I first read The Crisis by Thomas Paine and basically Paine was promoting war against Britain during the American Revolution. I found that Paine used specific techniques that made his pamphlet more interesting than others. I particularly noticed that he touched upon the emotions of the audience. Personally, these types of pieces of writing do not interest me much because I see no fun in something that has no connection to me. I understand that if Thomas Paine had not been so influential, that America would not exist therefore I would not exist. But quite frankly, I do not care.
The second story I read was Dr. Heidegger's Experiment by Nathan Hawthorne. This explored the archetype of longevity and the Fountain of Youth. Basically, a researcher named Dr. Heidegger observed four other old people and how they would interact with each other. I liked this story much better than The Crisis because throughout history people wrestle with the idea of becoming young. Old people tend to want to go back to there "Golden Years." But this story tells us that we need to live on with life. We were made to grow old therefore we should accept it and grow old. I was able to connect to this story more because I don't want to grow old. Life as an elderly person seems so boring however, I know I must face the truth soon. This story has taught me a little about that acceptance.
