Entry #6: Inspiration

  CHAPTER 3:

    "Billy had a framed prayer on his office wall which expressed his method for keeping going, even though he was unenthusiastic about living.  A lot of patients who saw the prayer on Billy's wall told him that it helped them to keep going, too.  It went like this:    

GOD GRANT ME

THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT

THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE,

COURAGE

TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN,

AND WISDOM ALWAYS

TO TELL THE

DIFFERENCE

Among the things Billy Pilgrim could not change were the past, present, and the future." (page 60)  

     In our lives today, many people use inspirational quotes to motivate themselves in every aspect of their lives, whether its to do well on a test or making it through a bad day.  Our society craves those little sayings of inspiration, because they reinforce our confidence in ourselves.  The inspirational words tell us that we are not alone and that there are others like us who need the same encouragement in life as we do.

     Music, is one way our society inspires people.  The lyrics of a song are not just empty words, they have depth and meaning behind them.  They song, Fireworks, by Katy Perry inspires people to be themselves because, even though they might not believe it, they are capable of so much more than they think.  The song begins by identifying with the people Perry intends to inspire:

"Do you ever feel like a plastic bag

Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?

Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin

Like a house of cards, one blow from caving in?"

     By creating a bond with the listener, the song has a much deeper impact on them because, the lyrics apply to their life and gives them the confidence boost they need to continue with their lives.  Perry goes on to sing words of encouragement:

"You don't have to feel like a waste of space

You're original, cannot be replaced

If you only knew what the future holds

After a hurricane comes a rainbow"

     Every word of Perry's song is intended to inspire her listeners to not doubt themselves and to recognize their worth.  She also wants them to know that they are not alone, even though they may feel like they are.  

     Vonnegut uses the character of Billy Pilgrim to connect with the reader.  Pilgrim experiences many of the same feelings that millions of people around the world also experience.  By creating this bond with the reader, Vonnegut makes his message have an even greater impact on us. 

To view the full song, click on the following link below:

Fireworks by Katy Perry