Bent

The concept I found most intriguing from Out of the Silent Planet is the use of the word "bent". The hnau often use this word to describe Malacandrian creatures who have become corrupt. I find it fascinating and beautiful that the word they choose to describe this antagonism with is bent. On Earth, when people commit heinous acts or do unspeakable things, we simply say that they're evil, that it's in their nature, that it's simply who they are. All too often we forget that evil is not an inherent quality. While it is true that some are more predisposed to have characteristics that lend themselves to our definition of evil, pure malicious evil isn't embodied in inherent characteristics. Evil is something that is molded and created over time. Evil is a good that has been corrupted, evil is a good that has been bent. Not only does this word so eloquently describe the human concept of "evil", it also demonstrates why the creatures of Malacandra are able to achieve a level of peace and stability that is inconceivable for humans.

"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not a truth." -Marcus Aurelius

I take this as meaning we cannot rely too heavily or trust in our senses. Our senses can deceive us, and for one to simply believe everything they saw and heard would be foolish. Deception runs rampant and ideas are constantly changing. By simply accepting things we perceive to be true, we are limiting ourselves and inhibiting any progress. Facts and truths are indisputable, and for information to reach that state takes far more than simple observation. Ideas must be tested and proven and tested again until there isn't a single doubt in anyone's mind that they are in fact facts and truths. This is how we grow as people and in our knowledge, and how the world progresses.

My Personal Philosophy

My personal philosophy is fairly simple, and one that many people share. I want to help people with my life. I want to know I've made a positive impact on someone else, and this is why I want to go into psychology. More specifically, I want to go into forensic or clinical psychology. Because my parents are doctors, the importance of helping others was ingrained in me from early on. However, I never wanted to be a doctor. I can't deal with the grotesque and gory like my parents can, so I sought out a career I had a passion for where I could still help others. 

From a young age I struggled with anxiety, so the world of mental health is familiar to me. The older I got, the more I realized just how important of a field it was. Practically nobody is completely 100% mentally healthy, and yet only a small percentage of people are either diagnosed or receiving the treatment they need. As a nation, America has a lot of stigma towards mental health. Mental health issues should not be frowned upon or discounted, and this is why I want to be a psychologist.

I believe that due to my love for helping others and my passion for mental health, my calling in life is to be a psychologist and be part of the end of the stigma surrounding mental health. I want my life to be lived for others, and in helping others I will be living for myself.