Nothing Like the Sun

Over the sixteen years of my existence, I have become aware of the human tendency to exaggerate. There is something about human nature that makes us want to portray things as something better than they are. It is difficult for us to accept things as they are, and be content with reality. In Sonnet 130, Shakespeare criticizes this behavior, emphasizing that people should take things as they are, nothing more. Love is a beauty enough itself, and doesn't need to be glorified by hyperboles. Thus the poet who says his mistress' eyes are like the sun doesn't necessarily hold his love in higher regard than Shakespeare who doesn't hold his to any false comparison.

This philosophy applies to aspects of life besides love as well. People who take life as it is, and accept the beauty in it are usually able to be much happier than those who try and set their lives to unattainable standards. Thus, I'll try and be content with life on Earth, even though its nothing like the sun.