In everyday language, self-realisation means realising one’s own goals, longings and desires as far as possible with the overriding goal of “bringing one’s own being fully to fruition” (Oscar Wilde), as well as – in connection with this – making the most of one’s individually given possibilities and gifts (talents).
Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selbstverwirklichung
Yes, this definition is correct. Self-realisation means pure stress for us humans. Whoever believes that it has become more difficult to realise oneself now, in times of crises, overpopulation, scarcity of resources, is mistaken. This nice quality that drives us to do something for ourselves has always caused more harm than good for the majority of people. This does not mean that I believe that self-realisation should be abolished, because that would mean abolishing humanity. So what could we do in order not to break down in such a broad way due to the potent effect of self-realisation?
It is important for me to discuss this topic, because I think it is better to deal with this phenomenon. In this and the next articles, I will try to enter into an inner dialogue in order to gain a little more clarity for myself. I also want to give young people a perspective: Not to tell them what is right and wrong, but to encourage them. There are too many adults who are broken by their own failed self-realisation. The meritocracy does not make it easy for us, especially not when it comes to our personal sensitivities. Power and money are us because we let it happen. Taking the American dream as a benchmark for self-realisation may sound tempting. The reality is different. We can’t all become millionaires.
Overview
Self-actualisation is primarily associated with Maslow’s pyramid of needs. I do not want to go down that path here. Likewise, self-actualisation is associated with work, faith, social structure and political beliefs. I am more interested in a consideration that is limited to our thinking, feeling and acting. For this I have defined the following levels:
- The self-image
- The attention
- Narcissism
- Reflection
Conclusion: Self-realisation
One by one, I will comment on each of the four points in order to come to a conclusion in the final article as to whether self-realisation in the sense of Oscar Wild is feasible for us. I am curious to see what I will come to.
