We live in an age of great informality. That said, I often wonder if it is really a choice on the part of most people. It certainly takes more time to strive for excellence than it does to accept inferiority. As a rule, however, we do not accept poor workmanship in the products that we buy or the services that we use. Can you imagine buying a Mercedes Benz and having it regularly break down or visiting a dentist only to find that he has done an inferior job fixing your teeth? I think not.
We, of course, expect the highest standard from these products or from our professionals. Then comes the question: why, accordingly, do we not insist on the best for ourselves? I think the answer is two-fold: Firstly, many people, literally, do not feel worthy to bestow sublimity on their person. We live in such an age of acquired mediocrity, blatant evil, and obvious triviality that it is hard to strive above the muck and achieve a superior view of the world — to feel valuable enough to pursue your mission. (1) Secondly, many, undoubtedly, do not know what to do. They do not know how to find their personal path to individual enlightenment and fulfillment.
The solution, in both instances, is within the self, I believe. It is necessary to be just a little brave, however, and realize that I am unique, but incomplete. I am my own life project, given the tools I have received at birth — my race, my sex, my intelligence, my family, etc. These are the so-called Givens (2) that I receive at inception and should acknowledge at consciousness — my personal gifts — my artistic talents, for example. The world is not chaos but possesses an order that has to be slowly uncovered — much like the peeling away of the many layers of an onion. Prayer, meditation, and reflection are all essential tools that aid in the journey.
This realization will result in a flair for success, a development in my personal style, and a desire for the zest of life. A quote attributed to Aristotle (3) is most apropos: Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.
A closing thought: It is essential that I promise myself that I will achieve something in my life — my personal legacy. This is private and only has value to me. Being a stay-at-home mom or the president of the world, therefore, have equal value before God.
To sum up: This week, we spoke about personal style.
To be noted: An old Chinese saying — Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and he will eat forever.
Just for fun:
For reflection:
This week, on your thoughtful walk, please ponder what your personal style means to you.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
Quote: Every great man owns at least one formal suit.
Footnotes:
1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man%27s_Search_for_Meaning