"Re-examine all you have been told. Dismiss what insults your soul."

Sometimes, you have to question everything you've ever been taught. The core idea here is about introspection and personal integrity. It's about sifting through the beliefs and values handed down to you, and letting go of what doesn't resonate with your true self. In other words, don't blindly accept what society, culture, or even your close ones tell you—if something feels off, it's okay to reject it.

Now, let's travel back a bit. This wisdom can be traced to Walt Whitman, a 19th-century American poet. He was all about celebrating individuality and the human spirit in a time of great social change. His words encouraged people to think for themselves and not just follow the crowd. Back then, society was rigid with its norms, and Whitman’s advice was revolutionary. He wanted people to live lives true to their own values, rather than conforming to the often restrictive morals of the day.

Think about today's world. Take the example of someone like Greta Thunberg. Imagine being a young teen, hearing all these mixed messages about climate change. On one hand, there’s overwhelming scientific evidence. On the other, there are powerful voices denying it. Greta re-examined what she'd been told, and what didn’t sit right with her—what insulted her soul—was the inaction and denial of the crisis. So, she dismissed those narratives and took a stand, sparking a global movement. She didn’t let the prevailing dismissive attitudes of some adults deter her. She trusted her inner conviction and stayed true to her values.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by identifying areas where you feel conflicted or uneasy about the beliefs you've inherited. It could be anything from political views, career choices, or even lifestyle habits. Ask yourself why you believe what you do. Is it because you genuinely agree with it, or is it because that’s what you’ve always been told? If something doesn’t feel right, give yourself permission to explore other viewpoints. Educate yourself, talk to people with different perspectives, and most importantly, listen to your gut.

Let’s make this more relatable. Imagine you’re at a family dinner, and the topic of discussion turns to career choices. Your family has always pushed for stable, traditional careers like law or medicine. But you’ve always had a passion for the arts. As you sit there, you start feeling that familiar pang of doubt and conflict. Here’s where Whitman’s advice comes in. Ask yourself: does this pressure to choose a “safe” career insult your soul? If the answer is yes, then it’s time to re-examine. Maybe have an honest conversation with your family about your dreams. Show them how passionate and determined you are. You might be surprised—they could come around. But even if they don’t, you’ll have taken a step towards living a life that’s true to you.

Remember, it’s all about being authentic to yourself. It’s not easy—sometimes it means facing pushback or standing alone. But in the end, living a life that’s true to your own values and beliefs is far more fulfilling than conforming to everyone else’s expectations. So, go ahead—dismiss what insults your soul. You owe it to yourself.