Friday, August 12, 2005

Friday

There are many people in this country, and in this world, I'm sure, who base their life's philosophies on what a television or movie character says or lyrics in a rock song. That troubles me. I've never understood how someone can be so moved by, say, a Pepsi commercial that it would change their life. Real change comes from within. One should draw their philosophy from within, as well. There must be outside factors that help, of course - family, children, friends, etc. But at the end of the day, you need to find a philosophy for yourself.

5 comments:

heatherfeather said...

i tend to work in the opposite direction... it's the songs that mean the most to me that can express what my struggling words can never say for me. however, every now and then there will be a song that says out loud what hasn't quite made it to my own consciousness - it facilitates that whole process (i.e. "calling the moon" by dar williams helped me realize i was so wretched and miserable because i was trying to fix myself from the outside instead of the inside)

still derivative, but it works for me, and as long as it is actually what is already inside of me i'm good with that.

Steve said...

I think that might be a slightly different situation than what I consider. When I wrote this, I had in mind the people who quote Star Trek or Jim Morrison as their bases for how they live their life. It demonstrates a lack of originality in their thinking, and a desire to be a part of something, more than their interest in their own independence.
Being a part of something is good, but you shouldn't sacrifice your individuality for it.

red.hot.mamma! said...

ah, steve, such an innocent. your teachings ring true, but will fall on deaf ears, for the people live to be lead. as a more enlightened being, it may be difficult for you to accept the sheep-like nature of the majority of humanity and i understand that. it's frustrating.

Cassie said...

I've never heard you referred to as enlightened. What are you telling those people down in Texas?

Anonymous said...

Personally, I'd like to buy the world a coke and furnish it with love...