What makes us the most normal," said Reiko, "is knowing that we're not normal.
In Haruki Murakami's "Norwegian Wood," the character Reiko expresses a profound insight about the human experience. She suggests that the very awareness of our own imperfections and the acknowledgment of our struggles is what unites us as individuals. This realization highlights the complexity of normalcy, indicating that understanding our own unique challenges is a shared aspect of being human.
This perspective emphasizes that normalcy isn't about conforming to societal standards but rather embracing our idiosyncrasies. By recognizing that everyone feels out of place at times, we foster empathy and connection with others. Reiko's statement serves as a reminder that our awareness of our own 'abnormality' can lead to a deeper appreciation of our shared humanity.