The Things They Carried: The Dentist--Curt Lemon

"The dentist couldn't find any problem, but Lemon kept insisting, so the man finally shrugged and shot in the Novocain and yanked out a perfectly good tooth."

The things that people will do for pride. How far will a person go to boost their ego or salvage their dignity when it wasn't in danger in the first place? It's amazing to me sometimes to see how uncomfortable people are with their flaws or shortcomings. Apparently, some people are willing to go through the pain and suffering to do so. In Curt's circumstances, it's almost funny that he went to such extremes when everyone else let the situation go. He was too focused on being a macho man and covering up a small weakness. I don't understand why he beat himself up about something so insignificant. I guess he was just too proud. But, I think that the people with the most strength and courage don't try to cover up their weaknesses. I have the most respect for the people who know themselves and accept themselves for who they are. If you use your strengths to the best of your ability and work to improve your weaknesses, I think you're the best person you can be.