The Challenges of Becoming Who You Are

A Thought Experiment

I wrote an article a few months ago discussing the “3 Ways to Becoming Who You Really Are.” This is something that Friedrich Nietzsche discussed in his book “Thus Spoke Zarathustra.” First, people start off in life believing the values that the rulers in society think they should have. The rulers could include, politicians, teachers and professors, media, business leaders, etc. Secondly, a person may rebel and resist this and develop their own set of values that they live by. The third stage is where a person would become playful and free with how they existed in the world, like a child. They would simply live free of the value judgments of others and not feel that they have to fight any more for their values. They would just exist.

I wanted to dig deeper into what may happen when you challenge the values of your rulers in society.

Here is my analysis of some of the challenges that may arise from becoming who you really are.

1. Against The Herd

   If you try to be your own person there is a tendency for people to try and prevent you from doing this. This is where social pressures come into play. I’ve noticed that other people who aren’t in power will try to put you back “in your place in society.” They will want you to act in accordance with whatever unspoken or spoken rules there are in society that were put forth by people in positions of power.

Friedrich Nietzsche has a term for this called “herd mentality.” This is where most people in life just follow the herd and do what people in positions of power tell them to do. For example, powerful people and elites determine what the rules and morals are in society. As soon as someone comes along and chooses not to be a part of it, the herd may turn on the one who is “getting out of line” with the societal norms. It can be very difficult turning against the herd when the herd is your family, friends, or people you count on for basic services in life.

2. Being Lonely and Alienated

When you choose to act according to what you think is right and eschewing what society agrees with, you risk being alienated from the people around you. Since most people do not live life according to their own values, very few people will join you. This can be a very dark and lonely road to travel down.

3. Going Against Authority

   I saved this for last since it may seem as the most obvious challenge with having your own values that you live by. As soon as being your own person contravenes with what is acceptable to the ruling elite in a given society, you risk either some sort of violence or financial harm to come your way. If you step out of line too far in society and the other obstacles do not stop you, then violence, fines, and tax audits from the Ruling Elite will.

Afterthoughts

I firmly advocate for people to determine their own morals and values in life. I also support people living life as a child by being playful and free with their actions in life. I wrote this article to illuminate and highlight some of the challenges that may affect you along the way.

I will publish an upcoming article detailing some ways to circumvent these challenges that I have listed.

References:

Nietzsche, Friedrich (1885). Thus Spake Zaratustra: A Book for All and None. Wordsworth Editions Limited.

3 Steps to Becoming Who You Really Are - by Joshua Stevens (substack.com)