Frank Ocean gifted us with this beautiful question, “What’s a God to a non-believer, who don’t believe in… Anything?” (Kanye West & Jay Z) This profound inquiry beckons us to ponder the essence of belief and identity. What does it mean to hold a belief or an identity in a world where everyone shares the same viewpoint? If every person on earth proclaimed themselves a Christian, would the term 'Christian' retain its significance? Similarly, what would it mean to be left if no one is to the right of you? You could try to identify yourself as a left wing person but you would be the farthest to the right.
This dilemma underscores a crucial aspect of self-identity: it is often defined in contrast to others. Our understanding of who we are gains richness and depth when mirrored against those who differ from us. Imagine a world where everyone shares your opinions, beliefs, and lifestyle. In such a scenario, the contours of your identity would blur, lacking the sharpness provided by the presence of differing views. The diversity of thought and belief, then, is not just a societal asset but a cornerstone in the architecture of individual identity.
When contemplating what it means to be human, our minds do not immediately jump to our basic functions – the fact that we have skin, breathe, and eat. Such characteristics, while essential, do not distinguish us in a meaningful way from other living creatures. Instead, we delve into attributes that set us apart from the animal kingdom: our ability to weave complex narratives, establish intricate governments, and nurture profound emotional connections. These elements speak to a deeper understanding of our humanity, an understanding that thrives on differentiation and uniqueness.
This brings us to a personal reflection on identity. If your sense of self – be it as a parent, a child, a lover, or an emotional being – is validated only in comparison to others, how authentic is it? How often have you encountered people who deny your self-perception, claiming it does not align with their preconceived notions of who you should be? If faced with a chorus of voices denying your claimed identity, do you concede to their view, or do you cling steadfastly to your self-concept?
Western culture often emphasizes the pursuit of a definitive, true self. But this quest is complicated by the fluidity and relativity of identity. This brings to mind a profound saying: “Seeing is not believing, believing is seeing.” This quote suggests that belief shapes our perception of reality. We don’t just observe and then believe; we believe first, thereby shaping our perception of what we see.
Consider life as a cinematic masterpiece, where you are simultaneously the audience and the screenwriter. If you passively wait for your story to unfold, you might inadvertently find yourself living a narrative scripted by others – perhaps influenced by a parent, a teacher, or a societal figure, rather than authored by your own aspirations and desires.
Therefore, I propose an alternative approach: Start by believing in the version of the universe you wish to see. Embrace the identity you aspire to, believe in your self-conceptions, and then proceed to live as if these beliefs have already materialized. In the grand, unpredictable theater of the universe, there are no absolute guarantees. But ask yourself, what do you stand to lose by embracing this philosophy? In a world where identities are often reflections of contrasting beliefs and societal molds, choosing to believe in your narrative and living it boldly might just be the most authentic expression of self you can offer.
