Questions

I have written two previous articles that explicitly discussed the existential questions we ask ourselves. (They can be found here and here.)

As a species, we have contemplated existence for generations. Some embrace the “problem of existence”, others deny it. Some rely on great philosophies and religions, others internalize the problem.

“Human reason, in one sphere of its cognition, is called upon to consider questions, which it cannot decline, as they are presented by its own nature, but which it cannot answer, as they transcend every faculty of the mind.”

— Immanuel Kant (1781)

But, to tell the truth, every single article I write is an inquisition. I am looking to understand myself (the individual) and us (the collective) better.

Most people are caught in a web: they think, “There has to be more to this world!” or “There has to be a reason we’re here.”

They keep searching — and trying to uncover more about the external world — without pausing for a brief moment to examine this careless thought. Conveniently, it is easy to discredit the belief that life must be a certain way.

We, as individuals, question the world around us. And we — unable to meet our own expectations! — demand there be more to this world. In truth, who are expecting this answer from? The atoms themselves?

Second, there is a depth beyond asking questions like “Why are we here?” or making claims like “There has to be more to life!” Yes, it’s natural to ponder where we came from, why we are here, where we are going.

Morality itself places a weight on our shoulders that’s difficult to lift.

Let’s take a step back. Here is an even more fundamental question: “Why do we care?” Why do we concern ourselves with the origins of the universe, what happens after we die, and so on? Why are some satisfied on the surface but dissatisfied with the course their life has taken?

The reason is simple: people have bolstered the belief that the world needs to conform to their expectations, instead of the other way around.

You can examine anything too closely, too exactly and find it lacking. Indeed, the world could be a utopia and some would still complain. (Perhaps they would find perfection “too boring” or “too predictable”.)

The problem is not with the thing itself. The problem lies with our expectation of this item, person, or event reaching the exceedingly high standards that we created in our minds. Instead of changing the standard — the one we set arbitrarily — we demand that the world bends and accommodates us.

For clarity, the problem is our expectation and the fact that we insist on focusing our energy on something we cannot control: the external world. The answer, thankfully, also presents itself to us plainly:

Focus all of your thoughts on yourself and center them on who you become, instead of what you have.

Every college student I met was looking to “get an A” in this particular class, not “become educated”. Every person I see at the gym is looking to “lose 10 pounds”, not “become healthy”.

These distinctions are subtle but important. Setting a goal can appear to be a worthwhile pursuit, unless that goal is taking you down a path towards greater resentment.

You can become more lost, more confused, more angry the further you go.

We are eager to find books, articles, or phrases that match our existing world views. Yet how many are willing to reshape our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about ourselves? Day in and day out, why are we so attached to the opinion of others while also placing so little value on our opinion of ourselves?

Human beings are a process. Unfortunately, some misuse this opportunity — instead of “becoming” what they want they feed their expectations of those around them. They compound this error by being amazed at how large these expectations have grown.

This is ego masquerading as intelligence. There is nothing intelligent of taking a cursory glance at the world, finding it unappealing, then deciding that you are right and the world is wrong. The solution, as often is the case, is to move forward.

Pessimism is a phase to be pushed through, not linger in; it’s something to understand, not let bloom to fill an entire lifetime. If acceptance is adulthood, then pessimism is adolescence.

The world may not meet your expectations. So be it.

Then focus on what you can control today. Change your expectations; it’s the only way you can end up having any influence — on your life or the world around you — whatsoever.

“It is dangerous to contemplate, dangerous on the way, dangerous looking back, and even more so to stop and shudder. What is great in man is that he is a bridge, and not an end; what can be admired in man is that he is an overture, and not a conclusion.”

— Friedrich Nietzsche (1891)