By Skot Ward
As social creatures, a large majority of us continually chase after a never-ending barrage of wealth representation and positions of status. We seek to capture and harness their elusive and symbolic power like the mirage of an oasis in the desert. But what is it that we are truly thirsty for? Do we seek these symbols to complete the circle of our own individual happiness, or are we merely attempting to out do one another to prove that we are perfect and unique snowflakes deserving of a place upon society's pedestal for all eyes to see? Why do we entertain and pursue these elusive intangible spirits? What motivates us upon this never-ending quest to be the solemn example everyone aspires to?
Photo courtesy of Flickr, under creative commons license
Our fallible human egos seek attraction. They seek to be subscribed to by the energy of others as a formidable defense against the loss of their own definition. Our individual identity screams out to be sieved and separated from underneath an undulating sea of souls rising and falling in unison to the rhythm of remorse generated by the lack of a meaningful purpose. The problem with ourselves individually is that we have never agreed and decided upon what our purpose is collectively, and therefore we are awash and drowning in a rapid current, which is sweeping all of us along together down a river of selfish narcissism and individuation.
Photo courtesy of Flickr, under creative commons license
Inevitably what we are truly seeking is unity for all underneath our own flag. We are seeking to be the spokesperson for our own generation and generations to come. Each with our own unfurled banners of principles and causes to justify and legitimize. An outspoken ascension to a distinctive individual purpose gives rise to a following of that purpose; and sometimes to a revolution in its name. Along the way, we are subjected to distractions which are specifically manifested and placed within our path to draw our attention away from the work of making the world a better place for all. Distractions such as power, material wealth, and status, interrupt and derail us all from the betterment of humankind. Unless we can find a way for these things to assist us in our purpose, they inevitably become our purpose.
We must never forget that all these tempting illusions within our world which we are so attracted to are merely tools which we can employ to provide a greater purpose for our continued existence; they are not the reasons themselves.
°8°
Skot Ward describes himself as such: I've had 41 trips around the sun to make sense of this little blue dot floating inside infinite space. I truly believe that if enough people care, we can all make sense of it together.
Brian McKay describes him as the coolest guy he has ever met at a wedding.