If I am not my possessions and I am not my job, what am I?
May 27, 2013 6:45 AM Subscribe
If I am not my possessions and I am not my job, what am I?
I've read these two quotes recently, and I've been giving them some thought.
Obviously, one's job and one's possessions don't ultimately define who you are (presumably that can only be determined when you die and there is some perspective), but meanwhile, without these two things, how can you determine who you are; what your values are really, really deep down?
Despite all the acting and the faces we put on for the sake of getting through the day politely and easily in society, how can we determine our true nature, what really motivates us?
And once you think you've found the answer to those questions, they're likely change again, aren't they? I'm looking for something deeper than that - almost a mission statement, if you like, something that stays with me for ever, something I can remember when I'm stressed out and busy, hating what I'm doing, or feeling obliged or under pressure to do something I have to do (to survive, like body maintenance).
I've read these two quotes recently, and I've been giving them some thought.
Obviously, one's job and one's possessions don't ultimately define who you are (presumably that can only be determined when you die and there is some perspective), but meanwhile, without these two things, how can you determine who you are; what your values are really, really deep down?
Despite all the acting and the faces we put on for the sake of getting through the day politely and easily in society, how can we determine our true nature, what really motivates us?
And once you think you've found the answer to those questions, they're likely change again, aren't they? I'm looking for something deeper than that - almost a mission statement, if you like, something that stays with me for ever, something I can remember when I'm stressed out and busy, hating what I'm doing, or feeling obliged or under pressure to do something I have to do (to survive, like body maintenance).
This post was deleted for the following reason: Heya, this is a pretty darned broad question as stated; maybe you can find a way to narrow this down a little in terms of where you're already coming from philosophically and a more concrete idea of what you want other than basically "just tell me your answer to this huge question about the human condition", so it's not so much chatfilter? -- cortex
The mission statement that can be posted here is not the true mission statement.
posted by Obscure Reference at 6:55 AM on May 27, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by Obscure Reference at 6:55 AM on May 27, 2013 [2 favorites]
Who you are can be the way you treat people - in simple everyday encounters, anonymous gestures of kindness, the relationships you have. Who you are can also be how you move through life -- with generosity, kindness, confidence, compassion, in pursuit of happiness...
Yes, I think these things change, or ebb and flow... or I visualize them like graduated cylinders where sometimes some are lowered and other ones get topped up. And one can strive to grow in certain areas, or reallocate where they refill their energies. But all of that together can be "who you are".
posted by NikitaNikita at 6:57 AM on May 27, 2013 [1 favorite]
Yes, I think these things change, or ebb and flow... or I visualize them like graduated cylinders where sometimes some are lowered and other ones get topped up. And one can strive to grow in certain areas, or reallocate where they refill their energies. But all of that together can be "who you are".
posted by NikitaNikita at 6:57 AM on May 27, 2013 [1 favorite]
I always think that you are what you do, and I don't mean in terms of job. Your actions and interactions with other, how you've impacted lives (for better or worse), the contributions to the world you live in... THAT is who you are. Those also are pretty good indications of motivation and values.
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 6:58 AM on May 27, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 6:58 AM on May 27, 2013 [1 favorite]
You were likely taught that your possessions and your work define you, and now you're unlearning those messages. What else can you unlearn? What else can you question? Finding your true self is an ongoing process that lasts throughout your life. We're all constantly exposed to external influences telling us what we should desire, value, reject; if we're lucky we find our own paths through the forest of messages.
posted by mareli at 7:04 AM on May 27, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by mareli at 7:04 AM on May 27, 2013 [1 favorite]
Actions speak louder than words. Do as you want to be known.
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. (John Wooden)
posted by JohnnyGunn at 7:10 AM on May 27, 2013 [1 favorite]
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. (John Wooden)
posted by JohnnyGunn at 7:10 AM on May 27, 2013 [1 favorite]
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
I don't want to derail here, but if your reputation doesn't speak to your character then you're doing something wrong.
posted by elsietheeel at 7:19 AM on May 27, 2013
I don't want to derail here, but if your reputation doesn't speak to your character then you're doing something wrong.
posted by elsietheeel at 7:19 AM on May 27, 2013
Your experiences. The places you have been to, the people you have met, the things you have done, the events you have, well, experienced, both good and bad.
posted by Wordshore at 7:27 AM on May 27, 2013
posted by Wordshore at 7:27 AM on May 27, 2013
The answer to this lies in one more question: What distinguishes you from the people you work with, or from the people with similar possessions?
posted by Sys Rq at 7:45 AM on May 27, 2013
posted by Sys Rq at 7:45 AM on May 27, 2013
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posted by BenPens at 6:48 AM on May 27, 2013