Pursuing the Social Image Template

Everyone knows. This is true. We want to know. We think we know.

But do we really know? Do we understand? Do we even see what is in front of our noses?

Some say that the greatest knowledge of all is knowing one’s self. “Who are you?” is presumed to be one of the key questions of life, though I doubt if the answer can be fully found in a single day or a year. Who we are is a long equation that we must solve to achieve peace and find our place in the world.

I am a slow-learner and like to think things through - I doubt if I can put that on my CV, though. I like to think of myself as witty, knowledgeable, and sharp. The world has taught me that witty, active, and knowledgeable people make it to the “top”. Laid-back people don’t. Meek people don’t. Slow learners don’t. Everyone acts the part of the smart, even if they aren’t. We pretend and weasel our way through life, being what we think we ought to be.

Everyone has an opinion of what Mr. A has to do to “make” it. And what Mr. B mustn’t do to “make” it. Because of our know-all nature, the demands we place on ourselves equals torture. The expectation to be the best makes us insincere, liars, and taskmasters - not as much to other people as to ourselves. We flog ourselves like nomadic cattle to know, understand, and progress in life.

I want to “make it”, whatever “it” is. I want to be successful, not exceedingly rich - I can’t handle much money, it drives me to sleeplessness.

I want to be fulfilled. I want to find my path. I want to be the best Dad, husband, and man for my family. I want to be close to my maker. I want to be in a position to help my neighbours and friends. But I want to do while living within my own skin, using my methods, setting my rules, walking my path. Anything else is irrelevant.