Between Authenticity and Approval: A Journey Towards True Freedom
True freedom cannot be achieved if we are constantly chasing approval and being popular.
The fruits of approval and popularity are sweet, but they do not come without toil and work. It’s amazing how you can go to Instagram or TikTok and do some “research”, and find out what is currently popular. So that then you’re able to use that popular song, or the popular video clip in your video and have the algorithm show you to as many people as you can get.
“We must take the soul back and withdraw it into itself; that is the real solitude, which may be enjoyed in the midst of cities and the courts of kings;
but it is best enjoyed alone.” — Montaigne
Yesterday, I was working at a cafe with my brother. The waiter approached us and asked if it was OK for a violinist to practice on the terrace we were in alone. Of course, we said yes, after teasing her that we hated violin. When the violinist began playing, I couldn’t help but think about reaching my phone and recording him, for some Instagram fame, of course.
My brother, watching this happening in real-time, mocked me, saying to me: “There you go, you Instagram bitch”.
His catchy insult was a splash of refreshing water upon my face. I really didn’t feel like recording him playing some Disney…
