Daniel Travis
v_103
1st Place Award


"Think, Virginia!"

I'm sorry to reveal this to you Virginia, but there is no Santa
Claus. I know that the idea of a benevolent imaginary old man
with a long white beard watching over you can be comforting, but
that doesn't change what reality is. The truth is that you do not
receive rewards and presents from a far off invisible man, who
notes your achievements and mistakes to finally brand you naughty
or nice. No, your presents come from your parents, friends, and
other real people who love you.

Now this may make you feel uneasy, Virginia. You may ask, "If
Santa or anyone else isn't watching to punish me for being
naughty or going to give me presents for being good, then why
behave at all?"  Because you are still accountable to yourself,
Virginia.  When you help others without expecting a reward or
when you stop yourself from committing a wrongdoing even when you
won't be punished for it later, you show your maturity and care
for others. And isn't this a better way of acting?  Caring for
others because you feel the personal need, instead of because
someone commanded you to do so 'or else'? Mandated acts of virtue
do not exemplify empathy towards others; they are merely acts of
blind obedience.

And blind obedience is a waste of your beautiful mind, Virginia.
You know that your actions affect how the people around you feel.
That simple understanding is your gift of empathy. With that
empathy and the intellect you were born with, along with what
you've learned from your parents and teachers, you will be able
to judge what is right and wrong, without mindlessly relying on
what others say. When you stop worrying about whether you will be
rewarded or punished based on your actions, when you stop
worrying about pleasing or infuriating an imaginary figure, only
then can you truly focus your talents and love towards the people
around you.

Don't let this tarnish your outlook on the world though! You
don't need to hold on to make believe things to feel happy about
the world around you, Virginia. Be smart enough not to squander
your life chasing after faeries (in any of the guises they may
take) that neither you, nor anyone else will ever find. Be wary
of those who will not only vow that faeries exist, but also
applaud those who spend their days chasing after them. They will
tell you that the wonderful world around you is dark and
miserable, and that you must turn to the unseen, unknowable, and,
ultimately, unreal to be happy. How sad to live like this,
ignoring the beauty of life just to vindicate their fruitless
pursuit!

No Santa Claus! Of course! Rejoice in this truth, and take
comfort in your knowledge. While it may feel good to hide under
the comfort of immaterial falsehoods, ultimately embracing the
truth of reality will free you to take delight in the world
around you.