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In Prof Grobstein's discussion group last week, I was the only one who said that I wouldn't mind living with Whitman. When most people found him eccentric, annoying, and a little too hippie like, I saw him as a unique human being who was passionate about life and willing to share his passion with everyone around him, at least through writing. I don't think he's an idealist or foundationalist who sees the world head towards a kind of perfection. I believe he's an appreciative citizen of the world who looks at his natural and man made environment at that time, and finds beauty in everything and everyone, even himself.

Most people don't take the time to smell the flowers, or appreciate the world around them, or even appreciate themselves, especially in this day of age when everyone seems to be busy or stressed out to some extent. For me, Whitman's writing allowed me to take a brief break from my chaos and appreciate my world around me. I won't be talking to trees or camping out at Walden Pond but I can look around me and enjoy the simple things in life such as sunlight, fresh clothes out of the laundry, and my ability to write this in the first place. Everyone should celebrate themselves and the earth at least for a brief moment.