Choices: This or that

 "I've had choices, since the day I was born. There were voices that told me right from wrong." 

Before buying any book, I always check the reviews online or select the book which is highly recommended by others. Based on these recommendations and reviews, I started reading Yuval Noah Harari’s “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind”. Following are the remarks by some famous personalities.

“Interesting and provocative… It gives you a sense of how briefly we’ve been on this Earth” ― Barack Obama

“Jaw-dropping from the first word to the last… It may be the best book I’ve ever read” ― Chris Evans

And hence began the quest to complete the text. I must say it was a roller coaster ride. It started with an amazing perspective of evolution and agriculture revolution and then it took a turn towards coins (How interesting!!). I jumped ‘the scent of money’ to land on ‘the law of religion’ which was quite interesting, not the jump, the topic.

I was trying hard to like the book (especially for Chris Evans). No doubt, the words were powerful and the language had an impact. But whenever I resume “the Wheels of Industry”, I found myself in a sleeping ride within 25- 30 minutes. The book might be a great read but only for those whose interests lie within the same boundaries. Let’s leave Obama and Evans for once, even your friend might like the text as well. Then it hit me that, you cannot like everything others do. Standing out, apart from the norm is fine. Every individual is unique, from toe to head, and from psyche to soul. We are different and so are our choices.

If you search Google for the meaning of ‘Choice’, the answer will be “the act of choosing between two or more possibilities.” Even Google does not have a simpler word for it. To choose between the two is your own choice, one cannot rely on others for it. Yes, others can suggest one but even they cannot help whether you will like it or not. The decision is solely onto you and if you only want to conform to the norm that is again a choice.

We are trying to fit into society so bad that we have lost our interests. Moving just like others, will take away our uniqueness. There is nothing wrong to agree with society, provided that you genuinely want to agree and not just because that is ‘what society says’. I know it is easier to follow the rules of society but your mind will wander to places that are closed according to them. It may lead to bigger issues like mental discomfort (Cognitive Dissonance). When the beliefs are challenged, or when the behaviour is not aligned with the beliefs, this creates a disagreement with our mind. But let’s not go deeper into psychology.

The key is to have your own perspective and listen to your own interests. Your interest might or might not overlap with the majority and that is completely fine. You do not have to change for others until or unless you come across an improved version of your perspective (but if you think hurting someone is right, then you should go deeper into psychology).

For instance, I like burgers more than pizza and I live for tomato ketchup. You cannot change it neither will I.   

{The sub-heading is the lyrics of the song "Choices" by George Jones.}