Good Question Hamlet

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Hamlet’s, “To be, or not to be”, is the epitome of the ultimate question of life. I believe that most every human being who has roamed this earth at some point asks the question of “Why am I here?” Arriving at an answer can be an arduous journey or a walk in the park. It can simply come from beliefs and traditions that a person has inherited or he can embark upon a serious study into philosophy, religion, or science to find conclusions. The answers can come in a flash of inspiration, the anguish of tragedy, or in the serene moments of meditation.

Philosophers, shaman, prophets, and fools have all tried to answer this sometimes breathtaking question of “why?” We can find their conclusions in sacred writings, oral traditions, fairy tales, or textbooks. But I think that ultimately a person must find their answer within their own spirit. I believe that we are dual beings---flesh and spirit. As children of God, we can access higher power in order to answer the highest questions of life. When we find true answers, it will resonate within our soul. I also believe that we each have purpose in life as individuals. When we are fulfilling that purpose, it will bring us joy.

Hamlet also asked this question of why we, “suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune”, or suffer the, “whips and scorns of the oppressor’s wrong, the proud man’s contumely, the pangs of despised love”. Why do humans continue to, “grunt and sweat under a weary life”? I think that some of these answers can be found in pain. Painful experiences, whether they are in the mind or physically of the body, can be the crucible of character.

My case in point is that I have often marveled at the astonishing strength and power of various people who have survived horrific events in their life. For example, the Nazi death camp survivors who were starved, humiliated, beaten and treated so cruelly, yet the German officers couldn’t squeeze the life out of them. The will to survive was so strong and the human spirit so powerful that they were able to live on to the next day and tell their story to the world. Another example of strength and will came from the depths of Siberia where a few political prisoners were able to escape and cross the Gobi desert into India and freedom. Incredible determination and spirit was needed to overcome the odds against them. Why do people fight to live when life is so difficult? I believe that Victor Frankl put affliction into perspective when he said he hoped to be worthy of his suffering, and to be sanctified through enduring. When a person is brought down into the depths of humility, his only choice is to give up or reach for God. And by enduring heartbreaking trials, ones heart is strengthened and the soul is purified enough to see the face of God.

“To be, or not to be”, is a question that will live on as long as human beings do. I find hope in the strength of the human spirit and peace in my belief in God. I think that as long as people look to their answers for the reason of life with pure intent, they will find their solution fixed in the love of God.

Copyright L.L. Williams