Seated in the warm dining room, the fading light filtering through the windows and illuminating the ivy covered walls of the old house, you take a seat at the table. A plate, piled high with roasted ham glazed with honey—personally preferred over the dryer turkey—and a hearty amount of mashed potatoes. A glass filled with sparkling grape juice—alcohol is and has always been a rare sight at parties like these, with even the adults abstaining from alcoholic beverages.

As you all start to eat, light discussions begin. Much of it, your typical small talk. ‘How’s college?’ ‘Good, classes are going well, yes it’s enjoyable. The food’s alright, certainly not as good as this though.’ Typical things. Then of course the question always comes.

‘Speaking of college, you’re about to graduate soon, right? What do you plan on doing with your degree? Why, History and English are very useful degrees, so I’m sure you could find some rewarding job to put them to use.’

And when you answer ‘I’d like to work in the video game industry,’ the inevitable blank stares. Well, of course what they’ll say is ‘Oh, that sounds interesting,’ or ‘I’ve heard video games are popular these days.’ Empty words.

The cousin who Majored in Poli sci works in Washington, the other who Majored in Art partakes in countless activist protests for sweeping political change. Your grandfather who didn’t have the time for college but nonetheless spent countless hours pouring over the Greek Classics. To your family, liberal arts is one of the most valuable things that can be contributed. That can help push society forwards, to better and brighter places. To them, getting a degree in liberal arts just to go into entertainment feels a bit hollow. So of course they suggest that you become a teacher instead. ‘Sure, the pay isn’t great, but it’s a rewarding job! Educating the youth, what could be more important than that?’

What do you say to that then? In the end, you talk about how ‘Video games and multimedia techniques are the future of educating the youth. By using technology and more entertaining methods, we can give children more engaging, hands-on experiences. For instance, a historical video game that allows students to walk through Victorian England.’

And everyone’s eyes light up with understanding, and they applaud your foresight and drive to help improve society. And then the conversation moves on.

Well, what you said wasn’t a lie—it’s something you believe, after all. But that’s not the kind of video game you want to make. Educational? Historically poignant? Improving society? Grand concepts, lofty ideals that are worthwhile striving for. But not the ones you strive for. You just want to make something that you find fun.

Once I couldn’t find the direction of my future, and A Portrait of The Artist as a Young Man tells me that a unique life will always be confusing, and you will eventually go to the place where you belong.

Once I felt the darkness and injustice of society, The Catcher in the Rye tells me that there is someone who guards your inner child, who can be your closest friend, your beloved brother, or maybe yourself.

Once I was confusing the meaning of love, The Great Gatsby tells me that you don’t have to think too hard about love, find a moonlight in your heart, seek they, and in the process become a better and better person.

……

Those instrumental rationalists who are running around for money and social status, please stop your boring questions once in a while. I respect your way of life, and I ask you to respect the things we love most in our hearts.

It is true that literature cannot bring us tall buildings, highways, and rich food, but it can fill the emptiness in our hearts and bring us the joy of thinking and appreciating. A person struggling to survive may not be able to distract too much energy from these things, but if we solve our basic material needs, then why can’t we have higher pursuits?

Finally, I’d like to return to your question. As more and more people stop worrying about the scarcity of food and houses, they will invest their lives in many interesting things, and literature, without a doubt, is one of the most time-tested. At that time, whether teaching it, spreading it, or creating it, it will naturally bring me enough wealth to sustain my life, so please don’t worry about me anymore.

What’s up Ollie?

Not much, just enjoying these mashed potatoes. How’s water polo going?

The season ended like a month ago dumbass.

I didn’t know that!

What, do you think we’re going to keep swimming when the weather’s like this?

Ok well it’s an indoor pool you don’t exactly have to brave the elements. I thought polo was supposed to be about horses and shit anyways. Your main activity is a spinoff of a horse sport, let that sink in.

Whatever man. How’s school?

Not too bad. I just declared English the other day, so I’m gonna have a blast working construction the rest of my life.

Can’t you become a lawyer with an English degree though?

Yeah but that’s not really something I want to do.

So what, you just want to write?

Pretty much. Creative writing is the only thing in school I ever really loved doing, so I may as well pursue it.

Fair enough. Can you pass the cranberry sauce?