In the modern era, a great emphasis is placed on the attainment of social validation and on looking good in the eyes of others, and this is creating a population of men and women who are stunted in their development. For social validation is derived primarily from success in the external world, or at least the appearance of it. But this excessive orientation to the world of people, places and things is not a healthy way to live.

“It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own.”

<ul><li>We should step off the path of conformity – as to conform means to seek social validation through the idea of external success. </li><li>We should re-orient our life so as to bring more order, harmony, and strength to our mind. We must in other words, live a more authentic life, a life that heeds the call of our inner man. </li></ul>

What Is The Cure?

<ul><li>Ridicule and rejection will teach us: that the world does not end when someone shames us, and no harm really comes to us when others disapprove of our ways so long as we are comfortable and are virtuous with the actions we take.</li><li>With time, insults and negative judgements by other people will become mere empty words that may pass through our ears but do not disturb our mind.</li></ul>

Remember:

We will no longer feel compelled to live by reference to others and if we are then willing to listen to the call of our inner man or woman, a greater life will open before us.

We can surround ourselves with an opulence of material goods, we can attain the contemporary social-ideal of beauty and style, our peers can admire us, but if the inner self is neglected, misery and suffering will haunt our days.

“The greatest height of heroism to which an individual can attain is to know how to face ridicule; better still, to know how to make oneself ridiculous and not to shrink from the ridicule.”

“Put up with being laughed at on occasion; look around you, and give yourself a good shaking to find out who you really are.” … Read More ›

MARCUS AURELIUS

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