Our perception of the world around us is built upon the conflict of ideas which takes place in our own minds and so it is almost impossible to validate our viewpoint with others. These disagreements present us with generally inexperienced sensations which may, in fact, support our preconceptions. Captain Trouin in the novel 'The Quiet American', unlike Fowler, is certain of his drive in Vietnam. His experience of "bombing defenceless villages" has tormented him to the horrors of the world as he seeks refuge within his purpose. By fighting for his "friends" he maintains a point of concrete security in an ever uncertain world. His experiences in Vietnam have merely given "greater weight" and meaning to his convictions, unlike Fowler's which are challenged by Trouin himself - urging him to "take a side" in the conflict - and echoed by various characters, such as Mr Heng and Vigot, throughout the novel. Through experience we gain understanding; indeed it is this principle that modern education is based. The almost always unique nature of conflict grants us with a superior understanding by way of it broadening our perception of the world. Despite occasionally causing trauma, and piercing through our lives, conflict is a force, an energy which can prove beyond our former conceptions which we hold dear
Our perception of the world around us is built upon the conflict of ideas which takes place in our own minds and so it is almost impossible to validate our viewpoint with others. These disagreements present us with generally inexperienced sensations which may, in fact, support our preconceptions. Captain Trouin in the novel 'The Quiet American', unlike Fowler, is certain of his drive in Vietnam. His experience of "bombing defenceless villages" has tormented him to the horrors of the world as he seeks refuge within his purpose. By fighting for his "friends" he maintains a point of concrete security in an ever uncertain world. His experiences in Vietnam have merely given "greater weight" and meaning to his convictions, unlike Fowler's which are challenged by Trouin himself - urging him to "take a side" in the conflict - and echoed by various characters, such as Mr Heng and Vigot, throughout the novel. Through experience we gain understanding; indeed it is this principle that modern education is based. The almost always unique nature of conflict grants us with a superior understanding by way of it broadening our perception of the world. Despite occasionally causing trauma, and piercing through our lives, conflict is a force, an energy which can prove beyond our former conceptions which we hold dear