Do you believe that the majority of people are not living authentic lives but pr

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   gmwilliamsposted 11 years ago

   Do you believe that the majority of people are not living authentic lives but prescribed lives which
   
   explains why they are unhappy most of the time?   Only a few people are living life the way they want and have jobs/careers that they enjoy doing.   Most people live their lives the way their parents, religion, and/or society dictates that they live.  They are also in jobs/careers that they hate and/or barely tolerate, just WAITING for the time they can RETIRED.  In other words, the latter are LIVING A LIE and A LIFE OF QUIET/UTTER DESPERATION.
   
   

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   marwan asmarposted 11 years ago

   Definitely. In many cases, we don't have the choice to live how we want. Sometimes I think life is not about making choices, but choices have been made for you. You go with the stream, if you like, and is conditioned regardless of how free you think you are.

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      gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, the MAJORITY of people live that way.   They have choiceless "choices" so to speak. Many people live a false live.  They realize TOO LATE that they have wasted their lives.

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   MickSposted 11 years ago

   I'm a living, thinking, breathing human being, it feals like a pretty 'authentic' life to me.

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   Doc Snowposted 11 years ago

   No, I don't believe that.  Sure, family and social traditions can create conflicts with individual imperatives--I'll never forget the anguish I once saw in a young man, scion of a conservative, inflexible fundamentalist Christian family, who was being forced (by life, and by the honesty of his own character) to admit to himself that his authentic self was gay.  That was a conflict that nearly destroyed him, and that he needed all his strength and some grace from outside himself to survive.
   
   But if you think about it, the strength of that conflict is also testament to the authentic strengths that he drew from his family connections.  That was what made it so hard for him to accept the possibility of losing them.
   
   As with that young man, so with most of us.  We consider, and choose, and balance, and time share, and compromise, and finally make the best of things.  It doesn't sound glamorous, does it?  But conflicts are real, and most of us do the best we can to navigate them, messy though it often is, and seldom though it is entirely satisfactory.
   
   But it isn't (usually) desperate--the primary meaning of which word is, after all, "having lost hope."  Most live on hope--hope for breakthroughs or at least incremental improvements.
   
   And, in my perspective at least, it's deeply authentic, all that business of choosing and balancing.  That's choice at its most real, which means that is freedom at its most real:  where it intersects with responsibility.
   
   Most of us aren't really called to be romantic, individualistic rebels--and a good thing, too, fascinating though the William Blakes* and Kurt Cobains of this world may be.
   
   *It's worth noting, though, that Blake managed to combine visionary, mold-breaking artistry with a humdrum day job, a happy marriage, and lived to be nearly 70:
   
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Blake

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      gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Second best answer, great phlilosophical take on the question.   Thank you for YOUR response.

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      Doc Snowposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Too kind--I appreciate the comment!

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      coleikerdposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Indeed, this is a great answer.
      
      I think the key to being authentic wherever we are, is that we need to remember to enjoy who we are and what we have. It falls apart if we simply desire more without striving for it. Without taking action.

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   shoganposted 11 years ago

   Many people are unable to see their own unhappiness.  They feel that life is "fine the way it is," without an expectation that life should be more than all right.  Many people substitute ritual, routine, and obligation for happiness, without having the foggiest idea of why they're doing what they're doing.  This is repression.
   
   If you're someone who rushes to a quick "no" to this question or feels slightly put off with it, it's worth asking yourself why.  Repressed people generally don't like anyone poking holes in their reality.  For some, the truth below the surface is too much to see all at once.

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      coleikerdposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great answer. Denial is one of our greatest atrocities and we fight to hold onto it.

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      Anselomeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I definitely agree with you. Too many people go on with it because they don't know anything else, or are too scared of change.

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   c mark walkerposted 11 years ago

   needs an explanation. Authentic is a relative term meaning something to you which may not mean anything to me. This is America where we can choose to live as we like,authentic or not. I'm sure Jimi Hendrix wasn't "authentic" as a child playing a broomstick wishing he was something he wasn't yet.An old guy out of Hannibal Missouri- "Samuel Clemens" ever heard of him?

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   mepperlyposted 11 years ago

   As a teacher, mentor and student of the Law of Attraction I think you do have a point here. People in general seem to be waiting to be happy instead of finding happiness in the now and creating a better life. They feel stuck because of finances and obligations and end up spending their lives on a treadmill. I live my life for me and to have fun. Oh sure I have my moments of struggle but most of the time I am happy and feel that I am doing what I was placed here to do... Show others how to have a happy life.

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   avneet sidhuposted 11 years ago

   hello gmwilliams,
   Yes, many people are not satisfied by their life. Some of them do not posses their desired job while others are not happy for their relationships. But of course, there is a way out for every problem. And in my opinion, nobody's life is perfect, there is some or the other thing which may be disappointing. I must say that Life is beautiful and we should try to enjoy it and put efforts to make it peaceful. Huh! problems are there, but solutions are also somewhere near.
   
   Have a Great time!

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      gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Many people are enamored of comfort and security. They go along with how OTHERS tell them to live and be. People follow that consensus because it is secure, the well worn path, and comfortable.People are AFRAID to go out of THAT zone.

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      avneet sidhuposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yes you are right, people are afraid to go beyond their comfort zone. But we should try something new - coming straight from our heart, not others.

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   Charluposted 11 years ago

   I think to many people don't even know what makes them truly happy and spend their lives in pursuing just that.  So many come to believe that material things or the approval of others will do the trick when inside it is eating them alive without a clue as to why.
   
   Self examination is an extremely difficult task at times and trying to figure out where ones place is, or purpose can be an even more difficult challenge. Being happy in all four quadrants of life takes work,. courage, a willingness for change, perseverance, and a faith in a power greater than yourself that is relentless.
   
   I think the most amazing thing is sometimes it is the simplest thing that has been in front of us for ages and we just never realized it, until one day it's like a ton of bricks just smacked us upside the head ) and the true meaning of purpose and happiness begins.
   
   I believe at least once in our lives it is manifested and we have a choice of when to make it happen or continue to feel like we are lost in a world gone mad.

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      gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Oh yes, the neverending quandary.  To BE or NOT, that is the ULTIMATE QUESTION.  So many people are so DEATHLY AFRAID.........

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    SidKempposted 11 years ago

    I think there are many levels of this. On the down side, we have the suicidal, the depressive, the violent, the desperate, and also the rigid and over-controlled or over-controlling. Then we have many people who get by but have something to enjoy in life. Then we have those who have a meaningful intimate relationship - whether with partner, children, or family. Then we have some people who have some form of creativity or service that is deeply meaningful. Then we have the spiritual seekers. Then we have those who have found a soul purpose or spiritual purpose in life, who live life as a perpetual dance.
    
    Jack Kerouac's On the Road is a novel about seeking this kind of meaning, but also about those who burn out and die before they find it.
    
    And then there is this wonderful quote from the comedy, Joe Versus the Volcano (with Tom Hanks), "almost the whole world is asleep. Everybody you know. Everybody you see. Everybody you talk to. He says that only a few people are awake and they live in a state of constant total amazement. "

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    Billrrrrposted 11 years ago

    Grace, what a gloomy mood you have set !  Sadly, much of what you say applies to many people.  As for me, some 27 different jobs in about 50 years shows that I kept trying different things; different careers and so forth, and kept re-inventing myself.  As for retirement, I will be 70 in a few months so it is way too soon for me to  be thinking of not working.  Perhaps when I am 88 I will take to the rocking chair.  Right now I am kind of a  travelling salesman.  I am thinking about going to Hollywood and becoming a movie star.  First, I have to find out if LA LA Land has a lot of work  for old, bald potbellied guys.

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       gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Live IT and live your ultimate life until you pass from this world.  More people should be like YOU.

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    kallini2010posted 11 years ago

    I would like to ask a counter question.  If you asked this question, does it mean that you are of conviction that your life is authentic?
    
    I am always uncomfortable around people who know the answers.  Questions are authentic, answers are less so.
    
    My life is both authentic and unauthentic because I am searching for the place I belong.  In the meantime I am trying to enjoy my life in the NOW, authentic or not.
    
    My recent find was a great expression:
    
    "Don't stay where you are tolerated, go where you are celebrated".
    
    I asked this question on HubPages and guess how many answers I've got?
    
    http://kallini2010.hubpages.com/questio … celebrated
    
    
    I believe there is a huge difference between talking in general (what about the majority leading life that is not authentic?) and talking specifically (how about YOUR life?)
    
    Is your life authentic? (Bearing in mind that the state where you have found all the answers is impossible).

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       gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Excellent answer.

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    Seek-n-Findposted 11 years ago

    I think the root of the issue is identity...we are each a unique individual created to live the destiny that reflects who we are...yet many people have no idea who they are.  They believe they are who everybody else tells them they should be--they compare themselves to societal standards, media, movie, and the "appearance" of the "family next door." 
    
    People put on a mask to look like the other people wearing masks and many don't even realize the many masks they wear.  Being inauthentic is exhausting and leads to great dissatisfaction.  But at least its "comfortable." Taking of the masks and searching for true self in a society that moves so fast in one direction that it feels just about impossible to swim against the stream of "normalcy" is a risk that requires vulnerability and releasing the illusion of control. 
    
    I wish that all people would respond to life's invitation to discover their authentic self and live the life that fits who they are.  Yes, mistakes and unknowns will be made along the way, but life is not about doing everything perfect--after all--we learn most from our mistakes.  Let's not be afraid of failure--let's not be afraid of success!  People get stuck in extremes and stay right in the middle where it is "safe"...and often times unfulfilling. 
    
    I'm not saying everybody has to do something radical--each job and function is needed--but the point is what motivates a person do be who they are and do what they do?  Whether a movie star, a doctor, a teacher, or a garbage man, we all have an equal chance at participating on the journey of life.  It's not so much about what we "earn" by working hard, but who we become along the way. 
    
    My two cents!

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       gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Great, insightful response.  I will give you a 95.

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    just helenposted 11 years ago

    I think the problem is that people want too much. They want big houses, cars and holidays so they are forced to go out to work for many hours in a job they hate just to keep up the payments.
    I now work part time doing work I love and which helps the community, but I only live in a tiny cottage with one bedroom and run a 10 year old car. Most of the time I walk, so fuel costs are kept down and we holiday once a year in a cottage in Cornwall which is less than 100 miles away.
    I buy all my clothes 2nd hand and we grow our own vegetables. We eat economically. We have no tv.
    I am following a more authentic spiritual path than previously which I find fulfilling and interesting.
    I've had a big house and a more luxurious lifestyle, but I'm much happier now.
    The Desiderata says it all in my opinion!

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    Grace-Wolf-30posted 11 years ago

    
    
    As human beings we don't lead a natural life. We forget that we're animals, who should be living in forests and caves. Instead, we destroy our natural home for something that we believe is of a higher order, but which is really our downfall. There is no higher order than nature. It is so sad when people feel this way, and it is because we no longer have to hunt for our food, or build our homes as families. Communities are broken. It is because we don't lead a natural life that there is crime and sexual perversions and assaults. I also believe that the world is controlled by a select few wealthy people who are pulling all the strings, causing the wars and famine for their own gain.

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       c mark walkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Your so right Grace-Wolf the world is a plutocracy,every government no matter the "label"we are all under plutocratic rule.

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    KenDeanAgudoposted 11 years ago

    for me yes, there are cases that some people live through social slavery and social standards, they do what there society believes. they are slaves of there own. They hide on diff. mask. but some people manage to live what they wanted and what they really are.

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