I've been having a nagging thought lately. Are people happier or more satisfied having a passionate outlook on life or an apathetic one? This is almost certainly an unanswerable question, although no less intriguing to me.
As a teenager I worried about a plethora of things under many subheadings. Believe it or not, one of the things that I worried about most, aside from boys and brain tumors, was not being truly passionate about anything. I liked the idea of many things, however couldn't justify putting all of my energy into full-on devotion. I envied the hippies and the evangelicals. They had these sets of beliefs and as far as I could see, they stuck to them and did not waiver. I now see things a bit differently.
As an adult I've come to the conclusion that it really is ok to not be absolutely devoted to one set of beliefs. In my eyes I think it may actually be better to not. There is a smaller chance for one to become close-minded or short-sighted due to these beliefs that may become irrelevant or stale for one reason or another.
So, now that I've decided that I can live without being "devout" anything, I wonder if it'd be even better if I were simply apathetic to things. Would it be better to not worry about anything and leave the tough stuff, like politics and religion and disease, to people who care? Should I simply live my life and not worry about anything or anyone but myself and do only what makes me happy? I've given considerable thought to this. After all, being passionate about things can be quite exhausting. I then thought about how unsatisfying life would be if I just sat back and didn't care about anything. Yuck.
I suppose when all is said and analyzed, I would consider myself to be on some sort of middle ground. I am passionate about some things. However I will never, EVER try and jam my belief down anyone's throat, or any other open space on or in the body. I also think apathy has it's place for the things I know nothing about - and don't think will really matter in the long run.
All-in-all, I think completely one way (apathetic about everything or wacko passionate) is not beneficial. I think to be well-rounded with equal amounts of passion and apathy is the most satisfying - and effective for that matter! Don't be afraid to change our mind - I promise it doesn't mean you were lying before - you may have just gotten some new facts and reassessed the situation...
3 comments:
Welcome to the wonderful world of Adulthood as an atheist/agnostic. I trust you'd believe me when I say I've gone through the same thing. Rough times. Just be happy with the way things are... well, because thats all there is. Live in the moment.
Hello there!
When will the Amster update me on her life?
Wonders the buddy from Finland currently living in Sweden!
That is so true. I know exactly what you are talking about. That kinda inbetween state. I think it's being present. Presence as in Eckhart Tolle's description of being present in the moment. This witnessing of that moment in time, being both full of life, passion, and energy, yet also feeling nothing but compassionate, unconditional love for those around you, regardless of their beliefs. A knowing of your path without claiming anyone else's path as your own. Knowing that life is EXACTLY as it should be AND that you are being invited to step up to the moment all at the same time.
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