She Strengthens

The Quest for Identity: Unpacking the Commodification of Philosophy

As I sit on my living room couch, wrapped in a warm blanket and sipping on vegan homemade pho, I’m forced to confront a lingering question: Who am I, really? Amidst the chaos of modern life, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of self-help articles, trendy philosophies, and Instagram-perfect influencers promising to hold the key to happiness and fulfillment.

The Allure of Stoicism, Minimalism, and Existentialism

I’ve dabbled in various ideologies, from Stoicism to Minimalism and Existentialism, each promising a unique path to self-discovery. Ryan Holiday’s modern take on Stoicism resonated with me, but I couldn’t shake off the feeling that his message was more about selling a lifestyle than sparking genuine growth. Minimalism, on the other hand, struck a chord, but its emphasis on privilege left me uneasy. Existentialism, with its emphasis on personal responsibility and free will, felt like a more authentic fit.

The Dangers of Hyper-Consumption

As I delved deeper into these philosophies, I realized that hyper-consumption wasn’t limited to physical products. We’re bombarded with articles, podcasts, and social media posts promising quick fixes and easy answers. This constant influx of information can stifle our ability to think critically and develop our own unique perspectives. We’re not just consuming products; we’re consuming ideas, and that can be more dangerous than overt advertising tactics.

The Commodification of Philosophy

Self-growth has become a booming industry, with Americans spending billions on self-help products. Philosophy, once a tool for making sense of the world, has been repackaged and sold as a means to an end. Thought Leaders have emerged, peddling their own brands of wisdom, and we’re left to navigate the noise. It’s never been easier to capitalize on a preexisting idea, but it’s also never been harder to develop ourselves free from the influence of others.

Finding Authenticity in a Sea of Noise

So, what’s the solution? For me, it’s about striking a balance between learning from others and cultivating my own unique perspective. I need to be mindful of the attractive influencers, carefully curated photos, and clickbait articles that promise quick fixes. I need to remind myself that true growth comes from within, and that it’s okay to take things at face value. Labels are for jars, not people.

The Search for Meaning

Ultimately, my quest for identity is intertwined with my search for meaning. While I may identify as queer, my sense of purpose extends beyond that label. I’m still figuring out what gives my life meaning, but I know it’s not about adopting a preexisting philosophy or buying into a trendy lifestyle. It’s about embracing my individuality and doing the hard work to develop myself, free from the noise of the self-help industry.

A Call to Action

So, let’s be cautious of the philosophies we adopt, and the identities we wear like badges. Let’s focus on cultivating our own unique perspectives, rather than trying to fit into someone else’s mold. Let’s put in the work to figure ourselves out, and treat ourselves as individuals, rather than consumers of trendy ideas. Only then can we truly find meaning and fulfillment in this chaotic world.