The Roles We Play
Posted on 21. Dec, 2009 by Ruda in Purpose
Photo by Joe Shlabotnik
Everybody has their own way of seeing the world, their own behaviors and beliefs. There are a lot of conflicts that arise out of this and at the core of the conflict is the belief that whatever ideals we hold are the “right” ones. I would say that one of my own beliefs is that there is no “right” belief, there is no objective moral truth. Of course this creates somewhat of a paradox since this would also negate my own claim, but I will explain it nonetheless.
If we can look at the world and everyone in it through the lens of knowing that there is no objective meaning to be sought, a very different picture emerges. Without the meaning, all of our attitudes, personalities, and ideals become completely arbitrary. We can see them as a result of environments and biological proclivities. Whether I am an extremist Christian or an atheist, an environmentalist or an industrialist. All of these balances have no pull to either end. I might as well be any of them. I think that this is somewhat of an inevitability with human beings. There are so many of us that everyone will never think the same way. We take on these roles to play because without them, the stage becomes lifeless. The roles make our lives interesting, even give the semblance of meaning, and provide us with comfort.
We need everyone else to play the roles as well, that’s the only way it all works. What point is there to protest for peace in the absence of war. We all need each other, even our enemies, to give us the chance to live our roles. I need the murderer to show me fear, hate and anger just as I need a beautiful woman to show me lust, love, and happiness. It is easy to marginalize the negative things simply because it would be more convenient, but they’re all part of the game.
Maybe you don’t agree with me, but that’s okay. Even to think about this picture in a hypothetical sense offers some curiosity. To imagine the whole world, with all its plights and delights as just a whole lot of people pretending in order to escape the meaninglessness. It lends some sort of appreciation to even those we despise, if only for a moment before we cast it aside. You then get reminded that this is my role, to show what I think, to convince you as we all try to convince one another. But that’s what makes it all so interesting.
Hello! I suppose you couldn't resist trying to catch a glimpse of the person writing all this nonsense. If you want to learn more about me, check out the "About Me" page. Self-explanatory I guess.