Esteem

The manner in which we see ourselves is driven into pop psychology, entertainment and fashion to list a quick few. We live in a culture that tells us if we "do right" then we are okay, perhaps even good. If we dress right, have the right job, earn the right income, live in the right house and drive the right car then we should feel good about our self. Sounds good and easy doesn't it. Unfortunately fads continue to evolve and the Jones' are most difficult to keep up to. This ever chasing ideal is cause for much anxiety. Even if we put anxiety aside, the focus of "doing right" makes the individual an imitator of culture. Identity based on an imitation is limited to the facade and the best one can hope for is a good presentation. We all know that there is little value to imitations. They tend to be fragile, cheap and quickly lose the luster. How different is the individual who's esteem is based on "doing right". Egos are easily damaged, feelings are quickly hurt and most motivation is anxiety based. The very idea of self is in question here because self is not recognized but rather presentation of the person.

The drive to preserve this presentation keeps pop culture alive. For it this desire to shine that continually promotes the need to change and to feel better about one's self. It is my opinion that this is the fundamental error. Our focus is missed place and the result is the crazy making pursuit to find out if we are okay.

There is much more still to say, but I will leave it to another day. Today I shall enjoy the sun and go for a run.