“The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible.” – Oscar Wilde

I just finished reading The Picture of Dorian Gray as part of my quest to read the 100 greatest books of all time before I turn 30. Oscar Wilde really is incredible. In addition to wit that had me laughing out loud and moments that literally made me gasp, I definitely came away feeling quite changed.

One aspect I found particularly fascinating (and have been thinking about ever since) is the philosophy embodied by Lord Henry when he said, “Nothing can cure the soul but the senses, just as nothing can cure the senses but the soul.” There’s no denying that the experience of a sunrise or a symphony really does tug at our innermost core. But what about experiences that aren’t all sunshine and roses? Do those cure the soul too?

I’m starting to think they do. All experiences, whether they bring pleasure or pain, write on the slate of who we are. They define us. I strongly believe that emotions shouldn’t be labeled as either good or bad. They just are. Any feeling that reminds us we’re alive and ultimately pushes us towards action to develop and grow is something we should embrace. What do you think?

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