The Big Lie

We have all been lied to. This lie has been deeply ingrained in us that it has become true.  Its the reason why we always feel like we are competing against each other. This lie has been perpetrated to motivate us to aim higher. Its the reason we all get surprised when a college dropout or worse a high school dropout becomes a billionaire, its the reason we'll never understand why top level CEO's resign to be family men and women. We are all victims of the Big fat lie and its difficult to see as that because the people who perpetuate it are perhaps the most important people in our lives. They are parents, teachers and well meaning mentors whom we  have given permission to guide our lives.

So  the big fat lie we are told is that there is one hierarchy, the higher up you are, the better you'll be and only hard work will get you there. Work as hard as possible to reach the top and everyone will die to be in your place. Get that dream job, dream car , dream house and dream spouse and you will be perfect. You literally won't need anything else because everything will be in your reach. People make millions selling dreams like these because they know nothing is as influential as peer pressure . 

'The hierarchy' myth starts in elementary school where there is no better system to reward students than test marks. We start defining ourselves from our position in class and then this lie is further ingrained when you're told that those grades determine what college you will go to and how successful you'll be. You grow up, get the freedom to pursue what you want and realize that it was all a lie, but its too late. A few realize this early enough and are honest with it but the rest will perpetuate this lie upon the next generation and the cycle continues.

Truth is there is no hierarchy. We are fundamentally different; for a start we have different backgrounds, not to mention our fundamental genetic difference. As much as hard work counts , a lot contributes to one's success; innate abilities, working environment among the many. Some thrive in strict conditions while others will flourish with proper support. One might define having many friends or being famous as success but for some of  us in our tiny introvert worlds, reading a book over a cup of tea means heaven. Some find satisfaction in flashy cars while others find true happiness in creative outlets. What is within your reach is probably someone else dream. There is no way one single hierarchy can capture all that. We might have interests in mutual things, and probably mini-hierarchies but one single hierarchy is just ridiculous.  

Here is a video of a 13 year old who is a bit wiser than the rest of the world.

Moral of the story: You are not half human if you don't have most of what your friends brag about on facebook. You are just different. Embrace it. Have a great week ahead!