why artists and philosophers never drift: the skill that anchors them in a deceptive world
Character is destiny
To avoid feeling adrift in the ever-changing currents of the present, you must know your character. Attune yourself to your past self. Seek the origins of what makes you who you are.
Draw a thread connecting your younger self to your future goals. Craft a compelling story about what you stand for, what you aim to achieve, and why it matters. Grow deep roots.
Understanding the nature of your character sets the foundation for writing your destiny.
Destiny is smaller in scale than the entirety of the possibilities available to you, your circumstances, the fabric of our world. Your destiny is the result of the decisions you make within these circumstances. Therefore, we will only ever be a portion of what we could have been.
I used to think that sounded limiting, almost as if our circumstances determined everything.
But circumstances only showcase the possibilities available to you; the ultimate decisions are not made by your setting, they are made by your character.
Ortega y Gasset used to say that to live is to feel “fatally forced to exert our freedom”. We are bound to choose in a sea of endless possibilities.
One hell of a statement, right? It sent my need to control everything spiraling out of control.
But think about it: the sea will always appear insurmountable to those unaware of their course, of their port of origin and destination.
Take a deep breath. Step back from the urgency of the now, from the fear of missing out. Begin a quest to anchor your long-term goals in what has always defined you, your character. That is what will make you the best captain.
If we strive to improve the qualities that shape our character, our self, we will be more likely to find peace, regardless of what surrounds us.
Don’t chase what you can’t control. Don’t trade your essence for a safer shot at status. Stay true to yourself. Make the weird, brilliant work that speaks to you, and to those who get it. The rest will follow. It worked for Tyler the Creator and it can work for you.
Knowing who you are, and choosing to live in aligment with your character, will prevent you from being swept away by the violent currents of this fast-paced, noisy world.
If these words sparked reflection, curiosity, or even a small shift in your thinking, I’d love to hear your thoughts. I really value the comments of curious people.
Feel free to like, comment, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need it. Let’s keep exploring, questioning, and learning together."
Your perspective matters, our journey is just beginning. 🔥
There is more from where that came from:
So I ended up looking up stuff about Tyler the Creator and had a whole research session about him. Then I came to the conclusion that he’s a year younger than I am and we have a lot in common like being weirdos.
This piece resonates with me like a lot of your stuff. I think lately though some of it misses because there is a gender bias. I was reading some of the stuff he did and I’m imagining how it would be perceived in Tyler, the Creator was a woman.
I think that’s where I get lost because what happens is I feel sometimes my gender holds me back.
I completely agree. That line from Ortega is a more dramatic and responsible way of saying "Go with the flow" 😁 But both imply the same thought of doing your best, but also listen to where things take you. Experience them with open arms and truly live with curiosity and wonder 💯❤️