Let's Talk About Divergent

Dear You, 

So I finally watched the Divergent movie and while I was disappointed at the loss of a few scenes that I loved in the book, it was still a very good book-movie adaptation. However, I realized that I never wrote a post on how inspiring I found Divergent, which I truly did. 

In Divergent, the societies are split into 5 separate factions:

Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, and Erudite

Based on the most outstanding characteristic in that person, respectively:

Selflessness, Kindness, Honesty, Bravery, and Intelligence

After reading the books I went through a thought process of how I wanted to live my life based on these five characteristics. I've never been so great at honesty but I've always worked to incorporate the other 4 into my life (though I think creativity deserves a spot on the list as well).

However there is too much of a good thing. Too much selflessness leads to suicidal actions, too much kindness leads to being pushed over, too much honesty leads to hurt feelings, too much bravery again, leads to suicidal actions, and too much intelligence leads to arrogance. I can think of a time in my life where I have been called every single one. 

Roth's book has become a simple yet effective way to view life for me. Or at least view the characteristics that I choose to incorporate. 

I've been able to strongly identify with Tris, the main character in the book. I grew up in a restrictive religion that highly encouraged selflessness. And when I was 16 I left the religion and moved to California, my own Dauntless choosing. While I wish my life was as dangerous and exciting as Tris' I still don't regret choosing the riskier life. It's hard leaving what you know but can be highly beneficial in the end. 

In the past I think I've tried to be too much of a push over and terrified of things and forgot to be brave however recently I've been constantly reminding myself to Be Dauntless (it's a commandment in my Happiness Project). I want to be brave in my everyday life even if that doesn't include throwing knives or jumping off trains (though that would be really cool). I've been trying to speak up, and be myself and speak my mind, which always seemed difficult in the past. 

As a kid I always had too much kindness and intelligence, I became a push over at times and arrogant at others though I think as I've come to a sense of self-actualization I realized how dangerous too much of those could be and worked to counteract them. 

Overall, I found Divergent to be an unconventionally inspiring book. I know the books and movie blew up and every little girl wanted to be Tris as bad as they wanted to be Katniss whenever a new Hunger Games movie comes out but the underlying themes were still very inspiring. I think I liked the Divergent series more than the Hunger Games but anything that teaches girls to be strong, brave, and good is amazing to me. 

What were your thoughts on the series? Leave me a comment below!

Have an Amazing Day!
Mia B

Also, if you wanted to be the coolest person in the world, you could take a look at my new Youtube video :)