Everyone I know, and most everyone I don't know, seems obsessed with the quest to leave their mark in this world. Our human race (we'll call it "Frank") has developed and perfected their means of leaving something that'll last, at least for a while. "Frank" has thrown itself unabashed into the proclamation of Self. It is as if Frank is trying to create a bold-faced, all caps sign across the map that shouts "Frank was here!!!"
This desperation, this scream, this ignorant theory that for some reason Frank is important is an interesting study. Why does it matter, Frank, that your footprint be cemented into this place? What makes you, Frank, so crucial, so worthy? Why do you, Frank, feel that you ought to be remembered?
"Because I'm unique and different and my SELF and no know really knows the real ME!!!!!"
That so, Frank? Cynical as I sound, I believe you, frank. Every one of you. Each billion of people who lived and died before you, and the billion who will live and die long after you're in the dirt, were and are unique and different and themselves and nobody truly knew their inmost being.
Does it matter, Frank, that each and every one of them left a neon, blinking sign screeching they were HERE, they were HERE, they were HERE, damnit!
Frank, why would you want to leave a mark in this place?
Is it not enough to simply live and be and breathe? Is that not satisfying enough? Is the energy you dish out trying to be noticed worth it to you in the end? Will that fulfill you? Really?
What makes you think, in all your arrogance, that your self-broadcast is needed by anyone? Including yourself. Why do you think you need that? Will that make you happy, Frank? To have that enormous I-was-here flashing billboard erected in worthless honor of you? Will you be complete then?
Will you find peace then?
Why would you want to mark this place?
Why I would want to mark this place.
I don't think this is necessarily a selfish thing, but something every generation wants to do. I look at the walls around me and I see the markings of others who have been here before me. I see stories of triumph and stories of failure, each telling me that I can get through it all right.