Understanding

I think I came to at least a partial realization today of why I love reading and writing so much - and, specifically, words.

I think it's because I deeply value communication. Without communication, there is chaos. Without communication, there are misunderstandings, fights, and hurt feelings. All too often, a friend will get angry at another, or be hurt by another, or avoid another because there has been a lack of communication, or perhaps even a miscommunication. Feelings are hurt, and friendships are broken, sometimes for years, decades, or even longer.

Words, however, have no purpose but communication. It's a part of their very existence. And when you are able to put just the right words together in a very precise way, there is a feeling of exultation. Suddenly, even if people don't always understand completely, they're at least able to catch a glimpse of something you long to share. The same can be said of finding an author, or even a single book, that does the same. Somehow, for a brief instant, there's an understanding, a connection with someone, and a realization that, in this area at least, someone else understands - and I believe that, on some level, we all seek to be understood.

I have more thoughts on this, but they're all kind of jumbled up in my head at the moment. I may write more later, I may not. We'll see.

"I would rather be a man who cannot hear than one who will not listen."
~Unknown