The Standards Of Others

The standards of others, like the standards one sets for oneself, are likely to be arbitrary. The standards set by society, however, are likely to be even more arbitrary, because the first is set for an individual or a small group of people, but the other is set for a massive number of people. Living by the standards imposed by others can be a major drawback, since one becomes constrained by arbitrary standards that do not challenge one's abilities to the fullest.

The greatest weakness is the desire to seek approval. While some may claim to strive for greatness, and that greatness is an intrinsic desire, there may yet be a desire to become great and thereby gain approval for that attained position. Such satisfaction does not feel true to me, because it comes from others and not myself.

The standards of the self, though arbitrary, are way more satisfying. This is simply due to having standards tailored to my own limitations, finding those limitations and breaking beyond them. Of course, I am still trying to cultivate ever more self-awareness, such that the standards become less arbitrary and more true to my personal abilities. To me, that is the way of growth. Not just to cling to any established standard that may be beneath me, yet convincing myself that since I have matched a lower standard, I am content.