We are all ghosts," Morris Klapper said at last. "We are conceived in a moment of death and born out of ghost wombs, and we play in the streets with other little ghosts, chanting ghost-rhymes and scratching to become real. We are told that life is full of goals and that, although it is sadly necessary to fight, you can at least choose your war. But we learn that for ghosts there can only be one battle: to become real. A few of us make it, thus encouraging other ghosts to believe it can be done.
by Peter S. Beagle
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Morris Klapper's reflection on existence presents a profound metaphor where he likens individuals to "ghosts." According to him, life begins in the essence of death, giving rise to beings struggling for authenticity. These "ghosts" navigate through their lives yearning for recognition and the ability to feel real. Despite being reminded of life's many challenges and goals, it becomes evident that the central struggle is about achieving existence itself.

The notion that only a few succeed in this quest to become real touches on hopes and failures, influencing others who witness such transformations. In this way, Klapper presents a poignant commentary on the human experience, emphasizing the universal desire for meaning and reality amidst life's ephemeral nature. The journey from being a ghost to becoming real is depicted as not just personal but also communal, suggesting that shared struggles inspire collective aspiration.

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