“The Idealist’s Journey: Seeking Authenticity in a Pragmatic World”
At 30 years old, I find myself still adjusting to the world around me. It’s normal for me to experience disappointment and have my trust broken by those around me.
Before delving further into my existential safari ride, let’s go through some definitions of what an idealist is like:
Who is an Idealist?
An idealist is someone who holds strong beliefs and values, often rooted in principles of justice, equality, or moral integrity. They tend to view the world through an optimistic lens, believing in the possibility of positive change and striving to make a difference in their communities or the broader society.
In this world, where powerful people are rapidly focused on replacing humans with AI. I see things from two extremely different perspectives. One part of me grieves over the increasing unemployment rate because of the loss of jobs and the other part of me rejoices over the fact that perhaps, they might be doing the right thing. Most of the humans actually, are quite stupid.
I have been an entrepreneur myself, and even though I live in India, One of the biggest struggles of my entrepreneurship journey is finding the right people for even the most basic and menial jobs.
I believe that the individuality in most individuals is missing, the most vital trait that makes them unique in this world. When uniqueness fades, corporations lose interest, and people become disposable.
My journey has led me to switch jobs frequently, seeking better opportunities, environments, and causes. It’s been 9 years and the search is never-ending.
Wherever I go, regardless of the setting — corporate or nonprofit — I encounter the same patterns: conformity, competition, and a lack of authenticity. People act like zombies, following the crowd, running the rat races, and focusing on pulling each other down. The amount of insecurity, shallowness, and passive reluctance to change gets on my nerves and often leaves me disheartened, questioning if meaningful change is possible.
Living as an idealist in a pragmatic world presents constant challenges. I grapple with questions; What career should I pick? What people and communities should I associate myself with? often find myself at odds with the means employed by organizations. When I start my own business, the isolation and anxiety of solo work weigh heavily on me putting me again in the never-ending puzzle of what exactly I want and how to achieve it.
So, how does one reconcile idealism with reality? How does one survive as a lone wolf in a world that often values conformity over authenticity? What should I prioritize to lead a simple yet satisfying life? How to heal myself as a person? How to connect myself to a greater cause so that nothing smaller than that hurts me? These questions plague my mind as I seek simplicity and fulfillment in life.
Certainly, there is a tension between the state of being, and an ongoing process or aspiration.
Perhaps the key lies in connecting to a greater cause, something beyond individual disappointments and setbacks. Prioritizing meaningful connections and personal growth can offer solace amidst the chaos. By aligning with values that resonate deeply, we can find purpose and resilience to navigate the complexities of the world.
In conclusion, while the journey of an idealist may be fraught with challenges, there is beauty in the pursuit of authenticity and meaning. By staying true to ourselves and embracing a greater purpose, we can find peace and fulfillment amidst the chaos of life.