How we limit ourselves with definitions
One of our particularities as human beings is our constant quest for answers, for reasons and definitions. Whether it is about the rise of the sun, the human nature or the difference between an octopus and a squid, we are always searching for more understanding about our world and ourselves.
Definitions are probably one of the most important ways to conserve these answers and transfer it from one generation to another. The thing about definitions however, is that we do not just limit ourselves to explaining the basic realities of a concept, but eventually associate it with facts about our cultures, mindsets and beliefs. This habit of ours, while necessary to a certain level, is nonetheless creating a limit to our daily accomplishments.
1. Literal definition vs. common definition
When searching for answers about a subject, the first thing we tend to do is look in a dictionary or check on Google. Through these methods, we obtain the literal definition of said- subject; which in other words is its basic sense. Literal definitions are often used just to get a basic understanding of a concept. It is the primary and unbiased explanations of its characteristics, features and attributes. But once we start associating this meaning to particular examples, the most prevalent ones, we create a common definition (or general understanding) of that subject. While this common definition is somewhat important to better understand the subject in particular cultures and societies, it creates a state of life-long expectations and limited growth and performance.
When we take the word “success” for example, its literal definition is something along the way of “the achievement of one’s goals”. Therefore, our basic understanding of this concept is that it is a personal matter. An accomplishment of a person own’s aim, objective and desires. Yet, what we experience in our lives is the complete opposite. It is no longer the person who chooses their own goals, but the people around them. They are the guardian of the ways in which one should act, talk and breathe. And it is only after he has reached their definitions of success that he is then granted the title of a successful person.
Whether it is that success is defined by the number of followers on one’s account, talent by the number of likes, value by a ring on the left hand or wisdom and knowledge by the age, our common understanding of things are day after day, putting us in small boxes and killing our wildest dreams.
2. A personal experience
A year ago, I wrote and published my first book with a friend of mine. The book was about our lives as young African girls facing the realities of the Western world. In it, we talked about our culture shocks, encounter with diversity and racism, inner battles with loneliness and depression and basically every other thing that impacted our first year in our new land. This book, in the literal definition, is an autobiography. But because my friend and I were both in our early 20’s, people were often not in agreement with us when we defined our book in that term. For them, biographies only apply to stories in which the main character is a grown up or an adult more mature than us anyways. Therefore, calling our book a “tale of true stories” would be more appropriate.
But the more I think about, the more I realize how inaccurate it was.
If we are truly following the literal definition, then the age of a character should not make any difference in the definition of a biography. Also, we humans are always learning things at every steps of our lives. We are, year after year, pushing the limits of our thinking and reasoning; of our understanding of life and its various features. And isn’t this what growing up is about? The ability to build knowledge and experiences over the years as well as being able to share it with others hoping to help them in their own journey?
Everyday we talk about people who have changed our world and can’t stop but wonder how they started their journey. Without journals, reports and other means of story telling, would we actually have the knowledge we today have?
Because if we were to take away every thing that has been created or discovered by people who taught for themselves and challenged the general beliefs, this world wouldn’t be what we now see.
I do however, realize that this very thought is somewhat part of the issue. At the end of the day, the greater problem about this whole concept is that we will either way end up in a loop. A cycle in which one figures out their own path and definition, leading to a new example, then a new limit to the next generation. I guess the one thing we can really do is make sure that the goals we are seeking, the success we are fighting for, is that of our own true desires and not another box we unconsciously put ourselves in.
Hello there, my name is Femi and I think that sometimes, definitions limit our accomplishments. Therefore, I am trying my best to think for myself and figure out the path that is mine. If you enjoyed reading this piece, please clap those hands for me.
Catch me up on Instagram @Femi Nassi to watch my spoken words videos !
