Today I had the privilege of discussing the definition of the word "emo" with my students. While we normally relate the term to a subculture of kiddos who wear eyeliner or with Chris Carraba's tattoos and impassioned vocals, my students concluded that "emo" was one's attempt to relate to the world in spite of its "bigness." They described emo as ardent self-expression, or a type of confessional (so to speak). In this sense, everybody has his or her own "emo"; we each believe (or we want to believe) that we are unique, talented, or exceptional at . . . something.
This conversation with my students made me think of a quote I once read in Dostoevsky: "Note for yourself . . . that nothing offends a man of our time and tribe more than to be told that he's unoriginal, weak of character, with no special talents, and an ordinary man."
We all strive to separate ourselves from "the herd," and sometimes the striving only causes . . . more striving. If we all live lives of quiet desparation, what will set us apart? If we're not exceptionally talented, will our dilligence to accomplish a task sever us from mediocrity? If we're not exceptionally hard-working, do we stand a chance? Is it detrimental to keep believing we are extraordinary when, in reality, we're not?
As with many things, I don't have a conclusion . . . but, maybe Avril read Dostoevsky, too: Can I be anything but ordinary please?
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Great observation. Seeking to have significance, to be more than just "another human" is uniquely human. (ironically)
ReplyDeleteDallas Willard says that this is not egotism, but the way we were designed. That it is no more egotistical to seek significance than it is to attempt to catch a following package. It's human nature.
And, with that, our true significance is only found in Christ.
Great thoughts.