue of fitting into society.
         From preschool to our last day of high school, we try so desperately to fit in. I made this realization two years ago, that it does not matter. As Peekay realize as well, your strengths put you at an advantage. Question number 4 from our Socratic Seminar addresses his art of survival in all three books. His first survival step was to be invisible. Peekay had to hide himself including his strengths from the Judge. He had one friend, Grandpa Chook that helped him grow. As little children, we witness this. I personally know from experience, we always try to stay away from the bully. We find a good, quiet friend who will always be there for you and to help us grow.
        Peekay's next line of surviving was becoming the best. In middle school, we all experience that one person who always seems to get the best grades, be the best athlete, or maybe an amazing singer. I could go on for ages about who was the best in my school, but when you succeed at something you become admirable. In Peekay's life when he learned to box, people around became astonished. He learned street boxing from Hoppie and the most important motto that drives this whole novel in my opinion, "First with the head, then with the heart." When you have such a strong motto to live by, the whole "act of survival" starts to fade away.
         The last line of defense of "The Art of Survival" is to accept and be yourself. No matter what the trend is currently, or where the hottest party is, if you don't like, why do it? This part boggles my mind because I have learned that being unique makes me a lot happier, then following what others do. Peekay discovers this as well. He bonds with Morrie who is a clever Jewish boy, and together these boys beat the system. They learned that being their clever and cunning selves, they can accomplish anything.
       As I conclude my first blog, I want my readers to remember that the best way of surviving the world is not through violence, words, or becoming invisible, it's to accept and learn to be yourself. As I am growing up, I realize this. The best way is to show off your strengths and work on your weaknesses, be yourself and just be happy.