of fulfilling the human potential

i recall a conversation over lunch the other day, when we were discussing plans for the future. my lunch-mate commented that our current generation is spoilt since we can afford to think of what we would like to do, and decide to move into other fields. this, of course, is in contrast with the older generation who took something up e.g law, stuck with it come what may, and made a success out of it. they did not go job-hopping. or more importantly, spend time pondering about what they really wanted to do or soul-searching.

that got me thinking. it's true that we have so many more job options compared to previous years.and with that comes choice. i am mindful of the adage that 'a rolling stone gathers no moss' but equally i believe that the job options available make it possible to live a life that is true and authentic to your beliefs, and fitting with your strengths and skills.
economic necessity is always a reality, but in between making sure the bills get paid and providing, i think it's important to also embark on the journey of discovery and search out what truly moves you beyond a mere job into a vocation.

just as the passing of the ages allowed for social mobility i.e. a break away from when an artisan's son would grow up to be an artisan and nobility remained entrenched, this age allows for us to expand the boundaries of the human potential.

recall Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. the needs of human beings are in the shape of a pyramid where the physiological needs are at the base, followed by safety, love/belonging/social , esteem and finally self-actualization. the fact that the times allow for self-actualization is to me a sign of progress - that in this day and age, we can reach our fullest human potential - to be aware, free, honest and trusting. and the fact of occupational options allowing us to fulfil this need.

and ultimately, as Maslow later discovered, these needs culminate in the need for spiritual transcendence. which is able, among others, to be realised through finding something meaningful to do and learn from day to day.

the unexamined life is not worth living, so said Socrates. and a few thousand years later, i still hold to that. i respect and understand that some think it's over-thinking.
but since i was given this heart and mind, let me make full use of it. and in so doing, live fully for 'God is glorified when man is fully alive' - St. Iranaeus.
amen.