Yixuan Wang
Jul 30, 2017 · 3 min read

Confusion at pivot point of life

Philosophers have discussed about the insignificance of human beings compared to the infinite universe. They have debated about what is the meaning of human beings. Some said that the meaning is relative, while others claimed that meaning is simply based on individual feelings. So what is your opinion towards this topic?

I have also just started a book called“Grit” which discusses about the key element contribute to success. The author believes that grit should be the main factor that lead to success while most people have a preference or misunderstanding for talent. So success? Labeled “success” is considered to be someone with great education or working experience, excellent certificates or honors, outstanding prestige or social status, and intrinsic talent, which are all judged from a third person’s point of view, but how does that successful person feels? Surely he/she feels proud of himself/herself when the people around all recognizes his/her talent and achievements. Being successful or being admired is definitely a good feeling thing, a life-time credit that you can use to easily get access to fame and wealth. But I don’t think it would be an innate pleasant experience on the way to success(which is recognized and complimented by others). I am not saying that you use this as an excuse to be lazy and live in the moment without planning for the future. But in your deep heart, you should know what you are really fighting or using your valuable time for. Are you driven by your passion or those labels that are usually being admired or in favored of by the others (unless you have the deep insecurity inside that forces you to keep outpacing others or being praised by others).

What is the meaning of life? I think it would be live the best of yourself(work for your goals and passion) and live and enjoy the moment. However, sometimes goals and passions are separate things. We need to choose between “success” or pure happiness(assume people can survive and live in a relatively good living condition).

In a capitalist country, people are encouraged to work, work harder and live better as long as you prove to be superior than others in some way. In this sense, I am really longing for the utopia probably where communism or socialism are employed and where the difference between income is not too much and you can live the life you want without excessive desires and lusts.

While I am in my transition age, I am really confused about what should I choose right now, money social status or passion which are driven by intrinsic pleasure. I have regretted so much that I didn’t study assiduously to go a well-recognized university or as least chose a major I feel passionate about. I chose finance to come to the United States while later on I found I hate so much about the money transaction, the lusts of human beings. I love music, dance and psychology. I should of chose psychology as my major let alone how much cash flows into the financial industry every second. As least I will be making money in a way and joys myself at the same time. But money? I want to live in nice apartments too, without money, they would all be fantasies.

Life is about continuously making decisions, writing your own story while you have also been reading others countless stories and being in others’ stories. I believe everyone has each different opinion towards this topic because of different values and goals. Hopefully 5 years later I will come up with a basic outline of my story.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade