Uncertainty surrounds us. One of the questions imposed in the novel "The Fault in Our Stars" is the idea of whether or not our efforts are worth it. When the reader is first introduced to the protagonist we learn quickly that she has accepted her routine life of oblivion, she doesn't often venture to leave her home unless it is to go to her weekly support group, and even then she doesn't make great attempts to connect to the other members. When met with the more optimistic Augustus, Hazel struggles to maintain her grasp of independence. The contrast of an individual who fears oblivion and wishes nothing more than to make an impact in the world to that of a girl who has a lost hope in the beauty of life and has spent the last few years avoiding it, amplifies the contrasting mindsets that exist in our culture today. The closer she becomes to people, the more likely she will eventually hurt them, and nothing scares her more. This anxiety is commonly expressed in all aspects of human existence, especially for individuals who don't believe in an after life: "Why try? We're all going to die anyway." In the beginning of the novel Hazel appears to be in this mindset, she knows she has an incurable disease and will eventually die, so why break people's hearts in the process? That is when the beauty of Augustus shines, knowing the likely hood of heart break that could occur from involvement with Hazel, Augustus treats the situation with a positive outlook and cherishes the time he has with her rather than the negative effects that could occur from it. Which I believe is one of the messages the author John Green is attempting to offer to his readers, no matter how bleak the future may appear, a life worth living is not one lived in fear. (SPOILER) As the novel progresses, Green is able to produce a role reversal, and rather than Hazel being the "grenade" that explodes and harms those around her, it is Augustus who loses his life to cancer. After his death, what's interesting is Hazel doesn't regret the time she shared with Augustus. She is upset and heartbroken, but not once does she portray any sign of regret. Proving that, rather than give up on the wonderful aspects of life because it may lead to sadness in the future, it's important to appreciate new experiences and to not fear life, because it is worth it.