For as long as humans have existed on this Earth our species has been studying the stars, planets, galaxies, and other astrological bodies, as well as their (and our) home - the universe. It is so immense that no one actually knows where it begins or ends. In fact...there isn't a person alive who can be certain that it has a beginning or an end, or...if there aren't other universes. Perhaps we live in a cosmos of multiverses.
Yet, there is one thing that I am sure of - you, my blog reading friend, are most certainly the center of your universe. Okay, you may not be the center of MY universe, but...I can tell you this - without you, your universe wouldn't exist.
You see, everything is relative. No one knows what another person's view of reality is. Nor can we be able to fully understand what goes on in another human's (or for that matter, any other living thing's) mind. So, without you, your universe wouldn't exist. It would cease to be. Or, as Monty Python might (also) say..."It is no more."
Just as the age old question asks, "If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" the same holds true for everything else, including our "universal concepts." In other words...the universe exists for you only because you are in it, can observe or detect it, use your senses to identify it, and call on your (and others') knowledge to "verify" that it is an actual entity.
However, what happens when you're gone? Once YOU'VE ceased to be...does the universe, as you now know it, continue to be "real." A philosophical conundrum? Indeed! But - one that will never be fully answered because of who must answer it.
As we go through life, we are constantly swimming through a sea of concepts and constructs. Many of which are believed by most, some of them believed by many, and a few of them believed by a small number - perhaps just one. So...before you make absolute statements, think about the dilemma each of us faces on a continuous basis, and even then - you may only be right for yourself.
Have fun dissecting things my friends...it certainly is an invigorating exercise - at least it is for one person I know...me!
We live in a world of comparisons. Each of us is compared to someone else when it comes to our intellect, physical appearance, profession, lifestyle, hobbies, likes and dislikes, religion (or lack thereof), political stance, and the material goods we possess. I guess that's called selection. Yet, our culture has taken it to new levels. Marketing thrives on making us feel insecure, imperfect, and never good enough until we buy the product or service they're peddling.
I teach marketing (as well as a number of other business subjects - including; ethics and leadership) and start each semester by explaining the rudiments of marketing as I see it: "Getting people to buy what they really don't need, with money they really don't have." Explaining that, to me, sets the course on a realistic path. Knowing that, may help students see things from a broader perspective and, hopefully, add some insights into why this system persists and how to make a difference within it or change it.
Yes...there are some excellent companies that don't exploit the vision of sucking every dime out of consumers pockets, making them feel like a "lesser person" and actually providing the populace with things they really need at a fair price, without taking advantage of their own workers in the process. The trick is to get more of them into our society.
But, of course, there's that thing about imperfection that most companies use to haunt us. You're not attractive enough unless you buy this car, those pants, that electronic device, these makeup products, hair coloring items, teeth whiteners, or that dress. How could you possibly land the woman or man of your dreams with a body like that? Eat this food, drink this drink, take this pill, join this gym, buy this equipment, and you'll find the love of your life in no time flat!
Let's be honest folks...making people feel like they're insecure and imperfect is what, quite often, makes consumers buy the things they really don't need.
Once you realize that you're actually perfect in your "imperfection," you become teflonesque (not letting marketing and advertising stick to your thought processes). Yes...I know - you must be wondering how I can say these things when I teach it and owned a marketing, advertising, public relations, and management company for almost 15 years. Well, I can, because I know it for a fact. That's what it's all about.
So recognize that in your imperfection, you're perfect...period. Yea...you may wanna slim down (you can always do that by doing pushaways and exercising at home on a regular basis), or buy something that makes you feel good (a book, some music, some new clothes, fine wine, and/or healthy food), but do it through getting other people's thoughts on the items (ok, maybe some occasional advertisements may pique your interest, be informational and useful too).
Once you accept yourself for who you are...marketing, as we know it, becomes the reality that you're being led, used, and manipulated. And - when you know that in your heart, it's very tough for anyone to sell you what you don't need, with money you don't have.
So...think about it. Try being a "non-stick" human. It really can give you a feeling of freedom and a new degree of contentment.
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