Illustration by Paul Kidby
This weeks contest asked two different questions
Which public figure, mentor, or person in your life has inspired your choice of career, course of study, or business path the most? What achievement, quality, or moment from their journey reminds you of all that is possible — and what lessons from their story are you applying to your own life today?
and
What popular worldview, quote, or social belief do you think has negatively influenced our society today? How do you protect younger people around you from adopting that mindset, and how do you personally resist the pressure to conform to it?
And in a way I'm going to answer both. The first question made me think of the amazing author Sir Terry Pratchett, author of the Discworld novels, and many others including non-fiction and co-writing other books with folks. He's an awesome writer and part of why I love him so much is because he cared deeply about people, social issues and justice. The Vimes boot philsophy gave me an insight I needed as someone from a relatively privileged background. There were so many moments in his work that linger with me, both due to story telling but also because of the philosophy they present. A discussion between Granny Weatherwax(whose the definition of good and not nice.) talking with a young priest.
"There's no grays, only white that's got grubby. I'm surprised you don't know that. And sin, young man, is when you treat people like things. Including yourself. That's what sin is.""It's a lot more complicated than that--"
"No. It ain't. When people say things are a lot more complicated than that, they means they're getting worried that they won't like the truth. People as things, that's where it starts."
"Oh, I'm sure there are worse crimes--"
"But they starts with thinking about people as things..."
And this goes on to answer question 2. Young people today are under so much pressure to look a certain way(girls skinny to a degree that takes an eating disorder and boys buff to a degree that requires steriods), and then add in hustle culture telling them if they aren't making bank they're not worth the air they breath. Every momment should be spent either making yourself look better, or making money. Hobbies can't just be hobbies you do for fun, they've got to be made into something that earns even if it means killing the joy it gives you.
To folks, be they young or old, faced with that I really hope you remember you are a person and not a thing. Your existence is your primary function. Not to look good for others, not to make money, not turn a beloved hobby into a soul sucking side hustle. Challenge the things you think you must do. So often there is a better way. A kinder way.
Never forget that you are a person, worthy of love, compassion and grace, espcially from yourself.