thoughts about a book

I've been reading a book called The Book Thief. It takes place in Nazi Germany and it is about a girl, foster parents, a jew and the narrator is death. It is a fascinating read-- written very differently. Anyway, I'm about done with it and the last couple of days I have been thinking about a few things... why are people so cruel? Why are we so lazy? Why do we try to blame everyone else for things that happen in our lives? When are we going to realize that life is just too short? I guess after spending time reading and pondering about this book (which is a work of fiction-- not a true story-- but compelling none the less) I just can't believe that people in Germany in the 1930's and 1940's really existed and lived through that whole Nazi era. What a strange time. Even living in Germany and Austria hasn't totally helped me understand those times of fear, self-preservation, disregard, hate etc. But, one thing I have learned is that there is strength in numbers. Especially when there is a good cause-- I am actually trying to make a point even though it is taking a while-- I think that generally people want to do the right thing and given the choice, we will. Sometimes we make mistakes, but when there is a real choice we want to help, we want to see people smile and we will put our best efforts forth to do it. Sometimes I forget how important it is to be given a choice and a chance to prove ourselves-- sometimes I forget to give my children a choice...hmmm maybe tomorrow.