I've been re-reading one of Hunter S Thompson's books on and off over the last few days, and it got me thinking, and remembering why he is still one of my very favorite writers.
I was immediately struck by how much I still love his writing, and how truly unique it is. No one else has his ability to turn even the most mundane into something interesting like he did, nor can anyone else create such amazing flow of consciousness thought processes seem so logical, effortless, and amusing like he did. He had a way of seeing to the heart of things, especially politics that was amazing.
I caught myself thinking once again what a huge influence he has been on my life, and how I look at things. I realized that while he may not be the best role model in many ways, attempting to live as he did has made my life pretty interesting.
I concluded the world is a sadder place without him in it. I understand why he killed himself, maybe more than most people really can, and sincerely wish it could have been different. I wonder if the same thing will happen to me some day.