24 November 2011

Living! Without the pressure of Good Image



        It’s about living, without the pressure of keeping up a good image… A concept deliberation of leading life, free from the burden of image!

        The poet & writer “Oscar Wilde” said… "One can survive everything now a day, except death, and live down anything except a good reputation".

        The emphasis on reputation is greater today than ever before. In a society that places colossal importance on reputation, and much of our behavior is aimed at pleasing people out there. Let’s face it; all of us like to appear good to others.

        When others speak well of us, we feel happy. Likewise, when something not so nice or becomes adverse we get disappointed. In other words, everyone likes to have a good reputation.

        On the face of it, the idea sounds logical, how you conduct yourself shape your image in the eyes of others. But contemplate a bit and you will realize that nothing could be further from truth.

        Your reputation is not based on your actions. Interestingly, it is based on other people’s interpretation of those actions… which in turn, is influenced by various factors including their beliefs, opinions, biases and experiences. Most importantly, you have little, if any, control over these factors. This implies that there’s not much you can do to control your reputation. Then why bother about it at all?

        But, we do have something much more significant in our control, i.e. our Character! If you allow your character to govern your behavior, you will find yourself doing what serves you without pressure of trying to please others or getting their approval.

        As a matter of fact, when your actions are based on your character, you have the approval of the only person that matters the most to you… yourself.

A reputed indoor plant!
        In this context, I like to mention what “Margaret Mitchell” said… “Until you lose your reputation, you never realize what a burden it was or what freedom really is”.

        Therefore, I can conclude our reputation is bondage, let it go, only then can we experience freedom in its true sense...

        I believe this conceptual ideology, and try to obey as far as possible.

6 comments:

Deepak Karthik said...

Good post sir, i remember a famous quote in all language, " All of us own a mask " Perhaps multiple masks:)
http://deepakkarthikspeaks.blogspot.com

Atanu Chatterjee said...

Many thanks Deepak,
Your quote has its own relevance & merit..
I prefer to create logical opinions on diff. issues & matters, instead of judgment:) Stay happy. Pl. avoid to mention sir;)

Shreya said...

It's funny how society with its opinions and judgements can hamper our own. It takes courage to break out and follow your own heart.

Anonymous said...

I agree with you, we all try to please those around us... try to look 'good' for them but there comes a time when you much stop caring about others and what they think of you and start living for yourself.

Atanu Chatterjee said...

@ Shreya,
Thanks for your visit & spontaneous comment. Appreciate & like to mention its the Society which allow us to exchange & enrich..:) Courage comes in background of willpower, consciousness, purpose & confidence..
Best of luck.

@ Emmy,
Welcome your visit and absolutely correct assessment of the spirit..
Actually you agreed with the reality & truth faculty, not the post..:)
Hope your progress.

Rajendra Raikwar said...

I will surely come back for more