Everyone seeks validation. Everyone is looking to justify their existence. It is the very essence of the human condition to find something we can point to and say "I have value because of X"
All too often, X = Someone else's flaws. This is the first great shortcoming in the human condition that we have to get over. Validating ourselves by pointing out the flaws of others cripples relationships and society as a whole.
The next logical step in this progression is X = My Career. Money is the ultimate measuring stick in our society, so the thing that we all do to make money is what we often use to declare our value.
This is also a mistake, because whatever your career achieves - whether it be shipping a new piece of code or inventing a widget - your contribution to society will ultimately be fleeting. It may out live you, but it will not last.
The realization we all need to come to is that our value compared to one another does not determine our worth. The greatest human being is not substantially different from the least human being. And in realizing that the difference between human beings is unsubstantial, the only way to determine your worth as a human is how well you treated your fellows.
Feed a hungry person. Clothe a naked person. Shelter the shelterless. Cheer up the depressed. Comfort the mourning. That's where you'll find validation. That's where worth is derived.
> The realization we all need to come to is that our value compared to one another does not determine our worth. The greatest human being is not substantially different from the least human being. And in realizing that the difference between human beings is unsubstantial, the only way to determine your worth as a human is how well you treated your fellows.
> Feed a hungry person. Clothe a naked person. Shelter the shelterless. Cheer up the depressed. Comfort the mourning. That's where you'll find validation. That's where worth is derived.
I very much agree with your statement, but wonder how many students force themselves through school by comparing themselves to others.
For so many years, I would push myself in the desire of the shortcomings of others, and success of myself.
Now with this anxiety and comparison gone, I am no were near as committed. My performance has drastically decreased (practically failure in one class), and my selfish hopes have subsided.
Do you have any advice on how to overcome this complacency without comparing myself to others?
School feels insincere and not in agreeance with treating my fellow students kindly.
All too often, X = Someone else's flaws. This is the first great shortcoming in the human condition that we have to get over. Validating ourselves by pointing out the flaws of others cripples relationships and society as a whole.
The next logical step in this progression is X = My Career. Money is the ultimate measuring stick in our society, so the thing that we all do to make money is what we often use to declare our value.
This is also a mistake, because whatever your career achieves - whether it be shipping a new piece of code or inventing a widget - your contribution to society will ultimately be fleeting. It may out live you, but it will not last.
The realization we all need to come to is that our value compared to one another does not determine our worth. The greatest human being is not substantially different from the least human being. And in realizing that the difference between human beings is unsubstantial, the only way to determine your worth as a human is how well you treated your fellows.
Feed a hungry person. Clothe a naked person. Shelter the shelterless. Cheer up the depressed. Comfort the mourning. That's where you'll find validation. That's where worth is derived.