Individualism: Lost or Found?

In today's fast paced world, we oftentimes seem to have lost our way. We have become preoccupied with scurrying about and spending the majority of our daily lives interfacing with a myriad of electronic communication implements. When did we stop paying attention to the importance of developing social bonds? Will our fascination with technology alter the fabric of our communities? Has the identity of the individual become obscured by the accoutrement of communication devices hanging from their clothing? Nobody can know the answer to these questions however, I believe that the search for happiness lies within oneself. The battle between external influences and internal aspirations is nothing new. It has been ongoing since man began to think. Philosophers from the 1840's dealt with these same issues. Two of the more preeminent thinkers were, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Both men challenged the populace to search within themselves and to leave their fascination with scurrying about behind.

Emerson's Self Reliance and Thoreau's Civil Disobedience remain relevant today. Both essays challenge the individual to stand alone and be responsible for his own actions. In their opinion, strong, well balanced individuals serve as the building blocks for viable communities.

Emerson challenged us to think anew. I find two passages from Self Reliance to be especially salient in today's world. The two passages are: "Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist. He who would gather immortal palms must not be hindered by the name of goodness, but must explore if it be goodness. Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind." and, "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines."

Thoreau did likewise. His thoughts from Civil Disobedience are too numerous to mention in a short essay. Two passages relevant for me are: "There are nine hundred and ninety-nine patrons of virtue to one virtuous man." and, "O for a man who is a man, and, as my neighbor says, has a bone in his back which you cannot pass your hand through!"

I wouldn't dare to presuppose that I could answer the questions which arise from these four passages however, I do propose that the challenge issued by these two great thinkers is a challenge worthy of acceptance. The search to discover who and what you were, who you presently are and, what or who you will become is the very essence of life. It is a difficult path full of pitfalls and missteps however, I believe it is one worthy of the adventure. The key to this adventure is the fact that it is a never ending journey. Let the journey begin!

De Oppresso Liber

Summertime Doldrums

Unfortunately, not much has happened over the past two weeks. The war in Iraq goes on; Rosie couldn't take the heat and disappeared into seclusion; Paris Hilton is well, Paris Hilton and, once again, the Senate has proven that dysfunction reigns supreme in Washington D.C. It is small wonder that our country seems to be merely treading water most of the time. So, what do I do when not much else is happening? I venture forth into my yard and dig in the dirt. There is a therapeutic value in getting dirt under your fingernails. It gives one time to think.

Have you ever noticed how beautiful flowers are? We had a cat pass away last week. He was a great pal who had been with us for 19 years. Yesterday, my wife and I planted a flowerbed over his grave. It is a small affair and yet, it seems a fitting tribute for a true friend, even though he was a quadruped and incapable of speech. At times, he seemed to understand us better than anyone else. He was loyal, humorous, rambunctious and a lover of the sun. We will miss him dearly. I'm sure his spirit is in feline heaven and the newly planted flowers will grow beautiful as they absorb his essence as it returns to the earth.

I'm still working on an appropriate method to engage the philosophy of individual responsibility. Thankfully, Rosie, Paris, and the Congress have given me plenty to think about. So, back to the yard I go, trowel in hand, ready to engage my mind. Happy digging.

De Oppresso Liber