Individuality and Purpose

Song Lyrics

This was a very cool song and quite peaceful despite the title. Along with the smooth melody, it brings an interesting point about individuality. Is it really such a good thing to be a snowflake?



As we talked about in the past, human beings may enjoy the idea of choice, but, when it comes down to it, the truth is that it's actually really scary. If this truly is completely a world of becoming, then that means there's an infinite number of choices. Making a decision that is best for you involves a hell of a lot of indecision, especially since sometimes it's nearly impossible to determine the outcomes of your choice. The idea behind the song resonates with this concept; the whole idea of being told exactly what you're supposed to do and ultimately your purpose would make us much happier. We want some kind of direction.

So...many...choices...



When it comes down to it though, I don't really think that we have an "infinite" number of options even in a world of becoming. Many people for instance can dream about being a professional athlete, but even if they have the right mindset, you also need the right body. Without the combination, it's nearly impossible to occur. As terrible as this sounds, a person stuck in a wheelchair probably isn't likely to become a professional dancer either. All I'm saying is that we as humans have limits for what we can and can't do. At the same time there are countless real world situations where someone has surpassed all the odds and done something amazing (a la Gattaca).

I suppose what I'm getting at is that I think we're naturally drawn to the things we're good at and know we can do because our enthusiasm is often what makes us exceptional at it. Will a tall person always want to play basketball? No, but her passion for photography may make her a great photographer. Opportunity can also be a huge factor in choice because if you aren't given the chance to do something you won't take advantage of it. A poorer person is likely to have less options than one born into a rich family for instance. Enthusiasm in a certain area however will bring likely about opportunities to pursue in that field.

Despite being told we can do whatever we want when we grow up as a child, it's probably not going to be true. Suddenly an infinite number of choices becomes much smaller. Our interests may be diverse though which can still lead to confusion. I was interested in both biology and television production careers for instance, so the potential to be indecisive is still high.

The song's solution to the whole thing is being told you're going to do this. This is what you're meant to do. It makes sense because there's really no second guessing involved. More than that, I think the song is hinting about a want to fit into something greater; to know that your existence is going to make a difference (whole idea of being a cog in a machine). I don't like that idea though because I think it implies the want to be all the same, which I disagree with. Individuality should be encouraged, otherwise we'd be born the same. I think a more fitting metaphor would be a piece to a puzzle. The parts are the same, yet each is unique, will only fit in one place and only all together will they make a giant masterpiece.

The whole "knowing your purpose" idea is interesting. To be sure it would make things so much more easier, especially if we were all completely the same, but I disagree. I think we do all have a place in this world meant for us. Part of what makes life so intriguing is discovering what that is for yourself. It may take some wrong turns, but it makes the destination so much more worthwhile. When you're on the right path I trust that you'll know it's right for you.

Never stop questioning.