"Place", in a general sense, is the meaning of life. It is the subliminal force that drives human life, a constant, insatiable lust for a sense of belonging. This feeling of "fitting in", of being a part of something larger, is for what our metaphorical hearts long. We create our own "place" to find solace. Often, these "places" are very natural and comfortable for us. It is easy for us to feel like we belong with our family or friends, or even with our significant other. It seems many people here felt in "place" upon coming to Ohio University. In a broader, more philosophical sense, many people find comfort in the fact that they will find their eternal "place" in heaven, or a similar afterlife.
The need for "place" also results in many of life's aspects that are usually deemed negative. When other "places" prove inadequate, some people search for their "place" in drugs, sex, and/or other high-risk behaviors. For example, if someone's home life is tumultuous, they tend to resort to quicker, cheaper means to feel like they belong.
It is for these reasons that "place", to me, is a state of mind. It is self-made and it is inevitable. It is human nature to need to feel loved, to belong, and that is why most of our actions tend to reflect such needs. In a search for "place", we have collectively created things like religion, art, sports, "family values" groups, etc.--all of which stem from our natural interests and inclinations.
"And they say there is no fate, but there is: it's what you create."
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