Authenticity has a long pedigree, but it has especially galvanized the modern era. As human beings, we want to be truthful; we want to be honest. This desire is, in many ways, a push-back against the contrived and the stage-managed. The present popularity of authenticity has grown because young people-- Millennials and post-Millennials alike -- now know (1) that much of what has been handed down to them, whether in history or society, is spurious and artificial. Individuals from the past were not more authentic than the present generation.

For example, there were two immense wars in the 20th century. Their legacy personifies the intrinsic values of masculinity: bravery, truth, and nobility. The First World War, for the British Empire, was the first major conflict in roughly sixty years. (2) Many young men, steeped in Victorian values, were eager to prove their manhood and virility. Sadly, the technology of killing had advanced far beyond their understanding. Industrialized slaughter was not yet a concept grasped by the romantic imagination. Yet it came in waves. The middle classes of the Empire were gutted, and when survivors emerged from the war only to stumble into the Spanish Flu, they knew the world would never be the same again. (3)

Mass media further celebrates the “Greatest Generation” of the Second World War. (4) Young people dismiss such narratives out of hand. They know that the generation in question was not always motivated by patriotic fervor. Many volunteers were excited by the war simply because it offered an escape from the banality and economic struggle of the Depression era. (5) They joined willingly and suffered accordingly.

In a curious sense, the present generation occupies a unique position. Young people know that the world has irrevocably changed and will never be the same again because of artificial intelligence. (6) They are inculcated with the idea that it is more difficult than before to achieve the promises associated with the American Dream: a good job, a home, and financial security.

It is to be noted that history has always posed challenges. Time after time, burdens were placed upon ordinary people, populations plummeted, literacy declined, and social order weakened. (7) While our present situation is not comparable in every respect, today's young people face serious economic and spiritual challenges.

The winners, if one may use that term, will be those who possess a measure of courage and are willing to engage in “the fight." Fifty years ago, economic success was comparatively easy to attain. In much of North America and Europe, the only reason you didn’t have a job and a home is that you didn’t want one. Economic stability was generally within reach for everyone. Most people who embraced the working-class values of the post-war era built reasonably secure lives. Today, however, the situation is different. Greater effort is required. Innovation and adaptability matter more than ever. Economic success remains possible, but it demands more of the individual. The spiritual challenge is even more serious. A person must understand his or her place in the cosmos. Whether one finds meaning in God, Gaia, or the Universe itself, the absence of a larger relationship often produces fear, loneliness, and despair. (8)

So how does one live an authentic life? The first question is simple: What do I stand for? Most twenty-year-olds would answer honestly: I don't know. That is perfectly acceptable. In fact, it is an excellent place to begin if you believe it is possible to uncover the answer. William Shakespeare leaves us with a thought: This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.

A closing thought: Our values are not invented so much as revealed. The answers already exist within us, waiting to be unlocked. We uncover them through dialogue with ourselves. To do this, we need a reading list of books, reflection, and a notebook. The first principle: write daily, and we will gradually see what matters. The categories that make up one’s identity will reveal themselves. The second principle is simple: never lie to yourself or to others. When you are truthful with yourself, you begin to embrace the real person beneath the masks and pretenses. You accept your imperfections. Eventually, you arrive at a deeper level of self-awareness. You recognize your uniqueness and your authenticity.

Yes, you will still want to improve yourself. You may seek greater physical fitness, a better education, or a deeper understanding of the world. But you will be standing on a firm foundation from which to move forward. In a world filled with dishonesty, arrogance, and deception, authenticity is a rare achievement. To become an authentic human being is to fulfill one of life's great missions. Success and happiness become far more attainable when one is grounded in truth. Do not give up on yourself. Authenticity awaits!

To sum up:This week, we spoke about authenticity.

To be noted: From Carl Jung -- The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.

Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzeLynj1GYM&list=RDrzeLynj1GYM&start_radio=1

For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzrg6ByOtoU&t=27s

This week, on your reflective walk, please ponder what authenticity means to you.

Every day, look for something magical and beautiful.

Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!

https://www.dbawageslave.com

Quote: Live your life in a state of wonder and imagination.ry

Footnotes:

1) https://jamesgmartin.center/2020/06/why-students-have-turned-away-from-history/

2) https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z4v9mfr