Seeking escape from a solipsistic worldview

I know most recent 'Prince' columns have discussed rather serious problems: politics, international diplomacy and the ethics of dealing with terrorism and conflict. I've been pleasantly surprised to see that we are capable of emerging from our personal universes every so often to think about others. We seem to be a little less selfish now and a little more aware that there are, after all, people out there who don't wish us well at all.

However, now I see a return to normalcy in the works, and I don't like it. Normal wasn't very good, and now that we have a reminder that it is really a big world out there filled with other people we should care about, are we going to let that count for nothing? Are we going to slide right back into the morass of self-absorption and pettiness from whence we just climbed?

Let's not. Let's take a step out by doing something small.

It's time to stop the moaning, complaining and whining that fills the air morning, noon and night. You know what I mean — that insistent humming that can be heard from miles away as the nation's 'best and brightest' pout to passers-by. The noise is everywhere we go: Dillon Gym, Frist, Firestone, the 'Street.' Know why? It's us.

Are you really surprised I'm saying this? You're well aware of the fact that everyone here gripes constantly; it's not a secret. So what? I know you know, and that's why I'm writing this. You haven't done anything about it.

Think of all the times we run into friends during the day. Often, we fail to inquire how they are. More typical questions are, "What are you doing," "Where are you going" and "How much work do you have?" Even when we do run into friends and remember to inquire how they are (our friends and not their work or classes or schedules), do we really stop to listen to the answer? Most of the time the pause is a matter of form while we wait to be asked about ourselves. Though these opportunities to grumble are not rare, we still pounce on each one like there might not be another for hours. The most frustrating fact about all this is that we accept it.

Of course, there are moments of happiness and contentment, as we realize how lucky we are to be at Princeton with so many amazing people (gripes aside) while learning more than we probably will for the rest of our lives. These moments are rare. More often, our happiness springs from a combination of completed papers, football victories (yeah right) and anticipation of Thursday night.

I know you're probably asking yourself why you're still reading this. It's not like this is true about you. You're deeper than that. You're no spoiled brat who takes everything for granted and demands more on top of it. You know what? I believe you, and that's why I wish you would show it. You're at the top of the world, so act like everyone's watching you.

Think about it — how spoiled we all are. Can you believe the unparalleled arrogance of having the best of everything laid at our feet and demanding more? What else could this be? We have the best education in the world, but we want it in a classroom closer to the dorms. We want to read all the giants of literature, but we don't want to sacrifice any time actually reading a book. We want to excel at sports but not go to practice. We want to learn everything (and preferably while pursuing a finance certificate so we can work for Goldman, Sachs after graduation), but we don't want to work. Why should work interfere with our lives? Don't they know we go to Princeton?

Let's change. Aileen Ann Nielsen is from Upper Black Eddy, PA. She can be reached at anielsen@princeton.edu.