We use the term 'original' and 'genuine' in our lives in order to cause some profound impact in conversation. But what is this 'being original' truly mean? What does it take to be true to one's self?
The Theory of Fundamental Good tells us that all are born good, and that our actions which are considered evil, are our own doing. That is, they do not reflect our true selves. A lesser known theory, the Theory of Fundamental Evil says that, all are born evil, and in order to be good, we must deny our natural instincts and desires. Even then, we will not be original, but a reflection of the social norms that exist in that time and place.
If being neither good nor evil is not our original form, then what are we truly? More importantly, are we truly bound to either one of these fractions only? And why should we define ourselves as either good or bad? This is the fundamental question that separates a child from an adult.
A child or a newborn is capable of questioning its existence. From the very moment it is aware of its surroundings, a baby will try to find things that are similar to it. An example of such process is as follows;
1) Moving/ stationary object ?
2) Bright or dark colour ?
3) Similar body shapes ?
4) Silent of making sound ? etc..
From this point onward, it is trying to find a place it belongs. And this process continues till it dies. And this is the thought at the fundamental heart of all human deeds. But unfortunately, sooner of later, everyone give up their quest to find a kindred at heart. And they simply let the society decide who they are. And thus comes the question of being 'real'.
No individual fully understands themselves. They can only, at the most, understand other people. This third person perspective is what drives the most brutal aspect of human society - the need to control one's surroundings, but more on that another time...
If we can only be defined by others, then being true to ourselves means we need to be true to others as well. It's only through the eyes of those who we trust that we can see ourselves. And this requires a level of understanding greater than we normally find in the society.
In our perilous quest to define ourselves, we inadvertently end up in the company of the few, leaving behind the masses of acquaintances. And whom we finally deem comrades will be as close to a mirror as possible. To look past the numerous veils of personalities, to pierce through the deceptions, and the lies, and the shields one put up to protect themselves, is something equivalent to cutting a rock with a needle tip. Beneath our poised appearances, we are looking for a sense of belonging... And the funniest fact of all is,
The Theory of Fundamental Good tells us that all are born good, and that our actions which are considered evil, are our own doing. That is, they do not reflect our true selves. A lesser known theory, the Theory of Fundamental Evil says that, all are born evil, and in order to be good, we must deny our natural instincts and desires. Even then, we will not be original, but a reflection of the social norms that exist in that time and place.
If being neither good nor evil is not our original form, then what are we truly? More importantly, are we truly bound to either one of these fractions only? And why should we define ourselves as either good or bad? This is the fundamental question that separates a child from an adult.
A child or a newborn is capable of questioning its existence. From the very moment it is aware of its surroundings, a baby will try to find things that are similar to it. An example of such process is as follows;
1) Moving/ stationary object ?
2) Bright or dark colour ?
3) Similar body shapes ?
4) Silent of making sound ? etc..
From this point onward, it is trying to find a place it belongs. And this process continues till it dies. And this is the thought at the fundamental heart of all human deeds. But unfortunately, sooner of later, everyone give up their quest to find a kindred at heart. And they simply let the society decide who they are. And thus comes the question of being 'real'.
No individual fully understands themselves. They can only, at the most, understand other people. This third person perspective is what drives the most brutal aspect of human society - the need to control one's surroundings, but more on that another time...
If we can only be defined by others, then being true to ourselves means we need to be true to others as well. It's only through the eyes of those who we trust that we can see ourselves. And this requires a level of understanding greater than we normally find in the society.
In our perilous quest to define ourselves, we inadvertently end up in the company of the few, leaving behind the masses of acquaintances. And whom we finally deem comrades will be as close to a mirror as possible. To look past the numerous veils of personalities, to pierce through the deceptions, and the lies, and the shields one put up to protect themselves, is something equivalent to cutting a rock with a needle tip. Beneath our poised appearances, we are looking for a sense of belonging... And the funniest fact of all is,
" We do not find ourselves, we simply invent ourselves "



No comments:
Post a Comment