"يعيش الإنسان الحديث تحت وهم أنه يعرف ما يريد بينما هو في الواقع يريد بالضبط ما يُفترض أن يريده"

Ever felt like you’re just going through the motions, chasing after goals that don't really resonate with you? That's what this quote is getting at. It’s about how we often think we’re making our own choices, but really, we’re just following the script society hands us. This idea isn’t new. It’s been observed by philosophers and social critics for ages. The pressure to conform to societal norms is immense, and it can shape our desires and goals in ways we don’t even realize.

Take the 1950s, for example. Everyone was supposed to want the white picket fence, the perfect family, and the steady job. Deviating from that path labeled you as an outcast. Even today, think about how social media influences our dreams. We see images of perfect vacations, luxury cars, and fit bodies, and we think, "That's what I want." But is it really? Or are we just absorbing what’s constantly shown to us?

Let’s consider a real-life example. Say there’s a young lawyer named Emily. She’s been working tirelessly at a prestigious law firm, aiming for that corner office. It’s what she’s always said she wanted. But every day, she feels more drained. One weekend, she volunteers at an animal shelter and feels a spark of joy she hasn’t felt in years. She realizes that her true passion lies in animal rights, not corporate law. Emily’s journey shows how easy it is to fall into the trap of pursuing what we think we should want, rather than what truly fulfills us.

So how do we break free from this cycle? Start by questioning your desires. Why do you want that promotion? That new car? That perfect Instagram feed? Is it because you genuinely want it, or because you think it’s what you’re supposed to want? Take time to explore different activities and interests. You might discover passions you never knew you had. Journaling can help too. Write down your goals and reflect on why they’re important to you.

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop with a friend. They’re talking about wanting to buy a house because "it’s the next step." You ask them, "Do you really want a house, or do you feel like you should want one?" They pause, sip their coffee, and realize they’ve never actually thought about it. They just assumed it was the adult thing to do. This scenario illustrates how we often accept societal expectations without questioning them.

Personally, I went through something similar. I spent years in a high-paying tech job, thinking it was my dream. But I was miserable. During a sabbatical, I traveled and did some volunteer work. That’s when I realized my passion for environmental conservation. It was like a fog lifted. I’d been chasing someone else’s dream, not mine.

The next time you set a goal, take a moment to question its origin. Is it something you genuinely desire, or is it a product of societal conditioning? It's a tough question, but answering it honestly can lead to a more fulfilling life. Remember, it’s your life—don’t let anyone else write the script for you.