Choose Life

In the midst of studying for finals and writing papers I often wonder why we put ourselves through this; why not go do something else, something less tedious than sitting down in quiet rooms while you stare at words that stare right back? The answer reminded me of a movie called Trainspotting based on Irvine Welsh's eponymous novel. It's a wonderful film about Scottish Junkies and one in particular who, like us, decides to choose life. The opening lines go like this:
"Choose Life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a fucking big television, choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players and electrical tin openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol, and dental insurance. Choose fixed interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisurewear and matching luggage. Choose a three-piece suit on hire purchase in a range of fucking fabrics. Choose DIY and wondering who the fuck you are on Sunday morning. Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing, spirit-crushing game shows, stuffing fucking junk food into your mouth. Choose rotting away at the end of it all, pissing your last in a miserable home, nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish, fucked up brats you spawned to replace yourselves. Choose your future. Choose life... "