Self-Discovery

The most difficult task an individual has in their lifetime is not overcoming fear or failure; it is finding out who they are. This is so important that the ancient Greek philosopher Plato urged everyone to gnōthi sauton (know thyself), for he believed it was the first step toward understanding the universe. In this fast-paced world, knowing the secrets of the universe might not appeal to everyone. Nevertheless, knowing oneself is undoubtedly the foundation for understanding other individuals, which is crucial in our modern interdependent society.

Finding one’s purpose in life seems to be the key objective of every human being, troubling them from the moment they discover the innate capacity to wonder until they are laid to rest for eternity. I do not know what I am here to do. I do not know why I am here in the first place. There are whispers of thoughts that guide me in one direction or another, but they are never clear enough for me to understand. I don’t profess to know everything and I don’t claim to be certain of my life’s meaning, but at the very least, I can be certain of who I am. The past is done, the present is changing, and the future is a messy mix of clouds and fog. Sometimes, we get tangled in the web of panic and anxiety prophesying our destiny and lose focus of the most important things.

This life is unpredictable, ever-changing, and nothing we do is going to change that.  Although it is the simplest and easiest method of application, I’m not planning on applying my newfound knowledge solely for personal enrichment purposes as a student. I will always keep in mind the new study tips that I learned, and will remember to balance my intelligences out and work extra hard to increase those intelligences I’m lacking, in order to be a well-rounded individual. I will remind myself that I have the spirit of a leader, and that as tough as times may be, I need to fight to pull through and succeed regardless of the circumstances, so that the hope of those that follow never falters. However, this is not all that I am planning on doing with this new information. It is said that knowledge is power, and I want to use this power to help others. By understanding myself, I will be a much more cognizant citizen, and understand others’ differences and coexist with them. I will reach a new level of maturity and self-confidence that will allow me to help others and guide them in the path to finding themselves. I might not change the world one person at a time, but at least I’ll know that I’ve helped individuals in their everyday lives.

We might not know where we’re going; we might not know what we’ll be. As long as we know who we are, everything else will fall into place on its own.