Just like no two person’s fingerprints are identical in this world, each of us is born with a distinct individuality. In some way or the other, each of us is unique and special. Is this not something to be happy about, something to celebrate? Is this not a reflection of the immense variety that lends spice and colour to life? Should this not be the goal of one’s existence—to discover, nurture, and promote the distinct genius if you will, that each of us possesses?
Does that sound like one is ignoring the rest of all mankind to lead a petty, isolated existence? This may seem like a paradox, but I believe that when someone serves one’s own interests, one automatically contributes to the collective welfare. The fragrance of a flower does not remain within itself—by its very nature it spreads outwards and enriches its surroundings.
Admittedly, the world is far too complex for one to be always oneself in the external aspects of one’s behaviour but, deep inside, in the shrine of one’s soul, it is not impossible to preserve the sanctity of one’s spirit, to stand aside from the world when one thinks it has gone wrong and say to oneself, ‘No matter what, I’ll be ‘me, myself’.’
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When we are talking, is it ‘me, myself’ talking, or am I parroting the words of another I have not yet made my own? When I am carrying out an act, is it ‘me, myself’ doing it, or am I performing it under the compulsion of forces—psychological, social, political, or whatever—that I am too weak to resist?
Much of our sense of fulfilment derives from our pride at being exceptional in some way—in spite of all our sameness.
Of course, ‘Me, myself’ can be perversely interpreted—it can well be turned into the motto of an egomaniac who is quite willing to bring about another’s downfall to secure his own ends. Such a person can perhaps become powerful, but he can never become happy and, at the personal level, what good is power without that happiness? It is like being fitted with the finest clothes, but only after one is quite dead!
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‘Me, myself’ should not be applied in the narrow sense of the term. The self must expand itself in serving the world and the larger society. Therein lies the triumph of the self. That’s when one can quietly be triumphant and take humble pride in being ‘Me, myself’.