“This Above All, To Thine Own Self Be True” – states Polonius in Hamlet. It is sound advice to be sure but unfortunately, goes unheeded by many. Far too many for far too long throughout the ages have succumb to the will of others not understanding who they really are opting instead to be who or what others desire them to be. In this instance, there is “no truth” but only a shallow image projected before us that gives no rest serving only to diminish the reality formed around us into an increasing, self-delusional reverie. How then, has this become the standard by which one finds an easier world in which to reside?
I believe the need for acceptance outweighs truth for most. The desire to be loved and to a certain degree deified has by-passed all logical and rational reasoning. Why else would being the wealthiest; having the most expensive car and residence; wearing the most stylish clothes; being in the company of the best looking companion; having the most social media followers or doing things for others that is contradictory to ones true nature or desire mean so much? Human Beings are by nature social creatures and just being part of something is not enough for most. One must “stand out and be noticed”. To be “ordinary” is unacceptable by our groomed nature if not by design. Let’s face it, we are programmed daily to be more than ordinary and usually for a tidy price. There is always someone profiting from our desire to be noticed or glorified and the only reason they are so successful is because we surrender who we are to them. We surrender our truth.
There is an enormous amount of growth and maturation awaiting the Human Race and it all begins with being true to ourselves. So I say to everyone, “This above all, To thine own self be true!”.
Adiuva me verterem figuram mundi
