Is this how we live life? In the shadows, we write our own lives. Yet we barely see what we’ve written until we’re done and have reached a place of light…

Yesterday, I posted what could be classified as a poem, about rebellion. I posted about how I’m always against the flow. That’s true. I somehow always find myself doing what everyone else is not. Why? Not completely sure… maybe it’s just this desire to break the cycle, to be free from social norms, from what everyone else is doing or is supposed to do. Whatever. So far, it’s been quite easy for me to be a rebel. I’ve not had major problems with anything.

However, I’ve been thinking (not unnatural for me, is it?) … About how people sometimes claim to have the perfect answer to everything (or at least to most things). It’s highly amusing, however, to ask 6 different people what their perfect solution to a given scenario is, and then get at least 3-4 DIFFERENT perfect solutions, each contradicting the other. The first point I’m making is that please do not assume that you have got the perfect solution to something, and that all other solutions are not as good as yours. (Feel free to replace the word “perfect” by “ideal” in this paragraph, since the post is titled “The Idealist” and not “The Perfectionist”).

Secondly, let’s play with the word “ideal”. One meaning is, broadly and simply put, “perfect”, which you’ve just read about in the previous paragraph. The other meaning is “a principle or value that one actively pursues as a goal“, and obvious, these principles are highly subjective. All of us have our own ideals, and some go to extreme lengths to live with these ideals. However, remember… this is not a perfect world. This is the practical world, and though I’ve used this phrase so many times that now it feels like it was probably the first thing I learnt too say in English, the real world is a rat-race. You won’t win by not being a rat, whether you like to admit it or not.

I’m not advising you to give up your ideals. Just remember, however, that you live in the real world. Find the balance between being a rat and being the idealist. Being too much of the former may get you further down the path of social success, fame, recognition and all things we’re meant to reach for, but if you have a conscience, or any ideals at all, you’ll have problems looking yourself in the eye. Being too much the idealist, however, may give you inner strength, peace of mind to a certain extent, and character, but it may leave you wanting in a lot of areas which actually are important, but we hate admitting them.

You may not completely understand this post. Or maybe you’re thinking it’s crap. Apologies, but it’s close to 11pm, and though I don’t feel very sleepy/tired this early, I am feeling spent today. In less than 15 minutes, I aim to be in bed. Good Night.

PS: Maybe “The Idealist” wasn’t the right name for this post… It should/could have been “The Balance” or “Ying-Yang”.

Case 2:
A deeply religious person (assume a Christian). Preaches love (in the name of God). Genuinely wants the best for everyone. Wouldn’t use bad language, but wouldn’t admonish those who do (except at times, maybe). Is genuinely interested in the general welfare of the people around him/her. Promotes happiness. Would mingle with everyone. Lives a life of discipline, trying to follow the basic good tenets/teachings of that particular religion. Is warm, generally fun to be around and caring. Doesn’t generally get very angry or do stupid things out of anger which one would regret later.

Yes, I know that not all atheists are like that, and not all theists are like that. That wasn’t the point I am trying to make. The point I am trying to make is: Fuck stereotypes. Embrace the concept of Individuality. My religion isn’t a monster. Your lack of belief in one isn’t either. If there is a monster, it’s you …or me – the person.