Where are we running ?

Food for thought for this post has been provided by the following two posts: Susu, Rohan

Lets imagine a world where everyone is equally rich and equally popular. In short, there is no value for money or fame. Now think of what you would be doing with your life in such a world. You still have to earn your living in this new world, but let's say all professions pay the same - the janitor is just as rich as the artist or the actor. Now lets jump back to reality and compare your present state with the state you fancied 2 lines ago. If these are the same, then I must say, you are one of the blessed ones and you need not read any further. But my guess is that often times than not, these states are never the same. Why ?

In most occupations, we always end up doing what others want, and probably never what we want. Your professor might claim that he is doing independent research in a field of his liking, but in reality he would be working on an area where he sees there is potential for funding. An artist might claim that his art embodies only his thoughts, when actually he is painting to the liking of his customers without which he can't sustain himself. I am a great fan of Metallica, and often times considered Hard rock artists as an example of profession where you do something you are really passionate about - strum the guitar to your own tunes, beat down the drums and scream your lungs out. Nope ! Even that's commercial. Every show on their tour features the same song sequence, the same theatrics on stage - nothing is spontaneous !! Sports might seem probably better than most occupations. But even here, you follow a strict regiment to outwit your competitors. You dont do what you like, you do what your coaches tell, who in turn do what their managers tell them etc. I am not even mentioning regular service in this category, cause most of the time you are either listening to your superior or to your customer. And the list goes on........

Personally, I know less than a handful of people who seem to be doing what they like and dont care if others give a damn about their work. But then again, they are secure financially and possess the leeway to fulfill their fancies. Barring exception, every action and decision of our's finally boils down to either money or the opinion of others.

Life always seem like a run. Every one is trying to run faster and farther than his neighbour. There might be a finish line in sight. Some cross this line, some don't. I often wonder, Where and What would people run for if they were not competing with each other ?.