The Blurred Distinction

"I believe people need beliefs. If I didn't have my belief, I really don't know what would happen." Ursula Le Guin, SQ

Just before I could continue reading, I was stopped by this quote. The quote in itself inspired me to keep reading; it let me know that this story would be one that I would find both intriguing and thought provoking. SQ invites its audience to question the line of sanity versus insanity. Before I begin, let us first consider that line. Societal norms and beliefs not only form normalcy and define it, but it also helps us to distinguish what "sanity" generally looks like. Today, what is sane has loosened and become a matter of artistic perception. We no longer look at erratic behavior and deem it "insane". Instead, we observe and consider what the behavior exhibited means and what the person projecting it is aiming to express. Nonetheless, it is our beliefs that helps us to distinguish and define sanity or normalcy.

In the story, you'll find that the quote provided stands as a recurrent theme or underlining premise throughout the story's entirety. What strikes me is not the invention of sanity testing nor is it Mary Ann's overwhelmingly dillusioned admiration for Dr. Speakie. It's the idea that without a belief of some kind in place within our society, there would essentially be no way to determine what is normal and what isn't. Insanity and sanity would not exist. Insanity versus genius is one debate that answer lies within each beholder. You'll find Mary Ann's belief, that was asserted and stood firm from the beginning, helped her to maintain the idea that Dr. Speakie was a genius in all that he strived to do. While his very sanity was regularly questioned, it did not change the belief of Mary Ann Smith. Her perception allowed her to see something else. Yet, we find there is no test that can determine what is abnormal. Even the very test conceived and birthed by Dr. Speakie was the very same test that proved him to be even more insane than his wife. 

I, personally, know that without my beliefs, the world around me would cease to exist as I know it. I can't even imagine life differently. To me, an alternative belief, while it exists, doesn't convey accuracy. Mary Ann felt the same way. I truly appreciated this quote. It's one I have previously spoken, and one I find to frightening to apply to my personal reasoning.