Ayaan Ali
In today’s modern world it is not uncommon to hide one’s thoughts from others. We are rapidly adapting to different situations by putting on masks. We are doing this for social lubrication with various motives like career success, mating etc. We have become so used to in doing this that we often don’t realize doing it.
In my opinion, the modern world promotes people-pleasing. Sure, we should be nice to one another but that doesn’t mean we should not disagree. People don’t like someone who disagrees from them but the point is that if we don’t listen to new ideas and let other people challenge our thoughts then we will not be able to grow as a society or even as species.
New ideas always face resistance and if that idea challenges the beliefs of powerful people then you are in grave trouble. Many scientists and philosophers have faced trials and death penalties just for something that either challenged the ideas of the rulers or had proved them wrong. We should not be afraid of new ideas because it often gives us a reason to introspect and adapt to new thought patterns.
People, in general, are very hesitant of putting forward something that deviates from the normal. They also resist their true self from coming out. Though this might give a competitive advantage in their work, money-making, or fame the point is that they will have a hard time answering their conscience. Trust me not being able to stop those voices in your head will take a toll on your mental health. The voices however will stop someday and you will not face problems with putting on a fake version of yourself and everything will seem to go to normal.
But there will be something that will stop you from being happy. If you are somehow doing it then you need to stop it and if you don’t know whether it is the case with you. Then you need to introspect and find the answer for yourself. It will be a tough journey to show your true self but trust me it will be worth it.
“I used to think I was the strangest person in the world
but then I thought, there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do
I would imagine her, and imagine that she must be out there thinking of me too.
well, I hope that if you are out there you read this and know that yes, it’s true I’m here, and I’m just as strange as you.”
―
“Is it possible, in the final analysis, for one human being to achieve perfect understanding of another?
We can invest enormous time and energy in serious efforts to know another person, but in the end, how close can we come to that person’s essence? We convince ourselves that we know the other person well, but do we really know anything important about anyone?”
― The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle
“I like the scientific spirit—the holding off, the being sure but not too sure, the willingness to surrender ideas when the evidence is against them: this is ultimately fine—it always keeps the way beyond open—always gives life, thought, affection, the whole man, a chance to try over again after a mistake—after a wrong guess.”
― Walt Whitman’s Camden Conversations
―
― The Roving Mind
- Question of
What side do you usually stand on?
- The majority opinion
- The minority opinion
- I try to stay out of it
- Whoever I believe
- Question of
What’s most important to your life?
- Love
- Security
- Knowledge
- Imagination
- Other
- Question of
Where do you usually go to relax?
- A quiet place
- A place surrounded by people
- To my loved one’s arms
- Other
- Question of
Do you ever catch yourself daydreaming?
- All the time
- Pretty often
- Not usually
- Never
- Question of
Would you say you’re a cynical person?
- Very cynical
- Somewhat
- Not at all
- Question of
Would you say you’re content with your life?
- Not at all
- It’s alright
- I’m happy with it
- Question of
Are you in a romantic relationship?
- Yes
- No
- Question of
Which word best describes you?
- Lonely
- Curious
- Pensive
- Imaginative
- Question of
Are you introverted or extroverted?
- Introverted
- Extroverted
- Question of
How does the future make you feel?
- Anxious
- Excited
- Hopeful
- I’m unsure
- Question of
If you knew your best friend was cheating on his significant other, would you tell that person?
- No way!
- I wouldn’t, but I would feel kind of guilty.
- I would, but I would feel bad.
- I would have to tell them.
- Question of
You’re paid hourly, and your boss doesn’t know if you leave a little early. Do you?
- All the time
- Sometimes
- Once in awhile
- Never
- Question of
Do you tip housekeepers at a hotel?
- No
- Rarely
- Most of the time
- Always
- Question of
Would you give a kidney to help someone you know live?
- Are you kidding? No way!
- I might.
- I probably would.
- Of course!
- Question of
What if it was someone you didn’t know?
- Why would even ask?
- There is no way I would do that.
- I doubt it.
- I would if I could.
