just pondering

  We all spend time seeking recognition. It is part of the human condition and you have to wonder why? What is the importance of pleasing others? And not just pleasing them, but receiving acknowledgement of that. I'd say it is the need to be accepted. We all want to be a part of the whole. The difficulty lies in defining that whole, that entity. Some of us seek that recognition through the acquisition of titles or degrees. Even the term degree speaks to that, to what degree are you educated? The top is being called Doctor. You receive your doctorate after having completed all the prescribed courses of instruction. Then you write your dissertation which is peer reviewed. If they agree with your premise, you are awarded that coveted title, PhD. That is the flag you get to fly, to show to the world just how smart you really are, a flag of recognition. 

 In todays world of "equality" I'm surprised this system has gone unchallenged. Seems a bit biased, prejudicial even, doesn't it? I mean how do you know I'm not just as capable as the next person unless I'm given the opportunity? Prejudicial certainly, as you are being prejudged. In a day when we can dispute biology and scientific fact, why do these pieces of paper hold so much sway? At this very moment we have a man who thinks he is a woman holding a political office dealing with mental health! See my point there? Interesting to note is that there is no requirement to hold a law degree to be a supreme court judge. You know why that is? Because the founding fathers used common sense in composing the rules. You don't have to be a lawyer to read and understand what the Constitution says. And that is the job of the supreme court, to issue their opinion on the legality of proposed legislation. Consider the second amendment, the words are clear, concise and to the point. The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. That's what it says and that is exactly what it means. Don't need a law degree to understand that. No degree necessary.

 Others seek recognition through their art. Whether it is painting, music, dance or whatever, that is their pursuit, to be recognized as the best. Still the goal is always receiving that recognition. We are taught the ultimate recognition is not being recognized at all. That is because we should not seek recognition for doing the right thing, we are supposed to do it because it is right. Humility is the preferred virtue. Yet humility is very unsatisfying. We are anxious for the reward. Humility requires patience. I think humility is the hardest lesson of all, to understand and apply in our daily lives. Understanding the balance between humility and pride could perhaps, take a lifetime. I'm still learning. Is that humility or pride speaking? Ah, it is both sides of the same coin, equal in value. The recognition we seek is really confirmation of what we believe, not necessarily what we know.