Peace of the World... In One Word?

Christina Bonvicin
May 26, 2009
The Soloist, Part IV

What I realized about The Soloist as I finished the book is that each individual's happiness depends on that person. Personally, things that make me most happy are bright smiles, joyous laughs, bubbly toddlers, innocent infants and chatter, any kind of chatter. Chatter is my music. I love talking about practically anything. And there's just something about holding a newborn in your arms that just makes you at peace with the world, if only for a little. And when a toddler grasps your hand and looked up at you with an admiring face, you can't help but smile. Those are my happiness ingredients. Everyone doesn't have the same exact recipe. Some of the same ingredients, sure, but there's variations too. Someone out there in the world may have my exact recipe for happiness, but one particular thing might make them happier than anything else in their recipe.

Honestly, even though towards the end I didn't like The Soloist, it taught me something that, hopefully, will stay with me as long as I may live. It taught me to not worry about trying to please everyone, but please myself first. That is exactly what Nathaniel did. He knew what was "right" for him. Though it may not have been right for society, it was right for him. In the end, that is all that truly matters. No one should have to worry about society's rules and regulations when it comes to happiness. Well, as long as a person's happiness is legal, then society has no reason to step in.

I think that's one of the reasons I lost interest in The Soloist. Lopez always trying to force Nathaniel into "treatment". Sure, if he was truly a danger to himself and others then I could see trying to force medicine on him. But he was calm, even though he had some episodes, mostly safe, and, most important, happy. Happiness is the key to a successful and peaceful life. At least, that's my personal thoughts on the subject. And even though Nathaniel wasn't successful in a career or had a family, he still had his music and he still had his mind. And isn't that enough for him to be happy? Of course it is.

In all, The Soloist was very well written, but by the end I didn't enjoy it. If I was Nathaniel I would have gotten annoyed with Steve Lopez many, many times. But as many know, I'm not too keen on being told what to do. To Nathaniel,. he had his peace, he had his music. And that should be all he should need to be happy in today's world.

Focus on...
- grammar
- style/flow
- my ideas vs. your own